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karensbooks's review against another edition
4.0
See the whole review here: http://karenschoice-books.blogspot.no/2014/08/review-first-impression-shadow-maven.html
I honestly loved the cover, it's so cute!
First Impression was a good book, that I enjoyed reading. It's very down to earth, even though paranormal is one of the genres. The main character Chira is funny and smart, even though she also suffers from the disease "love at first sight".
The book is unique in it's own way, I loved the ghost idea and how lovable all of the characters where. Seriously, I don't think there were many characters I didn't like. Tasha has to be my favorite character though, since I love her spontaneous and carefree personality. Honestly, I wish she was my friend!
Creeden's writing style is funny and good, easy to understand and this is coming from someone with English as a secondary language.
The plot was really fun and even though I think it had a slow start, then it suddenly really got exciting and it was almost impossible to lay down. So I would say the book was a fast read!.
I really recommend this book to everyone that likes romance, a little fantasy and action. I also recommend it to those who aren't used to reading English yet, this book was very easy and a nice start for those who want to read more English and get better.
I give it 5 stars!.
I honestly loved the cover, it's so cute!
First Impression was a good book, that I enjoyed reading. It's very down to earth, even though paranormal is one of the genres. The main character Chira is funny and smart, even though she also suffers from the disease "love at first sight".
The book is unique in it's own way, I loved the ghost idea and how lovable all of the characters where. Seriously, I don't think there were many characters I didn't like. Tasha has to be my favorite character though, since I love her spontaneous and carefree personality. Honestly, I wish she was my friend!
Creeden's writing style is funny and good, easy to understand and this is coming from someone with English as a secondary language.
The plot was really fun and even though I think it had a slow start, then it suddenly really got exciting and it was almost impossible to lay down. So I would say the book was a fast read!.
I really recommend this book to everyone that likes romance, a little fantasy and action. I also recommend it to those who aren't used to reading English yet, this book was very easy and a nice start for those who want to read more English and get better.
I give it 5 stars!.
bluebeereads's review against another edition
DNF at 35%
I just don't think this is for me, sorry!
inwonderland49's review against another edition
4.0
My first thought about this book was look at that cover! I know, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but let's be honest, we all look at pretty covers. So, then I read the description and it sounded like it would be a great read. Well, it was. I really enjoyed it. It was about ghosts and hauntings. It was light so people could still read it without being afraid to turn out the lights.
Pauline Creeden's writing is good. There were times that it was a little repetitive, like she would use the same phrase a few times, but she kept me reading, which is the ultimate goal. If a writer keeps me reading, that means they're doing something right. And I believe that Pauline's writing will only get better.
The main character in this book is Chira Kelly. I liked her. I related to her a lot. She was a nerd who loves Doctor Who. Within the first chapter, I knew I was going to like Chira as soon as she said she was watching Doctor Who reruns on Netflix. Her best friend is Tasha and I liked her too. There was a rumor that went around they're school that they were lovers but they weren't. But because of that rumor and a few other problems, Chira led her life as an outcast.
And then Ben comes along. Tall, mysterious Ben who has an accent. Ben who wears brown contacts to conceal that he sees more than just what meets the eye. Ben is a shadow maven. And Chira likes him. I like him too. He's protective. He's handsome. And he has a freakin' accent. :]
First Impression was a great first book in this series and I will definitely be checking out the next one. The only thing that I wish First Impression had was more of a creep factor. I was hoping to be a little spooked but I wasn't really creeped out a whole lot. So, I hope the next one has a little more scare factor in it!
Pauline Creeden's writing is good. There were times that it was a little repetitive, like she would use the same phrase a few times, but she kept me reading, which is the ultimate goal. If a writer keeps me reading, that means they're doing something right. And I believe that Pauline's writing will only get better.
The main character in this book is Chira Kelly. I liked her. I related to her a lot. She was a nerd who loves Doctor Who. Within the first chapter, I knew I was going to like Chira as soon as she said she was watching Doctor Who reruns on Netflix. Her best friend is Tasha and I liked her too. There was a rumor that went around they're school that they were lovers but they weren't. But because of that rumor and a few other problems, Chira led her life as an outcast.
And then Ben comes along. Tall, mysterious Ben who has an accent. Ben who wears brown contacts to conceal that he sees more than just what meets the eye. Ben is a shadow maven. And Chira likes him. I like him too. He's protective. He's handsome. And he has a freakin' accent. :]
First Impression was a great first book in this series and I will definitely be checking out the next one. The only thing that I wish First Impression had was more of a creep factor. I was hoping to be a little spooked but I wasn't really creeped out a whole lot. So, I hope the next one has a little more scare factor in it!
sadiecass's review against another edition
5.0
(I did this review ages ago and forgot to link!!)
Full review here: http://redefiningperfect.com/review-first-impression-by-author-pauline-creeden/
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
First Impression has the rare distinction of impressing me. The blurb had me really curious, and the cover is fabulous…but I’ve been let down before and caught in the “typical” YA stream of consciousness that forms a book.
This one did have a little romance. It had some mystery. It had ghosts (done well). It had a frickin’ owl, people. An OWL. Not just any owl, an AWESOME owl.
See more here: http://redefiningperfect.com/review-first-impression-by-author-pauline-creeden/
Full review here: http://redefiningperfect.com/review-first-impression-by-author-pauline-creeden/
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
First Impression has the rare distinction of impressing me. The blurb had me really curious, and the cover is fabulous…but I’ve been let down before and caught in the “typical” YA stream of consciousness that forms a book.
This one did have a little romance. It had some mystery. It had ghosts (done well). It had a frickin’ owl, people. An OWL. Not just any owl, an AWESOME owl.
See more here: http://redefiningperfect.com/review-first-impression-by-author-pauline-creeden/
mlboyd20's review against another edition
4.0
I would like to thank the author for providing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is on the shorter length, just over 100 pages but it's full steam ahead from the get-go. Do not think you will read this book in interludes, not going to happen. It sucked me right in and before I knew it, I was on the last page. Written from one POV, Chira's, it makes for a great mystery because you don't get to know what's going on in anyone else's head.
What kept this from being a 5 star was that it was such a short story that parts of the story got expedited instead of being allowed to brew slowly and come to fruition on its due time. One minute your one place, the next you are somewhere completely different, which caused me to do a bit of rereading to adjust my feel of the scenery and situations. The whole Shadow Maven persona is touched on but I felt that more should have been put into it. You learn about it but than it's more in the background where it should have been more in the forefront. This is just the first story of more to come and it felt like the author desperately wanted to get it out to go further with the characters which I didn't really mind, because I've already felt a connection with the characters.
The intertwining of the different layers of this story worked very well. You got to learn more about the characters without having to take time away from the mystery at hand. The tragedies were played out well, emotions rung true, and the continuing action was a big bonus. There was definitely a character that was hinted on but no story really grew from which makes me wonder if the author will be touching on this person and bringing bits and pieces of him in as the series goes on. The budding friendship of Chira and Ben is full of wit and an attraction that can't be denied.
Now this book centers around a haunting, rumors, suicides, missing girls, kidnapping, assaults and more. The person behind it all is a well kept secret, until it's time to know. I think that readers 15+ are who this book is for. Those younger may find themselves with even more questions and parents may not take well to the questions they may ask. Having said that, I also feel that this book would interest readers of any gender.
I look forward to reading more of this series and will anxiously await news of books to come.
This story is on the shorter length, just over 100 pages but it's full steam ahead from the get-go. Do not think you will read this book in interludes, not going to happen. It sucked me right in and before I knew it, I was on the last page. Written from one POV, Chira's, it makes for a great mystery because you don't get to know what's going on in anyone else's head.
What kept this from being a 5 star was that it was such a short story that parts of the story got expedited instead of being allowed to brew slowly and come to fruition on its due time. One minute your one place, the next you are somewhere completely different, which caused me to do a bit of rereading to adjust my feel of the scenery and situations. The whole Shadow Maven persona is touched on but I felt that more should have been put into it. You learn about it but than it's more in the background where it should have been more in the forefront. This is just the first story of more to come and it felt like the author desperately wanted to get it out to go further with the characters which I didn't really mind, because I've already felt a connection with the characters.
The intertwining of the different layers of this story worked very well. You got to learn more about the characters without having to take time away from the mystery at hand. The tragedies were played out well, emotions rung true, and the continuing action was a big bonus. There was definitely a character that was hinted on but no story really grew from which makes me wonder if the author will be touching on this person and bringing bits and pieces of him in as the series goes on. The budding friendship of Chira and Ben is full of wit and an attraction that can't be denied.
Now this book centers around a haunting, rumors, suicides, missing girls, kidnapping, assaults and more. The person behind it all is a well kept secret, until it's time to know. I think that readers 15+ are who this book is for. Those younger may find themselves with even more questions and parents may not take well to the questions they may ask. Having said that, I also feel that this book would interest readers of any gender.
I look forward to reading more of this series and will anxiously await news of books to come.
jasminepnwgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started reading First Impressions, but I think not knowing what to expect, made the experience reading this book so much better! I have read a lot of YA Paranormal books, but this one takes the cake of CREEPY! There was one part in the book, that I should have not read alone. You could literally feel the fear, of all the characters.
First Impressions, starts out with a normal teenage girl, Chira. She isn’t the most popular, because of a certain rumor, that has been floating around the hallways(She doesn’t let the rumors bother her one bit). Her home life, is horrible(I felt so bad for her). In the beginning, Chira is picked to be a tour guide for the new student Ben. Ben, is mysterious…but you can’t help to love him. He is funny, and smart. He is a perfect match for Chira, they play off each other very well. Later on that day, Chira’s only friend Tasha, was invited to go to this haunted schoolhouse, she takes Chira with her. As the group of teenagers, split up into groups, to search around the school. Unfortunate events happen, causing the teenagers to fear for their lives.
After Chira finds out more about Ben, why he has jumped from family members, to family members, most of his life. When Ben learns that Chira is in danger, he becomes her “bodyguard”.
This book will keep you on your toes, you will laugh, you will cry! Go enjoy this book!
First Impressions, starts out with a normal teenage girl, Chira. She isn’t the most popular, because of a certain rumor, that has been floating around the hallways(She doesn’t let the rumors bother her one bit). Her home life, is horrible(I felt so bad for her). In the beginning, Chira is picked to be a tour guide for the new student Ben. Ben, is mysterious…but you can’t help to love him. He is funny, and smart. He is a perfect match for Chira, they play off each other very well. Later on that day, Chira’s only friend Tasha, was invited to go to this haunted schoolhouse, she takes Chira with her. As the group of teenagers, split up into groups, to search around the school. Unfortunate events happen, causing the teenagers to fear for their lives.
After Chira finds out more about Ben, why he has jumped from family members, to family members, most of his life. When Ben learns that Chira is in danger, he becomes her “bodyguard”.
This book will keep you on your toes, you will laugh, you will cry! Go enjoy this book!
berls's review
4.0
My Initial Reaction…
First Impression by Pauline Creeden was a fresh YA Fantasy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story line. I just felt it was a bit too short and I wanted more!
The Characters…
First Impression is told from the point of view of Chira, a smart, studious, independent teen attending a private school. I instantly liked Chira – she’s very easy to relate to and like. Her father passed away and her mom has remarried to a man that works at her school, providing the discount she needs to make the school tuition affordable with her scholarship. But Chira doesn’t like him – you get this vague feeling throughout that he’s abusive, at least emotionally, though you never fully see it. I didn’t think it helped/hurt the story any to have him be a sort of antagonist and as a step parent myself I didn’t like that he was unnecessarily cast as a bad guy. Part of me felt like Chira just didn’t like him because she did love her dad so much – but there’s also an element of fear there, so I know it’s more and just wish it had either been fleshed out more fully so that it was really a part of the plot or not an element. Thankfully Chira did have a good relationship with her mother and I found their interactions very enjoyable to read. But because she avoids her step-father and her mother works so hard, Chira is extremely independent and she uses her independence very responsibly. She knows school is important and she works hard.
Chira also doesn’t have many friends, because she’s not like the other kids at school. She’s not wealthy and doesn’t have every advantage in life. Her only close friend is Tasha, who does fit in and does have other friends. We don’t get to know Tasha too well – she’s clearly a good friend to Chira and Chira feels very at home with Tasha’s family. There’s a rumor going around school that Chira and Tasha are lesbians and the girls play into it. I don’t know why exactly, but the handling of the rumor bothered me. I guess at some point I wanted it to be acknowledged that the rumor was vicious because it was untrue, not because there’s something wrong with being gay/lesbian. I felt like their was a complicit acceptance that something was wrong with Chira because she was lesbian – I don’t think that was the intent though, it just rubbed me wrong.
Early on we also meet Chira’s love interest – Ben. He’s a new student and, like Chira, he doesn’t quite fit in. She quickly learns that there’s something different about him – he’s a Shadow Maven, which means he’s able to see impressions and possessions (ghosts, demon, etc). I thought this was a neat twist – so often when I read books from the first person perspective it is the perspective of the person who is different, talented, etc. So it was neat to read a book where that wasn’t the case. Chira is not special or talented. She just is getting to know someone who is and trying to wrap her head around it. Ben is a nice character – very quiet and keeps to himself. He’s been handed around a bunch because his mother sent him to live with monks as a kid and when he left there he lived with a bunch of different uncles. He’s currently living with one uncle, whose son happens to go to the school too.
The Story…
So First Impression got started very slowly. I expected some fantasy, supernatural whatever to get going and really engross me from the start, like it did in Sanctuary. This was a VERY different book. It’s not until quite a ways in that we encounter the ghost element and when we do, it’s fast and startling and your engrossed and then BAM! it’s over. There were like three or four repeats of that, but the anxiousness didn’t carry through. I was only anxious and scared in the moment – but in that moment, I was FREAKED out. I also have to add that the mystery was very good in that I totally didn’t figure it out. Ben’s ability to work it out was impressive and slightly unbelievable – except that he had his talents to draw upon. That makes it more believable and if I understood the world better, maybe completely believable.
The way ghosts and demons are working in First Impressions is very interesting and the Shadow Maven concept is very cool. But they aren’t as central to the story as I would have liked and not very thoroughly explained. I was left with so many questions – and I think that’s just because First Impressions was too short and because Chira is a bit too accepting of Ben. He tells her what he is and she just believes it and accepts this new world view like it’s no big deal. At one point I found myself seriously wondering if this was a world where the general population just accepts that ghosts and demons are real, because no one really seemed to question the appearance of a ghost the way I would expect.
The love aspect of this story was sweet – in that it’s a slowly budding romance. I was worried for second that we’d have insta-love because Cira is instantly drawn to Ben, but Pauline avoids that with endearing teenage awkwardness and uncertainty. There was also an almost love triangle, but again, I think Pauline managed to have just enough to give some tension without you ever feeling that there was ever a true relationship potential or hurt feelings. So I really enjoyed Cira and Ben’s growing relationship.
Concluding Sentiments…
I signed up for this tour because I LOVED Pauline Creeden’s Sanctuary and wanted something more from her. Although I didn’t love First Impression as much as Sanctuary it was still a unique YA Fantasy and I look forward to the next installment!
**I received this book for free from IFB Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
First Impression by Pauline Creeden was a fresh YA Fantasy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story line. I just felt it was a bit too short and I wanted more!
The Characters…
First Impression is told from the point of view of Chira, a smart, studious, independent teen attending a private school. I instantly liked Chira – she’s very easy to relate to and like. Her father passed away and her mom has remarried to a man that works at her school, providing the discount she needs to make the school tuition affordable with her scholarship. But Chira doesn’t like him – you get this vague feeling throughout that he’s abusive, at least emotionally, though you never fully see it. I didn’t think it helped/hurt the story any to have him be a sort of antagonist and as a step parent myself I didn’t like that he was unnecessarily cast as a bad guy. Part of me felt like Chira just didn’t like him because she did love her dad so much – but there’s also an element of fear there, so I know it’s more and just wish it had either been fleshed out more fully so that it was really a part of the plot or not an element. Thankfully Chira did have a good relationship with her mother and I found their interactions very enjoyable to read. But because she avoids her step-father and her mother works so hard, Chira is extremely independent and she uses her independence very responsibly. She knows school is important and she works hard.
Chira also doesn’t have many friends, because she’s not like the other kids at school. She’s not wealthy and doesn’t have every advantage in life. Her only close friend is Tasha, who does fit in and does have other friends. We don’t get to know Tasha too well – she’s clearly a good friend to Chira and Chira feels very at home with Tasha’s family. There’s a rumor going around school that Chira and Tasha are lesbians and the girls play into it. I don’t know why exactly, but the handling of the rumor bothered me. I guess at some point I wanted it to be acknowledged that the rumor was vicious because it was untrue, not because there’s something wrong with being gay/lesbian. I felt like their was a complicit acceptance that something was wrong with Chira because she was lesbian – I don’t think that was the intent though, it just rubbed me wrong.
Early on we also meet Chira’s love interest – Ben. He’s a new student and, like Chira, he doesn’t quite fit in. She quickly learns that there’s something different about him – he’s a Shadow Maven, which means he’s able to see impressions and possessions (ghosts, demon, etc). I thought this was a neat twist – so often when I read books from the first person perspective it is the perspective of the person who is different, talented, etc. So it was neat to read a book where that wasn’t the case. Chira is not special or talented. She just is getting to know someone who is and trying to wrap her head around it. Ben is a nice character – very quiet and keeps to himself. He’s been handed around a bunch because his mother sent him to live with monks as a kid and when he left there he lived with a bunch of different uncles. He’s currently living with one uncle, whose son happens to go to the school too.
The Story…
So First Impression got started very slowly. I expected some fantasy, supernatural whatever to get going and really engross me from the start, like it did in Sanctuary. This was a VERY different book. It’s not until quite a ways in that we encounter the ghost element and when we do, it’s fast and startling and your engrossed and then BAM! it’s over. There were like three or four repeats of that, but the anxiousness didn’t carry through. I was only anxious and scared in the moment – but in that moment, I was FREAKED out. I also have to add that the mystery was very good in that I totally didn’t figure it out. Ben’s ability to work it out was impressive and slightly unbelievable – except that he had his talents to draw upon. That makes it more believable and if I understood the world better, maybe completely believable.
The way ghosts and demons are working in First Impressions is very interesting and the Shadow Maven concept is very cool. But they aren’t as central to the story as I would have liked and not very thoroughly explained. I was left with so many questions – and I think that’s just because First Impressions was too short and because Chira is a bit too accepting of Ben. He tells her what he is and she just believes it and accepts this new world view like it’s no big deal. At one point I found myself seriously wondering if this was a world where the general population just accepts that ghosts and demons are real, because no one really seemed to question the appearance of a ghost the way I would expect.
The love aspect of this story was sweet – in that it’s a slowly budding romance. I was worried for second that we’d have insta-love because Cira is instantly drawn to Ben, but Pauline avoids that with endearing teenage awkwardness and uncertainty. There was also an almost love triangle, but again, I think Pauline managed to have just enough to give some tension without you ever feeling that there was ever a true relationship potential or hurt feelings. So I really enjoyed Cira and Ben’s growing relationship.
Concluding Sentiments…
I signed up for this tour because I LOVED Pauline Creeden’s Sanctuary and wanted something more from her. Although I didn’t love First Impression as much as Sanctuary it was still a unique YA Fantasy and I look forward to the next installment!
**I received this book for free from IFB Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
amullen03's review against another edition
4.0
Chira is the main character and she seems like a very nice normal person. She meets Ben and he interests her since she cant figure him out. Chira and Tasha go with a group to tour a haunted house and then everything spirals downward. Friends start getting hurt and dying. Before you know it almost all of Chira's group is gone. Even more strange is someone is following her and she has no idea who it is. I love watching Ben and Chira's relationship develop. A good read with some mystery involved.
ltg584's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Pauline just keeps proving to me why she is an amazing author. She has a broad range and versatility that allows her to write fantasy, horror, suspense, paranormal, romance and even spiritual. She can do it all! First Impression is the latest in a long line of fabulous books, and this time she’s dealing with spirits.
What made this book stand out for me, was Chira. Too often, the protagonist of a story is the “best”. Whether they have some special ability, or are smarter, more clever, faster… or even more broken… than everyone else. That makes them hard to relate to since I am nothing more than ordinary. Chira is just your everyday, average girl, being put into a difficult situation. Chira is relateable. She is dealing with bullies (in a great way, I might add) and a rocky home life, even before they visited the old schoolhouse.
Then… everything really starts to fall apart… The kids are now being picked off, one at a time, and anyone could be next! The facts just don’t add up, and Chira turns to Ben for answers. Ben obviously has something to hide, and I found myself drawn to him, just as Chira is. It was so important to me that this ordinary girl, while she doesn’t have any special powers to save the day, is still able to support the people around her and make a difference. It’s only as everything starts to collapse, that her life begins to rebuild.
I definitely want more of this series! I had goosebumps racing up and down my arms! Even through all that creepiness, Pauline manages to keep it totally clean. Minimal language, while still keeping the dialogue realistic. Mom approved! :D
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Pauline just keeps proving to me why she is an amazing author. She has a broad range and versatility that allows her to write fantasy, horror, suspense, paranormal, romance and even spiritual. She can do it all! First Impression is the latest in a long line of fabulous books, and this time she’s dealing with spirits.
What made this book stand out for me, was Chira. Too often, the protagonist of a story is the “best”. Whether they have some special ability, or are smarter, more clever, faster… or even more broken… than everyone else. That makes them hard to relate to since I am nothing more than ordinary. Chira is just your everyday, average girl, being put into a difficult situation. Chira is relateable. She is dealing with bullies (in a great way, I might add) and a rocky home life, even before they visited the old schoolhouse.
Then… everything really starts to fall apart… The kids are now being picked off, one at a time, and anyone could be next! The facts just don’t add up, and Chira turns to Ben for answers. Ben obviously has something to hide, and I found myself drawn to him, just as Chira is. It was so important to me that this ordinary girl, while she doesn’t have any special powers to save the day, is still able to support the people around her and make a difference. It’s only as everything starts to collapse, that her life begins to rebuild.
I definitely want more of this series! I had goosebumps racing up and down my arms! Even through all that creepiness, Pauline manages to keep it totally clean. Minimal language, while still keeping the dialogue realistic. Mom approved! :D
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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