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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Natural Selection was a quick and refreshing paranormal book. Amelia, also known as Lia, is a delightful and seemingly normal teenager, who just wants to hang with her best friends and survive biology. All seems good and well, until shortly after starting high school she begins to run a bit of a fever. After overhearing her parents talk about sending her away for her own good and because she doesn't realize that "she isn't even human," Lia starts to ask a lot of questions. Questions that, for the most part, are dodged.
If I was put in Lia's place, I'd be furious at my mother for not telling me I was special or what to expect. Teen years are hard enough as a human, without the assistance of latent supernatural powers developing. All in all, however, Lia deals with her changing life and body fairly well- at any rate better than can be expected.
The humor in Natural Selection was very much "my type" of humor. I ended up laughing out loud at least once a chapter.
There's not much to complain about with this book- especially if you like young adult and paranormal books. You've got a succubus, a djinn demon, sprites, ghouls, and earth spirits all living and interacting with humans. You've got a cute love story that unfolds beautifully, and a blushing young lady growing into the woman she's meant to be. Lia deals with a lot, but only after everything she has considered her life gets taken away does she really lose it, and even then her brother and sister pull her back together fairly quickly. The story has a great pace, and I was easily able to finish it in a single day. I'm very excited to read the second book after reading this one.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
If I was put in Lia's place, I'd be furious at my mother for not telling me I was special or what to expect. Teen years are hard enough as a human, without the assistance of latent supernatural powers developing. All in all, however, Lia deals with her changing life and body fairly well- at any rate better than can be expected.
The humor in Natural Selection was very much "my type" of humor. I ended up laughing out loud at least once a chapter.
There's not much to complain about with this book- especially if you like young adult and paranormal books. You've got a succubus, a djinn demon, sprites, ghouls, and earth spirits all living and interacting with humans. You've got a cute love story that unfolds beautifully, and a blushing young lady growing into the woman she's meant to be. Lia deals with a lot, but only after everything she has considered her life gets taken away does she really lose it, and even then her brother and sister pull her back together fairly quickly. The story has a great pace, and I was easily able to finish it in a single day. I'm very excited to read the second book after reading this one.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
This book really drew me in. Another fresh take on supernatural/paranormal that I totally loved. The ending had me on the edge of my seat, and I wanted to cheer when it was over. I plan to check out the next in the series.
Let me begin by saying how refreshing it was to read a young adult paranormal novel that WASN'T about vampires. I like supernatural stories, but reading about different kinds of otherworldly creatures was very refreshing. The descriptions of nature helped me feel even more connected just by reading.
Elizabeth Sharp has created some very interesting characters for this story. Amelia is someone that nearly any female can connect with, after all who doesn't remember the awkward stage right before high school? And just like every other family, Amelia thinks her family is strange. The only difference? Her family IS different, and this becomes apparent very quickly. For Amelia, the changes to her body come with huge revelations which quickly spiral into chaos.
I really enjoyed this novel. Though it took a while to get into, once the action starts there is no going back. One thing I enjoy about paranormal novels is to see the author's interpretation of how each creature would act, and Sharp did not let me down. It was a great read, but the best part is definitely the epilogue.
Elizabeth Sharp has created some very interesting characters for this story. Amelia is someone that nearly any female can connect with, after all who doesn't remember the awkward stage right before high school? And just like every other family, Amelia thinks her family is strange. The only difference? Her family IS different, and this becomes apparent very quickly. For Amelia, the changes to her body come with huge revelations which quickly spiral into chaos.
I really enjoyed this novel. Though it took a while to get into, once the action starts there is no going back. One thing I enjoy about paranormal novels is to see the author's interpretation of how each creature would act, and Sharp did not let me down. It was a great read, but the best part is definitely the epilogue.
3.5
“Know me, Amber. I am Amelia Hoffman, and that," I said emphatically, gesturing towards them, "is my family. And if you or anyone does anything to harm them, I will turn the wrath of the Earth Mother on you. I will turn this entire town into a desert waste if I have to, but I will protect my family. If that makes us enemies, then I will weep for you when you are dead.”
Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp completely threw me off guard, what I thought was going to be a simple read turned into an action packed thriller with magic, love, loss..and murder! Within nearly 200 pages Elizabeth Sharp was able to put together a great novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seat!
Amelia thinks she is just an average 15 year old girl, she worries about boys, dances and thinks her curfew is far too early. After some odd events though Amelia is discovering that she is not at all what she thought she was, as if finding out her ‘family’ isn’t really her family, and that she isn’t even human, wasn’t enough to be going through, she also has other people like her being murdered in her town..and she’s next on their list. While trying to figure out her powers, and her connection to her lifetime crush that has recently sparked, will Amelia be able to be strong enough to save the ones she loves? Or will she lose everything she holds dear..
When starting Natural Selection I thought it was going to be a simple read, but it wasn’t at all! It may be short, but it sure packed a punch! Elizabeth Sharp put together a great mixture of paranormal which included Gaia’s, Witches, Succubus, and Djinn. The paranormal mixture I believe was one of my favorite things about Natural Selection. It was something new and refreshing, many times I have read novels of werewolves, shapshifters or vampires, finally running into something new was a great breath of fresh air!
Characters was another aspect of Natural Selection that I deff enjoyed! Amelia is so fearless at times that you can’t help, but look up to her. Sariah although she is a type of demon, shows such care for her family. Out of all the characters though, hands down my favorite was Xander, Amelia’s brother. Xander from the very beginning I knew I was going to fall in love with, he is so caring, funny and protective that I couldn’t help, but totally fall for him!. I also couldn’t help, but to feel sorry for him..he was so ashamed of what he was, and it tore me apart that he didn’t think anyone would accept him, not even his own family. Although Amelia is the main character and I enjoy her, I would really love to read Xander’s story. I feel he would have a lot to say.
All in all, Natural Selection was a treat, and although it may be a short novel, it will keep the readers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something new in the paranormal/YA genre that isn’t your typical vampire and werewolves story!
“Know me, Amber. I am Amelia Hoffman, and that," I said emphatically, gesturing towards them, "is my family. And if you or anyone does anything to harm them, I will turn the wrath of the Earth Mother on you. I will turn this entire town into a desert waste if I have to, but I will protect my family. If that makes us enemies, then I will weep for you when you are dead.”
Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp completely threw me off guard, what I thought was going to be a simple read turned into an action packed thriller with magic, love, loss..and murder! Within nearly 200 pages Elizabeth Sharp was able to put together a great novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seat!
Amelia thinks she is just an average 15 year old girl, she worries about boys, dances and thinks her curfew is far too early. After some odd events though Amelia is discovering that she is not at all what she thought she was, as if finding out her ‘family’ isn’t really her family, and that she isn’t even human, wasn’t enough to be going through, she also has other people like her being murdered in her town..and she’s next on their list. While trying to figure out her powers, and her connection to her lifetime crush that has recently sparked, will Amelia be able to be strong enough to save the ones she loves? Or will she lose everything she holds dear..
When starting Natural Selection I thought it was going to be a simple read, but it wasn’t at all! It may be short, but it sure packed a punch! Elizabeth Sharp put together a great mixture of paranormal which included Gaia’s, Witches, Succubus, and Djinn. The paranormal mixture I believe was one of my favorite things about Natural Selection. It was something new and refreshing, many times I have read novels of werewolves, shapshifters or vampires, finally running into something new was a great breath of fresh air!
Characters was another aspect of Natural Selection that I deff enjoyed! Amelia is so fearless at times that you can’t help, but look up to her. Sariah although she is a type of demon, shows such care for her family. Out of all the characters though, hands down my favorite was Xander, Amelia’s brother. Xander from the very beginning I knew I was going to fall in love with, he is so caring, funny and protective that I couldn’t help, but totally fall for him!. I also couldn’t help, but to feel sorry for him..he was so ashamed of what he was, and it tore me apart that he didn’t think anyone would accept him, not even his own family. Although Amelia is the main character and I enjoy her, I would really love to read Xander’s story. I feel he would have a lot to say.
All in all, Natural Selection was a treat, and although it may be a short novel, it will keep the readers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something new in the paranormal/YA genre that isn’t your typical vampire and werewolves story!
Review to come.
Overall: 3.5/5 stars. There was still too much focus on the "before" aspect of Lia's life but the cliffhanger ending was well worth it.
Overall: 3.5/5 stars. There was still too much focus on the "before" aspect of Lia's life but the cliffhanger ending was well worth it.
Good
This story was good and held my attention for the entire duration, however there was no pull for me to have to have the next one in the series.
This story was good and held my attention for the entire duration, however there was no pull for me to have to have the next one in the series.
I can not remember why I grabbed this book, but I loved the story! I am anxious to get my hands on the next book and see what happens to the crew!
When Amelia Hoffman discovers that she is more than human, things escalate quickly. Supernatural beings begin to surface and a murder plagues a community. Twined with mystery, romance, and heart-pounding action, Natural Selection has everything that I love in YA.
When I picked up Natural Selection, it proved to be more than what I was expecting. The magical creatures that are integrated throughout the novel are endless. For example, her sister is a succubus and her brother is a Djinn, while Amelia is a Gaia. She is a creature of nature and has the ability to heal and work with plants/greenery. I loved that there wasn’t a specific supernatural being. It was different and added to the unique and creative story line that Sharp created.
I really liked Amelia Hoffman. Her character is by far one of the youngest that I have read this year. I remember when I was fifteen and it’s much to the insecurities that Amelia faces. She’s sort of plain, but as the novel progresses she blossoms into a beautiful creature (no pun intended). Her feelings towards a certain boy *cough* her brothers’ best friend *cough* is really sweet. He seems to know more about her than she does. Mysterious, eh?
While we’re on the topic of love, Nathaniel, the love interest, is just so sweet and loyal. I just wanted to hug him. Okay, more like attack bear hug him. But still. His fierce protectiveness over Amelia was by far one of my favorite parts. What can I say? I’m a sucker for romance.
Aside from supernatural beings, there are also witches. But the witches in Amelia’s world aren’t the good guys. It’s also difficult to trust people when enemies turn out to be the unlikeliest of people.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about this novel was the realistic bond between the characters. I loved that strong connection between family. As a reader, you could really see how much Amelia cared for her brother and sister. Her parents as well. Amelia is willing to do anything it takes to save her family. I found that admirable.
Lastly, I really enjoyed Sharp’s writing style. It flowed easily and well, it was just fun to read.
All in all, Natural Selection was a great start to a series. The ending leaves you wanting more! Plus, isn’t the cover absolutely gorgeous??
Review to come.
Overall: 3.5/5 stars. There was still too much focus on the "before" aspect of Lia's life but the cliffhanger ending was well worth it.
Overall: 3.5/5 stars. There was still too much focus on the "before" aspect of Lia's life but the cliffhanger ending was well worth it.