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fountain's review
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lilibetbombshell's review
2.0
In contemporary fiction of any sort, do me a favor and don’t name your seer any sort of variation on the name Cassandra, please? Talk about a little bit too on the nose and a little bit too cringe, am I right?
I don’t know what it was about this book, but it was all a little bit too cringe, and it was all a little bit of a mess. To me it came across not only as a YA book that didn’t sound like it was written by an author who understood how to write YA (remember when Kevin Williamson was writing “Dawson’s Creek” back in the day and everyone’s largest complaint was that teenagers don’t talk like that?), but also as a book that didn’t solidly know what genre it belonged in. It didn’t know what it wanted to be, and so the pacing was off and so were the characterizations. There was just too much going on, all the time.
I did enjoy the juxtaposition of a seer who looks into the future and a clairvoyant who looks into the past as our two main characters (incidentally, the etymology of the name “Hayden” ends up going back to the root word for “heathen”, which is interesting), but I really, really wish the whole plot hadn’t been set into motion by something so feeble. This book could have been so much better than it was.
Thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Children’s Books, and Swoon Reads for early access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review. Per personal policy, this review will not appear on social media or bookseller websites due to its rating of 3 stars or lower.
I don’t know what it was about this book, but it was all a little bit too cringe, and it was all a little bit of a mess. To me it came across not only as a YA book that didn’t sound like it was written by an author who understood how to write YA (remember when Kevin Williamson was writing “Dawson’s Creek” back in the day and everyone’s largest complaint was that teenagers don’t talk like that?), but also as a book that didn’t solidly know what genre it belonged in. It didn’t know what it wanted to be, and so the pacing was off and so were the characterizations. There was just too much going on, all the time.
I did enjoy the juxtaposition of a seer who looks into the future and a clairvoyant who looks into the past as our two main characters (incidentally, the etymology of the name “Hayden” ends up going back to the root word for “heathen”, which is interesting), but I really, really wish the whole plot hadn’t been set into motion by something so feeble. This book could have been so much better than it was.
Thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Children’s Books, and Swoon Reads for early access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review. Per personal policy, this review will not appear on social media or bookseller websites due to its rating of 3 stars or lower.
herasrevenge88's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this YA mystery thriller! I love that it has dual POV’s with our two main characters (Cassie and Hayden) who both have visions. Normally, I try to solve mysteries as I’m reading them and that is part of my enjoyment but this book I was just along for the ride and enjoying every second of it. I have so many more questions about the abilities of some of the residents of Lightsend. I want to see a happy ending for Cassie. I hope this book winds up being the first of a series. I just have so many more questions! I will not forget this book anytime soon.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
This was a fantastic read, I loved how their powers work and the mystery and the investigation was a really interesting!
literarywreck's review
4.0
3.5/5 stars rounded to 4.
This YA supernatural thriller has a Nancy Drew-esque twist.
The main premise: Quintessential outsider Hayden has visions of the past she uses to exploit her rich classmates, and popular girl Cassie (cute allusion) has visions of the future that have recently taken a turn for the worse. After Cassie is kidnapped, Hayden has to make use of her visions to solve the mystery before time runs out.
The best parts? You Should Have Seen This Coming's combination of YA fantasy and mystery is refreshing.
Its characters are based in high school stereotypes, but subvert expectations through surprising depth of character. The dialogue is fresh and its twists were genuinely surprising.
The meh bits? There were gaps in the magic system I hope to see explained in follow-up novels. There were times that the plot points felt forced and like random or unnatural progressions.
This YA supernatural thriller has a Nancy Drew-esque twist.
The main premise: Quintessential outsider Hayden has visions of the past she uses to exploit her rich classmates, and popular girl Cassie (cute allusion) has visions of the future that have recently taken a turn for the worse. After Cassie is kidnapped, Hayden has to make use of her visions to solve the mystery before time runs out.
The best parts? You Should Have Seen This Coming's combination of YA fantasy and mystery is refreshing.
Its characters are based in high school stereotypes, but subvert expectations through surprising depth of character. The dialogue is fresh and its twists were genuinely surprising.
The meh bits? There were gaps in the magic system I hope to see explained in follow-up novels. There were times that the plot points felt forced and like random or unnatural progressions.
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book took me 20 days to finish! Not because it was bad, but because of my ADHD. It was overall a good book. I liked the characters though I would have liked more of Cassie, and the way it was left I hope there's a sequel so we can learn more about the powers some of the characters have! I also would have liked more of Hayden's mom!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Kidnapping
smidges's review
3.5
You Should Have Seen This Coming by Shani Michelle is a young adult thriller book. The book is dual POV and follows the missing daughter of the sheriff and the girl who is trying to find her. The book was engaging but I didn't care about any of the characters. Overall the book was just alright. I gave it 3.5 stars but I am rounding it up to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review.
imerika1127's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Cute YA read, overall enjoyed it. Did not need to make Mr. Park Korean if his ethnicity did not play a role in the story. Seems like the author added it for “diversity”
soccergirl330's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
momo23's review
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0