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melcheslog's review
5.0
This is a fantastic paranormal/ young adult novel. I was blown away by the story. Vincent Morrone has created such a literary gem with this book. It takes place in a town called Spirit in upstate New York and the details the author gives truly allows the reader to see the town he has created. Bristol Blackburn has a gift or ability to see and speak with ghosts. She is able to dream and see the future. A sudden event causes her to move to Spirit to live with her Uncle and family that she has never met before. Her Uncle Mark is the sheriff of Spirit and is raising his two sons on his own and also has his father living with him. Payne McKnight is the town daredevil. He is constantly doing crazy stunts and is able to walk away unscathed. The McKnight family and the Blackburn family are like the McCoys' and Hatfields'... "enemies". However, Payne and Bristol strike up a friendship. The plot twists and turns as unusual occurrences take place. This is a fantastic paranormal adventure that is a definite hit. I was so captivated and intrigued by the entire book. It is well written and the characters are so well developed and captured. I look forward to seeing what comes next to Spirit.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free eARC of Vision of Shadows from Entranced Publishing in exchange of an honest review*
Vision of Shadows is a little creepy, full of paranormal sightings, and a great, young heroine.
My review will be posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews on January 2nd 2014 for the blogtour.
Vision of Shadows is a little creepy, full of paranormal sightings, and a great, young heroine.
My review will be posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews on January 2nd 2014 for the blogtour.
mlboyd20's review
5.0
4.5 out of 5 stars
I wish to thank the author for providing me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is packed full of ghosts and the paranormal. Two families conflicted for centuries, each with their own secrets and a romance that screams danger from the get-go. The basic storyline has been used before, but the author weaves a tale that constructed something quite original from the usual and kept me intrigued all the way through.
“So, if you need to take to your wife or to speak with your dearly departed mother, there really is no reason to make the trip down to the graveyard. Save the gas. You’re better off going to a place they felt tied to, like their place of business or their home.”
The above quote really spoke to me. How many times when we’ve lost someone do we feel connected to them in places other than where their body rests? It’s thoughts like this, throughout the book, that the author provides a refreshing look at death and the afterlife.
The author really put his best foot forward with not only character development but also with the plot and scenery. He brings the reader into the story, which at times will make the readers heart beat a little faster, sweat a bit, tremble and gasp out loud in shock. An amazing YA book that readers from 14 on will be talking about with their friends. The only thing I found that was a little off was some of the slang used, but other than that this is a great story from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this book to everyone interested in something a bit out of the ordinary.
I wish to thank the author for providing me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is packed full of ghosts and the paranormal. Two families conflicted for centuries, each with their own secrets and a romance that screams danger from the get-go. The basic storyline has been used before, but the author weaves a tale that constructed something quite original from the usual and kept me intrigued all the way through.
“So, if you need to take to your wife or to speak with your dearly departed mother, there really is no reason to make the trip down to the graveyard. Save the gas. You’re better off going to a place they felt tied to, like their place of business or their home.”
The above quote really spoke to me. How many times when we’ve lost someone do we feel connected to them in places other than where their body rests? It’s thoughts like this, throughout the book, that the author provides a refreshing look at death and the afterlife.
The author really put his best foot forward with not only character development but also with the plot and scenery. He brings the reader into the story, which at times will make the readers heart beat a little faster, sweat a bit, tremble and gasp out loud in shock. An amazing YA book that readers from 14 on will be talking about with their friends. The only thing I found that was a little off was some of the slang used, but other than that this is a great story from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this book to everyone interested in something a bit out of the ordinary.
storieswithsoul's review
5.0
Once started reading, I just couldn't put it down. It is full of suspense and intrigue. There is a mystery around Bristol and Spirit town. From the very first page you'll be totally engrossed and wanting to know more about all the mysterious stuff that keeps happening. Some of the mysteries unravel by the end of the book but some of the questions still remained unanswered.
Bristol has always seen visions of boy, she knows that she will see him soon some day. He will be something to her, may be a lover or her murderer, she is not sure yet. Then her parents die in a strange accident and she moves to Spirit town to live with her uncle and his family. From then on strange things start happening. someone or something wants her dead and they will go to any lengths to do so. Even if it meant harming or killing other people in the process.
Payne has always been haunted by the fact that he survived when his mother died in an accident. He is wreck-less and keeps putting himself in danger. But things change when Bristol moves to town. He is attracted to her and wants to live so that he can be with her. Although things are not easy for them, still he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
The story is quite interesting. It has family feuds, curses, people with supernatural abilities, love, hatred, ghosts and shadow creatures. All the characters are likable and there are some funny moments that made me laugh. Overall I enjoyed reading it and will recommend to fans of paranormal and mystery.
Bristol has always seen visions of boy, she knows that she will see him soon some day. He will be something to her, may be a lover or her murderer, she is not sure yet. Then her parents die in a strange accident and she moves to Spirit town to live with her uncle and his family. From then on strange things start happening. someone or something wants her dead and they will go to any lengths to do so. Even if it meant harming or killing other people in the process.
Payne has always been haunted by the fact that he survived when his mother died in an accident. He is wreck-less and keeps putting himself in danger. But things change when Bristol moves to town. He is attracted to her and wants to live so that he can be with her. Although things are not easy for them, still he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
The story is quite interesting. It has family feuds, curses, people with supernatural abilities, love, hatred, ghosts and shadow creatures. All the characters are likable and there are some funny moments that made me laugh. Overall I enjoyed reading it and will recommend to fans of paranormal and mystery.
lifeandliterature's review
5.0
So any day now, I'm about to meet the boy of my dreams--literally. Then I get to see if he's going to be the love of my life or the end of it.
Funny thing is, I'm not sure which idea scares the crap out of me more.
One of the greatest joys and pleasures that I have in running my blog is discovering gems of books like Vision of Shadows. This book may have eventually come to my attention, but then it may have not, and I may have missed out on getting to know these characters and discovering Vincent Marrone's fantastic writing. And that would have been a tragedy.
Bristol Blackburn is a loner. That comes from spending all your time talking to ghosts. Her parents are distant at best, but when they are killed in a terrible accident, Bristol moves to the town of Spirit, to live with an uncle and cousins she has never met. It's here that Bristol will meet the boy of her dreams. Literally. Bristol has been dreaming of Payne for as long as she can remember. The only problem is, she's not sure if Payne will fall in love with her, or kill her. And how is she supposed to keep it a secret that she can talk to ghosts where she is being haunted by shadows?
Vision of Shadows is told from the point of view of Bristol. Sometimes a male writing in a females voice can fail to capture their essence, and the character can end up coming across as a bit flat. But that wasn't the case here. The author did an amazing job with Bristol and she was just so spot on as a character. Her emotions, her actions... Perfect!! She was strong and tough, caring and loving, compassionate and witty.
Payne McKnight huh?" I said, trying to sound unimpressed. "Not bad."
Maggie rolled her eyes. "Please. I saw the way you were looking at him."
I blinked at her, trying to keep a straight face. "And how was I looking at him?"
Maggie smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at me. "Like he was the man of your dreams."
I nearly choked.
Payne McKnight. I'm note even sure I can describe how much I loved him. He was so protective of Bristol. The lengths that he would go to to protect her were mind blowing. He was affectionate and loving and stood up for what he believed. The romance developed so perfectly, but didn't at anytime overpower the story.
Vincent Marrone writes with such humour and wit, and there were so many times that I found myself having a little laugh over something that one of the characters said. The banter between them was just brilliant, and I especially loved Grandpa and Bristols relationship. If I'm being honest each and every character was awesome. They all added something special to the story and the dynamics of Bristols family was a joy to read.
The pacing of this was just great. It built exactly as it was meant to in all the right places. Never dull and always something going on to keep you turning the pages.
If ghosts, action, paranormal and romance are your thing, then you just can't go wrong by grabbing yourself a copy of Vision of Shadows. If Vincent Marrone continues to write stories just like this, then I can see him quickly becoming a very firm favourite of mine.
5/5 Fantastic Stars
Funny thing is, I'm not sure which idea scares the crap out of me more.
One of the greatest joys and pleasures that I have in running my blog is discovering gems of books like Vision of Shadows. This book may have eventually come to my attention, but then it may have not, and I may have missed out on getting to know these characters and discovering Vincent Marrone's fantastic writing. And that would have been a tragedy.
Bristol Blackburn is a loner. That comes from spending all your time talking to ghosts. Her parents are distant at best, but when they are killed in a terrible accident, Bristol moves to the town of Spirit, to live with an uncle and cousins she has never met. It's here that Bristol will meet the boy of her dreams. Literally. Bristol has been dreaming of Payne for as long as she can remember. The only problem is, she's not sure if Payne will fall in love with her, or kill her. And how is she supposed to keep it a secret that she can talk to ghosts where she is being haunted by shadows?
Vision of Shadows is told from the point of view of Bristol. Sometimes a male writing in a females voice can fail to capture their essence, and the character can end up coming across as a bit flat. But that wasn't the case here. The author did an amazing job with Bristol and she was just so spot on as a character. Her emotions, her actions... Perfect!! She was strong and tough, caring and loving, compassionate and witty.
Payne McKnight huh?" I said, trying to sound unimpressed. "Not bad."
Maggie rolled her eyes. "Please. I saw the way you were looking at him."
I blinked at her, trying to keep a straight face. "And how was I looking at him?"
Maggie smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at me. "Like he was the man of your dreams."
I nearly choked.
Payne McKnight. I'm note even sure I can describe how much I loved him. He was so protective of Bristol. The lengths that he would go to to protect her were mind blowing. He was affectionate and loving and stood up for what he believed. The romance developed so perfectly, but didn't at anytime overpower the story.
Vincent Marrone writes with such humour and wit, and there were so many times that I found myself having a little laugh over something that one of the characters said. The banter between them was just brilliant, and I especially loved Grandpa and Bristols relationship. If I'm being honest each and every character was awesome. They all added something special to the story and the dynamics of Bristols family was a joy to read.
The pacing of this was just great. It built exactly as it was meant to in all the right places. Never dull and always something going on to keep you turning the pages.
If ghosts, action, paranormal and romance are your thing, then you just can't go wrong by grabbing yourself a copy of Vision of Shadows. If Vincent Marrone continues to write stories just like this, then I can see him quickly becoming a very firm favourite of mine.
5/5 Fantastic Stars
amandajeffery's review
5.0
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. Bristol was believable and the story was paced well. I will be recommending this author to others.
brewergnome's review
3.0
A solid outing. Some good things, I like that the default method of tension building isn't the usual "Oh if we'd just talked this would be simple, but we can't do that." Drawback, the twist was a surprise, but less the "Oooh I should have seen that coming" and more "Oh, if I'd known that I guess that makes sense."
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review
4.0
*I received a free eARC of Vision of Shadows from Entranced Publishing in exchange of an honest review*
Vision of Shadows is a little creepy, full of paranormal sightings, and a great, young heroine.
My review will be posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews on January 2nd 2014 for the blogtour.
Vision of Shadows is a little creepy, full of paranormal sightings, and a great, young heroine.
My review will be posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews on January 2nd 2014 for the blogtour.
boghunden's review
2.0
I recieved a copy of this booko from the author.
From the synopsis of this book, I expected it to be just the book for me. Sadly, it wasn't.
The writing was okay, although I have to say that the names should've been less similar; Jared and Jay. I often mixed up the two of them, which led to confusion. One of the things that worked well, was the humor.
I think the main problem for me was that it felt like this book tried to be something it wasn't. I mean, when you have to bring in a possessed cow, things are looking rather bad, right? I think it was meant to be funny, but to me it was just stupid. Furthermore, I think it was a bit too cliché; girl loses parents - moves to new town - meets boy - falls in love - has psychis abilities - runs away from love - ends up with loverboy. Well, sorry to spoil you, but that's pretty much how any YA paranormal book ends, so this really shouldn't come as a surprise to you.
I was let down by this book. It wasn't what I was expecting it to be. The whole "boy from dream - will he love me or kill me?" concept was what had me, but I didn't feel like that was what this book was really about. Instead it was about a girl with psychic abilities, trying to fit in.
If you haven't read a lot of YA paranormal books, then this might be the book for you, because honestly? It's not that bad. It wasn't that good, but it was okay. It's just me having read to much like it before.
From the synopsis of this book, I expected it to be just the book for me. Sadly, it wasn't.
The writing was okay, although I have to say that the names should've been less similar; Jared and Jay. I often mixed up the two of them, which led to confusion. One of the things that worked well, was the humor.
I think the main problem for me was that it felt like this book tried to be something it wasn't. I mean, when you have to bring in a possessed cow, things are looking rather bad, right? I think it was meant to be funny, but to me it was just stupid. Furthermore, I think it was a bit too cliché; girl loses parents - moves to new town - meets boy - falls in love - has psychis abilities - runs away from love - ends up with loverboy. Well, sorry to spoil you, but that's pretty much how any YA paranormal book ends, so this really shouldn't come as a surprise to you.
I was let down by this book. It wasn't what I was expecting it to be. The whole "boy from dream - will he love me or kill me?" concept was what had me, but I didn't feel like that was what this book was really about. Instead it was about a girl with psychic abilities, trying to fit in.
If you haven't read a lot of YA paranormal books, then this might be the book for you, because honestly? It's not that bad. It wasn't that good, but it was okay. It's just me having read to much like it before.
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