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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Clarity is a supernatural mystery that is an easy and addicting read that I think will appeal to fans of Meg Cabot. The writing and mystery reminded me a bit of Cabot's books and the banter is fun. The book is a fast read and Clare is an engaging character. She has a quirky family and she's easy to like and root for.
The mystery is a bit simplistic and I would have liked things to be a bit fleshed out more. Clare stumbles upon clues fairly easily and I wanted a bit of a more complicated mystery and puzzle to figure out. There's also a large cast of characters which means a lot of people to keep track of. Clare also has a lot of potential love interests for Clare, which I found a bit annoying, since she mentions many times that she's a loner and viewed as a freak at school because of her gifts. Sure, we have our love triangle, but I kind of hoped that her brother's best friend would become a possible love interest as well! It's also a bit convenient how the teens end up working on the case, but that can be overlooked fairly easily.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy Clarity and I think it sets up what could be a great new mystery series. I really hope we see more of Clare. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger and the mystery is resolved, the book does leave a few things open and I would love to know what happens next. It's easy to get pulled into the story and finish it quickly. I liked that while Clare has a psychic power, that's not the focus of the book, the focus is the mystery and her power aides in solving that. I also liked her relationship with her mom and her brother-I love great family dynamics in YA! I just hope that the future volumes in the series give us a more complex mystery.
Book Pairings: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, Echoes by Melinda Metz, The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot, 1-800-Where R You Series by Meg Cabot, Touch Series by Laurie Faria Stolarz
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Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Point
Country: United States of America
ISBN: 9780545230506
Original Language: English
Age Group: Young
Adult
Genre: Supernatural/Paranormal, Romance, Mystery
Buy the Book: Amazon
Lootability: Grab it and go
Clarity is Kim Harrington's debut foray into young adult field. Clarity is a wonderful story about a young teenage girl who comes from a supernaturally gifted family; her brother Perry is a medium who speaks to the dead, and her Mother is a telepath while Clarity – Clare – is a psychic who reads the imprints left behind on objects. When there is a murder in Clare's seaside tourist town, she must put aside old grievances and use her gift to find the killer and protect her brother…all while romance blossoms in unexpected quarters.
What I liked: It's a fun new way of looking at a paranormal teenager; no one was blue or sparkly or anything ridiculous. Clairvoyance is an interesting path to travel that doesn't take the easy route of giving some kind of supernatural creature extraordinary powers that easily save the day. The book reminded me a bit of the Gina Champion series by Kim Wilkins which I used to read when I was a teenager. The subject quite naturally suggests a mystery as the best way to create a story.
What I didn't like: It all seemed to end a bit suddenly and too easily for me. Without giving too much away, the ending made the book feel like it was setting you up for the story rather than setting itself up as the story. I'm hoping that will ease the transition into the next book.
Clarity was a fun read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun summer mystery. The sequel Perception is due out March 12th, so keep an eye out for that!
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Point
Country: United States of America
ISBN: 9780545230506
Original Language: English
Age Group: Young
Adult
Genre: Supernatural/Paranormal, Romance, Mystery
Buy the Book: Amazon
Lootability: Grab it and go
Clarity is Kim Harrington's debut foray into young adult field. Clarity is a wonderful story about a young teenage girl who comes from a supernaturally gifted family; her brother Perry is a medium who speaks to the dead, and her Mother is a telepath while Clarity – Clare – is a psychic who reads the imprints left behind on objects. When there is a murder in Clare's seaside tourist town, she must put aside old grievances and use her gift to find the killer and protect her brother…all while romance blossoms in unexpected quarters.
What I liked: It's a fun new way of looking at a paranormal teenager; no one was blue or sparkly or anything ridiculous. Clairvoyance is an interesting path to travel that doesn't take the easy route of giving some kind of supernatural creature extraordinary powers that easily save the day. The book reminded me a bit of the Gina Champion series by Kim Wilkins which I used to read when I was a teenager. The subject quite naturally suggests a mystery as the best way to create a story.
What I didn't like: It all seemed to end a bit suddenly and too easily for me. Without giving too much away, the ending made the book feel like it was setting you up for the story rather than setting itself up as the story. I'm hoping that will ease the transition into the next book.
Clarity was a fun read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun summer mystery. The sequel Perception is due out March 12th, so keep an eye out for that!
This book would make the perfect vacation or beach read. It was enjoyable, light, and quick! Clarity Fern is a teenage psychic, who thought she'd be spending a 'typical' summer giving readings (along with telepath mom and medium brother) to tourists milling about her quaint Cape Cod town...until a young woman is found murdered in a nearby motel. Because of her gift, Clare is pulled into the investigation, helping both her ex-boyfriend and the attractive 'new guy in town'/detective's son.
This murder mystery was engaging and fast-paced. It reminds me of watching an episode of any number of TV crime dramas, with a healthy dash of romance novel mixed into its pages. The characters, especially Clare, are amusing and believable. And although the writing was a little lackluster, I did appreciate the authentic feel of Clare's teenage voice as narrator.
Even though there is nothing explicit, sex is treated pretty casually in this book. For that reason, I would recommend this to older teens. It is definitely not a middle grade or a preteen book. I believe that older teenage girls and women who like to read 'light' murder mysteries and romances would enjoy this book. I give it a solid three stars for sheer entertainment value!
This murder mystery was engaging and fast-paced. It reminds me of watching an episode of any number of TV crime dramas, with a healthy dash of romance novel mixed into its pages. The characters, especially Clare, are amusing and believable. And although the writing was a little lackluster, I did appreciate the authentic feel of Clare's teenage voice as narrator.
Even though there is nothing explicit, sex is treated pretty casually in this book. For that reason, I would recommend this to older teens. It is definitely not a middle grade or a preteen book. I believe that older teenage girls and women who like to read 'light' murder mysteries and romances would enjoy this book. I give it a solid three stars for sheer entertainment value!
A paranormal book that was AH-mazing! Kim has some talent, I will tell you that. I picked up Clarity one night, then stayed up ALL NIGHT to finish it. Clarity has a great heroine, a family of freaks, some hot guys, murder, and the beach! Can you ask for more form a book?! I think not! This debut was another one that left me breathless, and dying for more!
The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. I mean it''s beyond beautiful! I hate admitting this, but I judge books by their cover. It looks beautiful, simple, and kind of scary. I love it!
It didn't take me long to realize I was going to love this book. For one thing the very first chapter was intense! It was no longer than a few paragraphs, and it had me screaming, "What!? How did that happen?" It instantly grabs your attention!
The Fern family is different. The towns people scorn them, while tourist love them. Clarity, aka Clare, is the psychic of the family. Her mother is a telepath, and her brother is a medium. Clare's the one with the sharp tongue. Example "the tourist tuxedo: khaki shorts and a flowered silk shirt." Clare can not wait to leave her tourist town and start a new life were no one knows her as the 'freak'. I loved her character! I thought she was very developed, and hilarious! Even with her kick-butt awesome abilities I could still relate to her!
Let jump to some of my favorite guy characters. I loved Gabriel and Justin. Both are fine additions to my top YA fiction guys. :) Gabriel is the son of a cop. He's dark, mysterious, and just plain hot! Justin was sweet! Sometimes.... Perry is Clare's brother. Even though he was a player, I still found him likable.
This book keeps you guessing. The plot takes so many twist and turn. I remember saying that I was sure what person did it, then 30 pages later saying "No, it's him!" I think I blamed almost every single character in the book.... Yes, I did go a little overboard! :P
Kim Harrinton has an amazing debut! She, of course, left us with a major cliffhanger! Come on, I know you love them! :) And hate them at the same time! I can not wait to read the sequel! Write Kim! Please write quickly!
The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. I mean it''s beyond beautiful! I hate admitting this, but I judge books by their cover. It looks beautiful, simple, and kind of scary. I love it!
It didn't take me long to realize I was going to love this book. For one thing the very first chapter was intense! It was no longer than a few paragraphs, and it had me screaming, "What!? How did that happen?" It instantly grabs your attention!
The Fern family is different. The towns people scorn them, while tourist love them. Clarity, aka Clare, is the psychic of the family. Her mother is a telepath, and her brother is a medium. Clare's the one with the sharp tongue. Example "the tourist tuxedo: khaki shorts and a flowered silk shirt." Clare can not wait to leave her tourist town and start a new life were no one knows her as the 'freak'. I loved her character! I thought she was very developed, and hilarious! Even with her kick-butt awesome abilities I could still relate to her!
Let jump to some of my favorite guy characters. I loved Gabriel and Justin. Both are fine additions to my top YA fiction guys. :) Gabriel is the son of a cop. He's dark, mysterious, and just plain hot! Justin was sweet! Sometimes.... Perry is Clare's brother. Even though he was a player, I still found him likable.
This book keeps you guessing. The plot takes so many twist and turn. I remember saying that I was sure what person did it, then 30 pages later saying "No, it's him!" I think I blamed almost every single character in the book.... Yes, I did go a little overboard! :P
Kim Harrinton has an amazing debut! She, of course, left us with a major cliffhanger! Come on, I know you love them! :) And hate them at the same time! I can not wait to read the sequel! Write Kim! Please write quickly!
Clarity was not an intense murder-mystery book, it was actually a light and pretty fun read, with a little bit of tense-murder-mystery thrown in. Don't get me wrong, the book was all about solving the horrible murders of three young people, but Kim Harrington's writing style, and Clarity's "voice" were upbeat, quirky and fun.
I enjoyed reading Clarity a lot. I actually knew from the first couple of pages that I was going to like it, because I instantly enjoyed the writing style. Clarity reminded me of other witty female Main Characters like Sophie (Hex Hall), Clary (The Mortal Instruments), and Lennie (The Sky is Everywhere) and I immediately knew I would love her. And I was right.
I have to admit that I heard a lot of hype about this book, so my expectations may have been a little too high. Although I liked it a lot, I didn't think it was absolutely amazing. It was more along the lines of a fun quick read, almost like a modernized Nancy Drew mystery with a paranormal twist.
I liked Clarity's relationship with her mother and her brother. I loved how they stuck together, worked together, and would do anything for each other. It was great to see a family that was so close. The mystery was exciting. I found myself questioning every person that Clarity spoke to, wondering if he or she was the killer. The love triangle (pentagon?) was interesting. I was actually surprised that I found myself rooting for the "cheating boyfriend" (though I have my suspicions about that). I totally expected to be on the side of the mysterious detective, Gabriel, but there was just something about Justin! It seems like all the boys in town had a thing for Clarity, though, and honestly I had no idea who she would end up with. Actually, I still don't, because even though the murder mystery is wrapped up in this book, Clarity's love life is certainly not. Ms. Harrington opened up a whole new can of worms before ending this book, making me eager to find out what happens to Clarity next, and hoping that somehow Justin will be redeemed :D
If you like books like The Body Finder, I think you will enjoy this book!
Andye
http://readingteen.net/
I enjoyed reading Clarity a lot. I actually knew from the first couple of pages that I was going to like it, because I instantly enjoyed the writing style. Clarity reminded me of other witty female Main Characters like Sophie (Hex Hall), Clary (The Mortal Instruments), and Lennie (The Sky is Everywhere) and I immediately knew I would love her. And I was right.
I have to admit that I heard a lot of hype about this book, so my expectations may have been a little too high. Although I liked it a lot, I didn't think it was absolutely amazing. It was more along the lines of a fun quick read, almost like a modernized Nancy Drew mystery with a paranormal twist.
I liked Clarity's relationship with her mother and her brother. I loved how they stuck together, worked together, and would do anything for each other. It was great to see a family that was so close. The mystery was exciting. I found myself questioning every person that Clarity spoke to, wondering if he or she was the killer. The love triangle (pentagon?) was interesting. I was actually surprised that I found myself rooting for the "cheating boyfriend" (though I have my suspicions about that). I totally expected to be on the side of the mysterious detective, Gabriel, but there was just something about Justin! It seems like all the boys in town had a thing for Clarity, though, and honestly I had no idea who she would end up with. Actually, I still don't, because even though the murder mystery is wrapped up in this book, Clarity's love life is certainly not. Ms. Harrington opened up a whole new can of worms before ending this book, making me eager to find out what happens to Clarity next, and hoping that somehow Justin will be redeemed :D
If you like books like The Body Finder, I think you will enjoy this book!
Andye
http://readingteen.net/
Clarity "Clare" Fern is a psychic who can receive messages of where an object has been by touching it. Her brother Perry talks to ghosts, and her mother can read thoughts. They run a fortune-telling business for amusement, until a girl is shot in a nearby motel and then Clare is asked to help solve the case with her ex-boyfriend Justin and the son of the new detective, Gabriel.
I really liked this book. Clare was funny and had this take-no-crap attitude. Overall the book reminded me of the Christopher Pike books I used to read as an actual teenager. It went quick and had that teen detective feel. However, I did notice, as it went on, it started to fall apart a little bit.
The relationship between Clare and Gabriel felt really rushed. I wasn't really buying it, and in the later pages, I found a few typos.Also, I felt the killer was sort of given away early. Stephen was so cruel to her on the boardwalk and then the next day, acts like her best friend and Clare doesn't question it. At that point, I had a feeling he was involved and lo-and-behold he was.
It's definitely worth a read though and I will likely move onto the next one just because I like spunky Clare so much.
I really liked this book. Clare was funny and had this take-no-crap attitude. Overall the book reminded me of the Christopher Pike books I used to read as an actual teenager. It went quick and had that teen detective feel. However, I did notice, as it went on, it started to fall apart a little bit.
The relationship between Clare and Gabriel felt really rushed. I wasn't really buying it, and in the later pages, I found a few typos.
It's definitely worth a read though and I will likely move onto the next one just because I like spunky Clare so much.
More book reviews on my blog, rhiareads
This book was so disappointing. I really feel like it could have been so good and it just... wasn't.
First, I could not stand the protagonist. Clarity "Clare" Fern is SO ANNOYING. I don't know if it's bad writing or what, but, seriously. She has no friends, apparently because she's considered a freak by everyone at school because of her psychic power, but her ability didn't manifest until puberty so why did she not have any friends before then? And why is her brother so popular when she is so shunned?
She also has a habit of constantly leaping to the worst conclusions. Whenever she suspects someone of being the killer she claims to be certain of their guilt, and jumps from one suspect to another with every tiny bit of information.
Secondly, the writing is actually pretty bad. I'll admit I've never met anyone from Massachusetts, but I'm sure real people do not talk the way the characters do in this novel. Someone literally uses the word "twit". Is that a word Americans actually use? Even us Brits don't use it that much any more. Not to mention the line "I realised from the sun's position in the sky that it was the afternoon..." like REALLY?! Who uses the sun to measure time?!
Thirdly, I'm fairly certain Clare is described as being a redhead, but she's constantly wearing pink. I know this is an odd thing to pick up on and complain about, but I'm a redhead myself and pink is the last colour I would ever wear because it looks horrendous with red hair. And "pale pink lipstick"? Not a chance.
Also I have to say whenever Perry is mentioned all I can think of is Perry the Platypus. Childish but true.
This book was so disappointing. I really feel like it could have been so good and it just... wasn't.
First, I could not stand the protagonist. Clarity "Clare" Fern is SO ANNOYING. I don't know if it's bad writing or what, but, seriously. She has no friends, apparently because she's considered a freak by everyone at school because of her psychic power, but her ability didn't manifest until puberty so why did she not have any friends before then? And why is her brother so popular when she is so shunned?
She also has a habit of constantly leaping to the worst conclusions. Whenever she suspects someone of being the killer she claims to be certain of their guilt, and jumps from one suspect to another with every tiny bit of information.
Secondly, the writing is actually pretty bad. I'll admit I've never met anyone from Massachusetts, but I'm sure real people do not talk the way the characters do in this novel. Someone literally uses the word "twit". Is that a word Americans actually use? Even us Brits don't use it that much any more. Not to mention the line "I realised from the sun's position in the sky that it was the afternoon..." like REALLY?! Who uses the sun to measure time?!
Thirdly, I'm fairly certain Clare is described as being a redhead, but she's constantly wearing pink. I know this is an odd thing to pick up on and complain about, but I'm a redhead myself and pink is the last colour I would ever wear because it looks horrendous with red hair. And "pale pink lipstick"? Not a chance.
Also I have to say whenever Perry is mentioned all I can think of is Perry the Platypus. Childish but true.
This is the first book in a long time that I read in one sitting.
A perfect mix of mystery, murder, paranormal abilities, romance and humor.The book reminded me of the good old days when there were shows like Veronica Mars on TV.Very cute and fun quick read with awesome characters and interesting story.I started with big expectations and the book didn't disappoint me.
I definitely can't wait for the next book.
4.5
A perfect mix of mystery, murder, paranormal abilities, romance and humor.The book reminded me of the good old days when there were shows like Veronica Mars on TV.Very cute and fun quick read with awesome characters and interesting story.I started with big expectations and the book didn't disappoint me.
I definitely can't wait for the next book.
4.5
AMAZING. This book caught me by the description. I am very into fantasy/sci-fi/super natural power stuff. I could really connect with Clarity, I loved her character and her entire family and friend circle. Even though its not that large.
At the end I did find it slightly predictable, it gets to a point with about, uh, 30 pages left where I was pretty sure how it was going to end.
Anyway, very good, it sounds like there will be a sequel, if that is true, I can't wait and I will be looking forward to it.
Good Juon Kim Harrington.
At the end I did find it slightly predictable, it gets to a point with about, uh, 30 pages left where I was pretty sure how it was going to end.
Anyway, very good, it sounds like there will be a sequel, if that is true, I can't wait and I will be looking forward to it.
Good Juon Kim Harrington.
CLARITY starts with a bang - literally. Kim Harrington doesn't waste any time with introductions, instead she starts at the end, with Clare in a sticky situation involving a gun and someone who's definitely not afraid to use it. From there, Harrington takes the reader back to the beginning, slowing things down and introducing a colorful cast of characters, but by the that point the reader is hooked and they uncover how Clare finds herself in this rather unfortunate situation.
I really liked the pacing of CLARITY. It clipped along at a fairly rapid pace, but I never felt like I was missing anything or like I was being pushed towards a conclusion. At less than 250 pages, Harrington successfully packs in romance, mystery, and action, which doesn't leave a lot of down time for Clare... or the reader. The only negative is that I didn't particularly want to devour this novel as quickly as I did... it makes the wait for book two seem even longer.
I thought the mystery element was well executed. It was fairly obvious that the main suspect wasn't the actual killer, but I took me quite some time to figure out who actually did the deed. I definitely knew who I didn't want the killer to be...
Apparently boys aren't dissuaded by Clare's unique abilities because they're all over her. Each of them have something different to offer Clare in terms of personality, but they all seem to have one common trait: good looks. I know who I think Clare should choose - I love "smoldering detectives" - and I'm really hoping she'll see things my way in the next installment, PERCEPTION.
CLARITY is a action packed debut and has landed Harrington's upcoming novels, including the sequel, PERCEPTION, on my list of must reads. Don't miss this action packed first installment to what could easily shape up to be a new paranormal series favorite for many YA readers.
I really liked the pacing of CLARITY. It clipped along at a fairly rapid pace, but I never felt like I was missing anything or like I was being pushed towards a conclusion. At less than 250 pages, Harrington successfully packs in romance, mystery, and action, which doesn't leave a lot of down time for Clare... or the reader. The only negative is that I didn't particularly want to devour this novel as quickly as I did... it makes the wait for book two seem even longer.
I thought the mystery element was well executed. It was fairly obvious that the main suspect wasn't the actual killer, but I took me quite some time to figure out who actually did the deed. I definitely knew who I didn't want the killer to be...
Apparently boys aren't dissuaded by Clare's unique abilities because they're all over her. Each of them have something different to offer Clare in terms of personality, but they all seem to have one common trait: good looks. I know who I think Clare should choose - I love "smoldering detectives" - and I'm really hoping she'll see things my way in the next installment, PERCEPTION.
CLARITY is a action packed debut and has landed Harrington's upcoming novels, including the sequel, PERCEPTION, on my list of must reads. Don't miss this action packed first installment to what could easily shape up to be a new paranormal series favorite for many YA readers.