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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
First of all, I don’t like the cover. It’s misleading. It specifically says in the book that Clare is a red-head, but the cover model has blonde hair. Even if not for that, I’d still say it’s quite generic.
I really liked the paranormal aspect of this book. Instead of being something not human, Clare and her family were just humans with supernatural abilities. Clare was a great character too. She was strong and sarcastic, but not rebellious. I also liked how both male love interests were 100% human—at least as far as I know—and Clare was unsure about her feeling for both of them.
The mystery was great. I’m usually very good at predicting, which is why I don’t often read mysteries. But in Clarity, the plot kept twisting and turning. You think you know who did it, then the evidence points to someone else. Although I came very close, I didn’t even predict who the murderer was!
But this book was not without its flaws. Why was Clare labeled as a “freak” and had no friends, but Perry, who had supernatural abilities too, was popular? Why did Tiffany have to be such a stereotypical mean girl? Can’t we have a unique, layered female antagonist for once? And why did Clare’s mother agree to let her teenage daughter investigate a murder? I know she wasn’t entirely your typical parent, but she seemed too sheltering to allow that.
Overall, Clarity was a quick, fun paranormal mystery. It’s not the next groundbreaker of the YA market, but I liked it. I don’t think the story needs to be continued, but since there were some questions left unanswered, I’m going to read Perception when it comes out in 2012.
I really liked the paranormal aspect of this book. Instead of being something not human, Clare and her family were just humans with supernatural abilities. Clare was a great character too. She was strong and sarcastic, but not rebellious. I also liked how both male love interests were 100% human—at least as far as I know—and Clare was unsure about her feeling for both of them.
The mystery was great. I’m usually very good at predicting, which is why I don’t often read mysteries. But in Clarity, the plot kept twisting and turning. You think you know who did it, then the evidence points to someone else. Although I came very close, I didn’t even predict who the murderer was!
But this book was not without its flaws. Why was Clare labeled as a “freak” and had no friends, but Perry, who had supernatural abilities too, was popular? Why did Tiffany have to be such a stereotypical mean girl? Can’t we have a unique, layered female antagonist for once? And why did Clare’s mother agree to let her teenage daughter investigate a murder? I know she wasn’t entirely your typical parent, but she seemed too sheltering to allow that.
Overall, Clarity was a quick, fun paranormal mystery. It’s not the next groundbreaker of the YA market, but I liked it. I don’t think the story needs to be continued, but since there were some questions left unanswered, I’m going to read Perception when it comes out in 2012.
Clarity can see visions of things. Things that have happened to the people wearing or using a certain object. She's not normal, and to everyone around her, she is 'The Freak'. But when a murder is committed, Clare's abilities may come in handy. She's determined to prove that she isn't a fraud, and that her power can be useful, but it doesn't always work when she wants it to. When her brother becomes prime suspect in the murder, she needs it more than ever. But will it work for her?
I enjoyed this book. It was a short quick read, which was exactly what I was looking for.
The characters in the book were my favourite part of the book, because while the plot was good, it wasn't amazing. Anyways, back to the characters.
Clare was a strong main character and I enjoyed reading the book from her point of view. She was extremely loyal to her brother and her mum, and I admire that. But, then again, it is hard to keep things from your mother if she can read you mind. Just saying'...
There was a small love triangle, between Clare, Justin (her ex) and Gabriel (the new boy in town). I prefer Justin, he is so sweet, and it's so obvious how much he is in love with her, and I couldn't help but get annoyed with Clare for being so mean and unforgiving. But Gabriel, I don't know about him, he's a little odd... He comes into town and hates Clare, and then suddenly he's giving up trying to hate her and is in love with her... I don't know, sounds a bit too much like Edward Cullen for me. Only Edward is allowed to hate and then love so quickly ;)
As I said before, the characters were stronger than the plot for me. While the plot wasn't awful, it wasn't amazing either. It was predictable, until there was a twist, but then it went right back to being predictable again. I was very proud of myself, as I guessed who did the murder, but then there was a twist, and I changed my mind. So I sort of guessed, but not really :L
Clarity is a strong debut novel and I really enjoyed reading it. It's a quick read, only 250 pages long, but if that's what you're looking for, it's perfect.
I enjoyed this book. It was a short quick read, which was exactly what I was looking for.
The characters in the book were my favourite part of the book, because while the plot was good, it wasn't amazing. Anyways, back to the characters.
Clare was a strong main character and I enjoyed reading the book from her point of view. She was extremely loyal to her brother and her mum, and I admire that. But, then again, it is hard to keep things from your mother if she can read you mind. Just saying'...
There was a small love triangle, between Clare, Justin (her ex) and Gabriel (the new boy in town). I prefer Justin, he is so sweet, and it's so obvious how much he is in love with her, and I couldn't help but get annoyed with Clare for being so mean and unforgiving. But Gabriel, I don't know about him, he's a little odd... He comes into town and hates Clare, and then suddenly he's giving up trying to hate her and is in love with her... I don't know, sounds a bit too much like Edward Cullen for me. Only Edward is allowed to hate and then love so quickly ;)
As I said before, the characters were stronger than the plot for me. While the plot wasn't awful, it wasn't amazing either. It was predictable, until there was a twist, but then it went right back to being predictable again. I was very proud of myself, as I guessed who did the murder, but then there was a twist, and I changed my mind. So I sort of guessed, but not really :L
Clarity is a strong debut novel and I really enjoyed reading it. It's a quick read, only 250 pages long, but if that's what you're looking for, it's perfect.
I thought the mystery itself was pretty good compared to your usual psychic mystery. It was very girlie, with a minor love triangle and some friendship issues. Clare is not my new favorite detective, in part because her psychic abilities didn't play that big a role. If there's going to be a psychic, can we have some more fun with her powers?
Loved it! Cant wait for the sequel.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
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.
http://acrossthepages.blogspot.com/2011/09/charity.html
Main character Clarity(Clare) is a psychic, her brother a medium and her mother a telepath. They own a small "business" where they do readings for tourists. But when a girl is found murdered, Clare must put her powers to the test and catch the murderer.
I loved Clarity so so much!! Harrington's writing is amazing, smart and to the the point. The mystery part of the story is very good, although I must admit I kept anticipating for it to be royally screwed up, but thankfully it wasn't. Maybe you don't get the heart-stopping revelation at the end, suspects after all are few as this is a small town, but that doesn't mean you won't be surprised. Harrington will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end, no doubt about it!
Clare is someone you like right from the start, from the very first sentence. She is clever, with a great sense of humor, loving and caring, even to the people who hurt her in the past.
Her mother and brother are also very likeable. You can't imagine my relief when I realized that her mother is not a controlling know-it-all, who doesn't tell her daughter anything for fear of "hurting her" and that her brother is not an over-protective jerk. They are normal people, a normal family. Well, except for their psychic abilities. But that's all the paranormal you'll get in Clarity. What I mean is, there is no unnecessary drama and hysteria going on,which let's face it, gets a little old after a while. They just live their lives like every other person.
Which means of course, that Clare, being a normal teenager, falls in love with the new guy in town, whom she investigates the murder with.
However, she is trying really hard to get over things that hurt her in the past, along with her ex boyfriend that caused them. Is she willing to take that step forward and start trusting someone new, or does she decide life is too short to hold grudges?
Once in a while, a book comes screaming right at me not to lose my faith in YA.That not all YA books are all glamour and sparkle on the outside and absolutely nothing on the inside. Turns out Clarity, is one of those books.Loved it :D
I loved Clarity so so much!! Harrington's writing is amazing, smart and to the the point. The mystery part of the story is very good, although I must admit I kept anticipating for it to be royally screwed up, but thankfully it wasn't. Maybe you don't get the heart-stopping revelation at the end, suspects after all are few as this is a small town, but that doesn't mean you won't be surprised. Harrington will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end, no doubt about it!
Clare is someone you like right from the start, from the very first sentence. She is clever, with a great sense of humor, loving and caring, even to the people who hurt her in the past.
Her mother and brother are also very likeable. You can't imagine my relief when I realized that her mother is not a controlling know-it-all, who doesn't tell her daughter anything for fear of "hurting her" and that her brother is not an over-protective jerk. They are normal people, a normal family. Well, except for their psychic abilities. But that's all the paranormal you'll get in Clarity. What I mean is, there is no unnecessary drama and hysteria going on,which let's face it, gets a little old after a while. They just live their lives like every other person.
Which means of course, that Clare, being a normal teenager, falls in love with the new guy in town, whom she investigates the murder with.
However, she is trying really hard to get over things that hurt her in the past, along with her ex boyfriend that caused them. Is she willing to take that step forward and start trusting someone new, or does she decide life is too short to hold grudges?
Once in a while, a book comes screaming right at me not to lose my faith in YA.That not all YA books are all glamour and sparkle on the outside and absolutely nothing on the inside. Turns out Clarity, is one of those books.Loved it :D
Clarity can touch certain objects and a vision will come to her. She is a psychic. Well, her whole family is. When a tourist in her hometown, Cape Cod, is murdered, the mayor turns to Clarity to help them solve the mystery.
This book was good. I don’t read many crime/mystery novels because there are just too many on TV these days, so I wasn’t expecting how excited I got when I thought I knew who the killer was. What I loved most was probably the way Harrington almost made every single character a suspect at one point or another. You truly did not know the actual character who killed the tourist until the end.
Clarity was a fantastic character. She was headstrong and devoted. I really loved how her character developed through the plot. Harrington did a wonderful job at describing Justin and Clare’s relationship. It depicted how Clarity was a leader, very inspiring. However with Gabriel and Clare’s relationship, it was a rollercoaster. At first Gabriel was nice, but then you flipped a switch and he was mean, then back again. He was like that for most of the novel. Changing his view about Clare every chapter or so did get annoying but after he finally told his story, it made a lot more sense. Nate, Clare’s and her brother’s friend, was one of my favorites. He was funny, sweet, and loyal (and can I say, “Yummy”). I wish I had got to see him much more in the book, but there is a sequel (I’ll be definitely on the lookout for him in that one). I am jealous of Clare and Perry’s relationship together. Perry is Clare’s brother, a player, who still can act as the protective brother type while picking up girls. I liked that Perry could only come forth with his dark secret to his sister, no one else. I also felt that when I read, I was a part of Clare’s family. It really helped bring the story to life.
Kim Harrington’s writing was exact and lovely. Through her writing, I felt that Clare’s voice came through. Her emotions, more than anything, definitely shined. The ending was shocking. I may be wrong, but if you’re reading a mystery novel and the ending isn’t shocking, then it’s probably not a good mystery novel. I wasn’t expecting that character to show up at the end at all. I loved the entire guessing game throughout the book.
Overall, this book was pretty good. It’s filled with twists and turns, up and downs, and even a killer thrown into the mix. If you like crime/mystery novels than this may be the book for you.
This book was good. I don’t read many crime/mystery novels because there are just too many on TV these days, so I wasn’t expecting how excited I got when I thought I knew who the killer was. What I loved most was probably the way Harrington almost made every single character a suspect at one point or another. You truly did not know the actual character who killed the tourist until the end.
Clarity was a fantastic character. She was headstrong and devoted. I really loved how her character developed through the plot. Harrington did a wonderful job at describing Justin and Clare’s relationship. It depicted how Clarity was a leader, very inspiring. However with Gabriel and Clare’s relationship, it was a rollercoaster. At first Gabriel was nice, but then you flipped a switch and he was mean, then back again. He was like that for most of the novel. Changing his view about Clare every chapter or so did get annoying but after he finally told his story, it made a lot more sense. Nate, Clare’s and her brother’s friend, was one of my favorites. He was funny, sweet, and loyal (and can I say, “Yummy”). I wish I had got to see him much more in the book, but there is a sequel (I’ll be definitely on the lookout for him in that one). I am jealous of Clare and Perry’s relationship together. Perry is Clare’s brother, a player, who still can act as the protective brother type while picking up girls. I liked that Perry could only come forth with his dark secret to his sister, no one else. I also felt that when I read, I was a part of Clare’s family. It really helped bring the story to life.
Kim Harrington’s writing was exact and lovely. Through her writing, I felt that Clare’s voice came through. Her emotions, more than anything, definitely shined. The ending was shocking. I may be wrong, but if you’re reading a mystery novel and the ending isn’t shocking, then it’s probably not a good mystery novel. I wasn’t expecting that character to show up at the end at all. I loved the entire guessing game throughout the book.
Overall, this book was pretty good. It’s filled with twists and turns, up and downs, and even a killer thrown into the mix. If you like crime/mystery novels than this may be the book for you.
Absolutely AMAZING! That pretty much sums up my feelings on Clarity by Kim Harrington. I started it in a day and sat down and read it all day until I finished it. The first chapter had me very intrigued and it offered up some clues about who the killer could be, it also made me want to get to that part of the book. It’s not every day that I actually enjoy a book that starts with part of the ending first, I find that it often annoys me but in Clarity I thought it well fitting.
I liked Clarity as a character and I found her brother Perry to be an interesting specimen too. In fact, all of the characters had their own little secrets and part of the excitement of the book was finding these secrets out. Not everybody’s secrets were let out of the bag however and I have a feeling that in some character’s secrets/ things that happened there is more than meets the eye.
Anyway, back to Clarity. She is just a really awesome character in that she stands her ground when it comes to her beliefs and ideals and I respect that. I found Clarity to be incredibly relatable and really well developed.
As far as the romantic side of this book goes, I honestly wasn’t a fan of either of the two boys vying for Clarity’s affection but there was another guy who just seemed so great. I am kind of hoping that maybe in a later book she will end up with him? Who knows? I know I can’t wait to read on to find out.
The whole psychic angle was very very well played out too. I love psychics in books and I just love how they were in Clarity because they seemed realistic. I didn’t feel the psychic thing was overdone but I did love it when Clarity used her psychic ability. I think of the three family members Clarity’s mum, Starla had the coolest ability. The others’ were very cool too however.
There is just so much going on in Clarity but it didn’t feel like everything was swarming in and overpowering everything else; it felt like there was just the right balance of everything. That includes the hints of who the murderer is. I felt there were enough clues that kept me entertained and I could figure out half of what had happened but I was surprised at the other half of it.
The ending of Clarity alludes to more of what could be happening in the next book, Perception and it is unfortunate for me that it does not come out for quite a while.
Overall, Clarity is one freaking fantastic book and definitely a favourite of 2011 for me. In fact, it has just become my favourite book of 2011 so far. If you love murder mysteries and a dash of psychic you will absolutely adore Clarity just as I did.
I liked Clarity as a character and I found her brother Perry to be an interesting specimen too. In fact, all of the characters had their own little secrets and part of the excitement of the book was finding these secrets out. Not everybody’s secrets were let out of the bag however and I have a feeling that in some character’s secrets/ things that happened there is more than meets the eye.
Anyway, back to Clarity. She is just a really awesome character in that she stands her ground when it comes to her beliefs and ideals and I respect that. I found Clarity to be incredibly relatable and really well developed.
As far as the romantic side of this book goes, I honestly wasn’t a fan of either of the two boys vying for Clarity’s affection but there was another guy who just seemed so great. I am kind of hoping that maybe in a later book she will end up with him? Who knows? I know I can’t wait to read on to find out.
The whole psychic angle was very very well played out too. I love psychics in books and I just love how they were in Clarity because they seemed realistic. I didn’t feel the psychic thing was overdone but I did love it when Clarity used her psychic ability. I think of the three family members Clarity’s mum, Starla had the coolest ability. The others’ were very cool too however.
There is just so much going on in Clarity but it didn’t feel like everything was swarming in and overpowering everything else; it felt like there was just the right balance of everything. That includes the hints of who the murderer is. I felt there were enough clues that kept me entertained and I could figure out half of what had happened but I was surprised at the other half of it.
The ending of Clarity alludes to more of what could be happening in the next book, Perception and it is unfortunate for me that it does not come out for quite a while.
Overall, Clarity is one freaking fantastic book and definitely a favourite of 2011 for me. In fact, it has just become my favourite book of 2011 so far. If you love murder mysteries and a dash of psychic you will absolutely adore Clarity just as I did.