Scan barcode
barbtrek's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this as an audiobook & liked the story but I think I might have liked it better if I had read it instead. The narrator paused in the middle of sentences a lot & it would throw me out of the story. My only other complaint would be that this book got a bit too graphic for my tastes. I prefer a little more glossing over of gross details. The story was good though & the characters were fleshed out enough that I cared what happened to them.
princessleopard's review against another edition
4.0
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
This is basically a police procedural with a paranormal twist. It's not the most unique thing out there - a boy has visions of death when he touches people and uses it to solve crime - but it's enjoyable enough, and there's plenty of tension throughout. Our other protagonist, an abused young girl, is very sympathetic, and I was definitely more concerned for her than anyone else in the novel.
The story does have weaknesses, though, where the premise stretches paper thin. Our main police officer drags a young boy around to a horrible crime scene and even the /coroner's office/ to get his help, which came off as pretty ridiculous (she later gets punished for this, but not nearly enough, imo). Our main villain was also pretty bland/unrealistic, in my opinion, just your average control freak serial killer. Most of the tension came from wondering about the officer's & young girl's fates, for me, than really caring if the killer got caught.
Overall, though, this was a pretty solid novel, and if you're a fan of the genre, you'll probably enjoy it.
This is basically a police procedural with a paranormal twist. It's not the most unique thing out there - a boy has visions of death when he touches people and uses it to solve crime - but it's enjoyable enough, and there's plenty of tension throughout. Our other protagonist, an abused young girl, is very sympathetic, and I was definitely more concerned for her than anyone else in the novel.
The story does have weaknesses, though, where the premise stretches paper thin. Our main police officer drags a young boy around to a horrible crime scene and even the /coroner's office/ to get his help, which came off as pretty ridiculous (she later gets punished for this, but not nearly enough, imo). Our main villain was also pretty bland/unrealistic, in my opinion, just your average control freak serial killer. Most of the tension came from wondering about the officer's & young girl's fates, for me, than really caring if the killer got caught.
Overall, though, this was a pretty solid novel, and if you're a fan of the genre, you'll probably enjoy it.
sjj169's review against another edition
4.0
When we first meet Michael Turcotte he is a very young boy and Samantha Reilly is the detective on the case of his parent's murder.
Fast forward and he is now a freshman in high school. He is living in foster care but has kept in contact with Samantha.
Michael is a very quiet boy and tries to stay under the radar at school. He doesn't have any friends because that would bring attention to him. He just exists. One day he does attract the school bullies though and they target him for abuse. Later on he has a vision of one of the bullies being killed.
He tries to find someone to believe what he saw. He tells the principal, his foster parents and Samantha. It's hard to believe when something like this takes place so no one really takes his vision seriously.
Then it comes true. Michael is angered that no one even Samantha took him seriously so that now a teenager is dead.
Samantha begins to think that Michael is right about the visions because he told every detail of the vision. So what does she do?
She takes him to a missing woman's house with her to interview the husband. Michael has another horrible vision when the man touches him.
Now this part I didn't care for. You just don't involve anyone that is not law enforcement in a case like that. Especially a teenager. I hated that part in [b:I Hunt Killers|7766027|I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent, #1)|Barry Lyga|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403s/7766027.jpg|10644152] books. However, Jason Parent does pull that storyline through in a believable way.
Another viewpoint in the story is from another teenager. A girl named Tessa. Who like Michael is very introverted and keeps to herself.
She keeps to herself because she is forced too. Her "Father" is a frigging monster.
This book reads really fast because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It blends the paranormal part of Michael's visions perfectly.
Recommended.
Book source: Gifted copy.
Fast forward and he is now a freshman in high school. He is living in foster care but has kept in contact with Samantha.
Michael is a very quiet boy and tries to stay under the radar at school. He doesn't have any friends because that would bring attention to him. He just exists. One day he does attract the school bullies though and they target him for abuse. Later on he has a vision of one of the bullies being killed.
He tries to find someone to believe what he saw. He tells the principal, his foster parents and Samantha. It's hard to believe when something like this takes place so no one really takes his vision seriously.
Then it comes true. Michael is angered that no one even Samantha took him seriously so that now a teenager is dead.
Samantha begins to think that Michael is right about the visions because he told every detail of the vision. So what does she do?
She takes him to a missing woman's house with her to interview the husband. Michael has another horrible vision when the man touches him.
Now this part I didn't care for. You just don't involve anyone that is not law enforcement in a case like that. Especially a teenager. I hated that part in [b:I Hunt Killers|7766027|I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent, #1)|Barry Lyga|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403s/7766027.jpg|10644152] books. However, Jason Parent does pull that storyline through in a believable way.
Another viewpoint in the story is from another teenager. A girl named Tessa. Who like Michael is very introverted and keeps to herself.
She keeps to herself because she is forced too. Her "Father" is a frigging monster.
This book reads really fast because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It blends the paranormal part of Michael's visions perfectly.
Recommended.
Book source: Gifted copy.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
4.0
Seeing Evil is a cross between a detective crime thriller and horror.
Sam's (Samantha) character is very much a strong one. She is independent and stubborn. She is good at her job and at times she does take quite big risks, which gets her into a whole heap of trouble from her boss.
From the first time she met Michael, when he was just a young child, there has been a bond there growing between them. In a way I think they are two lost souls who have an understanding of each other. It is obvious how much they care about each other.
Michael hasn't had the best start in life and even though he is finally settled with a new set of foster parents, after being victim to a horrible act of bullying, his whole world is about to change.
I'm sure some of us would love to be able to see the future but I think for Michael he feels like it's more like a curse. The future he see's certainly isn't of the rosy kind. Through Michael's visions, the reader can quite easily visualise for themselves what Michael is seeing, and it really isn't pleasant. Some of the visions truly horrified me and I think I was as scared and horrified as Michael was.
Tessas's character in the story was quite heartbreaking. All throughout the story I just wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be okay.
Seeing Evil is a dark and gripping novel that makes in part for a shocking read. As this is the first book I have read by the author, I'm not sure if there is any more books featuring Michael and Sam, but I for one would love to see more of them and think this could make a great series.
Many thanks to Maxine at Booklover Catlady Publicity & Reviews and the author as I won a copy of this book in a give away on Maxine's Facebook page.
Sam's (Samantha) character is very much a strong one. She is independent and stubborn. She is good at her job and at times she does take quite big risks, which gets her into a whole heap of trouble from her boss.
From the first time she met Michael, when he was just a young child, there has been a bond there growing between them. In a way I think they are two lost souls who have an understanding of each other. It is obvious how much they care about each other.
Michael hasn't had the best start in life and even though he is finally settled with a new set of foster parents, after being victim to a horrible act of bullying, his whole world is about to change.
I'm sure some of us would love to be able to see the future but I think for Michael he feels like it's more like a curse. The future he see's certainly isn't of the rosy kind. Through Michael's visions, the reader can quite easily visualise for themselves what Michael is seeing, and it really isn't pleasant. Some of the visions truly horrified me and I think I was as scared and horrified as Michael was.
Tessas's character in the story was quite heartbreaking. All throughout the story I just wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be okay.
Seeing Evil is a dark and gripping novel that makes in part for a shocking read. As this is the first book I have read by the author, I'm not sure if there is any more books featuring Michael and Sam, but I for one would love to see more of them and think this could make a great series.
Many thanks to Maxine at Booklover Catlady Publicity & Reviews and the author as I won a copy of this book in a give away on Maxine's Facebook page.
b00kr3vi3ws's review against another edition
4.0
The blurb of the book did catch my attention; however it didn’t really prepare me for the book itself.
Michael having witnessed his parents’ murder as a young child has grown up in the foster care system. He is a loner who tries his best to keep out of trouble. But then tone day trouble finds him and decides to stick with him. After experiencing a violent bullying episode, something within Michael stirs to life – an ability to see people’s future. At first people do not believe him but then his prediction comes true putting him under the spotlight. With all eyes on him, he is approached by Tessa to see her future. He can only trust and depend on Major Crimes Detective Samantha Reilly, the officer who had rescued him on the night of his parents’ murder and is the only person he has a connection with. The turn of events send Michael and Sam in pursuit of the killer. But the question is, will they catch the perpetrator before it is too late?
I loved the plot! It is really-really good. What starts as a simple story soon takes turns that will put a reader on the edge of their seats. The plot is complimented by the characters to its full potential. Michael is a kid with a sad past and as such he is easy to like. For most part his character remains true to his age. Samantha Reilly is a cop I loved as a reader. She is all business and professional until she is with Michael – that’s when we see her softer side making her more human. And then there is Tessa – a girl with a very dark secret. I found her intriguing from the very beginning. If I had to crib about anything in this book, it would be about Tessa – I wanted to know more about her.
The author has a very interesting narration style where small details make the narration even more interesting. The horrifying and gruesome scenes felt more so because of the way he has described them with great care. The visions that Michael had were different experiences on their own. I also particularly liked the way he has portrayed his characters – flawed but mostly with hope. He has covered the very important aspect of bullying – the physical and psychological effect it can have on the victims. There is ample action and drama with a fast pace to keep the readers engaged.
To round it up, I would like to say that I will watch out for more from this author and in the meantime, I would like you guys to give this book a try.
Michael having witnessed his parents’ murder as a young child has grown up in the foster care system. He is a loner who tries his best to keep out of trouble. But then tone day trouble finds him and decides to stick with him. After experiencing a violent bullying episode, something within Michael stirs to life – an ability to see people’s future. At first people do not believe him but then his prediction comes true putting him under the spotlight. With all eyes on him, he is approached by Tessa to see her future. He can only trust and depend on Major Crimes Detective Samantha Reilly, the officer who had rescued him on the night of his parents’ murder and is the only person he has a connection with. The turn of events send Michael and Sam in pursuit of the killer. But the question is, will they catch the perpetrator before it is too late?
I loved the plot! It is really-really good. What starts as a simple story soon takes turns that will put a reader on the edge of their seats. The plot is complimented by the characters to its full potential. Michael is a kid with a sad past and as such he is easy to like. For most part his character remains true to his age. Samantha Reilly is a cop I loved as a reader. She is all business and professional until she is with Michael – that’s when we see her softer side making her more human. And then there is Tessa – a girl with a very dark secret. I found her intriguing from the very beginning. If I had to crib about anything in this book, it would be about Tessa – I wanted to know more about her.
The author has a very interesting narration style where small details make the narration even more interesting. The horrifying and gruesome scenes felt more so because of the way he has described them with great care. The visions that Michael had were different experiences on their own. I also particularly liked the way he has portrayed his characters – flawed but mostly with hope. He has covered the very important aspect of bullying – the physical and psychological effect it can have on the victims. There is ample action and drama with a fast pace to keep the readers engaged.
To round it up, I would like to say that I will watch out for more from this author and in the meantime, I would like you guys to give this book a try.
dustin_frueh7921's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: Jason is a friend of mine, but even if he wasn't, my opinions would stand. The writing is excellent, his characters are finely developed and there are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Add to all that a sadistic antagonist who's unlike any I've encountered and you've got a top notch, edge-of-seat paranormal thriller. Not for the faint of heart.
I mentioned the writing, which is refined and precise, but there's one paragraph in particular that I had to include, if only because it has stuck with me in the intervening months since I finished this book. It's been a month. It is not only my favorite passage, but the creativity and uniqueness of it must be commended. Phenomenal writing, Jason!
As good as that it, the author builds upon it in the next paragraph, in ways that are incredibly profound and awe-inspiring.
The only qualms I had were with the premonitions themselves And because of this, the denouement felt far too easy. Earlier in the novel, some of the details make the protagonist's job harder, and tells us that He also didn't wrap everything up with neat bow ties, which leaves some things open.
4.5 stars
I mentioned the writing, which is refined and precise, but there's one paragraph in particular that I had to include, if only because it has stuck with me in the intervening months since I finished this book. It's been a month. It is not only my favorite passage, but the creativity and uniqueness of it must be commended. Phenomenal writing, Jason!
The house was more bisymmetrical than a human face and sort of looked like one, too. Windows on each side of the front door served as its eyes, gazing upon the outside world while their shutter-lids kept the outside from looking in. The door was its long, flat nose, the stairs its clenched teeth.Not a face. A skull.
As good as that it, the author builds upon it in the next paragraph, in ways that are incredibly profound and awe-inspiring.
The only qualms I had were with the premonitions themselves
Spoiler
and the fact that, for the most part, what Michael sees turns out to be reality.Spoiler
his visions aren't always reliable, but in the end, he pretty much knew what was going to happen (all that was missing were some of the how's and why's) and so the obstacles were a lot easier to overcome. One aspect of it that I did appreciate and respect was Jason's unwillingness to give it a happy ending. That's right, Tessa bludgeoned his pitiful being to death in all its glory, and it was grand, in a wholly morbid manner.4.5 stars
cherie_amor's review against another edition
5.0
I need more Detective Sam Reilly in my life. Tough, confident, wicked brilliant and a soft side thats reserved only for a teenage boy with more issues than the average adolescent. She stood out in What Hides Within and I was thrilled that Parent said we'd see her again. Was not disappointed. This whole story was fantastic. I've never omg'd so much in my life.
charshorrorcorner's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a police procedural/thriller/psychological horror story-it doesn't neatly fit into any category except for: "damn fine read".
I usually don't get into the plot too much, since the synopsis already does that, but (briefly)- this is a story about a "hard as nails" police detective, (Samantha), who helps to rescue a boy, (Michael), from a murder scene and then kind of keeps an eye on him as he grows up in the foster family system. Fast forward to his early teens and the discovery that when he touches certain people, he sees visions of their deaths and the visions come true.
As we've seen in stories like The Dead Zone by The King, people that have these kinds of visions rarely do well and young Michael is no exception. What happens when he sees in his visions a young girl about to kill her father and another where Samantha, the only stable thing in his life, is about to die? You'll have to read this book to find out.
This story had excellent pacing, great characters and moments that were truly chilling. I think where Jason Parent's writing really shined was in his description and characterization of the villain, Christopher Masterson. This dude was a bad guy in every sense. I've read about a LOT of bad guys, but this one was right up there with the worst deviants of all time.
The only issues I had with the story were with believability-there were two sections where I think my suspension of disbelief was stretched to the max. I'm having a little trouble overlooking them, so I deducted one star as a result.
Overall, this was a fun and suspenseful thriller and one that I have no trouble recommending to fans of such. Jason is a good author and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.
Recommended to fans of thrillers and psychological horror!
*I received a free copy of this book via Red Adapt Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
I usually don't get into the plot too much, since the synopsis already does that, but (briefly)- this is a story about a "hard as nails" police detective, (Samantha), who helps to rescue a boy, (Michael), from a murder scene and then kind of keeps an eye on him as he grows up in the foster family system. Fast forward to his early teens and the discovery that when he touches certain people, he sees visions of their deaths and the visions come true.
As we've seen in stories like The Dead Zone by The King, people that have these kinds of visions rarely do well and young Michael is no exception. What happens when he sees in his visions a young girl about to kill her father and another where Samantha, the only stable thing in his life, is about to die? You'll have to read this book to find out.
This story had excellent pacing, great characters and moments that were truly chilling. I think where Jason Parent's writing really shined was in his description and characterization of the villain, Christopher Masterson. This dude was a bad guy in every sense. I've read about a LOT of bad guys, but this one was right up there with the worst deviants of all time.
The only issues I had with the story were with believability-there were two sections where I think my suspension of disbelief was stretched to the max. I'm having a little trouble overlooking them, so I deducted one star as a result.
Overall, this was a fun and suspenseful thriller and one that I have no trouble recommending to fans of such. Jason is a good author and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.
Recommended to fans of thrillers and psychological horror!
*I received a free copy of this book via Red Adapt Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
lauriereadslohf's review against another edition
4.0
This review and the rest of the crap I write can be seen @ my blog Bark's Book Nonsense . Stop by and say hey.
Seeing Evil is a book about the evil human beings inflict on one another. It’s more thriller than horror but has a few disturbing scenes that fall more into the horror realm.
Michael was tragically orphaned as a young boy. Now he’s a teen living with foster parents and dealing with the typical cruelties and horrors of high school. He’s quiet, keeps his head down and minds his own business but one day he finds himself the target of one of the biggest bullies in the school. This scene is horrifying and too well written, if you ask me. I felt like I was in that bathroom stall with unfortunate Michael and, eww, I did not want to be there! Later Michael has a dark and dire vision that eventually comes true. He confides in his police detective friend, Samantha, and she later uses this information to guide her in an investigation.
And this is where I had a problem. The writing is good and the teen characters are amazingly well drawn. You really feel for them. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Samantha using Michael, pretty much without his ok, to help her catch a killer bothered the hell out of me. This poor kid had already lived through hell and here she was forcing him to see things he should never have to see. Once? Okay, I get it. But again and again, after he tells her he doesn’t want to do it? Well, that is completely awful no matter her motives.
I listened to this book as an unabridged audio but I’d suggest you read it as a paperback. I felt the female narrator gave a flat performance and didn’t do justice to the material and it took me way too long to warm up to her voice.
Those two things aside, the book was a creepy and disturbing read with characters you will care about. The story gets a four, the narration a three so I guess I’m ending with a 3 ½.
Seeing Evil is a book about the evil human beings inflict on one another. It’s more thriller than horror but has a few disturbing scenes that fall more into the horror realm.
Michael was tragically orphaned as a young boy. Now he’s a teen living with foster parents and dealing with the typical cruelties and horrors of high school. He’s quiet, keeps his head down and minds his own business but one day he finds himself the target of one of the biggest bullies in the school. This scene is horrifying and too well written, if you ask me. I felt like I was in that bathroom stall with unfortunate Michael and, eww, I did not want to be there! Later Michael has a dark and dire vision that eventually comes true. He confides in his police detective friend, Samantha, and she later uses this information to guide her in an investigation.
And this is where I had a problem. The writing is good and the teen characters are amazingly well drawn. You really feel for them. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Samantha using Michael, pretty much without his ok, to help her catch a killer bothered the hell out of me. This poor kid had already lived through hell and here she was forcing him to see things he should never have to see. Once? Okay, I get it. But again and again, after he tells her he doesn’t want to do it? Well, that is completely awful no matter her motives.
I listened to this book as an unabridged audio but I’d suggest you read it as a paperback. I felt the female narrator gave a flat performance and didn’t do justice to the material and it took me way too long to warm up to her voice.
Those two things aside, the book was a creepy and disturbing read with characters you will care about. The story gets a four, the narration a three so I guess I’m ending with a 3 ½.
avoraciousreader68's review
5.0
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Samantha “Sam” Reilly has taken a special interest in Michael Turcotte for 11 years, ever since she investigated the murder-suicide of his parents when he was three and he was found at the scene. In the topsy turvy revolving door of foster families, Sam is the one constant in his life. He counts on her to always tell him the truth and she tries to help him whenever she can. When some school bullies trigger an ability to see how people will die, no one believes him. Not even Sam. However, when his vision comes true, Sam reassesses the situation and enlists his help to see if it was a one off or something that’s here to stay. In the meantime, when desperate classmate Tessa Masterson asks Michael to look into her future he’s shocked by what he sees. He has no idea that one touch will change his, Tessa’s and Sam’s lives. Michael can see how a person dies, but can he change that future?
Holy shit, the feels are strong in this story! Acknowledging that this book is suspense with a paranormal slant is one thing, but knowing that there are people out there that actually do this kind of shit to others wrings the heart to a pulpy mess. Jason Parent tortures us right alongside his characters. The world building is excellent and very real. The characters are so lifelike you just want to wrap them in a warm fuzzy blanket, hug the shit outta them and tell them it’s going to be ok even if it’s obviously a lie. Monsters are real and they aren’t supernatural in this world. The villain of this tale is shudder-worthy. Seriously. Yeeeeee! And while I like Michael and Tessa, I think my favorite character is Sam. The no-nonsense detective who has a soft spot for a toddler she rescued from a bad scene. And the message that Michael provides at the end? It’s something I firmly believe. While this book has very definite closure, I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel in the future.
Detective Samantha “Sam” Reilly has taken a special interest in Michael Turcotte for 11 years, ever since she investigated the murder-suicide of his parents when he was three and he was found at the scene. In the topsy turvy revolving door of foster families, Sam is the one constant in his life. He counts on her to always tell him the truth and she tries to help him whenever she can. When some school bullies trigger an ability to see how people will die, no one believes him. Not even Sam. However, when his vision comes true, Sam reassesses the situation and enlists his help to see if it was a one off or something that’s here to stay. In the meantime, when desperate classmate Tessa Masterson asks Michael to look into her future he’s shocked by what he sees. He has no idea that one touch will change his, Tessa’s and Sam’s lives. Michael can see how a person dies, but can he change that future?
Holy shit, the feels are strong in this story! Acknowledging that this book is suspense with a paranormal slant is one thing, but knowing that there are people out there that actually do this kind of shit to others wrings the heart to a pulpy mess. Jason Parent tortures us right alongside his characters. The world building is excellent and very real. The characters are so lifelike you just want to wrap them in a warm fuzzy blanket, hug the shit outta them and tell them it’s going to be ok even if it’s obviously a lie. Monsters are real and they aren’t supernatural in this world. The villain of this tale is shudder-worthy. Seriously. Yeeeeee! And while I like Michael and Tessa, I think my favorite character is Sam. The no-nonsense detective who has a soft spot for a toddler she rescued from a bad scene. And the message that Michael provides at the end? It’s something I firmly believe. While this book has very definite closure, I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel in the future.