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scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
5.0
If you like:
-Mysterious small town vibe
-Slytherin leads solving crimes
-Mysteries, twists and thrills, mixed with the paranormal, stretching back years.
-Captivating, developed characters.
-Dynamic relationships filled with snark
-A world to get lost in
Then Cainsville is that series.
-Mysterious small town vibe
-Slytherin leads solving crimes
-Mysteries, twists and thrills, mixed with the paranormal, stretching back years.
-Captivating, developed characters.
-Dynamic relationships filled with snark
-A world to get lost in
Then Cainsville is that series.
misshugsalot's review against another edition
4.0
2.5 for the series in its entirety. This started as a good story. It had few good elements, but it was ruined by the author's choice to stretch it beyond what's necessary. And the romance!! just horrible.
aprylreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is the start of a fantastic new series. I really wasn't sure what to expect but I knew from Kelley Armstrong it would another great story. Omens doesn't let you down, there may not be any werewolves but its still action packed. A must read!
joliendelandsheer's review against another edition
4.0
Review on my blog The Fictional Reader
I got this from the library on a whim. I’d heard about the series and the author before, but I couldn’t really recall whether what I’d heard was good or not. But I read the synopsis and thought it looked really interesting! I usually read fantasy, so sometimes it’s great to switch up genres. I definitely don’t regret doing so!
PLOT
Alright, let’s talk about the actual story first. I didn’t really know much about this book before starting it, aside from the fact that it was about a woman called Olivia, who discovers she’s adopted and her biological parents are infamous serial killers. And I think that’s the way to go into this book! That way, you really let the story take you along while you discover strange events alongside Olivia.
I honestly don’t really know how to describe this story. It’s a mystery/crime novel but it also has some intriguing paranormal twists? I really enjoyed the crime part first of all. I didn’t see the ending coming, far from it actually. I am curious to see how Olivia will handle her biological parents’ now that this twists has come! So the crime part was really great, it definitely kept me on my toes the entire time.
As for the paranormal part, I wish that was delved into more. You get all these tiny little snippets and hints, which is a nice added mystery but so little is explained! So I’m definitely curious to see whether that’s explored more in the second book. Especially about the Cainsville town. What’s going on? I have no clue. I did like that sometimes we get alternating POVs. Sometimes it’ll be someone Olivia crosses on the street or meets, which is SO INTERESTING. And sometimes it’s Gabriel, who is a very confusing person. More on that later.
I have to admit that I think there was maybe a bit too much crammed into this book. You have the giant murder-mystery crime which turns into a detective-part, but then you also have the paranormal side to it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the mix of mystery and paranormal. I think that with the crime part though, there were just a bit too many tropes involved? You’ll understand when you get to the end and discover a part of what’s happening. Because there is just so much going on, it’s impossible for Kelley Armstrong to fully develop each part, in my opinion. If you’ve read this book, let me know what you think of this!
CHARACTERS
Let’s start with Olivia, shall we? I really enjoyed her. She’s definitely a strong woman. She doesn’t just give up when her life goes to hell, but she’s not afraid to admit that she really wants some help from the people in her life. Her determination is incredible. She’s a Harvard graduate (I think) but has never actually worked -because apparently, that wouldn’t be acceptable to her mother and fiance.
When her life gets turned upside down, she wallows in pity for a few days. Which let be real, we’d all do. But then, she decides to find out the truth. And once she sets her mind on something, she’s pretty much unstoppable. I don’t want to say too much, but I just want to admit that I admire her. She’s all alone with almost no money, but doesn’t take crap from anyone. Instead, she looks for a job and a house/apartment and gets to work. I also like how she dealt with Gabriel, who let’s be real is a person who would do anything for money. But she deals with him perfectly.
One downside reading from her point of view, is that she is sometimes well, a bit heartless. And cold. Which is kind of terrifying to read really. But overall, really enjoyed her as a character!
Then there is Gabriel, who helps Olivia. I don’t know whether I like him. I truly haven’t made up my mind. He’s a very complex person! And then you have all these other fascinating characters, like Patrick, a Cainsville inhabitant. And Olivia’s biological mom! And her actual mom -who is a horrid person, just saying. Her fiance, who is also a horrid person -sorry.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Like I said before, this book surprised me! I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I liked the plot -even though it was a bit much at times. I liked the characters, because they are all so fascinating and all have their own secrets and schemes. I’m really interested to see what book #2 has in store for me. I do hope that the paranormal side gets explored more in that one, because it was so interesting but not that present here! Besides, I’m very intrigued to find out more on the reason this book was called Omens -don’t want to spoil anything here
I got this from the library on a whim. I’d heard about the series and the author before, but I couldn’t really recall whether what I’d heard was good or not. But I read the synopsis and thought it looked really interesting! I usually read fantasy, so sometimes it’s great to switch up genres. I definitely don’t regret doing so!
PLOT
Alright, let’s talk about the actual story first. I didn’t really know much about this book before starting it, aside from the fact that it was about a woman called Olivia, who discovers she’s adopted and her biological parents are infamous serial killers. And I think that’s the way to go into this book! That way, you really let the story take you along while you discover strange events alongside Olivia.
I honestly don’t really know how to describe this story. It’s a mystery/crime novel but it also has some intriguing paranormal twists? I really enjoyed the crime part first of all. I didn’t see the ending coming, far from it actually. I am curious to see how Olivia will handle her biological parents’ now that this twists has come! So the crime part was really great, it definitely kept me on my toes the entire time.
As for the paranormal part, I wish that was delved into more. You get all these tiny little snippets and hints, which is a nice added mystery but so little is explained! So I’m definitely curious to see whether that’s explored more in the second book. Especially about the Cainsville town. What’s going on? I have no clue. I did like that sometimes we get alternating POVs. Sometimes it’ll be someone Olivia crosses on the street or meets, which is SO INTERESTING. And sometimes it’s Gabriel, who is a very confusing person. More on that later.
I have to admit that I think there was maybe a bit too much crammed into this book. You have the giant murder-mystery crime which turns into a detective-part, but then you also have the paranormal side to it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the mix of mystery and paranormal. I think that with the crime part though, there were just a bit too many tropes involved? You’ll understand when you get to the end and discover a part of what’s happening. Because there is just so much going on, it’s impossible for Kelley Armstrong to fully develop each part, in my opinion. If you’ve read this book, let me know what you think of this!
CHARACTERS
Let’s start with Olivia, shall we? I really enjoyed her. She’s definitely a strong woman. She doesn’t just give up when her life goes to hell, but she’s not afraid to admit that she really wants some help from the people in her life. Her determination is incredible. She’s a Harvard graduate (I think) but has never actually worked -because apparently, that wouldn’t be acceptable to her mother and fiance.
When her life gets turned upside down, she wallows in pity for a few days. Which let be real, we’d all do. But then, she decides to find out the truth. And once she sets her mind on something, she’s pretty much unstoppable. I don’t want to say too much, but I just want to admit that I admire her. She’s all alone with almost no money, but doesn’t take crap from anyone. Instead, she looks for a job and a house/apartment and gets to work. I also like how she dealt with Gabriel, who let’s be real is a person who would do anything for money. But she deals with him perfectly.
One downside reading from her point of view, is that she is sometimes well, a bit heartless. And cold. Which is kind of terrifying to read really. But overall, really enjoyed her as a character!
Then there is Gabriel, who helps Olivia. I don’t know whether I like him. I truly haven’t made up my mind. He’s a very complex person! And then you have all these other fascinating characters, like Patrick, a Cainsville inhabitant. And Olivia’s biological mom! And her actual mom -who is a horrid person, just saying. Her fiance, who is also a horrid person -sorry.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Like I said before, this book surprised me! I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I liked the plot -even though it was a bit much at times. I liked the characters, because they are all so fascinating and all have their own secrets and schemes. I’m really interested to see what book #2 has in store for me. I do hope that the paranormal side gets explored more in that one, because it was so interesting but not that present here! Besides, I’m very intrigued to find out more on the reason this book was called Omens -don’t want to spoil anything here
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for BookClub (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: Solid beginning to a new series! Who knew Omens could be a great foundation for a story?
Story Thoughts:Omens was a fantastic read filled with brilliant hooks/twists/turns that I just didn't see coming. I loved how the Omens were woven into the fabric of the pages becoming part of the story instead of over-powering it. The town of Cainsville was also interesting and I totally believe there is a lot of story left to come where the town is concerned. I really liked that Kelley weaved in the architecture and essence of the town into the story. I love when you feel like you are there. Overall, this is only my 2nd Kelley Armstrong book but it won't be last!
Character Thoughts: Oh Olivia! I wish that it didn't take so long to warm up to you. I just felt you were being to careless/naive where finances were concerned. I don't think you got what it took to really live on your own was concerned. In fact, even though you are a waitress and don't have a great apartment-- you still managed to land on your feet so no real "world" lesson really learned. You did grow on me with your smarts and perseverance. I just know that in the next book that I will adore you because by the end you seemed to have grown. Gabriel, on the other hand, I totally adored. He reminded me of Finn from the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep. He was just arrogant, self-assured, and a rascal! :) The town folk were interesting and so were Olivia's mom(s)! I have a feeling the characters will totally grow on me through out the series.
Audio Thoughts:
How to tackle the narration *sigh*! I am normally a fan of having two narrators. In fact, I mostly prefer it but both have to be strong (or on the same level). I really adored the older voice in Omens. The pacing, nuances, and emotions were dead on! I felt there was a layer of depth added to the story anytime that voice was there. I wasn't a fan of the younger voice. I felt the pacing was off and Olivia sounded "off". That being said, the voice did grow on me by the end but it just wasn't as strong as the other. I will probably continue this series in audio though because overall the audio was well produced. As always please listen to a sample before purchasing an audio book to make sure the narration is right for you.
Final Thoughts: Looking forward to book 2!
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: Solid beginning to a new series! Who knew Omens could be a great foundation for a story?
Story Thoughts:Omens was a fantastic read filled with brilliant hooks/twists/turns that I just didn't see coming. I loved how the Omens were woven into the fabric of the pages becoming part of the story instead of over-powering it. The town of Cainsville was also interesting and I totally believe there is a lot of story left to come where the town is concerned. I really liked that Kelley weaved in the architecture and essence of the town into the story. I love when you feel like you are there. Overall, this is only my 2nd Kelley Armstrong book but it won't be last!
Character Thoughts: Oh Olivia! I wish that it didn't take so long to warm up to you. I just felt you were being to careless/naive where finances were concerned. I don't think you got what it took to really live on your own was concerned. In fact, even though you are a waitress and don't have a great apartment-- you still managed to land on your feet so no real "world" lesson really learned. You did grow on me with your smarts and perseverance. I just know that in the next book that I will adore you because by the end you seemed to have grown. Gabriel, on the other hand, I totally adored. He reminded me of Finn from the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep. He was just arrogant, self-assured, and a rascal! :) The town folk were interesting and so were Olivia's mom(s)! I have a feeling the characters will totally grow on me through out the series.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Carine Montbertrand, Mozhan Marno / Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins
How to tackle the narration *sigh*! I am normally a fan of having two narrators. In fact, I mostly prefer it but both have to be strong (or on the same level). I really adored the older voice in Omens. The pacing, nuances, and emotions were dead on! I felt there was a layer of depth added to the story anytime that voice was there. I wasn't a fan of the younger voice. I felt the pacing was off and Olivia sounded "off". That being said, the voice did grow on me by the end but it just wasn't as strong as the other. I will probably continue this series in audio though because overall the audio was well produced. As always please listen to a sample before purchasing an audio book to make sure the narration is right for you.
Final Thoughts: Looking forward to book 2!
bookishlyeccentric's review against another edition
5.0
Kelley Armstrong has been a favourite author of mine for a while now and this series certainly doesn't disappoint. Can't wait to see where this goes.
sam_riccio's review against another edition
4.0
It was good. Anticlimactic most of the time and I like both the characters and I want to know what's going to happen in the next books because I'm invested I'm just in it for the drama and I know this book was mostly to get the ball rolling. The next book is where I'm gonna get higher hopes of Drama.
betterbymyshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
necrabelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
shade_seigo's review against another edition
4.0
great start to a new series, can't wait to see what's next!