Scan barcode
alexandrabree's review against another edition
5.0
There is a special place in my heart for the first novel of an amazing series. I am so glad that I revisited Armstrong's work.
I love Olivia, and I Adore Gabriel. The town, the set up. I am totally hooked!
I love Olivia, and I Adore Gabriel. The town, the set up. I am totally hooked!
nikshelby's review against another edition
3.0
"There was joy to be found in watching the young, so carefree and happy. It reminded them what this town stood for, the way of life they worked so hard to protect."
kayteeem's review against another edition
I wasn't really happy with this book, overall. It had a slow start, and I didn't care for the protagonist very much -- she was rather carried along by events without showing much courage about sticking up for what she thought and felt. (Now, nothing wrong with setting up for some contrast to later behavior, but the setup seemed to go on for a long time.)
The middle of the book trundled along fairly nicely, but again, it was slow-paced. It struck me as sort of Anne Tyler light, with just a hint of odd things around the corners.
And then I realized I was rapidly running out of book, without much movement in the plot. And it looks like the author realized that, too, because there was a complete change in tone and pace in order to wrap up one corner of the plot before the book ended.
I'm sort of curious as to the mystery of what's going on behind the scenes, but I'm not finding myself drawn to reading the next four novels worth of material to get there.
The middle of the book trundled along fairly nicely, but again, it was slow-paced. It struck me as sort of Anne Tyler light, with just a hint of odd things around the corners.
And then I realized I was rapidly running out of book, without much movement in the plot. And it looks like the author realized that, too, because there was a complete change in tone and pace in order to wrap up one corner of the plot before the book ended.
Spoiler
Leftover MK Ultra mind control plots from the '60s! The "gun for safety" from 100 pages back coming back into play with an extended action sequence not hinted at earlier in the book! (But without an emotional impact, strangely) Then 20 pages of sort of wrapping things up to an ending without much sense of closure.I'm sort of curious as to the mystery of what's going on behind the scenes, but I'm not finding myself drawn to reading the next four novels worth of material to get there.
ginabyeg's review against another edition
3.0
The book was an interesting read--enough that I want to read the next in the series. That being said, some things that kept this book at 3-stars instead of 4-stars for me: There was a lot that Armstrong tried to unfold in this first book--CSI-type mystery, supernatural phenomena, CIA elements, and hints at a romantic relationship. I think it was too much, and I'm hoping some of it gets scaled back or weeded out entirely going forwards. Some aspects felt crammed in too fast, and others felt like there wasn't enough given to really latch onto. I felt like this book could have spent more time on Olivia's history, and childhood experiences, that would better tie in to what she experiences as an adult. Still, the story clearly kept me turning pages. Willing to give #2 a try.
maggie1903's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
michalice's review against another edition
3.0
*2.5 stars*
I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong so I was beyond excited to receive a copy of Omens for review. Omens is about Olivia and how her life changes after her real identity is revealed, while the chapters are all Olivia's point of view, occasionally there are chapters from other people in the story.
It took me a while to read Omens for various reasons, I tend to struggle reading huge books, seeing the size of it and how much I have left to read puts me off sometimes, I also struggled to get into the story itself.
Omens took me nearly a week to finish, which is possible the longest its taken me to read a book ever, and even now I'm confused about what I think of it. The idea behind the story was good and I like the omens/superstitions aspect of it,
but sometimes I felt overwhelmed with all the information that was given and the plot sometimes got lost in it all. I also felt a bit confused and mislead, I went into Omens thinking it was a fantasy/paranormal book, yet it feels more like a mystery book than anything else.
There was obviously something there to keep me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen next. One of those things is Olivia, she is a strong and independent character. Faced with her real identity her first instinct is to get away from the life and people that she knows and away from all the publicity, this leads her to Cainsville, which definitely has a creepy too good to be true vibe, where she starts her life from scratch, finding a job and an apartment.
Some of the other characters in the book I did like, and some of them there was something about them that just didn't sit right with me, yet they all play an important role in the book to make everything work.
While I didn't love Omens, I did like it, and I am interested in seeing where this series goes from here, what happens next, and what all the gargoyles actually mean.
I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong so I was beyond excited to receive a copy of Omens for review. Omens is about Olivia and how her life changes after her real identity is revealed, while the chapters are all Olivia's point of view, occasionally there are chapters from other people in the story.
It took me a while to read Omens for various reasons, I tend to struggle reading huge books, seeing the size of it and how much I have left to read puts me off sometimes, I also struggled to get into the story itself.
Omens took me nearly a week to finish, which is possible the longest its taken me to read a book ever, and even now I'm confused about what I think of it. The idea behind the story was good and I like the omens/superstitions aspect of it,
"If you wish to live and thrive,
Let the spider stay alive".
"Black cat, black cat, bring me some luck".
but sometimes I felt overwhelmed with all the information that was given and the plot sometimes got lost in it all. I also felt a bit confused and mislead, I went into Omens thinking it was a fantasy/paranormal book, yet it feels more like a mystery book than anything else.
There was obviously something there to keep me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen next. One of those things is Olivia, she is a strong and independent character. Faced with her real identity her first instinct is to get away from the life and people that she knows and away from all the publicity, this leads her to Cainsville, which definitely has a creepy too good to be true vibe, where she starts her life from scratch, finding a job and an apartment.
Some of the other characters in the book I did like, and some of them there was something about them that just didn't sit right with me, yet they all play an important role in the book to make everything work.
While I didn't love Omens, I did like it, and I am interested in seeing where this series goes from here, what happens next, and what all the gargoyles actually mean.
smuttea_matcha's review against another edition
4.0
If there's one thing I appreciate about Armstrong, it's her ability to tell a thriller without needing romance between her two main characters. I enjoyed her [b:The Summoning|2800905|The Summoning (Darkest Powers, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327890699s/2800905.jpg|2451397] series, but I enjoyed this even more. Knowing Armstrong, it can only get better from here in the series.
Now, when I say "lack of romance", that doesn't mean Armstrong completely rules out romantic interests for our heroine. There are a few, but Armstrong makes it clear that the romance between her heroine and whatever male is not where the spotlight should be aimed. The spotlight is on how Olivia, or Eden, is coping with the fact that her biological parents are well-known serial killers. It focuses on her struggle to adjust and find comfort from a cold mother. You feel bad for Olivia, but it's also great reading how she handles everything. How she mentally walks herself through her crises. She has her romances, like her failed engagement to James, a future Ken-doll senator; Ricky, the son of a biker gang; and lastly, Gabriel, her lawyer who doesn't have time for bullshit.
A great thing is that even though Olivia has these options, she doesn't make up any fantasies for herself. She knows that James is unlikely to chase after her, Ricky is bad news because of his parentage and legacy, and Gabriel is a cold-hearted bastard who would probably leave her heart-broken. She doesn't spin a fantasy in her head that she'll be the one to change any of these guys and I think more girls need to be like her. It's great to see a strong female who's not clouded by "love" like in other PR books. This book is purely focuses on story and plot. However, Olivia also doesn't give herself enough credit. She believes that Gabriel holds absolutely no interest in her, but readers can see that Gabriel does hold something for her. While it might not be romance, yet, it's more than just apathy. She doesn't lie to herself on what she can or cannot do, but she fights and works hard to achieve things, such as when she left her wealthy lifestyle to just end up in a shabby apartment with little-to-no money.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who's into thrillers and the paranormal. It's a break from the mundane PR that all blend together because they have the same basic plot. Omens is so much more and I'm really excited to see how Olivia's relationship with Cainesville and Gabriel grow. Too bad I have to wait a year. :(
Now, when I say "lack of romance", that doesn't mean Armstrong completely rules out romantic interests for our heroine. There are a few, but Armstrong makes it clear that the romance between her heroine and whatever male is not where the spotlight should be aimed. The spotlight is on how Olivia, or Eden, is coping with the fact that her biological parents are well-known serial killers. It focuses on her struggle to adjust and find comfort from a cold mother. You feel bad for Olivia, but it's also great reading how she handles everything. How she mentally walks herself through her crises. She has her romances, like her failed engagement to James, a future Ken-doll senator; Ricky, the son of a biker gang; and lastly, Gabriel, her lawyer who doesn't have time for bullshit.
A great thing is that even though Olivia has these options, she doesn't make up any fantasies for herself. She knows that James is unlikely to chase after her, Ricky is bad news because of his parentage and legacy, and Gabriel is a cold-hearted bastard who would probably leave her heart-broken. She doesn't spin a fantasy in her head that she'll be the one to change any of these guys and I think more girls need to be like her. It's great to see a strong female who's not clouded by "love" like in other PR books. This book is purely focuses on story and plot. However, Olivia also doesn't give herself enough credit. She believes that Gabriel holds absolutely no interest in her, but readers can see that Gabriel does hold something for her. While it might not be romance, yet, it's more than just apathy. She doesn't lie to herself on what she can or cannot do, but she fights and works hard to achieve things, such as when she left her wealthy lifestyle to just end up in a shabby apartment with little-to-no money.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who's into thrillers and the paranormal. It's a break from the mundane PR that all blend together because they have the same basic plot. Omens is so much more and I'm really excited to see how Olivia's relationship with Cainesville and Gabriel grow. Too bad I have to wait a year. :(
mama_mary's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this first book in her new series! Original, full of personality, and vividly descriptive. I could picture myself walking down the streets of Cainsville alongside Olivia while reading.
I love that Olivia is as confused as us readers by what's happening to her. It’s like she’s falling down the rabbit hole when she first arrives in Cainsville. It’s feels as she is meant to be in this little town, which has a strong connection to her birth parents.
Strange things happen in the little sleepy town an hour away from her home in Chicago. There's something about the townspeople that you just can't put your finger on. A mysterious black cat that seems to adopt Olivia; ravens and crows appear out of nowhere and gargoyles appear suddenly on the houses and other buildings in the town.
Olivia suddenly begins seeing and being able to read these strange signs and omens that surround her. Confused, intrigued and a little wary, we travel with her on this exciting journey into the mysteries that surround her.
I was so lured into the story that I kept turning page after page wanting to know the answers to the questions that Olivia had. Who is Gabriel Walsh? Where does his “psychic” aunt fit into the story? What are the town elders hiding?
It's a slow building mystery that leaves you questioning everybody and everything. I couldn't put the book down and cannot wait to read the next in the series!
I love that Olivia is as confused as us readers by what's happening to her. It’s like she’s falling down the rabbit hole when she first arrives in Cainsville. It’s feels as she is meant to be in this little town, which has a strong connection to her birth parents.
Strange things happen in the little sleepy town an hour away from her home in Chicago. There's something about the townspeople that you just can't put your finger on. A mysterious black cat that seems to adopt Olivia; ravens and crows appear out of nowhere and gargoyles appear suddenly on the houses and other buildings in the town.
Olivia suddenly begins seeing and being able to read these strange signs and omens that surround her. Confused, intrigued and a little wary, we travel with her on this exciting journey into the mysteries that surround her.
I was so lured into the story that I kept turning page after page wanting to know the answers to the questions that Olivia had. Who is Gabriel Walsh? Where does his “psychic” aunt fit into the story? What are the town elders hiding?
It's a slow building mystery that leaves you questioning everybody and everything. I couldn't put the book down and cannot wait to read the next in the series!
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
5.0
Olivia Taylor Jones is living the perfect life. Engaged to the perfect man, heir to a department store fortune and contemplating going back to college, little does she know all that can change in an instant. When journalists uncover her heritage, Olivia not only learns she is adopted but she is the daughter of notorious serial killers, Todd and Pamela Larsen. Fleeing from the press and desperate to live without hand-outs from her adoptive family, Olivia soon finds herself in the isolated town of Cainsville. A town where outsiders aren’t welcome…but maybe Olivia is.
I know, we’re all a little sad after the end of The Women of the Otherworld series but Kelley Armstrong knows how to make everything better. Omens marks the start of a great new supernatural thriller series and I have to say I loved every minute of it. There’s really only a hint at the otherworldly in this opening instalment, but something’s definitely odd about Cainsville and Olivia’s talent for spotting omens treads along the line of explainable. There are so many bizarre and conflicting superstitions out there, I loved this take on them (also handy for weather forecasting).
It starts off a little like a glossy chick-lit story, until the news breaks and Olivia basically goes on the run from the press. She has nothing to be ashamed of but they are looking for every reason to compare her to her parents. Socialite turned sociopath would be the perfect headline. Olivia starts to doubt herself, pondering nature over nurture and shunning the people from her old life. So she must find out as much as she can about her biological parents; just so she can know the truth. Whether guilty or innocent, she wants to know what her genes are capable of and unlock the dormant memories she always thought were just dreams.
Whilst Gabriel Walsh is nothing like Lucas Cortez, it’s interesting that there’s another lawyer as a main character. A lawyer who is instinctively disliked by Olivia but manages to prove his worth, whatever his motives. I loved that he was described as having weird eyes but that made him creepy. How often in books do the characters swoon over the unique eye colouring of someone that we know would really be unnerving in real life?
It’s a real page turner, with loads of elements that all weave together perfectly. Intrigue, conspiracies, betrayal and curtain twitching neighbours. I am excited to see where this series goes.
I know, we’re all a little sad after the end of The Women of the Otherworld series but Kelley Armstrong knows how to make everything better. Omens marks the start of a great new supernatural thriller series and I have to say I loved every minute of it. There’s really only a hint at the otherworldly in this opening instalment, but something’s definitely odd about Cainsville and Olivia’s talent for spotting omens treads along the line of explainable. There are so many bizarre and conflicting superstitions out there, I loved this take on them (also handy for weather forecasting).
It starts off a little like a glossy chick-lit story, until the news breaks and Olivia basically goes on the run from the press. She has nothing to be ashamed of but they are looking for every reason to compare her to her parents. Socialite turned sociopath would be the perfect headline. Olivia starts to doubt herself, pondering nature over nurture and shunning the people from her old life. So she must find out as much as she can about her biological parents; just so she can know the truth. Whether guilty or innocent, she wants to know what her genes are capable of and unlock the dormant memories she always thought were just dreams.
Whilst Gabriel Walsh is nothing like Lucas Cortez, it’s interesting that there’s another lawyer as a main character. A lawyer who is instinctively disliked by Olivia but manages to prove his worth, whatever his motives. I loved that he was described as having weird eyes but that made him creepy. How often in books do the characters swoon over the unique eye colouring of someone that we know would really be unnerving in real life?
It’s a real page turner, with loads of elements that all weave together perfectly. Intrigue, conspiracies, betrayal and curtain twitching neighbours. I am excited to see where this series goes.
bookacholics_anonymous's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5