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gabslibrary's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I started this book earlier in the year, read a good portion, and then stopped and came back to it a few months later… as a result, I had no idea what was going on when I started it again and I almost DNF out of frustration. It took me a little bit to get into it/understand, but once I did, I flew through it. I thought Wick’s Dad was the killer and the book was about trying to find him/get him caught, but I was completely wrong. Tessa, Wick’s old childhood friend commits suicide and her sister leaves Tessa’s diary on Wick’s doorstep with a note that says “Find Me”. Wick is smart and a hacker so she takes this into her own hands, especially when she finds out the person who targeted Tessa is after her sister. The high school setting is cute and I loved Griff and Wick’s relationship and how protective he is of her. My mind was blown with who the killer/pervert was (her foster dad) and how Griff was working for the police. Everything made sense with Tessa’s Dad and Office Carson stalked the house. At least her dad and foster dad were caught and the end alludes to a sequel, Remember Me. Not sure if I’ll read it tbh due to the high school setting, but I might.
erinarkin20's review against another edition
5.0
Find Me by Romily Bernard blends a great story that includes a bit of mystery and some great characters that have made it onto my favorites list. It kept me turning the pages trying to figure out what happened to Tessa but also because I wanted to see what was going to happen next for Wick. I won't go into a ton of detail around the mystery here because I don't want to give anything away. Just know that the story blends in a bit of hacking (Wick/Griff), some high school shenanigans, and a budding romance.
Wick is seventeen and hasn’t had the easiest life. She and her sister Lily have gone through 3 foster homes since her drug dealing father ran off to avoid the cops but now they are living with Bren and Todd. As a way to make some money…for just in case, Bren has been hacking. There are layers to this story and I don’t really want to give anything away but within the first few chapters, we find out that a girl that went to school with Wick has committed suicide (supposedly) but mysteriously, her journal is sitting on Wick’s porch addressed to Wick with a Post-it that says “Find me.” The main storyline here is Wick trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Tessa (Did she really commit suicide?) and also solve the mystery of who has now threatened Lily.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Wick is the main character. She is a nerdy, computer hacker who has a bit of a sarcastic edge. In addition, she truly cares about Lily and wants to do whatever she can to keep her safe and make Lily’s life better than what hers was at age 11. She struggles with adapting to living with Bren and Todd and I imagine any kid in foster care would have the same thoughts she does. That she doesn’t really belong with them, she needs to plan for the day things fall apart, and why bother unpacking…she will be moving on once they realize who she really is (her father’s daughter).
And although she has known him for a long time, Wick and Griff don’t really connect until the morning Wick finds out about Tessa. From that point on, they start to find out more about each other and it was great to see them become more to each other. They have two very different approaches to interacting with others which makes their approach to hacking very different. Griff also hasn’t had an easy life but where Wick has chosen to avoid others and put up walls, he has opted to blend in and become someone who can interact with anyone.
“He moves pretty easily through school. He’s funny, gets along with everyone and has even been known to save bullied band geeks.”
Griff has easily become a favorite of mine. He challenges Wick and where other guys might run in the other direction when she says certain things to him, he tells her he prefers her hard edges and she shouldn’t hold back.
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever met who’s smart and never plays stupid. You’re small but you don’t back down.”
He has been waiting for three years for Wick to notice him and his interest and he wasn’t going to let it pass – that is one of the things I loved about him. He was patient but he also wasn’t going to let a perfect opportunity pass by without getting her to see him. When he tells her he has wanted her since the moment he first saw her…..SWOON. When she finally does get it, Wick realizes she not only likes Griff, she needs his help.
The secondary characters were great too. I loved Lauren as Wick's best friend. I also thought the bad guys were done well. Wick's dad and his friend Joe...definitely bad guys. But Bernard also did a good job with the good guys...and making me wonder if they were really good...these are definitely not black and white characters. From the detective (Carson) to Tessa's dad (Mr. Waye) I was questioning just what their motives were and where they were supposed to fit.
As always, I love a good character driven story. The story here is definitely one that drew me in…right along with Wick and Griff I was trying to figure out who it is that Tessa wrote about in her journal and it did keep me guessing. The other part here though is the change in Wick. She goes from being this person who feels she can only rely on herself and it is up to her to keep Lily safe to eventually realizing that despite her life and circumstances, she can rely on others to help her…And trust that they will follow through. In the end, it is that trust that she puts in Griff that helps them all.
Definitely check this one out when you can. It is a great debut novel and I will be looking for more from Romily Bernard. She not only writes a solid story but gave me some characters I could care about and honestly, I want to read more about them.
Wick is seventeen and hasn’t had the easiest life. She and her sister Lily have gone through 3 foster homes since her drug dealing father ran off to avoid the cops but now they are living with Bren and Todd. As a way to make some money…for just in case, Bren has been hacking. There are layers to this story and I don’t really want to give anything away but within the first few chapters, we find out that a girl that went to school with Wick has committed suicide (supposedly) but mysteriously, her journal is sitting on Wick’s porch addressed to Wick with a Post-it that says “Find me.” The main storyline here is Wick trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Tessa (Did she really commit suicide?) and also solve the mystery of who has now threatened Lily.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Wick is the main character. She is a nerdy, computer hacker who has a bit of a sarcastic edge. In addition, she truly cares about Lily and wants to do whatever she can to keep her safe and make Lily’s life better than what hers was at age 11. She struggles with adapting to living with Bren and Todd and I imagine any kid in foster care would have the same thoughts she does. That she doesn’t really belong with them, she needs to plan for the day things fall apart, and why bother unpacking…she will be moving on once they realize who she really is (her father’s daughter).
And although she has known him for a long time, Wick and Griff don’t really connect until the morning Wick finds out about Tessa. From that point on, they start to find out more about each other and it was great to see them become more to each other. They have two very different approaches to interacting with others which makes their approach to hacking very different. Griff also hasn’t had an easy life but where Wick has chosen to avoid others and put up walls, he has opted to blend in and become someone who can interact with anyone.
“He moves pretty easily through school. He’s funny, gets along with everyone and has even been known to save bullied band geeks.”
Griff has easily become a favorite of mine. He challenges Wick and where other guys might run in the other direction when she says certain things to him, he tells her he prefers her hard edges and she shouldn’t hold back.
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever met who’s smart and never plays stupid. You’re small but you don’t back down.”
He has been waiting for three years for Wick to notice him and his interest and he wasn’t going to let it pass – that is one of the things I loved about him. He was patient but he also wasn’t going to let a perfect opportunity pass by without getting her to see him. When he tells her he has wanted her since the moment he first saw her…..SWOON. When she finally does get it, Wick realizes she not only likes Griff, she needs his help.
The secondary characters were great too. I loved Lauren as Wick's best friend. I also thought the bad guys were done well. Wick's dad and his friend Joe...definitely bad guys. But Bernard also did a good job with the good guys...and making me wonder if they were really good...these are definitely not black and white characters. From the detective (Carson) to Tessa's dad (Mr. Waye) I was questioning just what their motives were and where they were supposed to fit.
As always, I love a good character driven story. The story here is definitely one that drew me in…right along with Wick and Griff I was trying to figure out who it is that Tessa wrote about in her journal and it did keep me guessing. The other part here though is the change in Wick. She goes from being this person who feels she can only rely on herself and it is up to her to keep Lily safe to eventually realizing that despite her life and circumstances, she can rely on others to help her…And trust that they will follow through. In the end, it is that trust that she puts in Griff that helps them all.
Definitely check this one out when you can. It is a great debut novel and I will be looking for more from Romily Bernard. She not only writes a solid story but gave me some characters I could care about and honestly, I want to read more about them.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
3.0
So gripping but the end was a little of a let down and the romance and characters were a little meh.
mckenziestaley23's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't think I would like this book that much because I don't like much mystery but I ended up really loving this book. I would say if you want to get into mystery or you don't like mystery read this book it will get you into mystery. I loved all the people in this book I can't wait to read remember me and the two novellas. Anyway thats all I have to say thx for reading my review i'll talk to you all later.
Ps. i'm sorry i didn't do a spoiler part but it has been awhile sense I read it and I don't remember everything.
Ps. i'm sorry i didn't do a spoiler part but it has been awhile sense I read it and I don't remember everything.
novelheartbeat's review against another edition
4.0
I do love the occasional mystery, and this one was pretty darn good! It gave you several options without giving away the ending. I have to admit, while I suspected the person at one point (although I suspected a couple different people), I didn’t figure it out until the end. I love that it wasn’t predictable! I tend to figure things out before the characters do, so it was refreshing to be surprised.
Norcut says that was probably why my mom jumped. She thought she’d never get control of her life again, and suicide was the only choice she had left that didn’t involve him. I think it’s nice that Norcut has an explanation for everything. Ever since that little comment, I’ve been pouring coffee into her office orchids. We’ll see if she can explain why they all die.
Wick was a decent lead. She did what she thought was right (she compared herself to Robin Hood) even though most people looked down on her for hacking. She was pretty cool, too – um, hellooo, she dyed her hair ‘superhero red.’ And did I mention she was sarcastic? Which of course I loved. But she was very bitter, almost to an extreme.
It must be nice to still believe in people, to think they really do care about each other.
She trusted no one, and expected anything good to end quickly (she didn’t hang up her stuff because ‘it just makes everything take longer when we have to leave’). She expected people to let her down, to stab her in the back. Which in a way, I can understand. She’s been through so much, and people do suck. But there are still good people out there.
Enter Griff. Griff!!!!! Oh how I adored him! He was sweet and was the perfect balm to Wick’s bitter soul. I loved how he called her Wicked, it was so cute!
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever met who’s smart and never plays stupid. You’re small, but you don’t back down.”
The romance was slow and sweet, it was great! I love it when relationships don’t move too quickly.
There was one point when they figured something out about the killer where I was all, HOLY CRAP. It was such an intense scene! Just one creepy sentence, and I felt the shock too, setting my heart to pounding. Like I said, intense.
I enjoyed the journey Wick took in figuring out what happened to Tessa Waye, and I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a good mystery!
Favorite quote:
I round the corner into the living room just as Lily pulls a bright pink dress on top of her school clothes. It has a fitted bodice and full skirt. There’s some sort of lace on the sleeves. It’s very girly and would take a round of rhino tranqs to make me wear it.
Baha, she sounds like me!
ASSESSMENT
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing style: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Pace: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
screamking's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed it. One of the few books I've read where I don't end up hating the main character. She was a total badass. Good mystery, but the culprit was kind of already told earlier on. But I would recommend, looking forward to reading the second one!
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
1.0
Just couldn't get into this book. I tried about three times and it just wasn't happening. The main character wasn't someone I could relate to or get behind. Every time I read about her doing something I always pictured Bruce Willis as a grisly old cop. She mentioned she was a hacker about every other page and she swallowed pain pills without anything to drink. What?
losetimereading's review against another edition
4.0
Find Me was one of those sweet surprises that sneaks up and surpasses all your expectations. I had gotten this back in the spring time, and had actually completely forgotten what it was about by the time I went to pick it back up. I kind of went in knowing little to nothing, including not having glimpsed at any of the latest reviews on it and I’m so happy that I went in blindfolded. I will say though, that for no founded reason, I had rather low expectations.
Wick, the main character, thrilled me. She was tough as nails and a dry attitude that I really enjoyed. I’m somewhat sarcastic and dry in my everyday humor so when I stumble upon characters who I feel like I could joke with, it really edges them up a few notches. The thing about Wick that I liked the most was her protective nature for her sister Lily. Again, I often can connect with sisters who have a very close relationship, and while it doesn’t happen often, I love seeing it. Griff, was the love interest. I REALLY liked Griff. I can’t entirely pinpoint exactly why I liked him so much, but I think a lot of it came down to the fact that he was a normal guy, with normal everyday family and issues. He didn’t have a million layers to peel back, you kind of got him how he was, but in all honestly, that’s how every guy I knew in high school was. The secondary characters weren’t anything over thrilling though, and most were less than memorable.
Now while I really enjoyed the characters, they was close to zero additional character development from the initial introductions. What you see is what you get type of thing, they were exactly the same upon ending the book. In most cases that would entirely ruin the story for me however because this was a thriller type novel, mostly plot driven, I didn’t depend on but I do wish that we seen a bit of development. Especially with Wick, seeing as how she had this awful life prior to life with Bren & Todd.
I do need to say that Find Me wasn’t a story that was shockingly unpredictable. I knew fairly close to the beginning of the story who was culprit was. Normally, and in most cases, this completely ruins the thriller/mystery type aspect for me but in this case it didn’t. Even though I knew who the perpetrator was, I didn’t know how the ending was going to play out, and some of the scenes really had me on the edge of seat because I had no idea how it was going to unfold at the end.
One of the main reasons I would say that the predictability didn’t ruin the story was probably the writing. Romily Bernard has a really great writing style, and I felt like I was watching a movie during some of the most intense scenes, rather than reading a book. Once I got to about 40% remaining, I could not put it down and knew I had to finish it in one sitting. The pacing is good; the first of the novel isn’t so fast paced but later on it does really pick up and keeps you turning the pages. The plot as well, is really well thought out. There are quite a few different layers to the story, and some I didn’t expect and they were all weaved together nicely.
One of my biggest drawbacks in wanting to pick up Find Me was the fact that I knew it was a series. I was worried that the ending wouldn’t be tied up and I would be left waiting to figure out who this mystery suspect is. That’s not the case at all, and actually the ending wraps up nicely and opens up the story for the second book in the series. If you have reservations about massive cliffhangers you can put them away, it really is a great ending.
While I did have some issues with Find Me, I think my enjoyment of the novel outweighed any of the negatives. It really kept me anxious to find out how it would end and I really enjoyed the main characters, Wick and Griff. If you have been holding back on reading this, but like a mild thriller(I say mild because it’s not terrifying), then I would definitely recommend picking up Find Me; needless to say it surpasses my expectations!
Wick, the main character, thrilled me. She was tough as nails and a dry attitude that I really enjoyed. I’m somewhat sarcastic and dry in my everyday humor so when I stumble upon characters who I feel like I could joke with, it really edges them up a few notches. The thing about Wick that I liked the most was her protective nature for her sister Lily. Again, I often can connect with sisters who have a very close relationship, and while it doesn’t happen often, I love seeing it. Griff, was the love interest. I REALLY liked Griff. I can’t entirely pinpoint exactly why I liked him so much, but I think a lot of it came down to the fact that he was a normal guy, with normal everyday family and issues. He didn’t have a million layers to peel back, you kind of got him how he was, but in all honestly, that’s how every guy I knew in high school was. The secondary characters weren’t anything over thrilling though, and most were less than memorable.
Now while I really enjoyed the characters, they was close to zero additional character development from the initial introductions. What you see is what you get type of thing, they were exactly the same upon ending the book. In most cases that would entirely ruin the story for me however because this was a thriller type novel, mostly plot driven, I didn’t depend on but I do wish that we seen a bit of development. Especially with Wick, seeing as how she had this awful life prior to life with Bren & Todd.
I do need to say that Find Me wasn’t a story that was shockingly unpredictable. I knew fairly close to the beginning of the story who was culprit was. Normally, and in most cases, this completely ruins the thriller/mystery type aspect for me but in this case it didn’t. Even though I knew who the perpetrator was, I didn’t know how the ending was going to play out, and some of the scenes really had me on the edge of seat because I had no idea how it was going to unfold at the end.
One of the main reasons I would say that the predictability didn’t ruin the story was probably the writing. Romily Bernard has a really great writing style, and I felt like I was watching a movie during some of the most intense scenes, rather than reading a book. Once I got to about 40% remaining, I could not put it down and knew I had to finish it in one sitting. The pacing is good; the first of the novel isn’t so fast paced but later on it does really pick up and keeps you turning the pages. The plot as well, is really well thought out. There are quite a few different layers to the story, and some I didn’t expect and they were all weaved together nicely.
One of my biggest drawbacks in wanting to pick up Find Me was the fact that I knew it was a series. I was worried that the ending wouldn’t be tied up and I would be left waiting to figure out who this mystery suspect is. That’s not the case at all, and actually the ending wraps up nicely and opens up the story for the second book in the series. If you have reservations about massive cliffhangers you can put them away, it really is a great ending.
While I did have some issues with Find Me, I think my enjoyment of the novel outweighed any of the negatives. It really kept me anxious to find out how it would end and I really enjoyed the main characters, Wick and Griff. If you have been holding back on reading this, but like a mild thriller(I say mild because it’s not terrifying), then I would definitely recommend picking up Find Me; needless to say it surpasses my expectations!
emilyanne3000's review against another edition
4.0
Find Me was a thrilling, unputdownable read! I loved, loved, loved it! I guarantee this novel will leave you mind blown with all it's suspense, action, and romance. Romily Bernard is top on my lists of authors to watch.
The beginning of the book is spectacular. We meet Wick, and already start to feel attached and invested in her story, and see the beginnings of an awesome plot unfold. There are many aspects: the suicide, Tessa, Wick's dad, Wick's new family, the "Find Me" note, and more! There is no slack in the beginning, just how I like it. Never a dull moment!
Wick Tate was a great character. Normally, I have little irritations with my main characters. Sorry, I'm just like that. However, Find Me was a totally different story. Wick felt real, and very likable in her unlikable and flawed way! Her voice is perfect and I love how she could make me want to smile or bang my fists against the wall. Her love for her sister is also very admirable. Overall, she is an A+ heroine.
Griff was another amazing character, who I can't wait to get to know better in the next book (yay!) He is intense, loyal, and has a few secrets of his own tucked up his sleeve. I wish I could have grasped at his personality a lot more in this book. The next big character, Lily, is a very sweet, vivid, optimistic, and lively character. I really felt bad for her during a lot of the book. The poor kid just wants to live safely and happily for a while! Lily Tate was a great addition to Find Me.
The plot and twists were too die for. I seriously applaud Romily Bernard. I. could. not. put. this. book. down. I fear I ignored my family for an hour finishing this book. Not only is the writing addicting, but the twists are masterful and there is the exact right amount of suspense and mystery.
Overall, you all need to read Find Me. It is calling to you "Find Me! Read Me!". Why not listen to the book's cries? Please? In all seriousness, this is an amazing book that will appeal to fans of thrillers, amazingly written heroines, and great twists.
4/5 Stars
The beginning of the book is spectacular. We meet Wick, and already start to feel attached and invested in her story, and see the beginnings of an awesome plot unfold. There are many aspects: the suicide, Tessa, Wick's dad, Wick's new family, the "Find Me" note, and more! There is no slack in the beginning, just how I like it. Never a dull moment!
Wick Tate was a great character. Normally, I have little irritations with my main characters. Sorry, I'm just like that. However, Find Me was a totally different story. Wick felt real, and very likable in her unlikable and flawed way! Her voice is perfect and I love how she could make me want to smile or bang my fists against the wall. Her love for her sister is also very admirable. Overall, she is an A+ heroine.
Griff was another amazing character, who I can't wait to get to know better in the next book (yay!) He is intense, loyal, and has a few secrets of his own tucked up his sleeve. I wish I could have grasped at his personality a lot more in this book. The next big character, Lily, is a very sweet, vivid, optimistic, and lively character. I really felt bad for her during a lot of the book. The poor kid just wants to live safely and happily for a while! Lily Tate was a great addition to Find Me.
The plot and twists were too die for. I seriously applaud Romily Bernard. I. could. not. put. this. book. down. I fear I ignored my family for an hour finishing this book. Not only is the writing addicting, but the twists are masterful and there is the exact right amount of suspense and mystery.
Overall, you all need to read Find Me. It is calling to you "Find Me! Read Me!". Why not listen to the book's cries? Please? In all seriousness, this is an amazing book that will appeal to fans of thrillers, amazingly written heroines, and great twists.
4/5 Stars
ash_leafgirl's review against another edition
I was actually really impressed with this book I have read a ton of YA books. This one had some great twists, It wasn't hard to get caught in the storyline. From the beginning your hooked into the story of a girl who struggles with escaping her pasts, belonging, trust, and finding out who she is. This is all encompassed by a intriguing mystery. Addictive is probably the choicest word for this book that I finished in about a day. An easy read that leaves you hungry for the sequel remember me.