Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by beyondevak
Stranger by Cecilia Campos
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Quick Summary: A twisted stranger romance
My Review: Stranger by Cecilia Campos is book #1 in the Fear Not series.
About the Book: "One day, a stranger appeared at my door... And, strangely enough, he knew my desires before I even recognized them myself... he claimed me as his own... I got lost in that game... But this adventure? Believe me, it grew wilder and stranger than I could ever have imagined."
In My Own Words: Love, loss, and unexplained secrets lead a solitary young woman into living a life off the grid. Hiding away from everything she has ever known, she soon finds herself as savior to a dark stranger with a vague account of who he is. Together, they unleash intensely passionate feelings in each other. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem and what might have been is interrupted by what truly is.
My First Reaction (at the end): 🤔🕸💬
My Second Reaction (after thinking about what's to come in book 2): 👍
My Final Say: This was an interesting story. I found it to be twisted, entertaining, and very much unpredictable, yet strangely predictable at the same time.
The beginning got my attention, then it became somewhat peculiar. The unsaid dominated, and suddenly, the "feral, animalistic" interactions took over.
The scene play in two particular scenarios mirrored Pretty Woman, as well as Pride and Prejudice. The wording was notably familiar.
This story lightly resembled A Midsummer Night's Dream. (I can't go further, but I would love to discuss that with other readers.)
I couldn't tell if this story was supernatural in the sense of angels, the pantheon, the undead, or what. The mention of famous, departed entertainers, the classic songs mixed with pop and hip-hop, the royalty angle, the otherworldly hints, the military forces oft mentioned, the presence of AI at critical moments, and other such things confused me; I was unable to tell where the story was going.
I did like the way the dark tones were presented. I could clearly tell the obvious antagonists. The main conflict, which became blatantly evident at the cliffhanger ending, was fantastic. That had a dark shadow element to it. Although I was not surprised, it still captured my interest and caused me to wonder why. (I won't say more than that, as I don't want to spoil anything for other readers.)
What was up with all of the nicknames? I got it, but I did not always care for it. It detracted after a point and I needed it to stop.
All in all, I would certainly read book two. The direction the story takes should prove to be riveting. I definitely want to know what happens next for Angelina.
Other: Potential readers are advised to refer to the author's notes to review content warnings.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 😮💬👍
Triggers: Yes
My Review: Stranger by Cecilia Campos is book #1 in the Fear Not series.
About the Book: "One day, a stranger appeared at my door... And, strangely enough, he knew my desires before I even recognized them myself... he claimed me as his own... I got lost in that game... But this adventure? Believe me, it grew wilder and stranger than I could ever have imagined."
In My Own Words: Love, loss, and unexplained secrets lead a solitary young woman into living a life off the grid. Hiding away from everything she has ever known, she soon finds herself as savior to a dark stranger with a vague account of who he is. Together, they unleash intensely passionate feelings in each other. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem and what might have been is interrupted by what truly is.
My First Reaction (at the end): 🤔🕸💬
My Second Reaction (after thinking about what's to come in book 2): 👍
My Final Say: This was an interesting story. I found it to be twisted, entertaining, and very much unpredictable, yet strangely predictable at the same time.
The beginning got my attention, then it became somewhat peculiar. The unsaid dominated, and suddenly, the "feral, animalistic" interactions took over.
The scene play in two particular scenarios mirrored Pretty Woman, as well as Pride and Prejudice. The wording was notably familiar.
This story lightly resembled A Midsummer Night's Dream. (I can't go further, but I would love to discuss that with other readers.)
I couldn't tell if this story was supernatural in the sense of angels, the pantheon, the undead, or what. The mention of famous, departed entertainers, the classic songs mixed with pop and hip-hop, the royalty angle, the otherworldly hints, the military forces oft mentioned, the presence of AI at critical moments, and other such things confused me; I was unable to tell where the story was going.
I did like the way the dark tones were presented. I could clearly tell the obvious antagonists. The main conflict, which became blatantly evident at the cliffhanger ending, was fantastic. That had a dark shadow element to it. Although I was not surprised, it still captured my interest and caused me to wonder why. (I won't say more than that, as I don't want to spoil anything for other readers.)
What was up with all of the nicknames? I got it, but I did not always care for it. It detracted after a point and I needed it to stop.
All in all, I would certainly read book two. The direction the story takes should prove to be riveting. I definitely want to know what happens next for Angelina.
Other: Potential readers are advised to refer to the author's notes to review content warnings.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 😮💬👍
Triggers: Yes