September 09, 2011

Review: After Obsession By Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

After Obsession

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts, and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other for the first time, in a cold Maine town, they can’t stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel strongly that something, or someone, is haunting them. They’re wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it’s neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It’s Alan’s cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life—and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney, but everything around her…. Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love—and introducing an exciting new YA voice in Steven Wedel—this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

          My Thoughts: 


     Okay let's get straight to the point. Overall this book was good. However there was a lot I liked about this book and a few parts that I didn't. I like the whole possession part of the story. I can see how someone would think of sacrificing their soul in a desperate attempt to save a loved one. What I don't really like is that this book was written as a young adult. I feel that I would have taken it more seriously if it were written as an adult book. I feel teenagers don't have the experience needed to help in a possession situation. What I do like, their take charge attitude. Yeah I'm weird. Got to admire someone who doesn't give up even when people say to do so.

     Letting go of a loved one is hard, but letting go of a beloved parent is even harder. I know. Been there still there. That's really where this story start. Courtney's dad went missing in the river. And she has a hard time believing that he isn't coming back. Even after weeks has been missing, she can't wrap her head around the fact that he's gone.

     That's when Aimee (her bff) starts seeing changes in Courtney. Her random mood swings and sudden outbursts are something that's not common with Courtney. And that concerns Aimee, even her boyfriend is acting weird. People around school are more volatile and aggressive. Something's up! And she has to get to the bottom of it.

     Having to deal with the loss of her husband and now raising a teen daughter on her own. Courtney's mom asks her sister and her nephew Alan to come live with her through their hard times. Basically she's looking for company, a helping hand and some kind words. But Courtney's now changing for the worst. And her cousin is noticing exactly what is happening. Now it's up to him and Aimee to help her because their isn't a medical doctor in the world that can help Courtney with her dilemma. Possession.

     I liked this book. It was well written. The authors didn't drag the possession along or slowed it down. It was well paced. Being that this is a paranormal YA, some characters have a special gift. And you'll notice them throughout the story. Now with a possession in hand Alan figured out what he had to do to help the situation. Now here is where my issue lies. I feel that as a teenager you are not mature enough to handle a possession especially without experience. Maybe if they had an adult helping them, the story would have been better in my eyes. However, given Alan's native Indian background,  maybe it's in his blood to deal with this kinds of situations. Overall this was a good story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those that is interested in a paranormal YA. I give this book a 3.5 stars.






   
   

14 comments:

  1. This books seems like something i'll read. The whole idea of possession had always drawn me in to a book, ever since Dracula took somehow of possession of the minds of people.
    But, as the reviewer said, it's a mature theme. I'll look for it in bookstores, as soon as I can.

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  2. Yeah, this books sounds awesome by the whole possesion theme, but I agree.
    I'm a teenager and I would totally be like "Cool. We're going to do an exorcism", but that's the thing. I don't think we have the knowledge to do a thing such an exorcism without an adult or guidance.
    It seems to unreal... if that even makes sense. lol
    Other than that, the book seems good.

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  3. I think you brought up some good points. I feel this is a problem in some books and some tv shows, where the very young characters are put into very adult situations. Not just sexual, but plain dangerous.

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  4. I was shocked by the element of possession. Really well written!

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  5. @ Aid- Books with possession are indeed very interesting. I think it's a good book to read if you can get past the whole young and possession thing.

    @ Cindy- I agree with you. If the character had, had some kind of guidance then it would have been more believable. But he didn't so I did have some issue with that.

    @ Midnyte Reader- It's true. YA tends to put teens into adult situations. And that can be a bit troubling. But overall it was a really good book. So that one thing didn't mess up the book for me. Thank Goodness.

    @ Savannah- Yeah I like the details of the different stages. I wonder if the author did some research or is this totally made up. Hmmmm...

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  6. I am really looking forward to this one. I haven't read many reviews yet, but I think the premise is very interesting. I enjoyed your review. =)

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  7. Great review, I hate slow paced books so I'm happy to know this is evenly paced. I'll have to check this one out, LOVE the cover tho!

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  8. @Raychelle- Thank you. It was a good read. I really did enjoy it.

    @Vivan- The book was evenly paced when it came to the possession. There was a part in the book that I was a bit "ehh" about. But it didn't take from the book. So either way I did enjoy it. You're right. That is a gorgeous cover! Absolutely will attract the eye.

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  9. Wanda, I agree with you on your point that kids are a bit young to deal with possession. I think it would have been better if they had an adult helping them along. I think I would have liked this book better if the kids were a bit older. There are some good parts to the books as well. Great review!

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  10. You right Marcie. That's what I stated that if this would have been an adult book, I would have liked it more. Or even a bit older. But overall I did like it. So it's a win.

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  11. I have this book but just haven't had the chance to read it yet. It sounds interesting and i like Carrie Jones. It's just so hard to find the time to read everything i want to read.

    Nice review.

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  12. "What I don't really like is that this book was written as a young adult. I feel that I would have taken it more seriously if it were written as an adult book. I feel teenagers don't have the experience needed to help in a possession situation."

    These are the same thoughts I had when I read this book. I feel like there is just some subject matter that works better as an adult book, where that kind of thinking makes sense, than in YA. Though I'm not sure if I would have picked it up if it had been an adult book, so that's an interesting thing to consider as well.

    Great review!

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  13. I really want to read this book, I loved the Need Series.

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  14. I just got this book. I really enjoyed the Need series, so I'm curious about how this one will play out. I'll keep your thoughts in mind as I'm reading!

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