Review: Sound by Shelley Workinger

Name of book: Sound (Solid #3)
Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: November 1st 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind author...

Clio Kaid's had one crazy summer.

After learning she was one of a hundred teens who were genetically modified before birth, she and the others departed for "camp" at a classified military site.

Besides discovering her own special ability, uncovering a conspiracy, and capturing a killer, she's also forged new friendships, found love, and managed to lose them both.

With no answers and the end of summer closing in, Clio's terrified of going home more lost than when she arrived.

Will she finally find everything she's been looking for?

Find out in this exciting conclusion to the Solid trilogy.

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

     This is one of the series that I was really excited about. The first book was OK with typical characters, but the second book topped my expectations and came off much better. So I was expecting a lot from book three, and I think that I got what I bargained for.
Might contain minor spoilers if you have not read Solid and Settling (my reviews here)...
     Clio managed to lose all her friends and her love during the course of one year in the camp. But now, things almost start looking up, and her abilities are improving. But that does not mean that there is no trouble. Between the camp and home, the old Jack and the new one, her old friends and her new friends, her confused feelings, Clio has to choose.
     Shelley Workinger has a very simple, easy-to-follow writing style, but she has given a very unique voice to Clio and i would recognize it anywhere. Clio is an amazing character, and it's very easy to relate to her and her feelings. I felt that I didn't like the new Jack as much as the old Jack, but their love is so pure and wonderful that I didn't really mind. And the way they discovered more of their abilities was intriguing, though I would have loved it if there was more about it. I didn't like the lack of the paranormal in this book.
     Recommended to everyone who enjoys a YA romance with a twist of paranormal. I am sad that this series is over but I am definitely waiting to read more from Ms. Shelley!

Review: Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

Name of book: Settling (Solid #2)
Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: July 4th 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind author...

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill. 

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     After finishing Solid - the first book in the series - I couldn't wait to get my hands on Settling, the second book. I loved getting thrust back into this wonderful world, although the first book was almost a  typical paranormal read, this one was definitely not.

"WARNING this might contain minor spoilers if you haven't read the first book, Solid (read my review here)"

    Clio and her friends suffered a lot on their first month in the base. They are finally ready to settle into their lives and routines. But nothing stays the same, and without noticing, Clio is getting more and more distant from her friends. Is she turning into something that she is not? 

     It has something to do with her genetically engineered chromosome that they all share. And while Jack is getting busier by the minute, Clio can't deny the attraction, the forbidden attraction, she feels toward Ford, the lieutenant in charge. But that's not all on Clio's mind, someone has killed one of the doctors on the base, and it looks like the murderer is just getting started.

     Will this army base ever be free of murderers and crazed lunatics? Will Clio ever be able to go back into her former self? Will she push Jack away and welcome Ford in? Find out much more when you read this action-packed, satisfying sequel, Settling...

     I LOVE this series, it has become one of my favorite ones. Solid was a very interesting read, but I didn't like it a lot. It was probably due to the fact that it was typical paranormal stuff. I was a bit worried about what the author would bring to the field in this sequel. Let me tell you, Shelley Workinger, you have written one of the BEST sequels EVER!

     I love the action in this novel, and I love the fact that it is not the main subject. I loved how Clio's character grew in this sequel, for better or for worse. I LOVE Jack, I adore his sweetness and his honesty. I loved Ford's character, too. Shelley Workinger has created a very unique bunch of characters, that you will love, feel for, and relate to. In every possible way.

     If you want to read an enjoyable paranormal fantasy, then Settling is the one! It is a unique mix of love, mystery, betrayal, and of course, paranormalcy. A story that will pull the heartstrings of every young adult fan!

Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Name of book: Solid (Solid #1)
Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: July 9th 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind author...

Clio Kaid may be 17 and just beginning the last summer before her senior year, but her life is anything but typical.

She's just discovered she was genetically altered before birth and is now headed to a top-secret Army campus to explore the surprising results of the experiment.

Follow Clio and the other teens as they develop fantastic super-abilities, forge new friendships, and find love as they search for answers.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I had this book since FOREVER.  I always put it at the end of my TBR list but when I started seeing very positive reviews, and the second book popped up, I had to start reading it. I wish I had read it sooner!

     Calliope (Clio, for short) was always the "normal" girl. She was used to travelling with her mum on book tours, and never staying too long in once place. But then, nothing stays the same for long. Clio finds out that she has been genetically-engineered before birth by a secret group of military scientists. The government has found out about the experiment 16 years after it has started. And now, they want to know what the "kids" are able to do.

     Clio is transported to the base, where almost a hundred other kids are. She gets to make new friends, and learn new things. But she never expected to be able to do things normal people couldn't and find out about a conspiracy within the military.

     Who conducted the experiment in the first place? Why did it take 16 years for the military to find out about it? What are Clio and the other kids able to do? Will Clio find out who started the conspiracy? Find out much more when you read this thought-provoking, action-packed novel, Solid...

     I really liked this book. I have to say, it was different. I expected a "normal" paranormal read, a damsel in distress, a love triangle, an insta-love connection, and an unbelievable plot. But it was NONE of those things. Shelley Workinger has a wonderful writing style, it's simple, delicate, and straight-forward.

     I liked the characters, too. Clio is funny, sarcastic, but shy and stubborn at the same time. I liked the love interest, Jack, too. But  he wasn't swoon-worthy enough for my taste :P I liked all of Clio's friends, they were funny and supportive. The only complain I have about this book is that the beginning was a little "TOO" slow, I had to drag myself to the middle, but then, the pace sped up and got so action-packed and tense that I was holding my breath the whole time. 

     If you want an enjoyable, light paranormal read that is both, mysterious and intriguing, then Solid is the one! I will definitely be reading the second book in the series. I can't wait to get my hands on it, I have such high hopes for Shelley Workinger. You better get your hand on this!