Review: It was a good start, still worth reading. Interesting concept for sure.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 3, 2014
I have mixed feelings on this book. I liked it, but did have some issues with it as well. Nothing too major and I would still recommend this book as it has lots of promise, especially if some of the issues are taken care of in the next book.First off I do not understand the “adult Themed” , not even close, there is nothing scary, nothing sexual at all, few kisses, and like very platonic type kisses. Yeah, can’t see why it would be for 18 and up, absolutely makes no sense on that.I felt the characters and their relationships to each other weren’t explained much at all, so I wasn’t able to really get to know them. Especially Michael’s intense dislike of Stu, which made absolutely no sense, and kept thinking at some point it would be explained some. It never was.I was frustrated in trying to understand why it was stressed repeatedly that Stu was only 19 in this world, but in the astral world much older. It was said like that a few times, made it a bit of a mystery, but no explanation. I also was confused at this as its stated that the High Five Gang did most their astral travels when they were really young, and since its known that Michael is in his 40’s and assuming the rest are at least in 30’s, how is it Stu even would have been traveling with them at all, as in most of those travels they did he would not have even been born yet, or super young for the later part. They all mostly quit when they had family’s etc.What was also weird was how the astral projection was treated as common place but yet secretive, and Michael’s mother was hiding some secrets and that frustrated me too.Unfortunately so much information is crammed into a small amount of time, but only partial info. It’s really just thrown at you and you need to struggle through it to piece together on your own.I kind of felt like I was an outsider looking and listening in on someone’s conversation without knowing them at all, so left me unsatisfied for the most part.I think one of the most confusing parts was the age regression thing they do in the astral plane, (and the fact they can regress even if they “travel” to the astral plane with their physical body, which doesn’t feel as believable) it’s like was I reading about an adult or a child? In some of them they regress and keep adult memories but in cases of becoming a teen, they feel the hormones of a teen.Also, I sure wish it was explained what a Watcher is, and what they do, just a big mystery there. Won’t say who is a Watcher, so not to spoil it, but sure wish it was explained at least some. Also, it seems just anyone can go to the astral plane, so that seems weird. Or is it certain people? It’s hinted that it’s anyone.I think one of the weirdest parts are what happened to Trina, and Stu’s “energy doll?” Or whatever you want to call it. I can’t say much about that as it will spoil that part. But anyone who reads this will know. That whole situation was just strange and weird. In my opinion it didn’t add to the story and could have done without it at all.I did like Mira when she was an “adult” the whole 4 year old, 8 year old etc was just a bit weird. Michael was one I didn’t connect with at all.I had to get used to the narrator style of writing, so was multiple view points. I have not read many books like this, so took some adjustment for me.I really liked Stu the best on what we did learn about him, and the hint at an attraction to Michael’s older daughter (around 18-19 I think). So maybe that will develop in the next book. If the next book is more on Stu and her and Mrs.Ross I think I would like that a lot.I guess overall it was a good start and a great idea, just needs some polishing up, or at least more in the next book to help us understand more.I think people who like paranormal type books will still enjoy this story, and think it’s still worth giving it a try.I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.Cover Review: Wow, now that cove is amazing. It’s what drew me to the book to see what it was about and if I would like it. I really like it, and it’s just another example of how a great cover can make all the difference in a book getting a chance to be read. Now in saying that, I can’t see what part of the book the cover is about. Like it really doesn’t “fit” the story at all. But nerveless it’s still nice to look at.I give the cover alone 5 out of 5, but cover relating to the book would be 4 out of 5.Michelle @ Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books