Review: Cute first book
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 19, 2013
I would like to thank the author for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.This book was about Cali who has been raised way up in the back woods hidden from the world. She has the ability to read auras and manipulate feelings in animals and people. Her parents always told her to trust no one. But then they died in an unfortunate accident and Cali must move in with an aunt she has ever met, but is the only relative they could find. Her aunt seemed to never be around, and a terrible gurdian, and her live in boyfriend was creepy on so many levels. To steer clear of him, Cali stayed out late at night and wandered the neighborhood, and even had herself a place she would sleep in the outdoors.On one of her walks she meets Cal or Calvin. Yes they were both Cal. Anyway she ended up saving him one night, and after that he was intrigued and followed her around and eventually they become more than friends. To make a long story short, they discover what her parents were hiding her from, and then they are on a race to stay away from uber creepy mad scientist, Teddy, and his crazy science experiment, The Athena Effect.Sadly, I cannot say that this book was my favorite. For one thing I felt it was too long and dragged a lot. Her aunt and uncle were both disturbing and terrible guardians. The aunt really had no clue Athena was never home. Teddy was just creepy and dilusional. And his servant, Max, seemed like a side story all his own. I did not feel like his thoughts and feelings were really needed. Except it does sound like the story is taking a turn in his direction, so maybe there is something there.Things I liked. I liked Cali. Even though she was raised with no experience in the world, she was tough as nails. She seemed fragile, but could defend herself, and would. I think I liked Calvin. Sometimes he was like a lost puppy. Like his dog Rufus. The romance was sweet.I would probably read a sequel to see where this is going. I recommend to older teenagers that like books with a science supernatural element.