Stacey Wallace Benefiel

So, have I mentioned lately how much I heart Zellie and Avery? I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Glimpse, and was eager to revisit this world. I was not disappointed. All the elements I enjoyed in the first book were also in this book: great teenage dialogue, Zellie and Avery, an engaging story, twists and turns, Zellie and Avery, a smooth writing style, Zellie and Avery...ya get the picture ;) There are also a couple of other characters who have bigger roles in this book -- show more Ben and Christopher. We first met Ben at the end of Glimpse and his character continues in this book in a more significant role that also creates some romantic conflict. Christopher also adds some conflict to the story as the "bad guy" or at least one of them. He may seem like a new character at first, but he is actually one you have seen before in Glimpse.

The story opens a short time after Glimpse ends. Ben comes back into the story and we learn more about his abilities and his past. Zellie and Avery's relationship is tested when the parental units band together to keep them apart to protect Avery from the death seen in Zellie's vision. They will have to stay apart unless they can find a way to prevent the vision from coming true. Christopher is plotting his revenge on The Society, and an attack by a greater evil must be thwarted or they are all doomed.

Like Glimpse, the story had plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing which way it would go. There were multiple POVs, but it seemed to be mostly Zellie and didn't switch as frequently, so it was a little easier to keep track of who was talking. It was a smooth read that I didn't want to put down. I was drawn through the story and eager to see what would happen next.

The few nitpicks I had include one of the characters doing a complete flip-flop on his focus that did throw me off a little. He spends a good portion of the book focused on a goal that he had been working toward for a long time, and then he suddenly does a complete turnabout without seemingly much more than a shrug of the shoulders. (That’s a little cryptic but I don’t want to give away any spoilers!) The transition just seemed too easy.

Just a heads up...this book has more sexual content than the first book. Some readers may feel it is inappropriate for a YA book and others will not see a problem with it. You will have to judge for yourself, but I would probably recommend it to the older end of the teen audience or adults.

Stacey spins a great story that keeps me engaged and turning the page. I love the characters and Glimmer is a great addition to the series. Though the ending doesn't have a huge cliffhanger, it does leave some open story threads to be explored and also a few questions in this reader's head. I look forward to the next book, Glow, and another dose of Zellie, Avery, and the rest of the gang.

Rating = 4 (I Really Liked It)

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I am so impressed. So impressed with Stacey Wallace Benefiel's writing, and to be honest a little confused as to why a larger publishing company didn't snatch her book up! I'm so glad that independent publishing companies such as CreateSpace allow authors like Stacey to share their work with us. Truly, this was a book I loved and I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Zellie is smitten with Avery. So smitten in fact that she gets in trouble in church (her dad is the pastor) for show more spending too much time staring at him and dreaming. First off, how sweet is that? However it doesn't end there, no not buy a long shot. Zellie is a fiery and headstrong girl who knows what she wants and goes for it! Oh sure, her dad might disapprove if he found out but Avery is so good it just doesn't even matter.

I LOVED Zellie! I loved her tenacity, I loved how she is awkward at times and so brave and put together at others. I loved that Zellie is a typical teenage girl. She's someone who everyone will be able to relate to, almost like a "Jane Every Girl" of sorts. Layered on top of that also however, is a character who you will fall in love with from the very first page. Zellie says and does things that will make you laugh out loud at times, and make you feel deeply for her at others. I wish I could better describe this character, but really all I can say is just that she is amazing! You'll have to read for yourself.

Stacey's take on visions and seeing the future is really intriguing. Without going into too much detail, I will say that Zellie is fortunate to be able to do more than just see the future. In fact, her other power is so amazing! Sorry for the vague writing! I know. I'm actually hoping to tempt you more into reading this book. If that didn't work I have three words for you. Ghost Baby Daddy. Mmhmmm....take that as you will. Give this book a read! It is well worth your time! show less

{my thoughts} - Accepting those around you and yourself. This book hit home in so many places. It’s about standing up for what you believe in and for others around you. It’s about showing others that you can make a difference. This book is incredibly well written. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me reflect on my own life. It’s a must read book for anyone struggling to understand that it is okay to be different.

{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of this ebook by a show more fellow blogger in return for an honest review. show less

{my thoughts} - Accepting those around you and yourself. This book hit home in so many places. It’s about standing up for what you believe in and for others around you. It’s about showing others that you can make a difference. This book is incredibly well written. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me reflect on my own life. It’s a must read book for anyone struggling to understand that it is okay to be different.

{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of this ebook by a show more fellow blogger in return for an honest review. show less