Dawn Rae Miller

Uffda, this book is a mess.

Where is the plot? Halfway through, I thought, finally the plot's going to become clear, but then the book kept going, and I still didn't know the story's main focus. Lark finding a way to be with Beck? Lark trying to learn magic? Light and Dark witches and their drama? What's the plot? Everything is so jumbled together, and yet more plot points and conflicts keep being added! I basically was left to conclude that there was no plot, just a series of show more revelations.

The first half and the second half of the book seemed like two entirely different stories. The first: a mishmash of different dystopias thrown together for who-knows-why, especially because it never planned to do anything about it, or deal with any of the issues the dystopian society presents (criminals being branded as "Sensitives" and being forced to do menial jobs, while Sensitives infiltrate the State, etc. etc. etc.). The second: a very clichéd Dark vs Light story overflowing with melodrama (Lark and Beck needing each other while everyone tries to keep them apart, a good, ol' classic bully figure who no one else seems to notice, Lark internally screaming, "I'm EVIL" multiple times every scene, etc. etc.).

Each chapter in the second half is 3/4 story time. History lessons or new things Lark didn't know that everyone else seems to know, and none of it is fascinating; it just makes the story more and more cliché: Dark witches are evil destroyers! Light witches are creators and draw on love, happiness.

Sure, it could just be me, but the story rubbed me the wrong way. show less

On first glance of the summary, I expected Larkstorm to be like the normal dystopian fare that is so popular nowadays. I was looking forward to seeing how Dawn Rae Miller would make her storyline fresh and unique, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the different approach she took with her book. Many dystopian elements are present in the story, but magic, the factions that broke apart because of it, and an unbreakable friendship are very much the central focus here.

After the Long Winter, show more the State has fought against the Sensitives, aka those with special powers. But not all is as it seems! I really liked the way Miller depicted the two groups at the forefront. On the surface they were initially given the usual “good” and “evil” characterizations, but as Miller peeled back the layers of her story, it was revealed that all of their motivations and actions weren’t so clear cut. Lark was a very relatable main character and I appreciated the internal conflict that Miller had her go through in regards to Beck, her family, and her other friends. I was just as equally unsure of who to place my trust in and that made for an engaging read!

Although it was made clear that Beck and Lark have a strong connection, and that they would go to many lengths to protect each other, I do wish there had been a deeper development between the two. The circumstances of their situation made sense of the distance they had to keep, but I felt that Beck was mostly on the outside and that I didn’t get to know his character as much as I would have liked. Still, in the moments the two did share, I did enjoy their chemistry. I found myself mentally willing them to break the rules just a little more for my sake and, while it didn’t quite happen in this installment, I hold hope that Miller will push them a further in the next one.

If you’re looking for a different direction in your dystopian reads, definitely give this a go! show less

I was interested in Crushed when I found out it was from a male perspective, there is something about an author taking on the opposite sex as a teenage protagonist that completely intrigues me. Probably because even though I like to think I know how teenage boys think, I don't really believe that I can fully get inside of their pea-brains. Maybe Miller has teenage boys around because I think she probably hit the nail on the head here.

A large part of Fletcher's story revolves around sex, show more drugs, alcohol and did I mention sex? He lives a privileged life with a rich Daddy who takes care of everything. What Daddy expects in return is, well everything. Be the perfect kid, get the perfect grades, get into the perfect college; but have a bad-boy good time doing it. It's okay, Daddy will take care of the trouble you cause.

Fletch is content in the life he's been given, until he's not. Until he realizes that the life he thinks he wants is a lie and it is slowly suffocating him. Fletch needs to find himself before he's lost forever.

Fletch is such a guy on the surface and such a girl on the inside. I really loved this kid. He's an ass and heart breaker at times but so vulnerable and loveable at other times. He's just a kid trying to find his path in life, find someone who loves him for him and not his money and find someone that challenges him.

Ellie does just that. Not intentionally. She isn't looking for a relationship, she isn't even looking for friendship with Fletch. But that's what she gets. She sees him for who he is, not the portrait he hides behind. Getting too close to Fletch could break her heart though and that's not a risk she's willing to take.

What I loved about Crushed was how slowly Fletch and Ellie fostered the relationship. I enjoy when authors give teenagers credit for having grown up feelings and making grown up decisions. Now, this is not to say that there aren't a ton (and I do mean a ton) of really immature decisions being made in this book. There are a countless many and this book will not be for everybody. Not everyone will understand the rawness and realness of how these kids live.

However, if you can handle underage drinking, drug-doing and casual sex then maybe check this one out. It's perhaps a little over the top and could have used a bit more closure but there is some deep emotion and witty humor mixed in to make this an entertaining coming of age story. show less

4.5 stars

Oh my word! I don't know where to start with this one! I can tell you that you NEED to read this book. NEED! Holy moly! I freaking loved this!

This who done it story is written perfectly! It goes back and forth between four characters. I was a little nervous at first. I wasn't sure if I would be able to follow four different characters. I was worried for no reason. This book reads flawlessly. It keeps your attention from start to finish!

I can't seem to say enough positive about this show more story. My mind is still working on overdrive over who could possibly killed Jason. I have so many different theories. My guess, I am probably wrong on all accounts. Who knows? It doesn't really matter. No matter how this story ends up ending, it will end with me whimpering mercilessly, I am sure! Yes, you read that right. This book does leave on a cliffhanger. I was cussing up a storm. I need the next book asap!

This is a book that ANYONE can read. It doesn't matter your age or preference in genre. This is one of those stories that one can not help getting sucked into. I highly recommend clicking purchase on this book! show less