Jeff Sampson

This was one of those books that I chose randomly from my reading pile, devoured in one sitting, then sat there staring at the novel for a while longer.. just thirsting for more. It's kind of like when you watch the season finale of your favorite TV show. They give you an ending, but they leave enough unanswered questions to keep you hooked for the next season. That's how this was. I read it, was perfectly satisfied with the ending because it ended at a good spot - but that didn't stop me show more from going, "Well, what's next? I want to know ... NOW!" I felt like Veruca Salt... I wanted to stomp over to my parents' house and scream, "Daddy, I want the second Deviants novel and I want it now," in a completely horrible fake English accent.

Well played, Sampson.

In all seriousness, I did love this novel. The interrogation transcripts placed between some of the chapters left you guessing about what was happening just as much as Emily's actions kept you guessing. It's a little confusing, but by the end it wraps up nicely. That's the easiest way for an author to win my heart with their novel: keep me guessing until the end! I don't like figuring things out too soon in the book... it makes the novel fall flat for me.

Emily, oh Emily. I loved her willingness to accept her geekdom. She was completely wonderful and all of the pop culture references made me nerd out right along with her throughout the book. Actually, I was probably nerding out a little more. I tend to do that. She was also a strong character and didn't go completely head-over-heels for the romantic interest and spend the rest of book talking about how gloriously perfect he was. This also won me over - have a love interest, but don't make that the whole story! The other characters were pretty spiffy too, though the two characters that caught my eyes the most (Spencer and Amy) didn't take the spotlight as much as I'd like. For the story, you get enough of each character. For the series? I need more. Lots more! ;) And the twists on a certain friendship and romantic interest? My head was spinning because I did NOT see either coming. At all.

Alright, so I'm sure that you've probably figured out that I'm in love with this book. I will sing its praises from the highest mountain tops.. well, if I could. The best way I can do this book justice is to just tell you that if you want a great YA paranormal read, you'll want to pick up this book. This is Jeff's debut novel and he definitely does not disappoint! show less

VESPER, by Jeff Sampson, exceeded my expectations in more ways then one. What I thought was going to be a mystery story turned into a supernatural thriller that made me want more (more! more!).

I connected so well with the MC, Emily. She is in one of those 'in between' groups in high school (where I comfortable set myself long ago). She has one really great and loyal friend who tells it like it is. The book started off with a bang when Emily mentally transforms into a boy-lusting hottie. I show more was immediately intrigued and each subsequent day of her changes made my heart pount in anticipation of what she would do next.

Emily is the type of character that I love to read. She is smart, hilarious, and down to earth. By day she is quite introverted, but by night she is wild and crazy. All rational explainations were thrown by the wayside when she changed. One scene with sleeping pills had me litterally laughing out loud. Emily turned all of her strange thoughts completetely rational.

The plot was very unique as well. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery of what was happening to Emily in relation to the shootings that were taking place in her town. Sampson really knows how to reel you into the story and not let go. I am (not so)patiently waiting for the next book and more adventure for Emily and the other 'deviants'. show less

Jeff Sampson's YA debut novel, Vesper, is seriously a must read. To me, it falls into the genres contemporary, paranormal, and mystery all at once. The book was written through Emily Webb's personal account, which she gives to a mysterious man named F. Savage. I didn't even know what was going with Emily until the middle of the book - and I loved the surprise!

Emily Webb is your ordinary 16 year old. She's pretty, but not overly pretty, she's smart, but not a genius, and she's a geek. But show more here's the thing: lately, she's only geek by day. At night, she changes into a totally different Emily. One that dresses dangerously, and does a whole bunch of dangerous stuff - climbing out her window, sneaking in people's yards, crashing parties... you get the picture. And in the morning, when she goes back to her normal, geeky self, she regrets it.

I would too. And that's what I really liked about Vesper. It had that paranormal-ness to it, yet I could almost always relate to Emily. And what I liked even more about Vesper - Emily Webb totally kicks butt. Sounds awesome to me.

Vesper is a unique twist to a common theme. I recommend it for both boys and girls. So what are you waiting for? I know I'm waiting for the second book :) show less

This is going to be a short review. Not because I'm lazy (though I am!) but because I honestly don't have a lot of thoughts about this book. I think I've been spoiled lately. I have had the great fortune to read a lot of "Wow" books, and therefore, it has become harder to knock my socks off. It's not that there is anything wrong with Havoc, I just wasn't blown away.

Havoc is book two in the Deviants series, by Jeff Sampson. The story picks up a few days after the end of book one, Vesper. The show more main character, Emily, is still reeling from the whirlwind that has become her life. Not only does she have an alternate "Nighttime" personality, but she's also a werewolf, and...she had to kill a man. So now Emily and Spencer, her new "mate", are out to find out exactly what they are and how they became that way. Add in fellow "pack member" Dalton, and a mysterious unknown member and you have quite the scenario. It's a lot to deal with for a sixteen year old, yes?

Havoc is certainly fast-paced. There is so much going on action and plot-wise. Emily is constantly in motion, trying to find answers. She is a likeable character who is easy to get behind. I also enjoyed reading Spencer. He is a great support and partner to Emily. Fellow werewolf Dalton was also fun, at first. He ended up going places that I didn't really see coming and acted in ways that made me cringe. It's actually understandable, though, if you take into consideration that he's, you know, a werewolf. I didn't like Emily's best friend, Megan. She seemed so one-dimensional for a lot of the book. She was sullen, abrasive and just not much fun to read.

My problem with Havoc was the lack of connection I felt to the characters and the story. I couldn't get myself immersed into the book and become emotionally invested in the characters and the outcome. Oh, and the sniffing. That's right, I said the sniffing. I get that these kids are werewolves, and they sniff, a lot. But, honestly, I got sort of tired of the amount of detailed passages about how much these kids like to smell each other. For me, the story was fine. Nothing more, nothing less.

Fans of the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson would likely enjoy this one.

Favorite Quote:

"I wanted to sigh, but I stopped myself. 'Well, I'm not really sure what it is right now.' Except that we're both werewolves who are supposed to be mates, though whether that's in the British slang sense or the Wild Kingdom sense, I'm not entirely sure." -pg 29, ARC
(Emily trying to explain her new relationship to her best friend)

*I received an ARC of Havoc from Harper Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.* show less