Monday, February 11, 2013

Book Review: Finding Sky (Benedicts #1) by Joss Stirling



Title: Finding Sky (Benedicts #1)
Author: Joss Stirling
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publishing Date: October 7th 2010
Length: 308 pages
Keywords: YA, paranormal, romance, special talents, new girl, small town setting
Source: Publisher

When Sky catches a glimpse of Zed for the first time, lounging against his motorbike at school, she is drawn to him just like every other girl in Wickenridge. But Zed sees something special in her that the other girls don't have. Zed tells her they are both Savants - people with special powers like telepathy and the ability to see into the future. Not only that, she is a Savant too, and his soulfinder - meant to be together.

When a soulfinder speaks telepathically to her partner, it's like all the lights coming on in a building. You lit me up like Vegas. But for Sky it's just not that easy - she's a mystery to herself, haunted by nightmares from her past before she was adopted, and riddled with doubt and insecurity. Just when Sky is slowly coming round to the idea of being with Zed she is kidnapped by a family of criminal Savants. In a chilling twist, Sky and Zed's relationship is put to the ultimate test and the fate of those she loves lie in Sky's hands. Will Sky have the strength to embrace her power and be brave enough to control her own destiny, or will the dark demons of her past prevent her from realising her true potential?

Summary by Goodreads 




Soulmates, a concept of love and intimacy many people want to believe in to explain a pretty amazing bond between two people.When I started FINDING SKY I hoped for exactly that idea of soulmates unfolding and a cute romance between our protagonists to develop. Unfortunately both, Zed and Sky didn’t really grow on me.

From the beginning Zed is unfriendly and everything but courteous to Sky. Call it bad boy behaviour, but I just didn’t like it. She still starts to develop a crush on him based on his looks and the magnetic pull he has on her. And then at some point into the story the instant love finally sets in. I didn’t believe in them like in other couples, because he is suddenly totally into Sky and then she’s the one to decide to keep away. A Tug o’ war of stupidity.

I didn’t feel the connection between both characters, but that could’ve been because I didn’t feel a connection to Sky either. It doesn’t happen often that I dislike main characters that fast and determinedly, but sometimes it just doesn’t click. You probably know that phenomenon all too well. Sky was too innocent and childish for my taste to come across as a touch and admirable heroine. Every single of her conversations with other people and her parents felt like that, too, like explaining a little kid what it has to do.

What I liked about FINDING SKY are the different paranormal talents Sky, Zed and his family have. I’m always a fan of weird powers to goof around and save the world with. Then there are the antagonists who have powers of their own and who make the story a bit more interesting and less dragging.

The intricate leafy design on the cover continues to decorate every new chapter of FINDING SKY. A graphical plus that unfortunately doesn't help to enhance the book's week content.


 


1) nothing’s better than self-made Halloween costumes
2) of the miracle connection between soulmates
3) music helps you to express your feelings
4) small towns seem to attract problems
5)  of cool supernatural powers to goof around with





2/5 ** FINDING SKY- Soulmates with superpowers and a bunch of evil people against them, nothing new.

Another instant love, unconvincing leading characters and very slow story flow. You might still be interested in Joss Stirling’s concept of soulmates though. And FINDING SKY could be something for people who like music inspired books, because music’s also a large part of  Sky and Zed’s story.


 



 
* Did you enjoy FINDING SKY? Don’t miss STEALING PHOENIX!

* Read an excerpt of FINDING SKY

* Watch the book trailer

* Have a look at Joss’ inspirations for FINDING SKY

* Visit www.jossstirling.com for more information about Joss Stirling and her books. 

* Thanks to Oxford University Press for sending me a copy of FINDING SKY for review! 
 


1 comment:

  1. I thought this one was okay, but like you I didn't really connect with the characters or their stories and so I didn't continue with the series.

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