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Pretty Dark Nothing Heather L Reid Books

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Pretty Dark Nothing Heather L Reid Books

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid
Book One of the Pretty Dark Nothing series
Publisher: Month9Books
Publication Date: April 23, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

It's been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don't make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

What I Liked:

I really, really liked this book! I had a feeling I would enjoy it, but I think it is safe to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The characters, the world building, the plot... I really think the author had great control over her craft.

The characters are diverse and unique, all playing their archetypal roles superbly. Quinn is definitely a tortured heroine, perhaps even a damsel-in-distress at several points in the book. She has so much going on - with her cheer leading captaincy on the line, her academics plummeting, Mommy and Daddy issues, and a lack of sleep. Oh, and don't forget the fabulous demons who haunt her in her sleep, and eventually, while she is wide awake.

I believe that Quinn undergoes a significant amount of character development, and at the same time, she handles her situation differently and well. Sometimes it is difficult for her to express her obvious frustration, as was evident with the hair scene (trust me, you will know what I am talking about if/when you read the book!). She begins as a lonely, isolated character who wants nothing to do with anyone but Reese and Jeff, and in the end, she cares about herself, her friends, and Aaron.

I think the hardest thing for readers of this book to understand is WHY Quinn did some of the things that she did. Yes, she did treat Aaron poorly at times. But look at her reasoning. Why did she push him away every time they grew close? It is not really because she wants to go back to Jeff. It is because of the demons and their threats. While I find Quinn weak at times in the book, I understand her weakness. I empathize, because I know it would not be easy to make any other decisions, when in her situation.

That being said, I really liked getting to understand what was happening in Aaron's point-of-view. This book is in third-person, limited. So, we see Quinn, we see Aaron. Aaron is interesting. Up until the very end, we do not really understand why he helps Quinn, why he keeps coming back to her despite her actions, why he drives himself towards her. I really like him. He puts up with her, he doesn't.

The world-building and setting of this book is fantastic! I can't say that there is anyone as obnoxious as Jeff's ex-girlfriend/current girlfriend/drama queen in MY high school, but it reminded me of Mean Girls, which was hilarious. But I really felt like the author recorded and interpreted the high school setting well. I also felt like her incorporation of the paranormal (the demons, hallucinations, dreams, etc.) was well done. In my opinion, it seemed real.

The end is where you will find the source of the paranormal aspect of the book, and a touch of the explanation of the paranormal aspect. This is an interesting structure for a paranormal book, to introduce the paranormal aspect in specifics at the end of the first book. But, I know that the author plans to expound upon the paranormal aspect and explain it to readers in Book Two.

Okay, so, there IS a love triangle... but if you cannot already tell, I am not buying the Jeff side. Jeff is Quinn's ex-boyfriend, another source of added problems, in addition to the demons, the parents' issues, the grades, the captaincy, the lack of sleep, and so on. I think this love triangle is obvious, which makes me not get upset at the book. But it might be a messy one, who knows.

Okay, I will stop. I really like this book, everyone!

What I Did Not Like:

I suppose some of Quinn's actions bothered me. I totally get that she was trying to protect the ones she cared for, but sometimes, I wanted to shake her. But then, I have never been hounded by demons, or have had to deal with any of the awful symptoms of the lack of sleep that she did.

Quinn has a lot to manage, everyone! But I feel like Quinn's actions are what get to people, especially the people that do not see past her actions, and to her reasoning. Have some compassion!

Would I Recommend It:

I definitely would, especially to lovers of scariness! While this book is not a horror novel, such an audience would enjoy this book. The average paranormal lover would be interested in this book! I think that people may have problems with understanding the characters, but readers who pay attention will see the desired result!

Rating:

5 stars. I really, really enjoyed this book!


Tags : Amazon.com: Pretty Dark Nothing (9780985327811): Heather L. Reid: Books,Heather L. Reid,Pretty Dark Nothing,Month9Books, LLC,0985327812,Fantasy - General,Romance - General,Dreams;Fiction.,Love;Fiction.,Supernatural;Fiction.,Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9),Dreams,Fantasy & Magic,Fiction,JUVENILE FICTION Fantasy & Magic,JUVENILE FICTION Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural,Love,Science fiction (Children's Teenage),Supernatural,Young Adult Fiction,Young Adult Fiction Fantasy General,Young Adult Fiction Romance General

Pretty Dark Nothing Heather L Reid Books Reviews

This book is wonderfully intriguing! I couldn't put it down! Great character development & mix of romance, mystery, & supernatural events.
I thought the author had characters that had realistic confusion about relationships and peer problems that are typical for that age group. The dialogue was witty and believable. I was intrigued by the way the author gradually unveiled the supernatural aspects of the main characters and unveiled at the end of this book a whole new set of characters and another universe that will obviously be developed in a sequel if there is a sequel.
Not the typical YA Paranormal, but that's what I liked most about it. Quinn hasn't slept for days and now demons are invading her dreams and showing up at school. There were times I wasn't sure if she could really see them or if she might be crazy. The author does a wonderful job showing Quinn's decent into madness and the vivid descriptions were very creepy. This book kept me turning the pages and I read it in two days. Also, don't expect everything to be tied up into a pretty bow. The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger. I didn't see it coming at all. Looking forward to reading book two. If you like dark, creepy reads, that are different than what you've read before, pick this one up. You won't be sorry.
I don't normally read paranormal fiction, but I absolutely loved this novel. Quinn's story is not only about struggling with one's demons (literally), but also about learning who you are and coming into your own. Heather's prose is lyrical and well-crafted, and her ability to plot made this story impossible to predict. If you love YA fiction, this story (and its sequel, PRETTY DARK SACRIFICE) will keep you turning page after page!
Quinn can't sleep because she's terrified of the shadows that lurk in her dreams. But when the shadows leap out of her nightmares and into her life, Quinn is convinced she's going crazy. If she can get over her fears and trust Aaron, a boy with a mysterious past, they might be able to battle Quinn's demons together. If she can't open up, the shadows will happily pull her into the pretty dark nothing of death. This is a creepy, pulse-pounding read you won't be able to put down.
I loved this book! If you think it's going to be a demon slaying bad ass fighting kind of book stop there.The book is more about Quinn's life falling apart and her dealing with demons forcing her into sleepless nights wondering if she has gone crazy. (Though I'm rooting for some demon slaying in book two.)
I really felt for both Quinn and Aaron.
Quinn had the two people she thought she could always count on turn her back on her. Her dad left her and her mother for another woman, and her long term boyfriend of four years leaves her for the girl whom she hates. Of course her main problem is the demons haunting her at night are seeping into her day which is already over flowing with turmoil. Wondering through school, she tries to deal with her grief of losing her BFF/BF and fighting off the demons telling her to give up.
Aaron is Awesome. Of course he has his own set of problems, but who doesn't? He is also hopelessly crushing on Quinn who can't see past Jeff dumping her. After catching Quinn in the hall way you find out that he can feel people. Feel their minds. Because what fun would it be if his only problem was crushing on Quinn? He starts to feel her when she gets over run by demons; desperate to find out what's wrong and get closer to her.
Over all this is a really great read. Lots happening, but all has it's place. No one's life is one faceted, and Reid really gives it depth. The only thing that was hard to swallow was after finally finding out some of what the heck is happening Reid leaves us on the biggest meanest cliffie ever! I can't wait till the second book comes out!
The best part of this book is the dark dark creepy way Reid describes her evil viscous demons swirling around Quinn and how they mess with her head. Over all really good quality writing. I can't wait for the second book!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid
Book One of the Pretty Dark Nothing series
Publisher Month9Books
Publication Date April 23, 2013
Rating 4 stars
Source eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads)

It's been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don't make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

What I Liked

I really, really liked this book! I had a feeling I would enjoy it, but I think it is safe to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The characters, the world building, the plot... I really think the author had great control over her craft.

The characters are diverse and unique, all playing their archetypal roles superbly. Quinn is definitely a tortured heroine, perhaps even a damsel-in-distress at several points in the book. She has so much going on - with her cheer leading captaincy on the line, her academics plummeting, Mommy and Daddy issues, and a lack of sleep. Oh, and don't forget the fabulous demons who haunt her in her sleep, and eventually, while she is wide awake.

I believe that Quinn undergoes a significant amount of character development, and at the same time, she handles her situation differently and well. Sometimes it is difficult for her to express her obvious frustration, as was evident with the hair scene (trust me, you will know what I am talking about if/when you read the book!). She begins as a lonely, isolated character who wants nothing to do with anyone but Reese and Jeff, and in the end, she cares about herself, her friends, and Aaron.

I think the hardest thing for readers of this book to understand is WHY Quinn did some of the things that she did. Yes, she did treat Aaron poorly at times. But look at her reasoning. Why did she push him away every time they grew close? It is not really because she wants to go back to Jeff. It is because of the demons and their threats. While I find Quinn weak at times in the book, I understand her weakness. I empathize, because I know it would not be easy to make any other decisions, when in her situation.

That being said, I really liked getting to understand what was happening in Aaron's point-of-view. This book is in third-person, limited. So, we see Quinn, we see Aaron. Aaron is interesting. Up until the very end, we do not really understand why he helps Quinn, why he keeps coming back to her despite her actions, why he drives himself towards her. I really like him. He puts up with her, he doesn't.

The world-building and setting of this book is fantastic! I can't say that there is anyone as obnoxious as Jeff's ex-girlfriend/current girlfriend/drama queen in MY high school, but it reminded me of Mean Girls, which was hilarious. But I really felt like the author recorded and interpreted the high school setting well. I also felt like her incorporation of the paranormal (the demons, hallucinations, dreams, etc.) was well done. In my opinion, it seemed real.

The end is where you will find the source of the paranormal aspect of the book, and a touch of the explanation of the paranormal aspect. This is an interesting structure for a paranormal book, to introduce the paranormal aspect in specifics at the end of the first book. But, I know that the author plans to expound upon the paranormal aspect and explain it to readers in Book Two.

Okay, so, there IS a love triangle... but if you cannot already tell, I am not buying the Jeff side. Jeff is Quinn's ex-boyfriend, another source of added problems, in addition to the demons, the parents' issues, the grades, the captaincy, the lack of sleep, and so on. I think this love triangle is obvious, which makes me not get upset at the book. But it might be a messy one, who knows.

Okay, I will stop. I really like this book, everyone!

What I Did Not Like

I suppose some of Quinn's actions bothered me. I totally get that she was trying to protect the ones she cared for, but sometimes, I wanted to shake her. But then, I have never been hounded by demons, or have had to deal with any of the awful symptoms of the lack of sleep that she did.

Quinn has a lot to manage, everyone! But I feel like Quinn's actions are what get to people, especially the people that do not see past her actions, and to her reasoning. Have some compassion!

Would I Recommend It

I definitely would, especially to lovers of scariness! While this book is not a horror novel, such an audience would enjoy this book. The average paranormal lover would be interested in this book! I think that people may have problems with understanding the characters, but readers who pay attention will see the desired result!

Rating

5 stars. I really, really enjoyed this book!