Published: July 16, 2011
Words: 63,758 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781466008465

Short description

Summertime for Blair Reynolds and her friends had always been carefree and fun--until the summer they came upon something that was not human. As the group of friends bands together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human...something unnatural. And their survival depends upon their ability to keep a secret.

Extended description

For 17-year-old Blair Reynolds and her friends, being the bearer of secrets is getting really old. But it’s something she learns to deal with, because there’s no other option. If the people in her small town ever found out what she and her friends discovered in the woods and hid in the storage room, the whole town would be up in arms…literally. You see, folks here don’t believe in aliens from outer space. Besides, if they ever found out what two of those aliens did to one of their own, well, let’s just say what would follow would be all out war.
As the months unfold, their summer becomes consumed with secrets, puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit together, and a fight for their lives that leaves one of them at death’s door.

Tags

paranormal, mystery adventure, young adult paranormal, mystery and thriller, romance young adult

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Cicada Book Trailer
Book trailer for "Cicada," a young adult novel.

Reviews

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Review by: BookAngelRV on June 25, 2012 :
Okay let me just tell you that this book took me by surprise. I did not know what it was about as the summary doesn’t give a whole lot away. I have not read any alien books (that I remember) but if this is how they are I definitely would like to read more books like this. I give this book 5 stars because that is as high as I can go.
Plot – I loved the storyline. It was unique and really drew me in and kept me reading. The first part of the book was a little slower compared to the rest of it because it is introducing you to Blair, her friends and family. From the time they first see something strange until the end of the book there is always something new or another mystery to figure out. They are always going and checking things out when they should just run. This book packs a lot in to a shorter story. I did not want it to end. I also liked how the pieces of the puzzle are slowly put together but then there are more questions to keep you wanting to read to figure it all out.
Characters – The characters in this story are three dimensional with everyday problems. I love that Everett wanted to be an entomologist and had his own bug room. My son was in Entomology in 4-H and I wish we had a storage unit we could have put all of that in also. I feel bad for Blair as she is the youngest in the group and is getting left behind when everyone else goes to college. She is very smart and stubborn and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Blair’s older brother Andrew also struggles in this story. I liked this that he was going to go to seminary after high school but then ends up rethinking his life’s path.
Ending – The ending left it open for the next installment which I like but now I wish I hadn’t found this book until they were all already out because I am dying to read the next in the series. The next book sounds like it will have even more action, mystery and suspense.
All in all I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait to read the next in the series Firefly. I would like to know why Blair’s mother and grandparents think they need to hide everything from her instead of just telling her. It makes for a more interesting part of the book but if I was living her life I would be frustrated beyond belief with my brother and Everett as well as my mother and grandparents. The only complaint I can find on this book is that it wasn’t longer.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Yiota on June 17, 2012 :
I'm not entirely sure if i'm allowed to review the book. I mean at the start says i have to keep a secret whatever i've read, right?


*sigh*..Fine..i'll risk it..but i won't give much info..i love my life you know...


Cicada is a small, in general, book and fast. There is so many things happening in, so much action and mystery that it keeps you on the edge of your sit until the end. It's written without too many details, but enough to have you guessing and want to know more. The story has to do with alien creatures, which was something i didn't expect. And i remind me a little of E.T. and Super 8. I can also say it scared me a little at times. I didn't know if the creatures in the dark were good or bad, and the whole atmosphere was rather creepy so i might freaked a little..just a little though...


There is a big variety of characters. Geeks, "jock-like", cute-silly girls and that makes it interesting. Especially if you think they are all friends. It's a good story, to see how all have things in common and how well they can work together. Also the fact, that the company know each for years and are BFFs, it's something different than what we are used to. Usually, we just meet new people, etc, etc but here you get to follow a team already well strong bonded. The romance of the story, is really cute too. And i say cute because it's the whole best friend thing. No triangles. No anything hard. Wait...it does have some difficulties but that's because of the supernatural element.


Still, i found some things that confused my reading experience. Like, the fact that some things are happening so fast or change so fast, that you don't get to really understand them or enjoy them at their full potential. Especially the last chapters, are so so fast opposite the rest of the book. I felt like the scenes were done in a hurry and things were missing.
Also, i would love to have more of the rest town. The book is focused on the company so much, and loses on the background environment. I wouldn't mind more scenes with the people of the town, the grandpa, the mum and other things like that. Just some random facts, to get to know the world better.


In general is great read. I would totally recommend it and especially if you plan it reading it at night, outdoors. Hehe..
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Alexia Purdy on May 27, 2012 :
I loved this story! It is not your usual paranormal fantasy story. Throw in some intriguing sci-fi and it blows you away! It is told from the point of view of Blair Reynolds as she hangs out with her older friends as they enjoy their carefree youthful lives. In the summer, things start happening around them that can't be explained. Together they must fight for eachother's lives, accept changes to come and ultimately find each of their fates.

It was refreshing not to read about werewolves, vampires and the like. This introduces a more scifi element with aliens. Or is it? Belle throws a spin on the legends of crop circles, lights in the sky and even the tale of twins. I loved the suspense, the realism and the smooth writing that kept me engrossed and turning each page. The story fuses reality and the unknown easily but leaves you with enough mystery that you are attached to the characters and story until the very end. I look forward to the next installment, the end was definitely left wide open for another one. I can't wait!

5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book from the author for an honest review for her blog tour.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Tiffany on Dec. 25, 2011 :
Perfectly Inked Reviews:

Cicada was a book I didn't know much about from the synopsis. But the dark secret waiting it the woods wasn't quiet what I was expecting either. But a little mystery never hurt anyone. Cicada had me drowning in suspense and falling in love with its characters.

Belle writes her scenes with just enough suspense,mystery, and just the right amount of romance to balance it all out. But I do wish I could have had a hint or two in the beginning with Blair and Everett. Everett is Blair's "bug boy", together there child like antics where amusing. I fell for the nerdy, sweet, and caring Everett. He had traits that weren't typical for a character like him. Everyone expects him to be quiet, and timid. But not Everett hes loud, brave, and not afraid to get his opinion across. Looks can be very misleading.

In the end Cicada had my eyes glued to its pages and my fingers numb from page turning. It was a well balanced story with lots of twists and turns. But I did wish it was more developed in the sense of more detail and not jump to the next thing. Its been a while since I read a book where I didn't know what would happen next, that made it all the more fun. Just as it was developing and I was starting to get answers to my long appointed questions...It makes an abrupt ending! But I got to read a sneak peek of Firefly, and it made me crave the sequel all the more! Belle writes an alluring tale filled with secrets, waiting to be discovered
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Tiffany on Dec. 25, 2011 :
Perfectly Inked Reviews:

Cicada was a book I didn't know much about from the synopsis. But the dark secret waiting it the woods wasn't quiet what I was expecting either. But a little mystery never hurt anyone. Cicada had me drowning in suspense and falling in love with its characters.

Belle writes her scenes with just enough suspense,mystery, and just the right amount of romance to balance it all out. But I do wish I could have had a hint or two in the beginning with Blair and Everett. Everett is Blair's "bug boy", together there child like antics where amusing. I fell for the nerdy, sweet, and caring Everett. He had traits that weren't typical for a character like him. Everyone expects him to be quiet, and timid. But not Everett hes loud, brave, and not afraid to get his opinion across. Looks can be very misleading.

In the end Cicada had my eyes glued to its pages and my fingers numb from page turning. It was a well balanced story with lots of twists and turns. But I did wish it was more developed in the sense of more detail and not jump to the next thing. Its been a while since I read a book where I didn't know what would happen next, that made it all the more fun. Just as it was developing and I was starting to get answers to my long appointed questions...It makes an abrupt ending! But I got to read a sneak peek of Firefly, and it made me crave the sequel all the more! Belle writes an alluring tale filled with secrets, waiting to be discovered
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Romancing the Book on Dec. 03, 2011 :
Reviewed by Valerie at Romancing the Book

WARNING: Spoilers are in this preview.

I loved the preface to this book... “So, I ask again. Can you keep a secret? If not, put aside this story. Throw it away. Burn it. Tell no one what lies between the covers of this book. But if you can keep a secret, proceed with caution. And tell not a soul.” My hubby and I took a trip last year to southeast Texas, to the great piney woods during the hot summer days and nights where this story took place, and as I read, I felt like I was THERE again. The author did a fantastic job of creating the setting for this story and reading it at night spooked me out.

A time of celebration in a small town turns into a mystery that Blair, her brother, and friends want to solve as weird things start happening. First, an unusual building “appears” in town. Then, a crop circle is spotted in her grandpa’s pasture. While riding four wheelers, the teens spot an object in the sky hovering over the crop circle. What can all these clues mean? Noticing an unusual spot in the trees within the crop circle, they decide to check it out and find a large pod with a creature inside, growing. Although the group disagrees on whether or not to kill or save the creature, the final decision is to hide it at a local storage shed. Besides trying to figure out what type of creature they’re harboring, Blair’s worried about her brother. His behavior has changed, for the worst, and he’s stopped shaving, bathing, and doesn’t seem to care about anything anymore. Since they lost their dad and Andrew’s twin, Blair and her brother have been each other’s support.

When Blair’s best friend, Everett, first sees the hatched creature, he’s shocked. It looks just like HIM. While everyone is confused, it seems that the creature had imprinted him when they first located It. It begs them to keep It safe from the ones who would harm It. Unbeknownst to the others, the creature talks to Blair telepathically. Adding even more confusion are the weird dreams she keeps having. As the story continued, the action picked up as the creature was indeed in danger, as well as Everett. When Everett is the one tortured and almost killed, the creature passes on energy to help him heal. Soon though, Everett doesn’t need his glasses to see, nor does he need his crutches to walk. He starts dressing differently and acting cocky. Blair’s entire world has changed: her nerdy, geeky boy friend is now her boyfriend, but what is he? Her brother no longer tells her his secrets and is leaving to travel around the country on his motorcycle. Her best hope for finding answers lies in her dad’s study and when she starts poking around, the mystery gets even more bizarre. On their honeymoon, her dad took a picture with a cocoon high up in a tree, just like the one the creature was found in. WHAT was her dad involved with?

A tale with a lot of twists and turns that will keep you wondering...book two will be called Firefly.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Carina (Fictional Distraction) on Nov. 28, 2011 :
My Rating: 3.0 / 5

First thoughts:
Please let me point out how much I love this cover and how the novel reflects the mystery that we're already presented in this picture. For me it's a unique story, unlike anything I've read before and I definitely need to find out more about the story Belle Whittington has created. If you're looking for something else than your usual paranormal novels, pick up Cicada.

More detailed:
When I first started Cicada, I didn't expect it to be a story about aliens. I was surprised and completely unsure whether I would like this - after all, I haven't read any alien stories before and didn't know what to expect. But Belle Whittington's beautiful style of writing made me want to continue reading and I've definitely not regretted continuing this.

One evening in summer, Blair and her friends discover something that is both intriguing and scary at the same time. This discovery is followed by many questions, some of which have not been answered yet and make me want to have the second book already. Their world is turned upside down and I can only imagine what I would feel like if I were in their situation.

I have to admit that the first half of the book was a little bit slow, but I think this might be a subjective feeling since I was missing a few more romantic elements. Not everyone needs too much romance in their story, so it might be completely different for you. But I also have to say that the pace picked up during the second half and made it almost impossible to put down Cicada.

The characters we encounter are all very likeable and each of them has their own character traits. It's lovely to watch them interact with each other and to find out what they're thinking and dreaming about. All of them developed during the novel and I'm looking forward to see what Belle Whittington has planned for them in the future.

All in all, I'm very happy to have read Cicada. It has not only broadened my horizon since it's the first alien book I've ever read, but I'm also sure that I won't forget this story easily and will keep it with me until I can finally find out how it continues. It's a fast read and if you're looking for something different to read, you should definitely give this a chance.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: mandy anderson on Nov. 25, 2011 :
Blair is spending one last summer with her older brother and his friends before they all run off to college and their future, leaving her behind to finish senior year all by herself. But the day after graduation changes everything. After inspecting a crop circle on her grandfather's land, a mysterious flying object comes up and injects a creature from it. The series of events that happen next will forever change the lives of this one group of friends. No longer a carefree summer, but a summer spent figuring out who they are and how to keep each other alive.

Loved this book!! It was so suspenseful that I had gripped my nook so hard I thought I would break it. I always enjoy a good romance and this one really delivered at the end. I liked how the relationship grew from a strong friendship into something real. I saw it coming, but was pleasantly surprised with how it all went down. With too many books now days the romance is 'BAM! You’re in love' without laying eyes on someone.

Cicada is a fast paced read that will keep you at the edge of your seat. With so many questions in need of answers, you will eagerly be waiting for the next book Firefly.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: The Reading Geek on Nov. 19, 2011 :
Belle Whittington's Cicada is the story of Blair and her group of best friends who discover something one summer night that isn't human. Blair and her friends become involved in a dangerous mystery that they must keep a secret in order to survive.

Cicada is a mysterious and captivating story that I read in just a couple of hours. Blair is an interesting protagonist who hangs out with her older brother and friends. She is tough and will do anything for the people that she loves. I enjoyed the friendship that Blair shared with her brother, Andrew, and her friends. I especially loved the relationship that Blair shared with Everett, the sweet yet geeky guy who is fascinated by bugs.

Cicada instantly captured my attention and this book was not what I was expecting but in a good way. The interesting and at times creepy plot flows smoothly from beginning to end with a few unexpected twists. Part of the mystery slowly unravels as the story progresses but some aspects of the story and some of the characters are still a mystery. I still have so many questions left which is why I am definitely looking forward to the next book. Cicada is an interesting and exciting mystery that I strongly recommend.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: carole mckenzie on Nov. 11, 2011 :
When I started Cicada I knew only 2 things: it was a sci-fi book, and a cicada is an insect. As I tore through the pages of this fluid and easy to digest novel, I fell in love with the simple Texas story of love and more. Yes it has science fiction elements, but it's not only a book about impossibilities it is also a book about everything that is possible in life, even those things we never expect.

Cicada is a summer story, which made me yearn for long and lazy warm days. I found Belle Whittington to be an author who doesn't just spell things out for the reader but makes you search for information in her writing, and I loved that. While a fun and easy read in the beginning Belle beefs up the story quite a bit by the end with twists in the story and just enough suspense to keep any reader on their toes. She also creates beautiful scenes in the readers mind of what is happening in the story. I could easily picture everything from the old ranch to the bakery that Blair's mother owns.

It's a book about so many things but when I think of Cicada the word that pops into my mind is change. Everything changes for this young group of characters in the short months leading up to college and for Blair, leading up to senior year. Some of these changes have been good and some not.

There's a love story that unfolds between the pages that really took me by surprise. That doesn't mean I'm not happy it happened, but I was kind of in shock when everything was confessed. That's great writing, when you are literally going back a few pages to see how in the world you could have missed that! Then realize the small changes in behavior leading up to the emotion filled moments. It's a beautiful love that is young yet powerful and I enjoyed reading every second of it.

Aside from Blair we meet her brother Andrew and their 3 close friends. Everett, one of their friends is a self confessed nerd and from the very beginning I knew he was something special. He was my favorite character from the book, I liked Blair and all but I don't know, I just really liked Everett. Blair comes off as young and while she grows and changes a lot through the book we definitely see the most growth in Everett both emotional and physical. Her characters have real personalities and it's a refreshing read.

The intriguing story line gets more and more developed as the story moves forward, it continues to build. I'm glad it's one of a series because there is still so much more to learn. There is a bit left unanswered but it's understandable, it's a book one and we all know how that goes "Holy Cliffhanger" although this one isn't too bad. And, a bonus, the e-book I read had a preview of book 2, so I'm a little satisfied until it releases.

So, recap.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Why? Because it's beautiful and real and very unique.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Hannah Richardson on Nov. 09, 2011 :
For 17-year-old Blair Reynolds and her friends, being the bearer of secrets is getting really old. But it’s something she learns to deal with, because there’s no other option. If the people in her small town ever found out what she and her friends discovered in the woods and hid in the storage room, the whole town would be up in arms, literally. You see, folks here don’t believe in aliens from outer space. Besides, if they ever found out what two of those aliens did to one of their own, well, let’s just say what would follow would be all out war.
As the months unfold, their summer becomes consumed with secrets, puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit together, and a fight for their lives that leaves one of them at death’s door.

The thing that first drew me towards Cicada, its’ gorgeous cover and book trailer, are also a perfect representation of what makes it such a unique read: its’ beauty. We follow Blair and her friends, who are a year older then she is, through their last Summer together before they go off to college and leave her behind. They have some dorky teenage fun, they discuss their futures beneath the stars alongside the music of the cicadas, and they come across a crop circle which is just the beginning of the weirdness and their struggles.

My issues with Cicada began with the characters. I struggled to feel much of a connection to them, we are simply thrust immediately into their world and expected to care with no real reasons given as to why until much later on in the book and I honestly felt more time could and should have been put into developing the characters and their story. Still, I found myself laughing with them and wondering with them. I also wanted to slap them upside the head at times, but that’s just me. There are a couple of things that go unexplained in Cicada as well which I couldn’t make much sense of. I understand that they will be touched upon again in Firefly (they will, right?!), but it felt incomplete, and the weaving of plot points sometimes felt a little choppy. I also wasn’t fond of how over-protective the guys are of Blair and Natalie. The chivalry is nice, and it does make sense especially considering they are in a small town in Texas, but I really like female characters who can hold their own. To my great joy and relief, Blair does manage that in places and I did really grow to love her as a character as she tried to take matters into her own hands. Sadly the romance fell flat for me until I heard a few songs that Belle sent my way and then it suddenly made more sense. They all have their own stories and purposes and I look forward to Blair’s enlightenment because I need to know what happens!

What I really loved about Cicada, what really pulled me in, was the absolutely wonderful story. It’s well-balanced and the pacing is good once you get into it a little. There are many tense and suspenseful moments that create excitement and plenty of foreboding and secrets, though it’s dark, it never gets too dark as there are a lot of interspersed lighter moments. I haven’t come across a story like Cicada before and by the end I was pining for the next book. I may even have cried out when I realised it had come to an end, and what an abrupt ending! Belle is evil. Trust me on that one. It is the kind of book that grips you in and you don’t quite realise it at first until you find yourself just needing to know what happens. Belle is definitely one to watch, she’s wonderfully imaginative and a good writer.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Ivana Maric on Nov. 01, 2011 :
Some books just feel like they were written for you only. That's how Cicada felt for me. When I was 13, I was obsessed with the TV show Roswell. The dormant UFO-freak in me rejoiced when I learned that Cicada featured a different kind of paranormal, my kind of paranormal (that sounds weird...)

Cicada is a wonderfully constructed story about changes and the end of childhood. After summer ends, four out of five characters are going to college, but a different kind of "change" will send them on different paths. Cicada is quite a short read, but by the end, it feels like you're reading a completely different book. Everything and everyone has changed. As summer moves on, secrets and mysteries come up one after another, and the tone grows darker and heavy with the looming danger and unanswered questions. Characters unfold and grow until you barely recognize them anymore. The superstar of Cicada is Everett, the "bug-boy". Going into details would spoil most of the book, but in short, he's the hottest nerdy ever!

As for reasons why it's not a shiny five stars...The beginning of the story seemed a bit forced, I couldn't "feel" it and the first encounter with the characters was not impressionable. It takes a few chapters, some build-up and action to start seeing them as individuals and the purpose each of them fulfills.

I loved how the romance between Everett and Blair developed. It grows out of true, lifelong friendship. It shows in face of adversity and grows stronger in hard times. That's true love.
I all but exploded with joy when I saw the songs Belle mentions in Cicada. Muse and Fireflies by Owl City. My music. My book. My precious!

Anyway. I hereby pledge my undying love for Belle for not only contacting me and letting me read the book, but also for having written it in first place. I'm really fed up with vampires and werewolves, and I can't even tell you how happy I am that I've come across a few YA novels about the extraterrestrial lately. Hooray for new horizons, new ideas, new worlds, new creatures, new books to pine for.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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