I first read this book on Wattpad a few years ago and I loved it so when I found it published on Smashwords, I bought it. The author references Wattpad a lot, although not by name. I understand why, but I don’t like it. It stopped me from being completely absorbed in the story. ? I would not recommend this book. It seems to be aimed at young teenage girls – but should they really be influenced to think that having a boyfriend is the only thing a girl should aspire to? The basic plot is cool idea – girl gets given a magic rock which in turn gives her the ability to read everyone’s minds. Of course, the twist is that the main character, Ariana, didn’t want to read everyone’s minds, just that of her crush. The setting isn’t clearly defined – it is set in our world, but there’s no specific idea where. The book goes between the school, the mall, and Ariana and her friend’s houses. I found it hard to see where she was all the time. Ariana is an unlikeable character for almost the entire book. She is boy-mad, selfish and one dimensional, with no redeeming qualities. This book is told in first person because of the topic. It was a light, easy read, but not necessarily enjoyable due to the lack of substance to the characters. The plot doesn’t develop for most of the book, but at the end, a sudden revelation that she is part of some higher purpose is thrown in, leaving the ending open for a sequel. Unfortunately, no matter how unsubstantial the book was, I am curious about the second book, and whether it will continue on Ariana’s special quest.
(reviewed 5 months after purchase)