Location: United States
Member Since: Aug. 12, 2012

Kristin Scearce

Smashwords book reviews by Kristin Scearce

  • Raven (The Raven Witch Saga) on Aug. 20, 2012

    "Raven" is about a young girl named Lilly Taylor, living in England with her parents, until they disappear one day. After she moves to Canada to live with her paternal grandfather, she finds out there's more to her (and her family) than meets the eye. She must learn to cope with this shocking information, discover the secret to her parents' disappearance, and navigate the course of young love. I really enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from the beginning, and I found myself drawn to Lilly. Although she's only thirteen years old, she seems wise beyond her years throughout her story, and yet there are several incidences where you can see her for her true age. I am not ashamed to admit that there were tears in my eyes on quite a few occasions, as the author really knows how to pull the reader in to share in the characters' emotions. I had no sooner finished the last sentence of "Raven" before I was purchasing the second book in the series, "December Moon," from Amazon. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds!
  • Project ELE on Sep. 13, 2012

    Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely LOVED this book! It pulled me in from the beginning, and I would've read it all in one sitting if I hadn't started it so late in the evening and needed sleep!! Still, I finished it the next day, and I desperately need the next one. I laughed, I cried, I thought back to how I felt during my first "real" relationship, and I pondered what I would do if I had to deal with the types of things that Willow and her friends see on a daily basis. I honestly don't think I could, and that's what pulled me into the story so much: The fact that these teenagers are having to live through this world, losing their family members to a virus, or having to leave them on the outside while they survive in this shelter. The relationships, whether just friends or otherwise, are exactly how I remember my teenage relationships (friendly, kinda awkward, but definitely "real" and "true", as much as they can be at that age), and I can't wait to see how they continue into the next book!!!
  • Redemption on Sep. 14, 2012

    Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy by the authors in exchange for an honest review. SOOOOO happy with this sequel!! I picked it up as soon as I finished "Night Marchers," and I read it all within 12 hours (had to break for work lol). I can honestly say I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I even fist-pumped at certain points. =) The characters are so much fun, and their story is so crazy you just can't tear yourself away from it. I just HAD to keep going, to know how everything would work out. And the ending, oh the ending. Don't want to give anything away, but there's quite a jumble of emotions to be had throughout the whole last third or so of the book. And the closing words: "Finished for now" -- you mean there will be more?? YES!!!!
  • Devastation: Built on Fear 1 on Sep. 21, 2012

    Disclaimer: I was given an e-book copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. "Devastation" is set in 2032, and it follows a group of kids and a soldier as they try to escape from the war raging around them, a war between the U.S. and a very unlikely foe. Some of the children are related, and they are trying to save what little family they have left; others meet each other along the way and work to protect one another from the hazards of war, the elements, and just plain dehydration and exhaustion. This book really pulled me in. As an American, I kept trying to put myself in the children's shoes, asking, "What would I do if this really happened?" (Answer: Probably die.) The opposing country is somewhat out of left field (for me anyway), but I think that really added to the story, just the simple fact that a country many Americans wouldn't dream of going to war with is attacking the U.S., and winning. Aside from that aspect, the relationships between the characters was very life-like, as they're just kids (the oldest is seventeen) trying to stay alive and help one another get to The Safe Zone in the South. Meanwhile, we also get the perspective of a soldier from the opposing army, who is starting to wonder whether or not his side is right. His inner dilemma was very intriguing for me, as I know several soldiers who are overseas now, and they've often discussed feeling that dichotomy between what your country's asked of you and how you truly feel about the situation around you. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, thrillers, action/adventure, and/or anybody who just wants to know who the other country is and why they've declared war against the U.S.! 5 stars, and I can't wait for "Isolation," the continuation of this dynamic story.
  • Finding ELE (ELE Series #2) on Oct. 30, 2012

    Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Wow! That's what first comes to mind when I think of "Finding ELE". It picks up exactly where "Project ELE" ended, and the story just builds from there. We follow Willow as she meets her mother's group of survivors, tries to both explain and deal with her boatload of powers, and starts to train with Tony, her mother's right-hand and her new protector. On top of all this, Willow's friends are still nowhere to be found, and her Dad's still inside the shelter. What happens with them? Well, you'll have to read to find out! I really enjoyed this story, as it delved deeper into Willow's different powers (and she gets a few more during this book), it showed her struggle between being back with her Mom/brother but missing her Dad/friends, and it started the idea of a love triangle, which is just so much fun. I feel like this was an awesome continuation of the series, and once again, there's that cliffhanger at the end!! I can't wait to see what Rebecca and Courtney give us in the third installment!! It would only let me give 5 stars =(
  • Semester Aboard: An Urban Fantasy Adventure on Nov. 06, 2012

    Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Words just can't seem to describe how awesome this book is!!! But I will try...... =) We follow Jen on a Semester-at-Sea type program around Latin/South America, and along the way, she meets some rather.....interesting characters who tell her something about herself that's incredibly life-changing. Throw in things like vampires, werewolves, elementals, mermaids, and witches, among many others, and you have one amazing story! I hated to put it down to work/sleep/etc, and was almost late for work one day because I was so engrossed in the story. I found myself really attached to the main characters, and they reminded me of some of my friends. I want to be in Jen's shoes so badly, not only to go on a summer-long cruise (although, without the classes would be better!), but to meet all the new people she does. Her world is simply awesome, and I greatly appreciate Elizabeth Kirke's ability to write a story like this, that I consider vastly different from other supernatural books out there. Kudos, and give me the next one already!!! =D 5 stars (wish I could give more)
  • It Can Always Get Worse on Nov. 13, 2012

    Disclaimer: I won a free e-copy of this book from a giveaway by the author. First of all, I have to say that this is probably not a book I would have picked up off the shelf for myself, had I not won it. However, that being said, I'm glad I got the chance to read it, because it was a really good story. The characters are fleshed out really well, and there were plenty of times where I could definitely picture the scenes in my head, just based on the writing and character descriptions. Clay Cove is in a neighborhood gang, The Locals, with his two brothers and a bunch of their friends. The whole point of their gang is to keep their part of the neighborhood clean and safe, both for themselves and for non-gang-members. However, there are other gangs around, most notably The Hakers, who are violent and push drugs. The Hakers are trying to encroach on The Locals' territory and sell drugs there, and Clay and his group want no part in it. They fight for their turf, but it soon becomes clear just how hard that's going to be. This book gives a very clear depiction of what gang-life could be like, especially in a somewhat-small area. The gangs themselves are not huge, and, The Locals at least, started out as a group of friends that just got tired of how things were going. Not only does the reader get to see the fights, the violence, the drug use, etc., but we also get everything from Clay's point of view: how he feels about his fellow members, his involvement in the gang itself, what living this way has done to him and those he loves. As the story progresses, things get worse and worse, and you can tell that it's starting to break Clay, bit by bit. Like I said, this is probably not something I would have read on my own, just because it's not my usual type of read. But now that I've read it, I'm glad I did, and I would recommend it to those who might live in a "rough" neighborhood, or who work with disadvantaged youth, or just anyone who might like a glimpse into gang life, other than what you see on those "reality" TV shows. 5 stars
  • Slipping on Dec. 02, 2012

    I loved this story. I read it while Shandy was posting it in installments on Wattpad, and I kept bugging her about when the next part would be available! For being a short story, you really get pulled in by the characters (but Shandy's awesome at doing that!). The ending is really good; I definitely didn't see it coming, but I thought it was a great way to go. I hope she writes more short stories, as they're just as good as her novels, and she can get them out to us faster! ;)
  • Descent of Blood, The Red Veil Series Book 1 on Dec. 05, 2012

    Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish. This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes! 5 stars =)
  • Isolation: Built on Fear 2 on Jan. 01, 2013

    Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I just LOVE this series! Between the characters and all their struggles to the idea of America being at war with Canada, of all countries, these books have really pulled me in. New characters are introduced in this installment, and some familiar characters go through harrowing events. There are budding relationships, separations, and treks to find loved ones, both family and friends. To say this story pulls at your emotions is a bit of an understatement: I was almost screaming at the book in certain places (if I hadn't been at work I probably would have), and I had tears of joy as well as tears of sadness. I definitely need the next one ASAP, because I feel left hanging by the ending, and I just want more of Fallon and Des and everybody else. =) 5 stars (because that's as high as the rating goes)
  • Exposing ELE on Jan. 05, 2013

    Disclaimer: I received an unedited ARC e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the third in the ELE Series, and the story just keeps getting better and better. I'm attached to the characters, engrossed in the story, and glad that I'm not in their situation!! The triangle between Willow, Alec, and Tony is just insane, and I'm not sure who I want to win. Aside from that, Zack is a complete jerk, and he just keeps getting creepier and more evil every time he's mentioned. Willow's friends are all amazing, and her little brother Sebastian is just the cutest thing, I love the way he talks. =) This one made me laugh out loud (the Trivial Pursuit questions about Beiber and Gaga were hilarious, and when Willow called Zack a sparkly vampire, I thought I'd die laughing), cry quite a few times (you'll know them when you get there), and I definitely cursed at a few characters/scenes, especially the "To Be Continued" at the end. I NEED to know what happens!!! The story keeps building and building, and we're nowhere near the end. I can't wait to see what Rebecca and Courtney come up with next! =) 10 stars (even though it only says 5)
  • Sadie's War: A Supernatural Uprising Novel: Book 1 on March 03, 2014

    Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadie is all alone in the world, blind, homeless, starving, and cold. She's in an area she's never been, the surrounding unknown, and there's no one to help her. However, she fends for herself as well as she can, until the "food man" shows up and changes everything for her. All of a sudden, Sadie knows kindness that she's never known before, and she makes new friends. However, her past demons still haunt her, and she must also deal with being a supernatural in a world that considers them societal threats. Will she and her friends be able to survive together, and what will be the cost of getting to that point? I was pulled into this book from the start, and I read it all in a day. It's very moving to get involved in Sadie's story, both her present and her past, and try alongside Fester and Michael to figure out just what all she's been through. There are many heartbreaking scenes, and I'm glad I don't have the power of empathy as Chloe does. The way they all work together, for better or worse, and try to get through this strange life of theirs is admirable, and I sometimes felt, along with Sadie, that the shoe would eventually drop at some point. It was a very well-done tale, and I look forward to more from this author in the future. 4 1/2 stars
  • Jeremiah Quick on Oct. 12, 2014

    Definitely not your run-of-the-mill romance... Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. Pretty met Jeremiah in high school, and she was quick to latch onto him. He was the complete opposite of her and everyone around her, and he drew her attention like moth to a flame. But all of a sudden, he was gone, and she was left to make her own way through life, all alone. However, leaving the grocery store one day 10 years later, ready to head home to her husband and two children, he steps from the shadows and back into her life, taking her on a whirlwind adventure she will never forget. I will start by saying this book is nitty, gritty, descriptive, and definitely not for the faint of heart. However, the characters are gripping, Jeremiah's story is both sad and determined, and Pretty is just trying to figure out where she fits in all this. If you're squeamish and/or extremely vanilla and mainstream, this is probably not the book for you. However, if you like to flirt with the dark (or sleep with it every night), I would definitely recommend this story, and you will not be disappointed. 4.5 stars
  • The Unsure Male on March 23, 2015

    Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. This book really makes it easy to understand the whole "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" idea by explaining just what makes each side of the spectrum tick, obviously more so on the male perspective. Being a woman and reading all of this from a male POV, I found this very interesting as to the reason why so many men are "afraid" or "incapable" of commitment. Easy to follow, funny at times, with just enough information to keep you invested but not bore you to tears. Nice little instruction manual! =) 4.5 stars
  • The Golden Boy Returns on March 28, 2016

    Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest (and not necessarily positive) review. Having read the novella which precedes this book, I was definitely excited to jump into this one with both feet. I love this series, with all its characters and twists and turns, and this one did not disappoint. While it focuses around a character who's not in the "main group" normally described in this series, everyone is still involved, and you get more insight into the craziness that is Boston, as well as a crash course in politics and all it entails. I had just binged the 4th season of "House of Cards" right before I started reading this book, so I was in the perfect mindset for all the politicking involved. I love seeing all the backhanded deals, the wink-and-nudge promises, and the like in HoC, and this story is a great companion. I was pulled in right away, and it didn't let up until I read the final line. Especially considering how crazy the candidates and campaigns have been for this upcoming election, this is a perfect book to show that we've really only scratched the surface of just how insane and ruthless it actually is. Recommended for everyone who likes politics, even as a passing fancy, and for everyone else, it's still an amazing book to further this series. 5 stars =)