Amber Smoke (The Escaped)

I wanted to like this book so bad!!! I was a huge fan of the House of Night series until book 8. By then I had enough, the story was done (at least for me). Then books were being thrown together so quickly the series (and story) suffered. I would much rather have one really good book than 3-4 so/so books. That is what happened with this book, the storytelling isn't there. I can speculate that their publisher is pushing the Cast's to publish as many books possible but idk for sure. Either way the writing is suffering. I couldn't connect with the characters. Alek and his "mothers" didn't quite pull you in but once Eva was brought into the storyline it was an easier read but still not really that good. This was written by Kristin Cast. I really want to see Kristin and her mother come up with a book series, maybe 4-5 books that is a good story. The kind you cannot put down until you have read it all. I know they can do it but sadly none of these new series are that intriguing. Bottomline don't waste your money. I had really high hopes for this one too. :-(

I thought this book had so much more potential, but by the time it ended I still had no emotional investment in the any of the characters especially the main ones Eva and Alek. It sucks, it's like reading an article rather than becoming immersed in a storyline. But I've noticed this to be a recurring theme with P.C and Kristin Cast since their books. Something they have both done in books together and separate (yes Kristin did it in this one as well) is switch up the POV's too much. Doing so made it difficult to connect with the major characters. Kristin could have left out the POV's of strangers that she continues with in Book 2, it ends up shortening the read time we have with the favorite characters. Great plot wasted the lack of bonding with the main character, which continues in Book 2 accompanied by too many POV's. Disappointing but I feel as though I have to finish the series since I'm already in the middle of Book 2.

I was so excited to read this book and when I saw it was .99 I purchased it right away. I love the HoN series!!That said, I was severely disappointed. I gave it 3 stars because my favorite was Bridget and the evil guy (no names mentioned don't want to ruin it for you) was truly scary. Needs better character development and the plot had potential, but it was just missing something.

Very good book! Can't wait to read the second book. Love all her books.once you start you can't put them down!

This book was really not what I expected and I wished that I'd saved my money. It was rambling and I lost interest. It was down right silly. I was very disappointed. I expected more from Kristin Cast.

Furies, forbidden love, saving the underworld...A imaginative tale of oricles, fates and furies and the afterlife in perilMy favorite part was the saving of the new oricle ...My least favorite part is lack of resolution of the story line

I think for some reason I'm the only one who thinks this but I felt the writing itself was a bit amateur which was shocking from Kristen Cast. I felt like it rambled much more than believed. Great storyline just didn't flow like a lot of books do. All in all its not a bad book. Hope the second one is better.

I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next one. Please keep writing Kristen I hope this turns into book after book after book. Great job girl

I have been a fan of the mother-daughter duo books in the past and so when I saw Kirsten's own books I had to give it a chance.I took a little time to get into as it was set in the famous Tulsa and albeit done for continuity it felt like a samey read. However a third of the book in and I have enjoyed it so much I am on to book two.Her strengths in the story are the way she writes about each character and their personalities are very strong.All in all without giving away the plot it is worth a read for fans.

I ordered this book as I was intrigued by what this author could do alone. I have long been obsessed with the series she co-authored with her mother, The House of Night series, and I could not help but want more. Honestly, for this book, I wanted to read it because it was getting amazing recommendations by all of Cast's fans, the cover looked mysterious and after reading the blurb/summary- I was hooked. Admittedly, I did start reading it, then put it down for a long time (exams and stuff). However as soon as I picked it back up again properly, I couldn't put it down.It has a very realistic and creative plot line, with clear evidence of research- though with a personal twist to the legends and folklore. The protagonist is relatable because she is definitely not perfect- she makes silly mistakes and gets into a lot of trouble. It is obvious that she has been thrust into this world of mythology and doesn't know what to do or how to deal with it- a reaction most of us would have, I should think. Eva is well built and sassy, yet smart (even if she doesn't always show it) and Alek is her link to mythology. He is at times a humorous character with his somewhat lack of understanding of the modern world and the chink in his chain- his weakness making him, too, quite a relatable character. Bridget adds the fun and stereotypical girliness yet shows loyalty and a protectiveness over her friends.I think this book communicated that as long as you have someone to count on, even if you think your world has gone completely to hell, then everything will somehow work out. It has an underlying moral of friendship and sticking together. That was undoubtedly the powerful message here. The structure of the book is, at first, a little confusing as the chapters skip to different character's points of view - and with no heading as to whose character's point of view this chapter is, you have to kind of figure it out within the first page or so. The plus side is that once all the characters have been introduced, this gets pretty easy to do. I would say that I quite like this structure in telling a story because you get to discover things about more than the main protagonist- like where the side characters go and what their thought processes are.In level of reading, I would rate this fairly easy as the language is not too complex and you can pick up where you left off without having to read back over it. It is simple to go with the flow of the plot line. For sure would recommend, if not for the depth of research into Greek mythology, then for the relatable characters and action packed plot.

Not bad. Maybe the next book will take this further. Not sure if I'm going to bother with it for now

this.felt a bit short but that might be because I love reading and read it quickly. Can't wait to start the second one

Just couldn't put the book down and read in a day, always love Kristen Casts books and she does her reaserch well. Was hooked from start to finish and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

No comparing her to her mother as she proved she is awesome alone. Kristin has wrote a fantastic, gripping and creative tale.... Can't wait for the next one. Great genes 😉

excellent service brilliant book

Very disapointed esp as Kristin Cast has wrote far better books previously.

love love loved it! As usual, writing is excellent, drew me in and made me worry and celebrate for the characters. Cant wait for the next one!!!

Excellent book from an excellent author. Can't wait to read more!

Fantastic book

Great

Not bad for a light read but house of night was better detailed and characters in this one seem a little robot-like to me except from Bridget

Love this book! The delivery time so really quick and so pleased with it! An amazing book! Finished it in two day couldn't put it down!

Love these books