Tommy Nightmare (The Paranormals, #2)

May 24, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, own, horror, adult

Jenny has a deadly touch. It's not a pretty death either. It consists of boils, puss, and all that good stuff. Now we meet Tommy - his touch induces nightmares. Your worst nightmares. So in other words, the touch of fear. Fear, considered human's strongest and oldest emotion, is an incredibly fascinating notion especially when used as a tool, so I knew I was in for a good time!

We meet Tommy right away. We get the story of his heartbreaking past, and how his life is about to intertwine with Jenny...more Jenny has a deadly touch. It's not a pretty death either. It consists of boils, puss, and all that good stuff. Now we meet Tommy - his touch induces nightmares. Your worst nightmares. So in other words, the touch of fear. Fear, considered human's strongest and oldest emotion, is an incredibly fascinating notion especially when used as a tool, so I knew I was in for a good time!

We meet Tommy right away. We get the story of his heartbreaking past, and how his life is about to intertwine with Jenny's. Instead of shying from his touch, he manipulates people to get his way. I hated him. I really did - and I loved it! If there is one thing I have to applaud JL Bryan for, it's his villains. From Ashleigh to Tommy, the villains in this series are masterfully crafted. They will anger you and exasperate you; You. Will. Want. Them. To Die! And if you think you've seen the last of Ashleigh, think again!

Even though it's named Tommy Nightmare, the story is not exclusive to Tommy. We see quite a bit of Jenny and Seth along with some new characters. The one I found the most interesting was Heather. I'm always curious about the general repercussions of horrific events such as the ending in Jenny Pox, and not only are we shown the law enforcement's reaction, we get the actual POV of someone at the CDC: Heather is a CDC investigator and 200+ unexplained deaths in small town, nowhere has gotten her attention. Theories ranging from the plague to bioweapon, I'm especially happy that the aftermath didn't get shrugged off with a mere paragraph, but looked into, questioned, and studied. This also becomes very important in the story as it gives Jenny even more people to fear.

Amounting to strong plot developments, flashbacks are a frequent occurrence in this sequel. We learn a lot about Jenny's past where we see that everyone's character is not always as it seems. We get a deeper understanding of the powers that these people wield, as well as a better perception of who they really are. These flashbacks combined with a multitude of different perspectives makes it a pretty hefty novel; there's a lot to keep track of along with considerable story building. The frequent shifting does cause the pace to slow down at times, but I was impressed at how well it all flows together, giving us a vastly exciting and an overall action-packed novel.

The chemistry filled romance between Seth and Jenny is tamed down in this book. The "new" spark has calmed, plus Jenny is distraught over what she did on top of the doubts being implanted by a certain someone. This is in no way a negative point, though - at least to me. It's realistic and natural for a relationship at their age. Plus, I was never a huge fan of Seth. He's easy to manipulate, I don't mean by Ashleigh which is expected but rather by his parents and friends. I much prefer the tougher, more assertive types. Let's just say that I was very pleased by the ending!

Equally as entertaining as Jenny Pox, Tommy Nightmare is an excellent sequel to a fantastic series. I strongly recommend it to all my fellow horror fans! I do have to warn you that even though they're teenagers, the series is considered an 18+ horror novel as it has some (epic) adult content.

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Apr 13, 2011 Stacey Benefiel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Jenny Pox fans, people who like horror, people who like paranormal romance, people who like to read

I really enjoyed this second book in the Jenny Pox series. The concept is so original. It's like a history-contemporary-horror-YA-paranormal-thriller-romance. While I loved Jenny Pox, I think this book is even stronger. The transitions between the different characters POV's are effortless in this one. Looking forward to the next book in the series already!

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Jan 05, 2012 Johi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-paranormal

I wanted to give Tommy Nightmare only 4 stars, but I usually try to star my reviews based on what I felt as I read them, and this one is just as hard to put down as Jenny Pox. It's not as good IMHO because Jenny had that certain Mean Girls elements, like the skinny, creepy, abused girl stealing her perfect, big-breasted archenemy's boyfriend. In Tommy, I feel like most of that cute, YA romance part is lost. And in return, we get flashbacks and more flashbacks, that while interesting, they start...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Mari Stroud rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've mentioned before how completely blown away I was by Jenny Pox, so I had high expectations heading in to Tommy Nightmare. Happily, it measured up. Tommy is genuinely terrifying in moments, moving in others, and juuuust complicated enough that I mourned every time he made an evil decision. I'm not willing to count him out of the game just yet.

While Bryan has introduced a fun new villain in Tommy, that doesn't mean he's short-changing the girls. Jenny is every bit as real and amazing as she w...more I've mentioned before how completely blown away I was by Jenny Pox, so I had high expectations heading in to Tommy Nightmare. Happily, it measured up. Tommy is genuinely terrifying in moments, moving in others, and juuuust complicated enough that I mourned every time he made an evil decision. I'm not willing to count him out of the game just yet.

While Bryan has introduced a fun new villain in Tommy, that doesn't mean he's short-changing the girls. Jenny is every bit as real and amazing as she was in the first book, and Bryan introduces a new girl in the form of an old love of Tommy's. Furthermore--spoiler alert--we also see the return of Ashleigh Gooding, who is every bit as noxious and calculating in this book as she was when we first met her. My favorite part of these books is how neatly Bryan writes the relationship between Ashleigh and Jenny--they never lose their petty, high-school nastiness for all that they're immortals fighting a war with incredible, potentially world-ending powers. Jenny was punished in the first book for her refusal to attempt to understand her powers while Ashleigh was so busily strengthening hers, and she's still struggling with much the same problems in Tommy Nightmare. Granted, her power is much more difficult to safely test than Ashleigh's, as people either die or are permanently disfigured by her touch rather than finding themselves love-stoned for a few hours. Jenny's entire arc in this book is, once again, that of trying to stay one step ahead of her own abilities, this time with the added knowledge of just how destructive she can be. This would be repetitive if not for the added drama of Jenny's secret being released into the world and the additional supervillains thrown into the fray. Jenny has to grow up, whether she wants to or not, because she's going to be eaten alive if she doesn't. And, by the end of the book, she seems to realize that she can't just stay in Fallen Oak and be a perpetual child forever, not when Ashleigh is once again on the move and is determined to destroy Jenny's life utterly before continuing with her plans for--I'm not kidding--world domination. Unfortunately, she's now in the sway of someone even more dangerous than Ashleigh or Tommy, and she's not in a good emotional place. Jenny Morton is poised to become Batman with mittens.(less)

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Aug 12, 2012 jD rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, 2012_5-stars, different-and-strange, fantasy_myths, fantasy_romance

In this second book of The Paranormals Trilogy, we meet Tommy. He is another person like Jenny, Seth, and Ashleigh. His touch brings about fear. He can kill or simply mess up a person's mind for a short period of time. Tommy is as pathetic as Jenny but he has a harder heart so he went straight into the villian column quick. As of the end of the last book, we find out a little about what Jenny, Seth, and Ashleigh are. It's just enough to start us with the understanding that they are not fully hum...more In this second book of The Paranormals Trilogy, we meet Tommy. He is another person like Jenny, Seth, and Ashleigh. His touch brings about fear. He can kill or simply mess up a person's mind for a short period of time. Tommy is as pathetic as Jenny but he has a harder heart so he went straight into the villian column quick. As of the end of the last book, we find out a little about what Jenny, Seth, and Ashleigh are. It's just enough to start us with the understanding that they are not fully human. They were born like humans but they are actually reincarnated over and over since the beginning of time. They don't remember their lifetimes but they eventually find one another and kill each other off. They have well established patterns with different identities.

Tommy is in jail when he sees Ashleigh on tv. He feels a connection to her and knows he must find her. He breaks out of prison and heads to South Carolina. Tommy knows his touch is deadly and he has already figured out that he is not the only one. When he was a child, he met a girl who could communicate with the dead by touch. Her name is Esmeralda and Tommy wants to get his hands on her too.

Meanwhile, Jenny has 'maybe' killed Ashleigh and about 200 other townfolk with her Pox. They deserved it but it's still not a good thing for our heroine. Jenny and Seth are trying to put the pieces of their lives back together and keep the CDC and Homeland Security off their backs. Enter Tommy looking for Ashleigh who is dead. He remembers that Esmeralda can communicate with the dead so he grabs Ashleigh's bones and sets out to find Esmeralda. This puts us up to 4 additional beings like Jenny and they all have horrible powers of destruction. The collision course they are on is massive and is once again gonna be messy. There are a few interesting surprises such as Alexander and his interest in Jenny. This character is pretty much in the background observing in this book but he is clearly one of them and he has a nasty touch.

Although the book is named for Tommy, Jenny is really the focus. She is in a mess of trouble with a woman at the CDC determined to find her and pin a few hundred murders on her. She also would not mind sticking Jenny in a lab to be studied. Seth must make a decision about his future. Does he go to college and do what his family expects? Will he find a way to keep Jenny by his side although she is a mass murderer? Does he dare go against his family and the many secrets they have hidden over generations? Does Jenny dare to dream of a future with Seth? Is Jenny beginning to remember what and who she is? Is Tommy going to find a way to bring Ashleigh back? Is there a hero to be found in any of these characters? All these questions are posed and answered in a fast paced story that had me gripping my Kindle with brute force.

BTW, I don't think I said this about the first book but it's really as funny as it is dark. I laughed as much as I cringed. Once again, I must state -- not YA. It's not erotica but there is tasteful and not so tasteful sex scenes. once again, this one is 5 stars.(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Meaganr rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jenny's touch infects. Seth's touch heals. Jenny's touch spreads love. And now we meet Tommy who's touch spreads fear.
Growing up in the house of an abusive, cultist foster family, Tommy's life has been somewhat of a waking nightmare itself, so it seems only fitting that his touch spreads fear. One night, he tries to help his foster father's dad and accidentally give him a heart attack with his touch. Let's just say, his foster father was not very forgiving. Many years later, when we see Tommy a...more Jenny's touch infects. Seth's touch heals. Jenny's touch spreads love. And now we meet Tommy who's touch spreads fear.
Growing up in the house of an abusive, cultist foster family, Tommy's life has been somewhat of a waking nightmare itself, so it seems only fitting that his touch spreads fear. One night, he tries to help his foster father's dad and accidentally give him a heart attack with his touch. Let's just say, his foster father was not very forgiving. Many years later, when we see Tommy again, he sits in a prison cell surrounded by some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. He's pretty much accepted his fate for the moment, but then he sees a girl on TV. A girl with stormy grey eyes (much like his) and a strange sense of purpose and awareness. He knows immediately that he has to meet this girl because he can just sense that she is like him, that she can explain what he is. Too bad when he arrives she's already dead.
With Ashleigh dead you'd think her evil reign would be over right? Wrong. Even from beyond the grave she sticks around to mess EVERYTHING up and thoroughly annoy the hell out of me. It doesn't help that her counterpart Tommy has no back bone and just goes along with whatever Ashleigh says.
This time around, Jenny is having to deal with a whole hell of a lot. She's got the guilt from her outbreak, her father distancing himself, the CDC and other government agencies sniffing around her house, strange new memories, nightmares, boyfriend problems, evil reincarnated, and a whole bunch of new people who are like her popping into her life.

I'm honestly surprised I haven't gone crazy with all the frustration that these books cause me. Don't get me wrong, these books are good and super intriguing, but damn these bad guys are just downright horrible. Ashleigh is just as manipulative as she was before and her meddling messes everything up as usual. Her power and the fact that no one can go against it and how everyone just walks right into her traps is just so aggravating! How can someone be so completely manipulative! (I would say ingenius but that sounds too much like a compliment :P) There were so many times that I just wanted to reach into the pages and strangle her but alas I was stuck banging my nook against my head.

Anyway this book is a great continuation of the series, and we are introduced to a whole bunch of interesting new characters as well as new information about what exactly they are and how they are all related and even a new love interest for Jenny *gasp*. It's really quite interesting. This book is ~~EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING~~ great, so if you liked the first one definitely read this one. (less)

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Dec 22, 2011 Brandi Salazar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading Jenny Pox, I just had to check out Tommy Nightmare. Initially I thought this story would be following Tommy with, hopefully, some side chapters to update me on Jenny and Seth's path. It started out that way, and I was instantly hooked to Tommy's story. He starts out as a child in foster care under the guardianship of a horrible, deeply religious man who abuses the children, and even his wife.

The story then took multiple side-roads, introducing new characters ranging from CDC inves...more After reading Jenny Pox, I just had to check out Tommy Nightmare. Initially I thought this story would be following Tommy with, hopefully, some side chapters to update me on Jenny and Seth's path. It started out that way, and I was instantly hooked to Tommy's story. He starts out as a child in foster care under the guardianship of a horrible, deeply religious man who abuses the children, and even his wife.

The story then took multiple side-roads, introducing new characters ranging from CDC investigators to those who share powers similar to Jenny, Seth, and Ashleigh. I loved all the characters. They each had their own unique voice and history, making it hard not to love them, good or bad. Tommy was one of those for me. He was so bad, but I wished he could be good. I guess it just wasn't in the cards.

Seth and Jenny just can't catch a break. Seth is following his father's orders to go to a college of his choice, and Jenny is struggling with the decision to join him and risk spreading her disease to others, or just staying behind with her dad. She is also struggling with doubts about their relationship, especially since the outbreak from the last book and all the changes to come. And since Ashleigh is such a detestable, determined character, she finds a way to wriggle back into their lives and continue her own plans of destruction, focusing mainly on bringing Jenny to her knees.

I did have a few qualms with this one. First, Jenny's dad can't seem to look at her the same way he used to. It's as if he had had a choice in the matter, between Jenny fighting against a town bent on killing her, and laying down to die, he would rather have her lay down. He just can't forgive her. Second, Seth seems pretty dim-witted this time around, not seeming to recognize or care that Jenny is struggling to make sense of things and having a difficult time coping with change. Third, this was Tommy's book and I felt like not enough time was spent on him. I wanted to learn more, see more from his p.o.v. It started out that way, but quickly segued into Jenny's story.Not that I minded, because I love Jenny, but I had expected more development in the other direction.

Overall, I love this series. I wish it was longer. Three books just doesn't seem like enough, but I am so looking forward to finding out the rest of the character's history, and what is in store for them in the future. I have a feeling history is about to repeat itself.

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Sep 14, 2011 Joey Butcher rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In Tommy Nightmare, we discover that Jenny, Seth and Ashleigh aren’t the only people with powers. In fact, there are quite a few more people. When we’re introduced to Tommy in the first chapter of the book, he’s an innocent foster child, unaware of his abilities when an awful accident occurs. As traumatizing as this is for Tommy, J.L. Bryan makes this scene and many others just as cringing as he did in Jenny Pox. Growing older, Tommy sees a T.V. interview of Ashleigh Goodling, Jenny’s arch enemy...more

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May 30, 2011 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review originally posted at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

Tommy Nightmare returns us to a world that causes anxiety and dread to curl up and make themselves at home in our guts, any brief moment of happiness overshadowed by a tangible sense of unease as we know Mr. Bryan has no qualms with putting his characters through physical and emotional turmoil. We plunge forward, blowing through pages held tightly with knuckles gone white from strain, fearing what's in store next might just be...more Review originally posted at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

Tommy Nightmare returns us to a world that causes anxiety and dread to curl up and make themselves at home in our guts, any brief moment of happiness overshadowed by a tangible sense of unease as we know Mr. Bryan has no qualms with putting his characters through physical and emotional turmoil. We plunge forward, blowing through pages held tightly with knuckles gone white from strain, fearing what's in store next might just be worse for Jenny than what she's already experienced, and we emerge from the story with worry lines etched into our faces where there were none before as evidence of our involvement with the story. Tommy Nightmare is not an emotionally easy read, instead it's one where we know things will only get worse before they get better, but Mr. Bryan gives us a flicker of light just when the darkness starts to consume us, and we cling to its tiny brilliance as we hope for Jenny to find the happiness she so deserves.

The reappearance of Ashleigh–a character so detestable we will our hatred of her to be strong enough to singe every appearance of her name from the pages so we don't have to see it any longer–causes us to groan in disgust while begrudgingly admitting to an appreciation of a character who can inspire such an intense reaction. Every word out of her mouth and every action she takes ratchets our apprehension up a notch, knowing her every move is calculated and planned in order to inflict the most pain on the object of her wrath. She's hauntingly villainous, her ability to inspire love with a touch warped beyond all recognition as she uses it to enslave and manipulate, and we read every page hoping someone will share our immunity to her grotesque charm.

Despite being the title character, Tommy's role in this story is surprisingly small, his opening scene enough to raise our hackles and bring forth our protective instincts, but his actions after those first few pages skew our perception of him so we are left in an emotional limbo as to whether or not he's deserving of our affection. We want desperately to believe in him since he's Ashleigh's opposite and therefore capable of resisting her touch, but his easy compliance to her every suggestion without that coercion keeps us wary and defensive. In addition to Tommy, we are introduced to several new characters, each with a unique ability that piques our curiosity and makes us want to read faster in order to find out how they fit into the magnificent puzzle Mr. Bryan has so painstakingly developed.

Tommy Nightmare is highly recommended for older young adult audiences as the sexual content, though not hugely prominent, is a bit more detailed in nature, and the suffocating darkness at times threatens to overwhelm. Luckily for us however, this story, though often a heavy burden to bear when Jenny is mistreated and betrayed again and again, ends by bringing a hesitant smile to our lips as Ashleigh's plans for Jenny are temporarily interrupted by the appearance of a new character. Though we know inevitably the smile will fade as quickly as it came when we get our hands on the next book, it's enough to mildly relax the muscles we've held rigid in reaction to the emotional maelstrom into which these characters thrust us.

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May 02, 2011 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anyone who follows me knows that I am an avid J.L. Bryan fan, and that certainly hasn't changed with this book, In Jenny Pox, the story ends with a unexpected twist that only just begins to explain Jenny and her strange gift, leading straight into Tommy Nightmare. This books begins immediately following the conclusion of the first, so there is no missing time or vagueness before getting into the story. I hesitate tp talk too much about the actual plot for fear of spoilers, but I will say that th...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, must-read, thrillers, paranormal-adult

I fell in love with Jenny Pox. I loved her story. The first few chapters of this book are spent introducing us to Tommy and his special ability to spread fear. We learn of his horrible childhood and his troubled youth. We follow him on his quest to find Ashleigh Goodling his opposite and Esmerelda the death talker. He finds both despite Ashleigh being dead. Then the three of them hatch a plan to take down Jenny and Seth. We also meet briefly Alexander Death.
What I loved:
Jenny is even more troubl...more I fell in love with Jenny Pox. I loved her story. The first few chapters of this book are spent introducing us to Tommy and his special ability to spread fear. We learn of his horrible childhood and his troubled youth. We follow him on his quest to find Ashleigh Goodling his opposite and Esmerelda the death talker. He finds both despite Ashleigh being dead. Then the three of them hatch a plan to take down Jenny and Seth. We also meet briefly Alexander Death.
What I loved:
Jenny is even more troubled now that she has killed half the town. Her memories of her past lives does not ease her suffering. They further her resolve to never use her power. She often dreams of her ancient life in Greece. She finds not only a man who she thinks is Seth there but also Ashleigh and Tommy. There her powers are used to take down the leader of Athens by the King of Sparta (Seth?). I loved these flashbacks. They were so rich. They added to the story rather than distracted the reader from the main plot line.
Ashleigh/Darcy/Esmerelda are the same dasterdly villian we love to hate.
The ending was once again surprising and a bit unexpected. At first you think Alexander is coming for Jenny. Then we think he is coming for Esmerelda. Who he picks is not who I thought it would be. Jenny complements him and Esmerelda is his opposite. So it's a toss up until the end.
Uhh there are zombies---duh! I love zombies even if they are just briefly used.
The writing was fantastic again. Once we got into the heart and soul of the story I couldn't put it down.
What I didn't like:
Tommy's first half of the book seemed to drag for me. That is probably because I wasn't invested in his story like I was Jenny and Seth's.
Jenny and Seth seem to be growing distant in this book. I missed thier chemistry. This is the author's design though. His introduction of Alexander is really going to throw us, Jenny and Seth for a loop. Which I am looking forward to. I'm a sucker for a good love triangle.
Once again this book is not really intended for young readers. I would say the material is YA-M/Adult. Or in movie terms NC-17.(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Katrina Passick Lumsden rated it 3 of 5 stars

I can't say this wasn't as good as Jenny Pox, but it definitely wasn't as engaging. For me, anyway. It's interesting to note, however, that I'm nearly halfway through the third and these books really flow pretty seamlessly from one to the next. I love the refreshing effect of contemporary YA written by a man. That may sound sexist and anti-feminist, but I really do admire the way men write, especially their characterization. Most of the YA I read by female authors is so contrived and one-track,...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Danny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: july-2011

After finishing Jenny Pox, I was hooked and needed to read the next installment in this very unique and compelling series. I would also love to say right from the beginning that I loved this one even more than the first book.

In the first pages we get introduced to a new character Tommy who has the gift/curse of giving people nightmares and fear when he touches them. We first see how Tommy's life was when he was 12 and lived with a foster family. ... I had tears in my eyes already after the first...more After finishing Jenny Pox, I was hooked and needed to read the next installment in this very unique and compelling series. I would also love to say right from the beginning that I loved this one even more than the first book.

In the first pages we get introduced to a new character Tommy who has the gift/curse of giving people nightmares and fear when he touches them. We first see how Tommy's life was when he was 12 and lived with a foster family. ... I had tears in my eyes already after the first few pages. I felt so very very sorry for this boy! Also, I was thankful JL Bryan included this inside before we got to know the older Tommy. It makes you understand this boy so much better and feel for him even though he's not the nicest character...

The Story picks up where Jenny Pox ends. Jenny and Seth have to deal with the aftermath of the showdown and especially Jenny struggles a lot with what she has done. Also Homeland Security is in town trying to figure out what happened. While Seth and Jenny are busy with dealing, but also trying to look forward and beyond High School. Tommy comes to town looking for Ashleigh... and he's coming not alone.

Two more characters will be briefly introduced that I'm sure will have a bigger role in the third book.

JL Bryan manges to surprise me with twists and turns which kept me turning the pages faster and faster!! Very surprising things will happen I didn't expect at all but found absolutely awesome! Unexpected love, triangles and alliances made this story very captivating and incredibly compelling.

I was also glad that although some truly horribly things happen nothing was as scary as the last showdown in Jenny Pox. I think Tommy Nightmare exceded my expectations and makes me wish the third book would be already out.

I really love his story telling, his writing and the characters he creates. His characters are never black and white and there is a lot of grey involved. This made me care for them even though some of them might be normally considered bad...

I hope JL Bryan will write another YA/New Adult series after this... I for myself can say I'm a real fan now :))
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May 26, 2012 Amanda Miller rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This story seems to focus more on Jenny, Seth and Ashleigh than on Tommy himself, though it is still unclear how much of a role Tommy will play - he seems very much like a secondary character most of the time, and incapable of truly doing much on his own.

Ashleigh is definitely one of those characters that it comes to a point in the story where you think "Just die already... or at least someone, ANYONE hit the girl over the head with a frying pan, please!" I know she's integral to the story, but...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, young-adult, 2011-favorites, read-in-2011, urban-fantasy

This review contains spoilers for book 1. Just so you know.

I loved book 1 in this series. I thought it was dark and creepy and that it perfectly captured the casual alienation that people can unwittingly be subjected to. I'll admit that Jenny's ... let's call them 'issues'... Jenny's issues made her alienation less casual and more of a necessity. It doesn't make it any easier for her to bear, however. Maybe it even makes it worse because she knows that she'll never have a normal life as long as...more This review contains spoilers for book 1. Just so you know.

I loved book 1 in this series. I thought it was dark and creepy and that it perfectly captured the casual alienation that people can unwittingly be subjected to. I'll admit that Jenny's ... let's call them 'issues'... Jenny's issues made her alienation less casual and more of a necessity. It doesn't make it any easier for her to bear, however. Maybe it even makes it worse because she knows that she'll never have a normal life as long as her touch brings the plague.

Now that I've gushed about book 1, what did I think of book 2? In two words: LOVED IT! We learned about opposites in book 1 but J.L. Bryan has given us a whole new set of variables with this book. The introduction of complimentary powers opens up a huge world for Jenny. It gives her options that she didn't have before.

As for the characters, we're also given a slew of new folks as well as the ones we'd already met. Jenny, of course, is reeling from the plague she caused at the end of book 1. Although her actions can be justified as self defense (hey, the town had already killed Seth and were hellbent on killing her), she feels guilt over what she did. Seth, meanwhile, isn't very supportive of her. His stance is that the town deserved it for what they had done to the two of them. This bothers me because the town was under Ashleigh's power at the time. She incited them to those acts. She stirred them up with her love-whammy and made them do things that they wouldn't have done under normal circumstances. The way Seth brushes off the fact that Jenny killed several hundred people makes him feel callous and uncaring. Speaking of Seth... Dude, grow a backbone. If you want a life with Jenny you're going to have to stop hiding her from your family. No good can come from being ashamed of the person you're with. I'm just sayin'.

We also get to meet Tommy, Ashleigh's opposite. He's had a pretty craptastic life and Ashleigh's found a way to use him from beyond the grave. Let's face it, that's sucktastic on so many levels. We also get introduced to Esmerelda, who can speak to the dead... or listen to the dead, really.... and Alexander, who has control over the dead. Alexander, of course, is the titular character for book 3 and with the way this book ended I'm dying to see what he's going to be up to.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
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Feb 01, 2013 Lizzy Lessard rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, new-adult, urban-fantasy, reviewed

Jenny ended the last book with a bang. She thought that her troubles were over, but it seems that created more enemies than friends. If this series was a trilogy, this would be THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. The villains are back with a vengeance and determined to tear Jenny apart from everyone she holds dear.

I wish there was more Tommy Nightmare in this book. He’s such a fun and rebellious character. I like how he does what he wants no matter the consequences. His back story is really sad too!

I was s...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Karen Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Pox thickens...

The second installment in the Jenny Pox series, Tommy Nightmare, is a wonderful dream come true. More Jenny, more Seth and more fantastic characters with unexpected powers.

This book picks up where Jenny Pox left off and as things return to normal (sort of) in Fallen Oak after the apoxalypse, new friends and enemies emerge. But how do you tell them apart? I don't know! That's what's great about this series. Just when I think I know something, I get slapped right in the face. Th...more

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May 13, 2011 Craig Hansen rated it 4 of 5 stars

TOMMY NIGHTMARE is the second book in the JENNY POX series and proves to be a quicker, more action-packed read than the first installment. The "new villain," the nightmare-inducing Tommy, has a more empathetic background than did Ashley Goodling from the first book, and is painted in subtler tones.

The action picks up logically where the first book left off, with Jenny "Mittens" Morton and boyfriend Seth dealing with the aftermath of the climactic conclusion of the first novel, in which Jenny rea...more TOMMY NIGHTMARE is the second book in the JENNY POX series and proves to be a quicker, more action-packed read than the first installment. The "new villain," the nightmare-inducing Tommy, has a more empathetic background than did Ashley Goodling from the first book, and is painted in subtler tones.

The action picks up logically where the first book left off, with Jenny "Mittens" Morton and boyfriend Seth dealing with the aftermath of the climactic conclusion of the first novel, in which Jenny really unleashed her power for the first time.

Tommy comes off like a very anti-BOND villain at first, striking out very directly in the initial going, but then showing more thoughtfulness and reticence as the plot plays out. Like JENNY POX, TOMMY NIGHTMARE features a beginning, a middle, and a resolution, but this time out the resolution feels a bit more like a set-up/lead-in to the next installment, due out in Fall 2011.

Many familiar players return, and several intriguing new characters are introduced, but with some of the familiar characters being seemingly swept aside, the book feels a bit more like a stage-clearing action and set-up for something to come that hasn't quite arrived yet.

The book leaves quite a few more dangling plot threads than did the first, but that could be due to the sales success of JENNY POX and the author's decision to transform the book into a series; much of what seems to be left dangling could simply be set up for character arcs that will play out in book three or beyond.

If the series goes longer than a trilogy, however, it will prove interesting to see how author Bryan pulls this off. While JENNY POX played out as a nice, quiet little story set in a very small town, TOMMY NIGHTMARE ramps up the scope of the tale quite a bit and, if the series goes long, it will prove interesting to see how the author resets the tale's scope.

That said, the standard warnings about JENNY POX still apply to TOMMY NIGHTMARE; although the book stars a main cast of young-adult age, the tale's content is more mature than some parents will care for younger teens to be exposed to, so there's your heads-up, parents.

Once again, in my Kindle edition, a few formatting errors involving shifting margins did pop up. Since the book was only recently released, it's likely that this has not been corrected yet.

These provisos aside, TOMMY NIGHTMARE is a highly entertaining, quick read that will leave most folks anticipating Book 3.(less)

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Apr 12, 2011 Charles Sheehan-Miles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not long ago I read J.L. Bryan's Dominion, which for quite a long time had been paired with one of my books on Amazon. Overall I loved the book, and went on to read Jenny Pox, a sort of paranormal fantasy. The premise of Jenny Pox is simple: teenage girl whose touch causes people to break out in plague. Despite the simple premise, the author develops believable and likable characters and made for a very good read.

Tommy Nightmare is very much a worthy sequel to Jenny Pox. The book opens with a ne...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this sequel to the Jenny Pox book. After the end of Jenny Pox, I was afraid that we would never see these characters again, that they would possess different bodies or enter new worlds, etc so I was really glad when it eventually led back to their little town. You are introduced to Tommy immediately which was great: starting off with him as a child in a foster home. You really get to see what he went through. JL Bryan quickly connected Tommy with the group in Fallen Oak, which a...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Aubrey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-paranormal

Tommy Nightmare's, Ashleigh's opposite, story is told in this sequel to Jenny Pox. We learn more about the other supernatural's that exist outside of Fallen Oak. Seth and Jenny's relationship also goes through trials, until a betrayal at the end that makes Jenny question Seth's affection. She ends up meeting her complementary supernatural, Alexander, after he rescues her from possible death. This was a good continuance to the story. The writing was good and the imagery created captured the event...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Loretta rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who loves :Awesome: books :)

Recommended to Loretta by: Bookish brunette

Shelves: indie-authors, young-adult-horror, favorites, young-adult, awesomesauce, own-kindle

Once again JL Bryan has wrote an amazingly told story continuing Jenny Pox. I was instantly drawn into Tommy Nightmare...taken hostage.. and did not return to my regular brain until Tommy Nightmare was complete.
Tommy -Nightmare- was given the name by the people closet to him. Although they did not love him. His foster parents and foster siblings gave him this name because. He literally would "Scare you to death"..
After some things take place. Tommy decides he has had enough. Leaving that life...more Once again JL Bryan has wrote an amazingly told story continuing Jenny Pox. I was instantly drawn into Tommy Nightmare...taken hostage.. and did not return to my regular brain until Tommy Nightmare was complete.
Tommy -Nightmare- was given the name by the people closet to him. Although they did not love him. His foster parents and foster siblings gave him this name because. He literally would "Scare you to death"..
After some things take place. Tommy decides he has had enough. Leaving that life behind Tommy finds himself in jail. Where he discovers Ashleigh from her tv broadcast.
Being drawn to her. He takes it upon him self to find her. Taking his curse, and using it on the guards, he escapes prison and takes the journey to find Ashleigh.
Jenny Pox finds her self feeling grief, anger and a very hard time dealing with the deaths of Fallen Oaks. Since they are connected to Jenny in a BIG way.
Seth has not really been any help lately. It seems that they are slowly slipping away from each other. Seth cannot find it in himself to tale his parents about Jenny. Jenny sees this as a big problem. This makes me sad. I feel that they are so cute together. They are opposites, but together they are one.
The Fallen Oaks community is on lock down. Everyone is being interrogated and tested by the CDC. They are on the hunt to find out WHY half the community has suddenly died...
Jenny & Seth find themselves staying on the low. Trying to figure out what they should do.
Tommy, finding out the Ashleigh has been murdered, seeks out the murders. Finding Jenny & Seth.. Tommy does his deed of 'fearing' them, but he leaves with a little taste of the Pox! Jenny gave him a little taste of what she could do.
Tommy finds Esmerelda, the girl he left all those many years ago when he left the Tanner's. Esmerelda remembers Tommy instantly. With his Grey eyes. Finding out Esmarelda has a gift also, she can speak/listen to the dead. For Tommy this is a very good thing for him. Since he has found the remains of Ashleigh... You can only imagine..Ashleigh's back. Yes, the ulitmate villian is back. And she's really is not in a forgiving mood. Although maybe you can't tale she is back... Because she is... ummm.. not 'helself'. After dying, Ashleigh is pissed off and ready for revenge.
And revenge she will get. (I REALLY, DO not like her. Oh, I could jump in the pages of this book and slap the s#!t right out of her... ugh)
Through out the book you will get glimpses in the life of Alexander. A new character who can control the dead. Think zombies (but he is controls them), living dead puppets! Alexander is the one, who is in Jenny's dreams. Literally, Jenny has been having some major crazy dreams. And he may just be the one for Jenny. (Seth, please stop being douchey. Or you just may loose your her)
I loved meeting all the new characters. Jenny Pox was an amazing story, and Tommy Nightmare was just what book 2 needed to take it to the next level. I love this series. JL Bryan has created a world with these fascinating characters that I have grown to love. (And some Hate). I cannot wait to read the next installment of Jenny Pox, and find out more about Alexander. Book 3 titled Alexander Death is on my shelf, and ready to read.
Do not pass up on this series. It is a chilling, amazing story that will take you hostage.. and leave you yearning for more.
JL Bryan has an amazing gift in writing amazing books!!!
"I am just a monster.""You're a beautiful monster." Alexander gave her a smile. His eyes reflected the stars and the black sky.
"And I love you for what you are."
Get this book now! If you have not read Jenny Pox, HERE is my REVIEW for Book 1!

Review posted HERE:
http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com...(less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, kindle-loan, horror

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 03, 2011 Ashley - The Bookish Brunette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-release, young-adult

One thing is absolutely clear to me... J.L. Bryan does NOT mess around. He can have me shuddering in terror and disbelief within seconds of beginning one his books! Win.

Tommy 'Nightmare' earned his name through the unfortunate event, that when he touches someone they are suddenly overcome with fear... Tommy lives with his foster family of three brother (who don't go anywhere near him) and Mr. & Mrs. Tanner.

Mr. Tanner is a cruel, hateful, cold-hearted man (if you can call him that... I, howev...more One thing is absolutely clear to me... J.L. Bryan does NOT mess around. He can have me shuddering in terror and disbelief within seconds of beginning one his books! Win.

Tommy 'Nightmare' earned his name through the unfortunate event, that when he touches someone they are suddenly overcome with fear... Tommy lives with his foster family of three brother (who don't go anywhere near him) and Mr. & Mrs. Tanner.

Mr. Tanner is a cruel, hateful, cold-hearted man (if you can call him that... I, however have a few other choice words) who puts Tommy through a living hell everyday.

Tommy ends up in jail... where he sees ASHLEIGH on TV, preaching about abstinence! He can't shake the feeling that he knows her, or is supposed to know her! That SHE is the answer to all his questions... So he breaks out of jail to hunt her down!

Meanwhile, back in Fallen Oaks Seth and Jenny are dealing with the CDC that have come to town after an unexplainable outbreak of... disease... that wiped out most of the town a few days prior.

When Tommy shows up in Fallen Oaks only to find Ashleigh gone... he is furious. He finds out who is responsible, and immediately seeks out Jenny and Seth. The meeting doesn't go well after Tommy attacks them, and Jenny unleashes her Jenny Pox on him.

Tommy survives... and goes in search of Esmerelda - the girl of Tommy Nightmare's dreams... ;)

Jenny and Seth have been growing apart *tears* and Seth won't stand up to his parents who want him to go away to college and don't even know he is dating Jenny! MAJOR Seth fail. And then we meet Alexander... we catch extremely intriguing glimpses of him throughout the book, and you know... in Jenny's dreams! *dying*

JL Bryan completely and UTTERLY blew me away for a second time in less than two weeks! His ability to interweave Jenny Pox and Tommy Nightmare so completely seamlessly was absolute perfection. Bryan's characters are amazing, his writing is beyond extraordinary.

Tommy Nightmare is absolutely captivating, you will be BEGGING JL Bryan for the third book... I know I have been. *sigh*(less)

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Oct 16, 2011 Cynthia BJ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, people are so damn right! I mean, I've read others' review on this one before I read it and most of them are talking about the originality of the story which, I didn't really understand. And as I read the book page by page, I thought I started to understand what they meant. This book is so original! lol. I love it! Love it! I think the first book, Jenny Pox didn't really get me. I mean, the story was quite plan at the beginning. I don't know but that's exactly what I felt while reading that...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Danielle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I felt like this book was a prime example of history repeating itself, the main characters had the same conflicts, resolutions, and ultimately they ended up pretty much in the same place they ended up in the first book. There were other characters that were introduced but they were pawns instead of main persons influencing the story. The book was still good and contained a lot of intense emotions but so far it has not been my favorite book in this series and I hope the third book will change the...more

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Jun 29, 2011 Karen Fowler rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As the second book in the JENNY POX series, I found this novel, TOMMY NIGHTMARE to be all that I expected and then some. As with the first book, the unusual plot and otherworldly characters drive the story on at a good pace. This book picks up where JENNY POX left off, and without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say that Jenny has to deal with a few things, including the fact that her secret may be exposed and a set of new dangers crops up.

More characters like Jenny with special "talents" s...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Claudia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Honestly, I didn't know where JL Bryan was going to go with this. Jenny Pox, the first in the series, was excellent (even as a stand alone). Wasn't sure how he could possibly top it. But not only did he write another well crafted tale, I dare say it might even be better than Jenny Pox (if that's possible). I started the book late last night and didn't put it down until it was done. For some reason, whenever I read Jeff's books, I end up dreaming about the characters.

Jeff, if you're reading this...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Jovy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, zombies, romance

After reading the stellar reviews for this book, I decided to finally read the sequel to Jenny Pox. At first I was a bit hesitant, just because the first book was a bit slow and there were times where I just wanted to stop reading.

This book DID NOT disappoint! I love how J.L. Bryan was able to effortlessly transition between the different characters' perspectives and still maintain the suspense that followed with different events throughout the story. Also, I really enjoyed how the paranormals'...more

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May 23, 2011 Sandra Pulliam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not much to say about this book. It basically picks up where Jenny Pox left off. It really felt like it was still Jenny's story verses Tommy's. We do get the background of Tommy but once he gets to Ashleigh's house it seems to be right back to the Ashleigh and Jenny battle. I did pick up the connection between Seth's Grandfather and this new guy Alexander but he was such a small part of the book I can't picture where that story line is going to go. There was also a lot of times I flipped forward...more

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Tommy Nightmare (The Paranormals #2)

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