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Bone Dressing (Bone Dressing Series #1)

by Michelle I. Brooks (Goodreads Author)

3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 · rating details · 128 ratings · 90 reviews

Time is running out … the dark that’s been chasing Syd for many lifetimes has finally caught up with her …

Sydney Roberdeau lost her parents as a young girl. Waiting for her life to start and the freedom that will come with her eighteenth birthday, Syd spends much of her time haunting the local cemetery. It is there, stretched out among the dead, that she feels most alive,...more

ebook, 360 pages

Published April 20th 2011 by Smashwords

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Jun 06, 2011 Katelyn (Tales of Books and Bands) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, read-in-2011, signed, review-books, 4-stars

Wow, oh wow. While getting ready to write this review, I found myself at a complete loss of words. Let me make this very clear to those of you reading this, I am NEVER at a loss of words! That is how surprising, wonderful, funny, and romantic this book is. It took everything I thought it was going to be and flushed it down the drain. What I found instead was a book that left me stunned into silence, something as I so eloquently put, never happens!

When I first read the summary for Bone Dressing,...more Wow, oh wow. While getting ready to write this review, I found myself at a complete loss of words. Let me make this very clear to those of you reading this, I am NEVER at a loss of words! That is how surprising, wonderful, funny, and romantic this book is. It took everything I thought it was going to be and flushed it down the drain. What I found instead was a book that left me stunned into silence, something as I so eloquently put, never happens!

When I first read the summary for Bone Dressing, I imagined it being somewhat of a scary, freaky, mysterious story with a hint of romance in it. Don’t get me wrong, it was all of those things but those words only begin to describe this book.

I found myself laughing and connecting with our main character, Syd, from the very beginning. Her sense of humor and sarcasm, not to mention those hilarious one-liners she uses all the time, kept the story light and fun. Don’t let her snarky-girl attitude fool you though. It is all just a tough exterior to hide the hurt and pain she is feeling inside. Not only is she still mourning the loss of her parents but she also feels like a major let-down to those around her. For every step forward, she seems to take five steps back. Always getting in trouble sure makes life difficult for Syd. Syd assumes all the bad crap that is thrown her way is just a result of her being a bad person but finds a whole different truth when she meets Beau, his sister Sarah, and their big ole kitty, T.J., in a graveyard one night. It is there that Syd learns that mistakes made in past lives are affecting the one she is living now and if she doesn’t do something about it soon, very bad things will happen

This book deals with past lives, soul mates, and karma, all things that I am not familiar with. I was a bit confused when at one moment I was laughing at something Syd said and then at the next minute Syd, now named Rachel, is in a past life. Aside from the little bit of confusion I had towards the paranormal-ish parts of the book, I actually found it quite refreshing. It is so nice to step away from fallen angels, demons, and vampires. Instead Michelle chose to write about soul mates and the idea of karma. I loved these fresh, new ideas she wove into this story!

The romance in this story was just absolutely phenomenal. Michelle’s great sense of writing helped make the love and passion between Syd and Beau [and Rachel & Jesse (Syd’s past life romance)] just jump off the pages. I want so badly to find out what other lives’ romances were like as well as how Syd and Beau will connect in the future. This book will definitely cater to those who love a deep, romantic story.

As with any series, there is bound to be a lot of questions. Bone Dressing is no exception. We learn a little bit about Syd and what dangers are sneaking up on her but I have a feeling we are just at the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to learn! A mysterious, beautifully romantic, funny, and mesmerizing book such as Bone Dressing leaves me dying for the next installment!

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Feb 11, 2013 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, fantasy

First of all, let me say that Ms. Brooks writes very well, and someone did a terrific job editing because I found very few problems with the spelling, grammar and punctuation. Sydney is a pretty complicated character. Yes, her parents died and that caused some major issues in her life, but she had some pretty terrific foster parents. So why does she act out in such self-destructive ways? Read the book to find out. A sequel is obviously in the works because this book left so many loose ends and d...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Naomi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

I started following Michelle I Brooks on Twitter about the same time as Bone Dressing came out, and every time I read an excerpt, or she quoted a line from the book, I thought that I had to read this one. So I purchased the eBook and finally read it! And I must say that I wasn’t disappointed!

Storyline

Syd is an orphaned troubled teen, living with foster parents, whose home away from home is the local grave yard, where her parents are buried. It is here that she meets Remy/Beau, his sister Sarah a...more I started following Michelle I Brooks on Twitter about the same time as Bone Dressing came out, and every time I read an excerpt, or she quoted a line from the book, I thought that I had to read this one. So I purchased the eBook and finally read it! And I must say that I wasn’t disappointed!

Storyline

Syd is an orphaned troubled teen, living with foster parents, whose home away from home is the local grave yard, where her parents are buried. It is here that she meets Remy/Beau, his sister Sarah and their Panther T.J. and they want to help guide her through her past lives, so she is able to change the way her current life will pan out. But as Syd is a pretty head strong teen, she doesn’t want their help, she just wants to live her life the only way she knows how, and that is her way. She ends up back at the cemetery and meets up with the Trio again and her soul accidently travels to one of her past lives and she relives the most important part of that life. Using that knowledge from her travels, she is able to make some tough decisions when she returns to her current life.

My Thoughts

I was a little worried at first though, because after you read the first chapter, the book jumps back in time a few days to show you how Syd ended up on the rooftop to begin with, but as the storyline unfolds you sort of stop and think, ‘Oh now that’s why’, as pieces of the book start to fit together.

Syd is a very witty teen and there heaps of spots where I was laughing out loud whilst reading the book, but there were other times that I got a bit teary, because no teen or child should ever be put in this position. I thought the book was going to be good just by visiting past lives, but add a bit of shapeshifting into it and you have more fun! (I didn’t see that coming!)

In some areas I believed that there was too much over analysing, but when I stopped and thought a little on some of the words, I could see that that probably would happen because teens often do over think things.

Michelle has done a fantastic job with Bone Dressing, and there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered, which have obviously been left that way for the future books. I look forward to see where she will take it next, and hopefully get some of those questions answered!!
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Jun 01, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to say this was my favorite book of the year thus far. From the beginning you get sucked into Syd's ever twisted life and those who have been in it since before she was Syd. I love that Michelle keeps you on your toes as to what is going to happen as well as makes you feel like you need to know the people in the book. I certainly think me and Syd would get along just fine in this life! I applaud Michelle for allowing Syd to be realistic in ways such as her language, attitude, and her dark...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Kasey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So I really wanted to like this book and the end was just enough of a redemption for me to be able to give it 2 stars instead of one. Let me start off with what I didn't like. Sydney, I just really didn't like Sydney for most of the book. I didn't feel a connection with her at all, I thought she was a spoiled selfish brat with anger management issues. I understand that Syd has had a hard life but her behavior was so over the top I didn't identify with her at all. Also, I can tell the author work...more So I really wanted to like this book and the end was just enough of a redemption for me to be able to give it 2 stars instead of one. Let me start off with what I didn't like. Sydney, I just really didn't like Sydney for most of the book. I didn't feel a connection with her at all, I thought she was a spoiled selfish brat with anger management issues. I understand that Syd has had a hard life but her behavior was so over the top I didn't identify with her at all. Also, I can tell the author worked really hard to be descriptive and for the most part that was fine. It got to a point though that there was too much description and internal processing and not enough of what was going on around her. It really confused me because one moment she's in one place thinking and moaning and griping about everything and then the next she's somewhere differently. I didn't feel like I was journeying with Syd. Also, everything happened too fast. She meets Beau and 5 seconds later is professing her undying love. I don't mind the instant connection but I do mind the pouring out of heart and soul 2 seconds after meeting someone. For a character who was apparently all about self-preservation she did a really bad job of it. Plus, I HATE INTERRUPTERS and Syd is one big long interruption. She interrupts everyone, I wanted to smack her like 12 times and be like could you let other people talk please? I'm in your head, I get what you're thinking let the other person just talk! Plus the whole Rachel and Jesse, Jesse is dead, but then not dead. I was literally so confused. The end is what redeemed this book for me though. The end cleared up, I don't know if something started to click but the end started to suck me in. Sydney got nicer, and more protective and wasn't constantly yelling at people. She did take care of Henry and that was really nice because I spent the first part of the book wondering why I should like this girl. I don't know that I'd recommend this book but I would be willing to read the second to see if the improvements at the end continue on. I really wanted to like this book and so I'm sad I didn't enjoy it more. (less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Nataša rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: january

**I was given a free copy for a Read-A-Thon.**
A very descriptive writing that I’m not really fond of. Dialogues however were a delight to read once I got to them. Our protagonist is a very sassy and strong headed teenager with a lot of issues and a load of sarcasm. As much as I loved her sarcasm I really didn’t care about what she was saying. I mean who the hell professes her love and attraction to a complete stranger in a graveyard when she’s about to be attacked by a panther? You just took out...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Amanda Harbin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really wanted to love this book, it started out strong, the story grabbed my attention, and I was excited to keep picking up the book. Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving the book as much as I started out loving it. I did like it and the story is compelling enough that I am still interested in reading the next installment. I really only had one big issue with the book; I couldn't escape the wordy meandering of the the main characters inner voice.

My first impression of Sidney was that this wa...more I really wanted to love this book, it started out strong, the story grabbed my attention, and I was excited to keep picking up the book. Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving the book as much as I started out loving it. I did like it and the story is compelling enough that I am still interested in reading the next installment. I really only had one big issue with the book; I couldn't escape the wordy meandering of the the main characters inner voice.

My first impression of Sidney was that this was going to be an edgy chick dripping with sarcasm, someone to whom I could really relate. And then Sidney went from dripping in sarcasm to drowning first herself and then me in the endless and I do mean endless pages of sarcastic inner monologue. Her thoughts, which were at first funny and on point, turned gimicky and really detracted from important story elements. Sidney's thoughts frequently went on tangents in the middle of action sequences, which effectively turned potentially intense scenes into total snoozes. This really frustrated me and made me kinda sad. I liked this book, I liked the premise, I wanted to let myself be immersed in this book, but I was so irritated I couldn't enjoy the story. Other than that issue there was really only one other issue that I noticed in the book. There was an inconsistency with a male character that confused me, he was described as a Mexican half breed (in the book it's not as derogatory as it sounds), and then several pages later she describes him as Native American. The descriptions flip flop from there out between Mexican and Native American, which would still make the character a half breed, but the implications of the story were that whatever he is, he is also half white. It wasn't that big of a deal to me, but it's something that I think should have been better illustrated.

Here's the thing about this book and why for me it is still a 3 star book, and not a 2 or a 1 star book, the author imagined and developed a fascinating world. There is a lot that is good about this story. It's a fun and unique concept that has a lot of potential. There are so many places this story could go, and despite my frustration with Sidney's loquacious inner voice, I want to know what is going to happen. The story would have moved a long very smoothly and quickly were it not for the previously mentioned issue. I don't totally understand the concept of "Bone Dressing" yet, but I understand enough to want to know more by reading the next installment. I hope that Sydney's inner voice chills out in the next book. Were it not for the oversaturation, her wit and humor would have been a strength to her character and the story.(less)

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Jul 07, 2012 Bjj rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was one of those “amazon recommends” things and unlike some it didn’t work for me. Usually it does.
I actually bought it because the title intrigued me, as did the haunting cover art. I only skimmed the synopsis, my bad. And I admit it.
The basic idea was good, but this just wasn’t for me. I would have liked this story if it were not so hopelessly overwritten – to many metaphors, too many long and frankly boring descriptions, too much sappy lurve. And the main protagonist was just too child...more

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May 30, 2012 Marilyn Dieckmann rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not all is what it would seem...

I can actually say I "laughed out loud" reading BONE DRESSING! I found Syd's quirky and somewhat snotty, dry wit... hilarious!
"I'd sooner lick the sweat from the armpits of a sumo wrestler, thank you very much." Excerpt from BONE DRESSING. Her one-liners were great!

Okay, so my sense of humor is weird, but I had a wonderful time reading this book! I was sucked into Syd's life right from the start. I wanted to punch out Mr. A and haul his ass off to the authorities,...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a huge fan of all things paranormal I was intrigued by the title of this book and what this story might reveal. I wasn't disappointed.

Bone Dressing is the story of Sydney Roberdeau, a complicated 17 year old, who has been forced to grow up quickly after becoming an orphan. Her favourite place to go when she needs to get away from it all, "To feel anything. To feel alive", is the local cemetery. It is here that she meets Beau, Sarah and T.J.

But just who are they, what is their connection to S...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Sandra Valente rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: have-read, ya-dark-paranormal, fantasy, 2011

E-book received from author for review

When the author sent me a request to review her book, I did what I usually do. Read the book description a few times – it sounded eerie and intriguing. For someone who hasn’t read YA (Young Adult) in many a year, I’ve read 3 in the last few months! To enjoy reading a book such as Bone Dressing, you really should be open minded. It’s not just a YA, it’s a Dark YA Paranormal Fantasy. Big difference. I read it in one one day (in between a series we are busy wit...more E-book received from author for review

When the author sent me a request to review her book, I did what I usually do. Read the book description a few times – it sounded eerie and intriguing. For someone who hasn’t read YA (Young Adult) in many a year, I’ve read 3 in the last few months! To enjoy reading a book such as Bone Dressing, you really should be open minded. It’s not just a YA, it’s a Dark YA Paranormal Fantasy. Big difference. I read it in one one day (in between a series we are busy with which I don’t normally like to do) and quite honestly, I really, really enjoyed it. I sound a bit surprised and that’s because I was. Although it sounded like something just up my alley, you never know especially when it’s a book by a new author. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read this one.

We meet Sydney Roberdeau, who can’t wait to turn 18, like most teenagers, and finally be free. She’s lost her parents and is living with her foster family. Syd is a complex girl in more ways than one. She’s constantly in trouble, spends her life being grounded and is hell bent on causing uphill – on a daily basis. She just can’t help it although she has moments where she tries really hard not to stir the pot – those are few and far between though. Some may not like her, but I took to her like a duck to water – she just clicked with me and not because I was ever rebellious, far from it although stubbornness may have something to do with it! Syd is rebellious but not purposefully nasty. There’s a difference, at least to me. Her snarkiness is to die for and had me laughing out loud numerous times throughout the book. Yes, I know it’s a dark paranormal fantasy but that doesn’t mean the characters can’t be funny! Syd spends more than half her free time at the cemetery, hanging around dead people and visiting her parents – Plot 1327-B, Home. This is where she feels alive and weirdly at peace – it fills her with a certain calm. On one of these evenings, she meets, Beau, Sarah and T.J. and is quite unimpressed with the intrusion. She tries really hard, in her sarcastic/funny way to get rid of them but Syd has met her match though, as Beau is not one to ride shotgun and gives as good as he gets. They have appeared for a purpose and proceed to enlighten Syd as to why they are there. You see, they will be her guides and protectors and her mission is to make right what she did wrong in past lives. Oh, AND all that is required is her soul. It’s needed to reanimate corpses hence the name Bone Dressing. T.J. who by the way is a big black panther – will inhale the soul out of her present body and place it in her previous life’s body - for a time. Once her task is complete, she will come back to who she is now. WHAT? Can her world be any more screwed up? She can barely keep her nose clean or her head above water in this one, let alone try and “fix” what went wrong in previous ones. But, she’s running out of time as there are some who don’t want her to accomplish any of this and they will do what’s necessary to stop her.

And so, without revealing any spoilers, the story continues with Syd realising that although she’s only just met Beau, it feels like she’s known him her whole life. He seems to calm her and for some reason, they are good for one another. Although this book may seem confusing to some, funnily enough, I found that it flowed beautifully and was easy to follow. But then, if a book is not being enjoyed, it might make it that much more difficult to connect with it and it’s characters. As I was interested right from the beginning – I read it in no time. This being the first book of seven, I can just imagine what Ms. Brooks has in store for Syd and her “gang” if Bone Dressing is anything to go by! One thing I do have to mention though is that, although I enjoyed this book immensely, there is a substantial amount of narrative and I only point this out as I personally prefer more interaction between the characters. Hopefully in the next installment, there is somewhat a bit more one on one rather than too much internal thought. Don’t get me wrong, although the narrative is substantial, it is still very well written. Michelle Brooks has a wonderful way with words.

My rating for this book is a delightful 4 ½ stars! Very well done. I look forward to #2.(less)

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Dec 29, 2011 Read2review rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-for-read-2-review

** For the full review please check out www.read2review.com **

I found out about Michelle I. Brooks through an old colleague of mine who was reading Bone Dressing. I am so glad she told me about Michelle as after my first look into her fantastic world I will NOT be looking back and I can’t wait for the next instalment of the series.

The series is set around Syd, a rebellious teen who get into a lot of trouble at school and at home. Her parents have both died and the place she feels most at home i...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Jackie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this book as a gift a few months back. I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Don't have a lot of time to read during the year. The most reading I do is during summer break & a few breaks during the year. I had been putting this book off but when I picked it up I lived it. I live Sydney, she's a strong leading female character. Once you get over her swearing for those who don't like that the book sucks you in. Sydney swears more than a sailor. She's tough, independent, has a smart mouth...more I got this book as a gift a few months back. I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Don't have a lot of time to read during the year. The most reading I do is during summer break & a few breaks during the year. I had been putting this book off but when I picked it up I lived it. I live Sydney, she's a strong leading female character. Once you get over her swearing for those who don't like that the book sucks you in. Sydney swears more than a sailor. She's tough, independent, has a smart mouth & she stands up for herself & her one friend Patricia.

Syd often visits her parents grave. It's where she meets Beau, Sarah & their very unusual friend TJ. That's also when the story starts to change. I've read one other book dealing with past lives and didn't like it at all. This story completly changed that. If an author bothers to develop characters & show what they were like in their past life then it changes the whole thing. It makes it better because you really get to know the character. I loved knowing what went on inside Syd's head. She's a character that comes off as real. She's not sweet & perfect, she has flaws like everyone.

This story made me laugh so much. There were parts that were emotional and moving, but Sydney is hilarious. There's an attraction growing between Beau & Syd. He doesn't take Syd's crap & knows why she is the way she is. There are many questions left unanswered but they should be answered in the next books to come. I highly recommend this book to a more mature teen. There's nothing inappropriate in this book, it's just the swearing that makes it for older teens.

This book deals with subject matter if people in higher authority taking advantage of a young girl. I hope in the other books something is done with Mr. A like everyone calls him. This book doesn't have teens who party & drink all the time like more young adults book. Syd has just one friend who looks up to her because Syd has such a strong personality & doesn't let others take advantage of her.

If you're looking for something different don't judge this book by its cover. Give it a chance, you'll have a good laugh & will forget about the world outside for a while. I can't wait for the next book. I hope Syd's character doesn't change. She's a true one of a kind, just like her story.(less)

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Nov 26, 2011 Gothic Angel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: to-review

As happens often recently, I am sat at my laptop without knowing exactly what I intend to say in my review. This seems to happen more and more often because I am reading some awesome books. This time is no exception.
This time I was left feeling empty and full at the same time, happy yet sad.
I can honestly say that the characters were some of the most enigmatic I have discovered of late. BONE DRESSING was captivating from the moment the words began and the only thing that was bad about this book...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Tahlia Newland rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, paranormal-romance

There’s a lot of good things here, great characters, imagination and a different story, but it’s way overwritten and the story gets confused amongst all the words. ‘Less is more’ is a phrase coined for a good reason. We don’t need the same thing said in several different ways.

The wonderful snarky sarcasm of the main character gets tiring and there is too much internal dialogue. We have pages of description for how gorgeous the love interest is, how much they love each other and how terrible she...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book started as an uphill battle for me, but it was a short battle. For the first 20 pages or so, I had a little trouble getting into it. Then, once I started understanding the plot and character(s) better, it was basically like a ball rolling down a hill for me - I couldn't stop it until I was completely finished with the book. And to be completely honest, I cannot even tell you if it was this book's fault that I had trouble with the beginning or my mind was still reeling from the last boo...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Crystal Tadlock rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read4review-books

This book was really hard for me to get through. It was so over filled with all of these odd and random details that were just too much about everything. I kept waiting for Syd, the main character to get arrested by the book police and have to recall all of these unnecessary details. Seriously, I didn't even have a clue about who the main character was at all until I got to page 6 where I kind of glimpse the fact that the character is a girl and then you never can be sure these days. The entire...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Stephanie rated it 1 of 5 stars

A friend loaned me this book and while I thought it was a page turner, that was only because I wanted to keep reading in the hopes that it would make sense. There were so many things that the author started and then just let drop flat. Brooks explained how things (IE the magic, if that's what it can be called) worked in several different ways and couldn't seem to keep it straight throughout the book.

Syd started out just being an overly-obnoxious girl. As the book progressed, she grew haughty and...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Kayleigh rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-books, reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I got this as a read to review, and it goes without saying (especially once you've read my review!) that what I am about to write is completely honest. I don't think I can explain my feelings about this book without letting spoilers slip, so please beware!

Unfortunately, unlike the first book I received to review, I really didn't like this story, and I won't be reading the next books in the series. Part of the premise wasn't bad - a 17-year-old girl, Syd, goes back to a previous life and discover...more I got this as a read to review, and it goes without saying (especially once you've read my review!) that what I am about to write is completely honest. I don't think I can explain my feelings about this book without letting spoilers slip, so please beware!

Unfortunately, unlike the first book I received to review, I really didn't like this story, and I won't be reading the next books in the series. Part of the premise wasn't bad - a 17-year-old girl, Syd, goes back to a previous life and discovers she has an ability to shapeshift into 5 different animals - but there are many flaws that made it a challenge to read.

To start with, the premise I mentioned above was bogged down with so many other storylines trying to demand attention. There's a sexually harassing, paedophile teacher; issues with her dead parents (which never actually goes anywhere); boy issues (which I'll discuss later); and probably several other things I genuinely don't care about.

Then, there's Sydney. I don't think I've ever finished a book with a main character as unlikeable as her. Now, I understand she misses her parents (who died 7 years previously), but from what the story says, she has been with her foster parents ever since, and they treat her as good parents should, so I don't understand the amount of anger that spews from her for about 80% of the time she's appearing as Syd (as opposed to Rachel).

If you've read any of the reviews on my blog before, you may have realised that I hate books that completely devolve from reality, especially when it comes to love. Syd mentions at the beginning of the book that she's had dates with 'hot' guys, but that she's put off as soon as they open their mouths. Then, one day, she's met by Beau (at the friggin' cemetery, by her parents' graves), and despite his stalkerish (and is it just me to think vampiric?) tendencies, she falls head over heels in love with him. Well, duh. She then has her life threatened by a panther, and decides to take that moment to declare how she feels about him. I'm not sure about anyone else, but that's not what I'd do.

When Syd goes back to her previous life, as Rachel, she again is madly in love with a man named Jesse. This section of the book is slightly better written in that Rachel has more vulnerability than Syd, and the events are more exciting and less jumbled. I was intrigued as to how Syd could help Rachel change the events (which was hinted at by Beau), and can't help feeling that if there had been more of this and a LOT less lead-up, I would have enjoyed the book more. The end of the book finished on a cliffhanger, with nothing of importance having been 'tied up', and expecting the reader to buy the next book in order to carry on.

Then there's Mr Askew. I won't waste my breath on this: he is a paedophile that sexually harasses Syd in front of the whole class. Worst student in the world or not, Sydney could get him done - no bargaining. Plus, why have her start at burning down the school only to not refer back to what was already mentioned when it happens at the end?!

In general, an annoyance throughout the book was the amount of metaphors and adjectives used for everything. If there's one word used to describe something, there can be three, appears to be this book's motto! Metaphors can be amazing, but they were taken too far here. (This blogger here agrees!) Picture this type of language every other page or so:

"I could feel the waves of an overwhelming heartbreak ravaging my body, taking hold as if preparing to replace every part of me with an ache that could never be soothed. Somewhere in the distance I heard agonizing sobbing, sobbing too painful for a mere girl to endure."

Yeah. So, it's safe to say I won't be recommending this one. (less)

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Apr 24, 2012 Kereesa marked it as books-i-gave-up-on-dnf · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, ebooks, indie, giveaways, we-are-never-getting-back-together

**A thank you to Unabridged Bookshelf for their contest that allowed me to receive a copy of this ebook! Thanks!**

Reasons why I'm DNFing:

This book contains the one thing I loath about YA romance, Insta-love, and justifies it as part of that whole 'physical' reaction that Syd can't help but feel. Sorry, but I don't buy it. Never have, never will.

Too many effing details. Seriously. The writing isn't bad, but the overindulgence shows how little cutting was done for this novel. Good writing require...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Alexis rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2013, young-adult-fiction

I guess I'll start by saying simply, that this was an interesting read. I think the problem, and the reason for my low'ish' rating, had little to do with the actual book, and more to do with me. It just wasn't what I was wanting or needing to read... so it was a let down. Nothing wrong with the actual story, but I get to rate how I want so there you have it. Maybe I'll try to reread it at a later date and see if I like it any more.

Sydney was an interesting character... she kind of reminds me of...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Shirley rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a book that was hard to put down. The action and the intense feelings of Syd put you right in the middle of the action. There are few authors that have actually wrapped me up in their description so much that I have actually cried right along with the main character, and this is one of them.

After reading Michelle's bio, I knew I had to read this book. Her dead on sense of humor was too good to resist and this book didn't disappoint.

The only reason that Bone Dressing didn't get 5 stars f...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Bri Clark rated it 4 of 5 stars

Bone Dressing was a novel of surprises. Syd ,an almost eighteen young adult, has more to figure out than merely her place in the world and who she is like most teens. After losing her mother and father whom she loved dearly she is impulsive, irrational, emotional and over all complex. Her character for me was completely believable yet still continued to surprise me. After the WSJ article that spurred the #yasaves hashtag this book was certainly poetic justice for me.

In summary I liked the book a...more

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May 28, 2011 Fictional Bookshelf rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-books

Bone Dressing is series to watch out for. With this being the first book in the series, I am HIGHLY intrigued down to my bones (no pun intended) as to what will happen in the next books.

What I liked.

This story moves very fast and is hard to put down. Syd, the main gal, is an emotional and hormonal teen girl with a dark and twisty personality. I loved that Michelle, the author, didn’t hold back and used the real colorful language that most teens do use in real life. It made Syd seem more realist...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Elise rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First I want to thank the author for a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I really tried to like this story because it was so original like nothing else I had ever read but I had a hard time finishing it. It was ridiculously long in some places and most of the book was choppy and I was confused about what was going on.

The plot was original and interesting. This book is about a girl named Sydney who is angry at the world. One night while walking in a cemetery she runs into Beau,...more First I want to thank the author for a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I really tried to like this story because it was so original like nothing else I had ever read but I had a hard time finishing it. It was ridiculously long in some places and most of the book was choppy and I was confused about what was going on.

The plot was original and interesting. This book is about a girl named Sydney who is angry at the world. One night while walking in a cemetery she runs into Beau, Sarah, and T.J. their pet panther. Then everything for her changes as she goes on a journey to find the essence of her very soul through walking in the shoes of her past lives. I did love the concept and idea of this story. It just wasn't executed very well. It has potential and I think with a lot of editing it could do well but it was just so choppy that I couldn't get lost in the story. Not only that but there were some pretty big inconsistencies that I just could not let go which also made it hard to get into the plot. I did love the part of this book where she travels in her past life but that was about the only part I liked.

The main character had so many parts where she had long drawn out monologues about the same damn thing over and over again I just got so beyond annoyed I would have to put the book down because her whining got to me. She also was just plain rude to everyone. She interrupted everyone, never let them say anything. She was confrontational about everything. She was bad mannered and bad tempered and just all around very unlovable character. I couldn't stand her. Beau's character was nice and charming but he jumped from hot to cold so quickly for seemingly no reason that his character completely confused me.

Also the villain in this was forgettable. I completely forgot about Sydney and him battling it out when he wasn't actually on the page. His motives for being evil were not revealed even a tiny bit and so he just seemed to like to cause harm because he could and was shallow and unimportant.

Overall this book is a good idea but it needs major editing and fixing. (less)

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Aug 04, 2011 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, paranormal-romance, shapeshifters, romance

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: shifters/ death/ out of body
RECEIVED: Request to Review by Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
Bone Dressing by Michelle Brooks, was definitely different than the many books I have read this year, so original with unique characters. The beginning was a bit slow for me but once more characters were introduced and the plot became more understandable I couldn’t stop reading. So much happens I was deeply enthralled.

Syd was the tough female lead that I alway...more

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Jan 13, 2012 Jamie White rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I decided to read this as book number two for the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge. I was drawn in first by the author's promotional tweets where she played off of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "10 Little Indians" that described a girl dealing with past lives and a mysterious "Mr. A" that "tried to steal her breath". It sounded like something right up my paranormal ally.

The book is, as you may have guessed by now, about a girl who had a past life as a young Texan in love with a half-Mexican, half-In...more

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Jun 17, 2011 S.J. Wist rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-cookie-read, favorite-covers

Syd has a lot of inner-conflict to defeat before she can take on the villain after her, and Michelle Brooks has it down in its very best poetic take.

This is a darker take on YA that you may find to be a welcome change from the norm. If you are or have ever been a teen who didn't have it easy, this is the perfect book for you. If you're still hugging all your stuffed animals however, you might find Syd's character a bit more tricky to connect with.

Fate is going to help Syd out, only it won't be...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, read-2013, paranormal

When I started this book, I just finished a great paranormal book and was immediately excited to start another one.

At first I did not know what was happening… was the school burning down? Did Syd set the school on fire? And why is Syd so angry? And then she explains that her parents died and she was put in a foster care. So I was thinking her foster care parents were horrible, but she says her parents are wonderful. My point being, I felt like her thoughts were “jumping around.” However, I foun...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is also on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl.

Bone Dressing by Michelle I. Brooks was quite a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a ghost story, but this wasn't one. However, I did enjoy this book. I also felt like I was getting two stories in one.

Syd doesn't answer to anyone. She's her own person. So when Beau, Sarah, and T.J. show up at her parents' grave where she likes spending time alone, why does she seem to eventually go along with what they want he...more This review is also on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl.

Bone Dressing by Michelle I. Brooks was quite a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a ghost story, but this wasn't one. However, I did enjoy this book. I also felt like I was getting two stories in one.

Syd doesn't answer to anyone. She's her own person. So when Beau, Sarah, and T.J. show up at her parents' grave where she likes spending time alone, why does she seem to eventually go along with what they want her to do? Syd will eventually learn who she was in one of her past lives. She'll also learn that there are some people out there who don't want her to remember at any cost.

I thought the setting and world building were great. I especially liked how it took place in Texas, mostly because that's where I was born and raised! Brooks makes the setting come alive, and it's so easy to imagine yourself in that world by her descriptions.

The cover definitely suits the book. It shows a girl (who I presume to be Syd) in a cemetery which is where most of the story takes place. The cover is definitely spot on.

As for the title, I'm a bit torn on whether it suits the book or not. Bone Dressing makes me think of something zombie like...taking over someone's actual body. However, this is more about living a past life. I can understand to a degree why it's called Bone Dressing as living a past life, you seem to be taking over someones bones.

The pacing for the first half of the book was a bit all over the place. It started out just right, but then I felt the pacing was lacking for a lot of the first half. However, for the second half, the pacing is spot on. I finished the second half of the book in hours. I couldn't put it down!!! The pacing is absolutely brilliant for the second half.

The dialogue is very easy to understand. There's no big words which had me running for the dictionary which I was happy about. There is some swearing in this book, so I'd wouldn't suggest it to a younger teen. This is more of an older teen/adult story.

I loved the story of Rachel and Jesse. It was so so sweet!! I won't go into detail as I don't want to give anything away. The Rachel and Jesse story dominate the second half of Bone Dressing. My heart went out to them both. The author really wrote their story very well.

My only gripe with this book is the first half of the story. It's a bit all over the place, and I felt it was a bit hard to follow with all that Syd was saying/doing. Syd tries to be sarcastic all the time during the first half, and most of the time, it just falls flat.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's really good. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.(less)

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