Beautiful Demons (Peachville High Demons, #1) by Sarra Cannon

Jan 02, 2013 Nellysa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: If you love all YA novels

Shelves: what-kind-of-ending-is-that, ok, obnoxious-selfish-character, forever-shocked, hot-guys, not-bad, free, big-let-down, bland-characters, not-interested-to-know-whats-next

"Ever since I lost my adoptive family and was put into the foster care system, I'd been looking for a place where I could fit in. All I ever wanted is to belong somewhere. To have a family who truly care about me and wanted me in their lives."

Harper Madison has not had an easy life, she's been in seven fosters homes in just one year ever since her only adoptive family were victims of a big fire caused by her when she was just 8 years old, and the only thing that can save her from end up in juven...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Tabitha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: recommended-to-me, own-ebook, cliffhanger, digital-reads, paranormal, young-adult, contemporary, demons

Man, it feels like forever since I’ve posted a review. Life has just been hectic lately. But fear not, I will never give up reading/reviewing. I started this book because my baby sister has been singing its praises and quite honestly, I saw that the first one was free on Amazon and figured I had nothing to lose. I had seen this book before, but the cover didn’t really grab my attention and I don’t like downloading books I’m not sure I want to read. Well..that’s not entirely true, I download WAY...more Man, it feels like forever since I’ve posted a review. Life has just been hectic lately. But fear not, I will never give up reading/reviewing. I started this book because my baby sister has been singing its praises and quite honestly, I saw that the first one was free on Amazon and figured I had nothing to lose. I had seen this book before, but the cover didn’t really grab my attention and I don’t like downloading books I’m not sure I want to read. Well..that’s not entirely true, I download WAY too many free amazon books because I mean they are free and I’ll get around to them eventually, right? I’m one of those crazy people who searches the interwebs for lists of new free ebooks (but hey, I’ve gotten some great deals, I got Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey for free and many other things). But for what ever reason, this one just didn’t grab my attention. I’m glad I gave it a try though. This book is a rollercoaster ride wrapped in a mystery dipped in intrigue and romance. So what’s not to love?

Harper Madison has been deemed a troubled case. Given up for adoption at birth, she went into foster care and lived with her adopted family for 8 years…until a tragic fire that she accidentally started ruined everything. Since then, she has bounced from home to home always being thrown out for one reason or another. Shadowford Home for Girls in Peachville GA is her last chance. If she fucks this up, she’ll be put in juvenile detention until her 18th birthday. She’s trying to put her best face forward but when she ends up being connected to the murder of a classmate, things slide out of control.

I loved Harper instantly. She was quirky, troubled, and rebellious in her own ways. She had no desire to become a cheerleader and fall into the popular crowd. Instantly crushing on the incredibly hot Jackson who is by far the most interesting character in the book (and sadly you don’t get to see enough of him.) For the first half of the book, I was in love with all of it. The mystery of what was happening, who Harper’s birth mother really was, would she end up with Jackson, and what the hell was up with all the secrets. Then, almost at the midway point exactly, everything turns. Harper starts forgetting important things and completely changes. She starts hanging out with the popular ~~cheerwhore~~cheerleaders, develops a crush the ~~asshole~~quarterback of the football team and looses every quality that I liked about her.

WHAT THE FUCK? I was equally tempted to stop reading out of sheer annoyance and continue reading to find out what the hell happened. Obviously the latter won out. Sadly, things are rocky from that point out. The oh so delicious relationship with Jackson goes out the window and no one will explain what is going on to her. You hear snippets from her eavesdropping, but no one will answer her questions outright. Then it ends brutally with a cliffhanger.

So why four stars?

Put simply, I couldn’t put it down. Once I got past the first few chapters, I had to keep going and now I desperately want to buy book 2. Yep, that’s right folks, queen of kindle freebies is going to actually buy a kindle edition. I realize it’s only a dollar, but it’s a big accomplishment for me to pay for a digital copy when I typically like to get something physical for my money. Another reason is that the story felt entirely unique. I’ve never read a story with similar to this and I didn’t see the twist coming at all, like not in my wildest dreams did I think it would end the way it did. Shock and awe, people, shock and awe.

I feel very proud after reading this, not only because I have gained a new author to follow, but I have officially read my first book by an indie author. That’s right Sarra, you are my first. I intend to read many many more indie books now. :)

For all those who read ebooks, I highly recommend this one. It’s the first in a series of six, I believe and it’s well worth your time. It’s free on amazon, barnes and noble, and smashwords, so what have you got to lose?
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May 23, 2013 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this book for free from the iBookstore, and I have to say it was definetelly worth the download. I've had some bad experiences with free Ebooks, they are usually not really worth reading. Luckely this one was worth it unquestionably. The book takes draws you in from the start and it's hard or maybe even impossible to put it away once you start reading.

Sarra Cannon did a very good job on bringin Harper Madison to life, it's not hard to feel with her she's the typical normal girl in highsch...more

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May 04, 2013 Merissa Sheppard rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This short book starts with 16 year old Harper moving to Stepford, sorry, I mean Peachville, because she has powers that she can't control that no one wants to admit they know about.

She moves there and quickly finds out that the town is split between the perfect and beautiful ... and the rest of them. She doesn't fit in as she lives in the Shadowford home, until some magic mojo is performed which suddenly affects her memory and her whole ability to judge people on who they are.

This book was ok b...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Avardsin rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this as a kindle freebie, for that I am glad...

I personally thought this book was shallow and they characters within it didn't have any depth.

The story also came of as very vain... Poor girl changing everything about herself to join Peachville elite.

====MOCK HARPER POV====
"Last week you were being rude and mean to me and now you being all nice, why?" I ask.

"I realise it was wrong to treat you differently just because your poor without a family and live at Shadowford. There's something spec...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Taz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: better-than-i-thought, enjoyed-it, kindle

This book was another Kindle freebie, yet it was definitely worth it. It was a quick, light read, but it still had a good plot with plenty of twists and it ended on a cliff-hanger.

The characters were consistent and Harper was easy to empathise with, as she was kind of clever and talented without being over-perfect. She still made mistakes, but not to the degree of unbelievable stupidity some characters in other books are.

This book only drops a star because it is a bit short, but the length suits...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Erin Danzer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I literally just finished this book and want to pick up the next in the series (and probably the one after that and the one after that until I finish the entire thing!).

Sarra Cannon did an amazing job bringing to life Harper Madison, a foster kid who has special abilities. When she moves to Peachville, not everything is as it seems, which Madison soon finds out. I wondered what happened when things went from bad to perfect for Harper, but I definitely didn't see the end coming! OMG! Wow! That ju...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Amy (BW) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wasn't sure what to expect of this one right out of the gates. I had heard it was about "evil cheerleaders" and thought to myself...hmmm, how bad can it really be?This book was a whirlwind of activity from the beginning.

Poor Harper Madison, a 16 yr old girl who's been in and out of the foster care system since the age of 8, has led a tough life. In the past year, she has had six different placements and her caseworker has no other choice but to place her in an all girls home, Shadowford Plant...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Beautiful Demons has all the elements to be a great book. An orphaned girl with a strange ability, a new town with a secret to hide, the rebel boy trying to stay out of it all, and of course the eerily perfect cheerleaders who run the school. With this novel being as short as it is, I think we missed out a lot on the connections and personality of the novel.

Harper was a great character at the beginning of the novel, but I have a hard time believing that she succumbed to the popularity contest an...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-on-kindle

“Harper Madison. Sixteen years old. Adopted at birth by Heath and Jill Madison of Gwinnett County, Georgia. At the age of eight, your adoptive father was killed in a house fire. A fire that Jill Madison claims you started on purpose.”

This book was awesome!

It was like a combination of Charmed, The Secret Circle, and Twilight.
Not really Twilight, just in the fact that there was a group of extremely beautiful people that everyone admired and envied, basically.

Harper Madison has gotten kicked out o...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Books rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

This was a surprisingly short book. It’s what I call a candy floss read – quick, straightforward, and to the point. Don’t get me wrong though. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s filled with endless plot twists and keeps you guessing right up until the end, and still leaves a lot more to be continued in the next book of this series.

What really drew me into the story was the whole idea of a Stepford-like town where everything seems perfect on the outside, but has a sinister feel to it and a dark...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Sandy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

BEAUTIFUL DEMONS by Sarra Cannon

BEAUTIFUL DEMONS is a short story focusing on Harper Madison- a 16year old girl who has been in the foster care system since she was a young child. 6 placements in one year had finally taken its’ toll on her caseworker, so Harper was being shipped to Shadowford Plantation-a ‘home’ for special cases. And Harper knew she was a special case-damaged / a broken girl as Mrs. Shadowford exclaimed. And the only thing close to Harper’s heart was a sapphire pendant given to...more BEAUTIFUL DEMONS by Sarra Cannon

BEAUTIFUL DEMONS is a short story focusing on Harper Madison- a 16year old girl who has been in the foster care system since she was a young child. 6 placements in one year had finally taken its’ toll on her caseworker, so Harper was being shipped to Shadowford Plantation-a ‘home’ for special cases. And Harper knew she was a special case-damaged / a broken girl as Mrs. Shadowford exclaimed. And the only thing close to Harper’s heart was a sapphire pendant given to her by her birth mother. But it was Harper’s special powers that proved to be her downfall time and again. All she ever wanted was to belong. Beautiful Demons is a Young Adult paranormal storyline written in first person POV.

First day introductions were over and immediately Harper’s life was full of new friends, a dark head-mistress and a couple of swoon worthy boys. Jackson Hunt was Ella Mae’s son who lived on the plantation with his mother: and Drake Ashford was the Peachville High Demon’s high school quarterback. But looks can be deceiving. And the nights at Shadowford Plantation Home for Girls are filled with frightening screams and hidden shadows, and the days are filled with lingering doubts about the cheerleading squad and its’ members. Making an enemy on the first day at a new school wasn’t on the agenda and neither was losing the one possession she could call her own.

Tori Fairchild was missing. When her body was discovered talk of foul play was buzzing the school. Only then did Harper realize that the authorities were gunning for her. With her past history and her missing pendant found on Tori’s badly burned body, Harper became the prime suspect. And now that Jackson revealed his secret, Harper knows that someone or something is out to get her. The secrets at the Shadowford Home for Girls are slowing unraveling revealing a past that hits too close to home, and the one person on whom she could depend becomes a faint memory every time she tries to remember.

Strange things were happening for Harper. Following a severe bout with the flu, Harper had a difficult time remembering events and people. Her dreams were becoming life-like and filled with premonitions and events that she did not understand: a silver blade: blood: the Prima. And amazingly, the cheerleading squad were demanding her friendship and participation. Something powerful was happening in Peachville and Harper was caught in the middle.

BEAUTIFUL DEMONS is the first storyline in Sarra Cannon’s Peachville High Demons series. An interesting look at the paranormal life of a high school teen, Beautiful Demons will take you back to a time when the mean girls ruled and the jocks were on top. Only is this case, the mean girls are something else. At the end of the novel, we are still not privy to the extent of the paranormal breakdown of characters-witches, demons, fairies? I guess the truth will be revealed in book 2-Inner Demons.

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

i admit it, i wasn't expecting a whole lot from a book with the premise "demonic cheerleaders" other than some entertainment while i was in the car for a few hours. boy, was i surprised! not only was this book engaging, clever and well-paced, the story hooked me and i'm now on book three in the series. what i like the most about this is that every time you think you know what might happen or where the story is going to go, it surprises you with a twist or two and shakes things up in a very belie...more

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May 01, 2012 Danielle Young rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Note: There is a separate, distinct rating system I have in my head for novels I read for free.

You know you're in the wrong town when a random dude helps you (commands you?) to pick out a backpack that sports the same colors as everyone else.

OR IS IT THE RIGHT TOWN? It's hard for our heroine (or us) to know for sure, because she keeps having her memory altered. Or something. But there are powers. Women have them. Except for the dude. Who she keeps forgetting. In a literal sense. Who begs her no...more

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May 01, 2012 Abigail rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, kindle-freebies

(Crossposted from Bittersweet Book Blog)

Beautiful Demons pulls you in from the first page and never lets down in the pacing. It's a fast and very entertaining read. I've been wanting to read this series for a while, because of the pretty covers and titles. Currently Beautiful Demons is available for free, but I don't know how long that will last.

I really liked the main character, Harper Madison. She gets moved in a group home after bouncing around from foster care homes, due to getting into tro

...more (Crossposted from Bittersweet Book Blog)

Beautiful Demons pulls you in from the first page and never lets down in the pacing. It's a fast and very entertaining read. I've been wanting to read this series for a while, because of the pretty covers and titles. Currently Beautiful Demons is available for free, but I don't know how long that will last.

I really liked the main character, Harper Madison. She gets moved in a group home after bouncing around from foster care homes, due to getting into trouble for things she can't control. Harper is smart and has a solid head on her shoulders, and she makes for an easy-to-like heroine. I loved the house in which she lives--Shadowford Plantation, it was drawn very gothic, with old-fashioned decor and spooky corridors where secrets hide.

Even though I'm long out of high school, one of the reasons I enjoy reading YA still is the high school dynamics. It's just entertaining, there's really no better setting for soap opera drama. (I blame Buffy for this interest.) You could pay me to actually attend a high school again, but I enjoy visiting them via books. Peachville High is enamored with the Demons football team and especially the cheerleaders, who are a tight clique of the most popular girls in school. Harper makes enemies out of Tori, one of the exclusive cheerleaders, on the first day and ostracizes herself, until things turn upside down.

The plot isn't super original, but it's very solid and well-laid out. There is a satisfying conclusion and everything's wrapped up well in the main story while still leaving plenty of interesting questions that will make me read the next book. Currently, there are four more books in the series with a final one due out this year, so there's a lot to continue with!

My only real complaint is the romance in this book. I am not a fan of love triangles; they are EVERYWHERE in romantic books nowadays. Jackson was fairly interesting, but I wanted to slap Drake, and I never fully believed him as anything but a jerk.

I was surprised by how much I liked Beautiful Demons. It was a fun, easy read, and I'll definitely be continuing the series. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys YA paranormal.

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Apr 17, 2012 Missy LaRae rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked this book. I went into it not really expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. First off, I really love the cover, it's simplistic, and very pretty. No complaints there.

The second thing I really liked about it was the main character, Harper. Harper's a sixteen year old orphan in the foster care system in Georgia. She's scared, has power she doesn't understand, and has a habit of hurting her foster families when she's upset. This resonated with me because I was raised by my...more I really liked this book. I went into it not really expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. First off, I really love the cover, it's simplistic, and very pretty. No complaints there.

The second thing I really liked about it was the main character, Harper. Harper's a sixteen year old orphan in the foster care system in Georgia. She's scared, has power she doesn't understand, and has a habit of hurting her foster families when she's upset. This resonated with me because I was raised by my grandmother who was a foster parent, so I know first hand how scary these young girls are when they get into a new situation for the first time.

In the beginning of the book Harper is being taken away from Atlanta and driven to Peachville, GA by her case worker. I thought this scene was interesting, the only part that drew me back in the beginning was the chapter breaks that the author put in. When Harper arrives in Peachville she's taken to the Shadowford home for girls, where she meets Mrs. Shadowford as well as the other girls in the home. She's immediately drawn to Agnes, and the two form a fast friendship.

When Harper goes to the first day at school she faints, then she manages to trip and send ketchup and food all over one of the most popular girls in school, it looks like she's destined to be an outcast, but what I liked about her was she wasn't a wimp. She didn't sit back and say, "oh woe is me I'm such a loser" she had an attitude about it, and I really liked that feistiness in her a lot.

I don't want to get into the book and write about any spoilers, but what I'll say is that I think the idea for the book, while not completely unique, is well written and edited wonderfully which makes it a really good, easy read that is very enjoyable. I look forward to the other novels in this series.

A few things that I would have liked to have had a bit more fleshing out was the relationship between Jackson and his mother, we don't really see him interacting with his mother at all, and perhaps just a little more about what his "rules older than time" are.

All in all I definitely recommend it. It's a good read with a twist to the whole "cheerleaders are the most popular girls evers because they're just so pretty" routine. The author successfully left us hanging about a number of plots in the book, and I can only hope those are addressed in the next book and the books after that.

I would really like to see more of Mrs. Shadowford in the next novels, her presence was not even really felt in the novel as much as I thought it could have been as an ominous character, and I hope she makes an appearance in the next novels.

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Jan 21, 2012 Rebecca Alora rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-loved, books-i-own, books-read-in-2012, favorite-series

Wow. So 2012 is starting off with a bit of a bang isn't it? The first book I read was slightly lackluster, but this, my fifth book of the year, was absolutely stunning. I'm giving it five stars without reservation. Have I mentioned that this was my first ever eBook?

This book is definitely a plot driven book. It's more about the twists and turns of it all than it is about its characters. In fact, the only fleshed out, or character with beginnings of being fleshed out, is Harper. Harper is a prett...more

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

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Can I just point out how gorgeous the cover is? I really love it.
If you want a quick, fun and interesting read, this is the book for you.
I read this book in less than one day and really, I am hungry for the next book.
Harper is a strong-willed girl who yearns for acceptance and love. She does not take rubbish from anybody, she doesn’t conform. She follows her own style although sometimes doubts herself.
Then there’s Jackson. Bad boy Jackson. Messy brown hair and emerald green eyes and very kissabl...more

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Nov 13, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, kindle

Was a surprising read and a good series opener you are left with quite a few questions as to what is really going on such as why can't Harper remember anything having to do with hottie Jackson and how did her opinion on cheerleading change so drasticly and what is a Prima? Those are only a few of the questions tat I want answered.
Now onto the story Harper has been in so many different foster homes that she has lost count if she can't make it work at Shadowford Home she will be going to Juvenile...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Scarlett Janeway-keck rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not sure if I like this book or hate it. Like Harper in the beginning I've never liked cheerleaders all snobby and full of themselves. The popular kids were mostly rich and stuck up. So for her to lose her memory cause of some water and a secret ritual and being this Prima she all of a sudden gets invited to the pop group and wants to become a cheerleader without asking more questions and being more suspicious is crazy. Who would allow someone to give them a tattoo willy nelly and not resist a l...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Kandice Dover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, want-to-own

I....How......But....I'm not exactly sure what to say. I mean...Woah! Just Woah. that's all I'm thinking.

This wasn't exactly what I expected. It was far from it, actually.

I went into this book knowing I'd get mad, and a little confused. But I didn't expect to be mind-blown.

I am very upset with the ending, because, well...I like Jackson better. In alll honesty I hope drake dies or something terrible happens to him, because...well HE ISN'T JACKSON!!!

Umm....I was upset when Jackson didn't jump in...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Jen McConnel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, ya

Harper has been kicked out of her second to last foster home. If she can't make things work at Shadowford, a home for "troubled" girls, her social worker has promised her a quick trip to juvie. Determined to finally make a home and finish a school year in the same place that she starts, Harper is on her best behavior. But her past comes back to haunt her when the head cheerleader meets a grisly death. The issue? The girl was killed by something that very much resembles the power Harper has tried...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Kristi-The Book Faery rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: written-reviews

Harper Madison has been shipped from foster care home to foster care home since she was 10 years old. Known as a troubled child with violent tendencies she’s never spent enough time in one place to ever feel a sense of belonging. Strange things happen around Harper, especially when Harper feels threatened or scared and those strange things usually end up with someone being hurt. Although Harper has never intentionally hurt anyone she is blamed just the same and Harper carries the guilt, shame an...more Harper Madison has been shipped from foster care home to foster care home since she was 10 years old. Known as a troubled child with violent tendencies she’s never spent enough time in one place to ever feel a sense of belonging. Strange things happen around Harper, especially when Harper feels threatened or scared and those strange things usually end up with someone being hurt. Although Harper has never intentionally hurt anyone she is blamed just the same and Harper carries the guilt, shame and sense of abandonment with her everywhere she goes.

Harper’s options are limited now; since her last foster home placement she has one chance to make it at the Shadowford Home for girls, if she blows this then its Juvenile Detention Center for the rest of her high school days.

Shadowford Home isn’t as bad as she thought it would be. Ms. Shadowford is creepy and weird but everyone else is friendly, especially Agnes who is outgoing and extremely talkative; she raves on and on about the Peachville High School Demons football team and especially the cheerleading squad as if they were Goddesses! Harper’s also crushing on Jackson, the house mother’s son who is edgy and different, a definite bad boy who has much more underneath that tough exterior. Jackson and Harper hit it off right away and she finds herself drawn to him.

On Harpers first day of school things are going good until she has a mishap with one of the cheerleaders at lunch and then it all goes horribly bad. Suddenly, Harper is involved in a murder investigation, learning things about the town that seem impossible and learning that Jackson has some answers to her questions.

After an extremely bad case of the flu where Harper is semi-conscious for over 5 days; she returns to school only to find that she is sought after by the elite and is brought into their group, no questions asked and the dreamy quarterback is showing some definite romantic interest in her. The Demon Cheerleaders are suddenly invested in making her a part of the team, inviting her to all the right parties and having sleep over’s. Harper is enjoying all of this new found attention and popularity but in the back of her mind she knows that something isn’t right; there’s something she’s forgetting but just as it comes to her it goes flitting away plus she’s enjoying being part of a group—something she’s never experienced before.

Harper lost much of her memory of what happened just before the flu—her memory of Jackson, the murder, the unanswered questions and it’s going to take all of Harpers inner strength to fight for her life and survive the dangers of Peachville. Coming to terms with who she really is and where her place is in Peachville is a frightening step and one she must take if she’s to discover anything about her birth mother and, ultimately, her own future.

This was a great book with all the trappings I love: Supernatural/paranormal themed with mystery, adventure, romance and a great twist at the end that surprised me. A nice cliff hanger left me wanting more and anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
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Dec 26, 2011 Marsha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Young Adults and Adults

Whenever I see 99 cent e-books from Amazon.com I become a little nervous. Sometimes they are good and other times they are pretty bad. However, I've seen "Beautiful Demons" listed for a little while now and decided to give it a chance. The premise seemed a little different and I was extremely pleased with the writing, characterizations, world building and plot. It has been a long time since I read a YA book that intrigued me as much as some of my favorites like Morganville Vampires.

So, what is...more Whenever I see 99 cent e-books from Amazon.com I become a little nervous. Sometimes they are good and other times they are pretty bad. However, I've seen "Beautiful Demons" listed for a little while now and decided to give it a chance. The premise seemed a little different and I was extremely pleased with the writing, characterizations, world building and plot. It has been a long time since I read a YA book that intrigued me as much as some of my favorites like Morganville Vampires.

So, what is so different about this series? Harper Madison is a product of the foster care system. After being ejected from six foster homes in just one year, she is sent to Peachville, GA to the Shadowford Mansion. She is told this will be her last placement before being turned over to the juvenile justice system. You see, Harper is not a bad kid, she just has special powers such as the ability to make fire that only come out when she is frightened or feels threatened. She does not know how they manifest themselves or how to control them, they just happen.

Upon arriving at Shadowford, she is introduced to the four girls living there. Everyone seems really nice except that people seem overly interested in cheerleading in this town. Harper's doesn't understand why everyone is so in to the Peachville High School Demon's cheerleading squad but even one of the girls at Shadowford, Agnes is trying to get on the team. Then, the unthinkable happens, one of the cheerleaders, Tori is found dead and the police suspect that Harper is involved. They even take her down to the police station for interrogation. With a background like Harper's it is easy to understand why they might think she is involved.

After being questioned by the mayor, Harper is cleared to go home. It seems everyone's attitude towards her has changed. Everyone appears nicer. After a week of being in and out of consciousness due to a severe case of the flu, Harper awakes to discover that parts of her memory are lost; but not before she hears people chanting over her and calling her the Prima.

I cannot begin to tell you home much I enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing from beginning to end. I enjoyed how Sarra Cannon only give the reader just enough information to keep you on the edge of your seat. I still am not sure where this series is headed and it has me feeling excited. Well, I am off to read the second book in the series, "Inner Demons." Pick up this book, you will not regret it.

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Jul 25, 2011 Annette M Guerriero Nishimoto rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Today's review is on Beautiful Demons, the Peachville High Demons series by Sarra Cannon

Looking for something a little different to read, I came across a review for Beautiful Demons. Not ever have been a cheerleader myself, the opening line of the book's description pulled me in instantly.

In Peachville, even the cheerleaders have a dark side...

And here I thought only the cheerleaders of my high school had a dark side.

Harper Madison has been tossed from foster home to foster home only to wind u...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Victoria Rapaglia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this was an excellent book about Harper who has been moved around so much from foster care to foster care due to strange things happen when she gets upset. As a last chance she is sent Shadowford home for girls and starts high school at Peschville where the cheerleaders are the most popular girls in the school. As she tries to settle in and befriends anges one of the girls at the home she has a bad first day at school and is called a freak. Harper doesn't know what is all important wit...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I came across this book by accident while searching for something to try on my new iPad Kindle app with about three other free books. I started with a different novel, but after a week of not being able to connect to the storyline and characters, I switched to reading Beautiful Demons.

The first two chapters took a little while for me to get settled, but the further I read into the book, the more I was vested into the plot. It took me another week to buy/read the four remaining books that follow...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Krystle Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: must-reads

I can't say enough good things about this series. While they're relatively quick reads, Sarra has crafted a believeable world rich in magic and romance. The writing is solid across all four books currently available (Rival Demons, Book 5, is slated to come out in November!). The characters feel very real, and the dialogue is never stiff, as it's turned out in a handful of other YA stories I've read. While each novel can stand as a complete story, the overall plot blooms naturally throughout the...more

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Nov 12, 2012 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nichole

Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.

Harper Madison isn’t like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she’s lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret
Harper Madison has moved around from foster home...more Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.

Harper Madison isn’t like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she’s lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret
Harper Madison has moved around from foster home to foster home ever since she was eight years old. She has this unique ability to move things with her mind, something that once got her accused of being a witch. Now this is her last shot. Harper’s caseworker has informed her that if she cannot make it at Shadowford Home, she will be placed in a juvenile detention center until she is a legal adult.
There seems to be something really weird going on at Shadowford Home. Harper and the rest of the girls are not allowed to go to the third floor, obtain anything less than a B, among many other rules or they will be kicked out of Shadowford Home. Needless to say, it is Harper’s mission to be on her best behavior.
When Harper arrives at Peachville High, she’s struck with how odd it is that everyone worships the cheerleaders. Not just the student’s, but the teacher’s and regular citizens as well. Of course, Harper then has to go make an enemy out of one of the most popular cheerleaders, making herself a grade A social outcast.
When said cheerleader is murdered, all eyes turn to Harper. Now that she’s the number one suspect in the murder case, Harper must do everything she can to clear her name. But things get a little interesting when she forgets all about it.

I was instantly drawn in to Beautiful Demons because of the cover. It was the first ebook I’ve ever read, and I really wanted to go with something that I thought would completely capture my attention. The first half of Beautiful Demons was really interesting. I really liked the concept of a girl, who struggled in life, with the ability to move things with her mind. I wish there would have been a little more time dedicated to showcase her powers, though.
The characters in this book were really strong, especially the character of Jackson! It takes a lot to get me to fall in love with male characters, and I adored Jackson so much. Unfortunately, Jackson didn’t appear a lot in this first book. Hopefully that will change as the series continues. It was obvious that Cannon spent a lot of time mastering her character’s identities, and I really enjoyed reading about all of them.
Another thing I enjoyed was how unpredictable Beautiful Demons was. There were a few things that were obvious in the book, but, for the most part, I had no idea what was going to happen next. The ending absolutely shocked me. I so did not see that coming, and I’m still not really sure how I felt about it! Being only 136 pages, there was a lot of information that wasn’t revealed or covered in this first book. I have a feelings that everything is slowly going to be revealed as the series continues.
I wish that the book hadn’t been focused around cheerleaders, because I almost feel that that took away from the story. I really just wanted to learn about Harper coming into her powers, her adventures at Shadowford, and her relationship with Jackson. However, there was a certain aspect about the cheerleaders that I did like, and I’m interested to learn more about their history and the secrets that they’re keeping from Harper.
Overall, Beautiful Demons was a quick and light read. I’m looking forward to eventually learning more about Harper and the rest of the citizens of Peachville. Beautiful Demons is currently free at most places that offer ebooks. Take a chance and read it!

Pages: 136
Publisher: Dead River Books
Publication Date: October 29th, 2010
Rating: : 2.5

Teaser Quote: “If you tell me I’m pretty enough to be a cheerleader, I’m gonna punch you in the face.”(less)

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Dec 24, 2012 Mia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From one foster home to another, Harper has never been able to find stability in her life. She yearns for a sense of belonging and a place called home. As if that wasn’t enough, she is even more troubled by the unexplainable incidents that seem to follow her everywhere. Eventually she ends up in Shadowford Home, a sort of residence for troubled girls. Attending school in Peachville High, Georgia, Harper must stay out of trouble at all costs. After all Shadowford is her last chance to make up for...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Momma's Tribute to Authors Who Are Moms	1	2	May 11, 2013 06:49am
Jackson or Drake???	5	14	Jan 25, 2013 09:34am
Buddy Read Zone: Beautiful Demons	39	28	Dec 31, 2012 03:53pm
Paranormal Romanc...: Peachville High Demons series by Sarra Cannon??	7	42	Apr 06, 2012 04:26pm

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Beautiful Demons (Peachville High Demons #1)

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