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Seeking Crystal (Benedicts #3)

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 1,119 ratings · 195 reviews

Sparks will fly . . . Passion will ignite . . .

Crystal Brook has always been the dud Savant in her family; paranormal powers just aren't her thing. Dropping out of school with a clutch of 'E' grades and no future, she lives in the shadow of her high-flying sister Diamond. On a trip to Denver, a chance encounter with the dashing Benedict brothers leaves Diamond head over he...more

Paperback, 258 pages

Published October 4th 2012 by Oxford University Press (first published October 2012)

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Oct 07, 2012 Georgia rated it 4 of 5 stars

REVIEW TO COME

UPDATE yeah whats with the engaging i thought that savants wanted to find there soulmate or whatever does that mean that diamond too has a soulmate in the benedict family I"M CONFUSED! someone explain please!

OMG CAN U BELIEVE IT. next book in the series, whoop whoop. right i wanted to see if Joss stirling had released the next book yet or have given the title out, so i went onto the benedict brothers series etcetera... and practically fell off my chair. i haven't read the second o...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-know-will-be-good, i-wanna-read-so-bad, obsessed, must-read-no-matter-what, 2012-release, book-with-gorgeous-boy, brilliant-series, arc, all-time-favourites, amazing-covers, amazing-loved-it, high-expectations, i-cant-stop-thinking-about, i-own, pure-awesomeness, the-start-of-something-beautiful

Seeking Crystal is the third book in the intriguing and extremely gripping Benedict series. If your looking for a set of books to get obsessed over this year, make sure you pick up this series.

Crystal Brook doesn't seem to have paranormal powers like she should have been born with. She's not clever, she's not pretty and, to rub it all in her big nose, she's always been in the shadow of her successful older sister, Diamond. On a trip to Denver, a run-in with the gorgeous Benedict brothers leaves...more Seeking Crystal is the third book in the intriguing and extremely gripping Benedict series. If your looking for a set of books to get obsessed over this year, make sure you pick up this series.

Crystal Brook doesn't seem to have paranormal powers like she should have been born with. She's not clever, she's not pretty and, to rub it all in her big nose, she's always been in the shadow of her successful older sister, Diamond. On a trip to Denver, a run-in with the gorgeous Benedict brothers leaves Diamond in love and engaged to be married with one of them. Crystal doesn't understand how everything could happen so fast, because unlike her sister she is unimpressed by the boys' charms. But could the most annoying of the boys, Xav, help her unlock a secret that could change Crystal's life?

Stirling does an incredible job at keeping readers hooked and desperate to read more after just a few pages. Her characters are entertaining and very realistic. I've really enjoyed the characters from her previous books in the series and it was great to see that they played a part in this book.

Moving away from the supporting characters, I was ecstatic to find out that this book was finally about Xav discovering his soulfinder. Those who have read the previous books will know that he is a sweet talker who cracks the best jokes. It was amazing to read about him and his blossoming relationship with Crystal; a very tall, dark-haired girl.

This book is told from the POV of Crystal. Even though she is from a Savant family, she does not have the powers she should have been born with. She isn't clever and she isn't pretty, but she is strong-willed and determined. When she and Xav meet, boy, do sparks fly! Xav gets on her nerves like no other boy has before. Believe me, their encounter is hilarious. Scratch that, all scenes with Xav and Crystal in the same room are hilarious!

Stirling does not disappoint fans with this extraordinary installment! The books just get better and better. New characters, more mysteries and lots more laughs to be had with the Benedict brothers. A fourth book? All I know is that it's going to be good.

If you are interested in reading Seeking Crystal then I would recommend you read the first two books, Finding Sky and Stealing Pheonix, because it will give you a better idea of the characters and the world the books are set in.

Guys, click here to read a teaser of Seeking Crystal!

MORE TEASERS!(less)

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Dec 11, 2011 Dee rated it 2 of 5 stars

OMG IM HAVING A FAN GIRL MOMENT XD
I CANT WAIT!!!!!
BUT WHY 2013!!!!
iT'S LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO TORTURE ME -.-
I HOPE THIS BOOK IS ABOUT XAVIER!
HE'S MY FAVE BENIDICT BOY ALONG WITH WILL AND ZED :P
YAY1

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Nov 07, 2012 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars

CAPTURING CAPTURING CAPTURING CAPTURING CAPTURING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pleease let it be capturing instead of seeing. It sounds soooooooooooo much more romantic and exciting and dramatic!!!!!!!
Oh oh oh I can't wait for this book! I think I'm going to faint!
Uh what's that? It's going to be published in....2013?!............
*thud*

*****

I don't know if I'm being too strict or too lenient. But I know one thing for sure - I am just too disappointed. I mean, when you've marked the release date of the...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Shinha rated it 3 of 5 stars

can't wait!!! Is crystal Xav's soulmate?? it seems like it is goin from the youngest to oldest

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Mar 10, 2013 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Uiteindelijk is dit het boek waar ik het kortste over gedaan heb. Uiteraard, na twee eerdere delen werd het derde deel wat voorspelbaar, maar niet minder interessant en boeiend. Wat mij blijft boeien is dat alledrie de relaties, hoewel ze allemaal op hetzelfde gebaseerd zijn, toch heel anders zijn en anders tot stand komen. Het is ongelooflijk interessant hoe je vanaf hetzelfde uitgangspunt toch drie hele verschillende wegen kunt bewandelen. De karakters vertonen uiteraard wel verwantschappen (o...more Uiteindelijk is dit het boek waar ik het kortste over gedaan heb. Uiteraard, na twee eerdere delen werd het derde deel wat voorspelbaar, maar niet minder interessant en boeiend. Wat mij blijft boeien is dat alledrie de relaties, hoewel ze allemaal op hetzelfde gebaseerd zijn, toch heel anders zijn en anders tot stand komen. Het is ongelooflijk interessant hoe je vanaf hetzelfde uitgangspunt toch drie hele verschillende wegen kunt bewandelen. De karakters vertonen uiteraard wel verwantschappen (opvoeding?), maar ze verschillen ook genoeg van elkaar om wel echt het gevoel te hebben dat je over andere mensen leest, want niet altijd makkelijk is als je drie gelijkaardige verhalen schrijft.

Ook dit boek was weer de perfecte mix tussen spanning, liefde, humor en mysterie. Het is net als zijn voorgangers een rasechte pageturner en je wilt gewoon weten hoe de zaken zich ontwikkelen. Zowel op spannings gebied, omdat ik in elk geval heel erg met de karakters meeleefde en het beste voor ze wilde, als ook op het gebied van het mysterie, hoe kan dit allemaal en kan het bestreden worden, als ook op het gebied van de liefde, die in alle gevallen niet overweldigend snel ging.

Wat ik aan dit boek extra interessant vond is dat Stirling eindelijk uitwerkte wat ik me van het begin af aan al afvroeg: Stel dat Savants WEL van het bestaan van een zielsverwant weten en daar bewust naar op zoek gaan, nemen ze dan nog steeds de tijd om hun relatie rustig te laten ontwikkelen? Het antwoord is nee en ik moest daarom glimlachen. Waarom zou je ook maar een seconde langer wachten als je de garantie hebt en honderd procent zeker weet dat dit de ware is en dat jullie bij elkaar passen? Ik ben blij dat Stirling er ook zo over denkt. Uiteraard zou dat een saai uitgangspunt voor een boek zijn, en dus is het interessant dat Stirling een nieuwe manier gevonden heeft om deze snelle en soepele reactie te voorkomen.

Stiekem hoop ik dat er nog meer delen komen, maar ik vrees dat de grootste spanning er een beetje af is. Één klein dingetje: Er is in Holland meer dan een veld met tulpen, een molen en een muis! :D Maar Will is van harte welkom zodra zijn vliegticket geboekt is :D

Welke drie boeken ik uiteindelijk het leukst vond? Phoenix, alhoewel Sky en ik het allermeeste met elkaar gemeen hebben ga ik toch voor de knappe studiebol Yves :P(less)

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Dec 07, 2012 Sumaya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-hotties-i-love, good-love-story, t-u-v-w-x-y-z

My favourite of the series yet! and Uriel and Victor better have different books... they define holy hotness!

Sky's right at the end.. everyone has a soft spot for Xav.. including me!

"But thanks for worrying about me, Beauty."
"Please stop calling me that." I folded my arms across my chest.
"Fine." Drumming the steering wheel, he glanced at me briefly before turning back to the traffic.
"Hey, Beau—my respected and very equal cupcake, what’ve I done to annoy you? "

:O the blurb.. hehe love these typ...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Sarah ✌ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, books-i-will-reread-no-matter-what, favorites, romances, magic

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I think I am in love with the Benedict brothers - like, all of them. What I love about the main characters in this series, the females, I mean, is that they're so relatable. They're not perfect but they have such kind hearts, and they're not the girl that other girls would be so jealous of or would hate. I absolutely loved Crystal's personality and I love all the clever wittiness that Joss Stirling includes, as well as the beautiful description. She is seriously an amazing writer...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Elena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Während ihre Geschwister im siebten Himmel schweben, ist es bei Crystal Brook und Xavier Benedict Hass auf dem ersten Blick. Angesichts der bevorstehenden Hochzeit fragt sich Crystal zudem mehr denn je, wo ihr Platz ist – so mal sie keine besondere Savantfähigkeit zu haben scheint und es ihr unmöglich ist wie die anderen Savants via Gedanken zu kommunizieren. In welche Welt gehört sie?

Als ihre Familien in Venedig zusammenkommen, gibt sich Crystal notgedrungen Mühe sich mit Xav zu arrangieren. Do...more Während ihre Geschwister im siebten Himmel schweben, ist es bei Crystal Brook und Xavier Benedict Hass auf dem ersten Blick. Angesichts der bevorstehenden Hochzeit fragt sich Crystal zudem mehr denn je, wo ihr Platz ist – so mal sie keine besondere Savantfähigkeit zu haben scheint und es ihr unmöglich ist wie die anderen Savants via Gedanken zu kommunizieren. In welche Welt gehört sie?

Als ihre Familien in Venedig zusammenkommen, gibt sich Crystal notgedrungen Mühe sich mit Xav zu arrangieren. Doch dann ergreift ein mächtiger Feind die Gelegenheit zum Angriff. Xav und Crystal müssen sich zusammenschließen um ihre Lieben zu retten. Dabei entdecken sie ein Geheimnis, dass sie für immer verbinden wird …

Meinung

Der dritte Band unterscheidet sich stark von seinen Vorgängern: Ging es in den ersten Teilen stark um die Beziehung der Protagonisten, spielt die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Xav und Crystal hier nur eine Statistenrolle. Der Beginn des Buches ist mit der Begegnung von Diamond und Trace fast noch der romantischste Part – und das Benehmen der Charaktere gegenüber Crystal richtungsweisend für die erste Hälfte des Buches. Der Schwerpunkt der Geschichte liegt ganz klar Crystal und ihre Probleme mit ihren Savant-Fähigkeiten, damit auch ihrer Identität sowie der Rachefeldzug eines Feindes.

Auch wenn sich früh abzeichnet, dass Xav und Crystal zusammengehören (sollen), passiert zwischen den beiden zunächst sehr wenig bis auf ein paar hitzige Auseinandersetzungen. Die anderen Charaktere machen sich vor allem zu Beginn durch ihr Benehmen gegenüber Crystal – auch wenn es erklärt wird – beim Leser nicht grad beliebt und so dreht sich die Handlung lange um eine bockige Crystal und ignorante Familienangehörige. Deswegen stellt sich in diesem Buch auch nicht so stark wie sonst das “Wir sind eine große, wundervolle Familie”-Gefühl ein. Nach einen bestimmten Ereignis macht es zwar Klick zwischen Xav und Crystal, aber dann beginnt der Handlungsfaden um den Rachefeldzug und für Romantik bleibt gar keine Zeit – sie sind einfach nur zusammen. Insgesamt bleibt die Liebe in diesem Buch extrem auf der Strecke.

Überhaupt leidet das Buch ziemlich unter dieser Zweiteilung, was den ersten Teil ziemlich dehnt und den zweiten Teil sehr unrealistisch macht. Der Plot um den Rachefeldzug ist zwar ganz nett, aber extrem hollywoodkitschig aufgezogen und deswegen streckenweise schon fast absurd-komisch. Nachdem am Ende endlich auch klar ist, was Crystal tolle Fähigkeit nun ist, stellt sich zudem die Frage, ob weitere Bände überhaupt noch Sinn ergeben. Vor allem, da die Autorin bei den älteren Brüdern weiterschreiben müsste und diese völlige Enthaltsamkeit bei diesen dann so gar nicht mehr glaubwürdig ist …

Kleine Anmerkung noch zur Verarbeitung: Das Schwarz sieht zwar zunächst sehr schick aus, aber die Folie ist schlecht aufgeklebt und so sieht das Buch schnell angestoßen und beschädigt aus.

Fazit

Die Liebesgeschichte verkommt hier zur zweiten Geige, es geht vor allem um Selbstfindung und eine Menge Aktion. Mit großzügigem Benedict-Bonus gibt es noch so eben

3,5 Sterne(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Vivienne Serendipity Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-review

Oh now this is a really hard review to write. I really really loved the first two books in this series. I couldn't get enough of Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix they were just so good, so it pains me to have to write anything negative at all about Seeking Crystal but I have to be honest and tell you how I felt.
I didn't completely hate it, not by a long shot. I think the plot for this book was utterly AMAZING; I was absorbed in it from the very beginning. The secrets we discover about Crystal we...more Oh now this is a really hard review to write. I really really loved the first two books in this series. I couldn't get enough of Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix they were just so good, so it pains me to have to write anything negative at all about Seeking Crystal but I have to be honest and tell you how I felt.
I didn't completely hate it, not by a long shot. I think the plot for this book was utterly AMAZING; I was absorbed in it from the very beginning. The secrets we discover about Crystal were pure genius. I can't wait to see what she does with her abilities in the future. I loved the fast paced feel of the book, as the drama unfolded and set of at break neck speed putting all of the Benedict brothers in danger. The inclusion of Steve, the hot American action man/superstar was a welcome addition to the story and I only hope the Brad Pitts and the Jason Stathams of the film world are as wonderful as he is. The setting of Venice was gorgeous and descriptive, allowing me to fall in love with a place I have yet to visit.
So you see I did enjoy the book, however I have a few gripes I feel I have to share. I can feel daggers being thrown at me by all the lovely loyal Benedict fans and I apologise in advance for my issues with this book.
Looking at it as a whole, I can see I have two overall problems with this book: timing and characterisation, which I have expanded on below.
Firstly with the timing, I struggled with the sudden development of the relationship between Trance and Diamond. I know that in these books 'instant love' is the norm;the Savants are supposed to find their soul finders and fall instantly in love, but I felt that it was a little bit rushed and extremely unbelievable, almost corny in parts. I found myself cringing as I read it. I felt that it had been written too quickly in order to get it out of the way, so the main story of Crystal and Xav could emerge. I would have loved to have seen it progress a little slower. With all the relationships so far in the book, they have taken a little time to progress, so I felt like I was being short changed a little. Also as soon as Xav and Crystal realised they had found their soul seeker, it was dealt with swiftly in order to get back to the plot. I wanted more.
As for characterisation, firstly, I didn't warm to Xav at all. In the previous two books I had liked him, but in this one he grated on my nerves. He wound me up by calling everyone 'darling' and 'cupcake'. I wasn't overly keen on Crystal either. I felt her change from the dud clumsy Savant to the wisest, most needed Savant a bit too fast a transformation. I was also surprised by her ability to make her own clothes within a few weeks of her new job with the designer.
I also had a problem with the characters I have loved from the previous two books. I wanted to see a progression within Sky and Phoenix, yet I felt nothing had really happened in their lives since we had last met them; they didn't really shine out in this book at all. I understand that this book isn't their story, but Crystals. However, it would have been lovely to see a bit of character development within their stories.
I apologise to all fans for being overly critical. Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know that isn't my style at all. I truly think it is because I have my editing head on at the moment, that I am picking up on things that wouldn't normally bother me. I think Joss Stirland is a talented author and I honestly loved the rest of the series, I just felt this book was the weakest from the three.(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Charlie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: supernatural-creatures, favourites, books-i-own, read-2012

You know when you read a book and think 'WHY THE HELL DOESN'T EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK?'? Well. After each book in this series I have thought exactly that.
These books bring back warm memories as I first read Finding sky last August when I went on holiday with my cousins and aunt. My cousin brought Stealing phoenix at the same time, so we could swap after reading them - it was a good job as it constantly rained so we stayed in the caravan reading and talking and it turned out to be one of t...more You know when you read a book and think 'WHY THE HELL DOESN'T EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK?'? Well. After each book in this series I have thought exactly that.
These books bring back warm memories as I first read Finding sky last August when I went on holiday with my cousins and aunt. My cousin brought Stealing phoenix at the same time, so we could swap after reading them - it was a good job as it constantly rained so we stayed in the caravan reading and talking and it turned out to be one of the best holidays ever so these books constantly remind me of that time. I always read when Im upset and stressed as that's my escape - reading about other peoples problems gives me a distraction from own - so there's not many books I can connect to happy memories and Im SO glad that I can connect these books to happy memories because they're just...amazing. I love them. Witty, clever, uplifting and special are four words I can connect to this series.

So, I should explain what the series is about. Well, this series is about people, who have paranormal powers/gifts, called 'Savants' Each savant has a 'soulfinder' - someone who born at the same time as them somewhere in the world. This person is the other half of their soul, their soulmate, when they're together they're stronger and they're 'whole' but things are never easy. There's always someone in the way hell bent on ruining things or using powers to their advantage.

Seeking crystal is the 3rd book in the Benedict series (on good reads its called the 'Benedict' series but I call it the 'soulfinder' series) I'd been waiting for its release for ages and as soon as amazon came up with the preorder link I preordered without hesitation. With so much expectation I was kind of expecting to be disappointed but NO! This book did NOT disappoint. Just like the first 2 this book was action packed, fast, funny...just generally a page turner. I would also like to add it was about one of my favourite Benedict brothers XAV...although I can't really call him my favourite as I adore Zed and Yves just as much....but, just like the Benedict family, I've always had a soft spot for xav - he's the funniest and the sweetest...plus he's a healer and that's such an awesome power. ANYWAY this book follows Crystal - a dud savant. In her family of savants she feels like the joke and the disappointment. She constantly lives in her sisters shadow and when her sister finds her soulfinder - one of the dashing Benedict brothers - Crystals life changes forever. As her sister plans to marry the love of her life Crystal must endure Xav, the most annoying boy she's ever met. She takes an instant dislike to him but as events take a turn for the worse Crystal teams up Xav and finds they have a lot more in common than she first thought...which is useful when trying to save the people you love from a powerful enemy who seeks revenge.

Things I love in this book:
1)Xav.
2)We learn more about the other Benedict brothers
3)We learn more about the savant world - in the other 2 books both the main characters had a restricted depth of information about the savant world. Crystal is a lot more informed and so the reader is a lot more informed.
4)Crystals power plot twist WHICH IS AWESOME!
5) The one liners and banter between the characters
6) Crystal and Xavs relationship - everytime they're in a room together its just funny.
7) Crystals humour - 'sure. Im a ninja. I just didn't want to embarrass you all' (its funny in context)

Okay...I suck at making books sound as brilliant as they are. Just believe me when I say that these books are well worth the read. The characters are fantastic, they're funny, they're brilliant....and Im just repeating what I've already said..... oh and If you're wondering why I keep saying 'these' books on the 'seeking crystal' review its because I never did reviews for the other 2 because I created my goodreads acocunt AFTER I read them so this kind of an individual book AND series review in one.

About the order you read the books: I would say start with 'Finding Sky' I know that sounds obvious as its the first one HOWEVER you don't have to read 'Finding Sky' to enjoy and understand 'stealing phoenix' (if you remember the holiday referral I made at the beginning my cousin read 'Stealing Phoenix' first then we swapped.) HOWEVER 'seeking crystal' is best read after reading the 1 and 2 first.
(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Shannan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, owned, october, year-eight, paperback

I didn't like how the story started. I mean, Diamond and Trace had only met for about a minute and already they were in each others arms - kissing.

However, I find Crystal really interesting - she can't use telepathy and yet almost every Savant can.

Xav is interesting too. Stirling didn't mention him much in Finding Sky, the first book in the series, but in Stealing Phoenix, the second book, there is a lot more of him. And obviously Seeking Crystal is all about him and Crystal.

Overall, I really wa...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Luula rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-little-kiss-of-venice

Looking at the description it seems that Crystal and Xav are meant to be together... But when you read it it says Diamond is engaged to one of the Benedict boys.

Solution 1:
Crystal and Xav don't get together and they are simply working to help their brothers and sister. The story would be based around them, but not focus on the romance.

Solution 2:
We have 2 romances in one book. Get over it, people.

Edit because of brainwaves...

Solution 3:
Diamond may not be the brother's soulfinder...

Am I overthink...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-books-d

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

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May 20, 2013 Manja rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kurzbeschreibung:
Crystal leidet darunter, dass sie ihre paranormalen Fähigkeiten nur unzureichend kennt. Versucht jemand, telepathisch Kontakt zu ihr aufzunehmen, wird ihr schlecht - ein Umstand, der ihr das Leben in einer Welt von Savants nicht gerade erleichtert. Doch als in Venedig bei einer von Crystal organisierten Feier Mitglieder der Familie Benedict entführt werden, ist sie es, die entscheidend zur Rettung beitragen kann. Und dabei bemerkt sie, dass der Benedict-Bruder Xav gar nicht so ü...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Becca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Crystal has always been the odd one out. She looks different, thinks differently and acts differently to her family and since the death of her father, she has come to accept that her life will continue down the dull and unsuccessful route it has begun. That is, until she meets Xav.

She meets the 3rd Benedict brother on a trip to America when her amazingly talented sister, Diamond, discovers her soulfinder Trace. Having long ago discovered that her own savant abilities are limited, she cannot abid...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Steffi und Kay his-and-her-books rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Inhalt:
Crystal begleitet ihre Schwester Diamond nach Denver, wo Diamand an einer Savant-Konferenz teilnehmen will. Während eines Spaziergangs zurück zum Hotel werden die beiden überfallen.
Ein Polizist eilt ihnen zu Hilfe, der sich als Diamonds Seelenspiegel entpuppt: Trace Benedict.
Die beiden schwelgen sofort auf Wolke 7 und Crystal kommt sich mit ihrer „eingeschränkten“ Savant-Fähigkeit noch überflüssiger vor als sonst.
Zu allem Überfluss hat sie nicht gerade den besten Draht zu Trace‘ Bruder Xa...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Cornelia Zass rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wenn meine derzeitige Lieblingsautorin ihre Reihe vollendet, dann bin nicht nur ich gespannt auf diesen Teil.
Meine Rede? Joss Stirling und ihre Savant - Reihe!
Nun erschien am 1.Mai 2013 “Calling Crystal” und ich durfte es bereits zwei Wochen vor Veröffentlichung lesen.
Ohne die lieben Mitarbeiter des dtv-Verlages währe das nicht möglich gewesen und deshalb möchte ich DANKE sagen !!!
Danke für 384 Seiten reinste Entführung nach Venedig und einer Reihe, die mich noch lange, lange begleiten wird.

Cry...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Darcie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Joss Stirling has done it again! Seeking crystal combines the benadict family with another group of servants as the benadict family fight together to save their soul finders. Crystal is one of the most relatable characters within the series - she try's to make the best out of her situation, she does not once want for power or money, all crystal wants is to feel loved. Xav is a character that I have always found the most likeable of the benadict brothers, and I have to admit that if I had to pick...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Ashleigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Seeking Crystal is the third book in the Benedicts series written by Joss Stirling. The book follows Crystal Brooke a 'dud' Salvant who's only real ability is finding things. A slavant is a person with an ability like an extra gear, that allows to have paranormal gifts or abilities. Each salvant has a soulmate or Soulfinder which is their perfect other half. When Crystal's sister Dimond meets her soulfinder Trace Benedict, Crystal is introduced to Xav Benedict and on sight they hate each other.

A...more Seeking Crystal is the third book in the Benedicts series written by Joss Stirling. The book follows Crystal Brooke a 'dud' Salvant who's only real ability is finding things. A slavant is a person with an ability like an extra gear, that allows to have paranormal gifts or abilities. Each salvant has a soulmate or Soulfinder which is their perfect other half. When Crystal's sister Dimond meets her soulfinder Trace Benedict, Crystal is introduced to Xav Benedict and on sight they hate each other.

As Diamond and Trace plan their wedding in Diamonds' and Crystal's home city of Venice trouble strikes and everyone must work together to protect their families from the new threat and Crystal suddenly finds that her ability is more useful then anyone could have imagined.

This book is the third in the series that follows the Benedict borther as they each find their soulfinder. It is one of the best in the series so far. It is beautifully written and described to slowly draw you into the book.

After the first two books been set in England and the Rockies, Venice makes a nice change of senery. The city is described so well that you feel as if you are almost there. The city Venice is also a beautiful place to go and is described in the book as if you were a local and not some mindless tourist.

Crystal is the main character and is the dud salvant in the family. With no real ability she has no hope of sucesseding as a salvant or in her dreams. Crystal is a character that you can instantly relate to. She is shown as been over-shadowed by Diamond and does almost everything in her power to make herself noticed. She is stuborn, adventurous and fiercely loyal to her friends and family.

Joss Sirling is one of my favourite authors and this book is fast becoming one of my favourites. Seeking Crystall is my second favourite in this series after 'Finding Sky.' It is definatly a brillant book which is worth a read. If you do read it I recommend that you read the first two books 'Finding sky' and 'Stealing Phonix'first. I would recommend for any teenage girls who love romance, adventure and the paramoral all rolled into one fantastic book.

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Dec 18, 2012 Alannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

As Xav is my favourite Benedict brother (and always has been) I was super excited for this book, and I wasn't disappointed. Crystal was a savant, but she was also your kind of average teenager. She was insecure about herself and had low self-esteem.
Where as, Xav is the cockiest guy you'll ever meet, the complete opposite to Crystal.
I love how all the characters from this series go from dislike to love over the course of the story and this book was no different, with Crystal finding Xav irritatin...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've been waiting for this book quite a while now! When Ms Stirling announced that this book was coming out on October shortly after the second book was published I think, I've been anticipating this book ever since. Every book has always gotten me hooked on the first chapter and this one is even more unique than the others which already are. Not many books (at least that I know of) have such an interesting nationality in the main character. I've actually finished reading it in one night and I p...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Callie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay hands up who loves one of the Benedict Brothers. For me it’s Zed – no it’s Yves – no it’s Xav. Boy oh boy I can’t make my mind up. And neither will you when you’ve read Seeking Crystal.

Previously you’ve heard from Sky&Zed and Phoenix&Yves, and now you get … Crystal&Xav!!!

Crystal the dud savant and Xav the healer are a matched made in perfection – well of course they are, their savants of course.
The story begins with Diamond meeting Trace and organising their wedding. That’s ri...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Becca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-best-books

Seeking crystal is a book that I read in a day, it’s one of those books that, although this may be a cliché, is impossible to put down. She pulled my heart strings and confused my reasoning as she did what she thought was right, even if it went against everything that she stood for. A Heroin that doesn’t whine, fall at the first hurdle or conquer all, Crystal is a girl that every teenage girl wishes they could be. (Including me.)

The third book in the sequel, it still has its spark and didn’t fal...more Seeking crystal is a book that I read in a day, it’s one of those books that, although this may be a cliché, is impossible to put down. She pulled my heart strings and confused my reasoning as she did what she thought was right, even if it went against everything that she stood for. A Heroin that doesn’t whine, fall at the first hurdle or conquer all, Crystal is a girl that every teenage girl wishes they could be. (Including me.)

The third book in the sequel, it still has its spark and didn’t falter, bringing family together and tearing loved ones apart. The twists that the story takes will keep you running along the Venice streets with Crystal, by her side as she soars above mountains in a helicopter and even arguing her point to stubborn family members that just won’t listen.

When Crystal meets Xav she couldn’t find anybody that made her feel more physically sick, literally. Teasing and joking, could anybody be less serious? But with her older sister Diamond, in the love bubble with Xav’s older brother Trace, she puts on a brave face and a smile that she hopes looks more real than it feels.

Tall and striking, Crystal hides herself away, fed up with names like ‘The Bean Stalk’; it was her Dad alone that made her feel like a star but his death set Crystal back and now she is struggling. Feeling like the family failure she battles with herself to drag her mile long legs and her giraffe neck to her feet, but when she gets THE once in a life time chance her family only flattens her back down. She doesn’t understand the consequences her actions will have until too late...

Now she has to strike a match with the one person that sends her vision red, against an enemy that that could destroy her world.

From the Towering sky scrapers of Denver to the floating streets of Venice; to the mountains that hide more than they appear and the movie cast that fly among them, Seeking Crystal is a classic book that will not disappoint any reader that needs to know, that sometimes stories do have a “Happily Ever After”, no matter how hard you have to fight to get there.
Finding Sky Joss Stirling Stealing Phoenix (less)

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Nov 14, 2012 Durva Sb rated it 5 of 5 stars

(A bit of spoiler so scroll away if you've not read this yet)
To be frank, I never thought that I'd be so enthralled by a series so much that I would set calendar dates for when the next book would release. And never have I once regretted it. Seeking Crustal was clever, sweet and salty, crazy, love-filled and much more. It was the right amount of everything a book about finding your soulmate(soul finder) should be having! When Diamond met Trace, I swear I had goosebumps whilst reading their conve...more (A bit of spoiler so scroll away if you've not read this yet)
To be frank, I never thought that I'd be so enthralled by a series so much that I would set calendar dates for when the next book would release. And never have I once regretted it. Seeking Crustal was clever, sweet and salty, crazy, love-filled and much more. It was the right amount of everything a book about finding your soulmate(soul finder) should be having! When Diamond met Trace, I swear I had goosebumps whilst reading their conversation. And when Crystal projected her thoughts to Xavier, finding out they were soul finders, I couldn't stop smiling! Although I loved the kiss much better! ;)
It was just an amazing experience reading a book which made me smile at the lovey-dovey moments, tense up at the suspense, tighten my fists at the sound of vengeance from the countess, bite my lip and frown when none of the girls remembered their soul-finders and most importantly clench my teeth together when I finished the book.
It made me ask myself if love like that existed, without the mystical world of powers and mind-reading. The irony is that the characters in the entire series are so much easier to relate to than many other teenage oriented books. I could not praise Joss Stirling (Julia Golding) enough. She is an incredibly talented writer and has to, absolutely positutely write more and more books, even when she's done with the Benedict's!
Buying Finding Sky may have just been a coincidence because I really liked the cover and the summary behind, but definitely not a mistake. Right after I was done, I got two more of my friends obsessed to the stage I am with the books. Now that I've heard of the new Zed story, I knew I had to submit a review and at least pray that my stars proved lucky for me this time to be one do the three winners!
Next time anyone, of any age, asks me for a book meant for those young hopeless romantics, the first few books I'll recommend are this series.
Keep it up and hope you gain more and more publicity so that more girls my age can indulge themselves into such an adventure. :D
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Nov 08, 2012 Marina rated it 4 of 5 stars

"I'm coming back to you whatever happens..."

The novel Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling is the third in a series about savants, people who possess amazing abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, reading emotions and seeing the future. It is the sequel to Stealing Phoenix and Finding Sky and features the third Benedict brother, Xavier Benedict, and how he discovers his soulfinder.

The main character is Crystal Brook who, as the sister of the perfect Diamond Brook, an international peacekeeper, fe...more "I'm coming back to you whatever happens..."

The novel Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling is the third in a series about savants, people who possess amazing abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, reading emotions and seeing the future. It is the sequel to Stealing Phoenix and Finding Sky and features the third Benedict brother, Xavier Benedict, and how he discovers his soulfinder.

The main character is Crystal Brook who, as the sister of the perfect Diamond Brook, an international peacekeeper, feels somewhat lacking and believes herself to be a dud savant. She describes herself as having inherited the "striking pharaoh looks, strong nose and emphatic eyebrows but none of the prettiness" from her British father's side of the family. She believes her gift to be completely useless, (view spoiler)

At the beginning of the book, Crystal and Diamond are in Denver, Colorado, where Diamond is going to attend a conference organized by the influential American savant family, the Benedicts. The two are rescued from three men who attempt to steal the girls' bags by Trace Benedict, who, it turns out, is Diamond's soulfinder.

And this is where my only problem with the book arose. Everything else I loved to the nth degree, but this inst-love I was not overly fond of. I think that if maybe the meeting and the discovery that Diamond is Trace's soulfinder had been described more thoroughly, it would have been more believable.

The two girls then meet Xav Benedict, the younger brother of Trace. As soon as they meet, it is pretty obvious that Xavier and Crystal do not get along at all. They're like chalk and cheese.

Crystal decides to go back to Venice to work for Signora Carriera, a costume maker who lives below the sisters' apartment.

As the book progresses many different things occur, including Xav and Crystal acting together in a swoon-worthy chapter where the two share their first kiss. I loved this chapter - especially the introduction of Steve Hughes, an actor in a successful spy thriller series.

There are many heartbreaking scenes and chapters filled chock-full with action and romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really hope this series will continue as I love the author's writing style and the Benedict clan.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed seeking Crystal and would recommend it to my friends, along with Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix. This sounds like I demand way too much but I can't wait for the next one!(less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Bayan Basri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, female-pov-only, heros-or-heroins-i-adored, last-book-in-a-trilogy-or-series, no-love-triangle-thank-god, strong-heroin, trilogy, ya-paranormal, music, my-book-boyfriends

Loved this book, although Finding Sky is my favorite this comes as a close second. I loved the characters in this book. Xav was very funny and charming, but was serious and sweet in rare situations. I really liked Crystal, even though I didn't from the beginning-but she grew on me. I loved how all the family were involved in this book. The action and pacing were amazing, although I felt the romance a little rushed. She fell for him on page 66-too fast for me. Trace was soooo unlike himself after...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Berna rated it 4 of 5 stars

It started really boring but I liked it in the end.

We have a tall female protagonist! Practically unseen!

What I liked about this book was her ability! So different and unique! Finally the Benedicts brothers can find their soulmates! ALL OF THEM.

So, the book started with Crystal and her sister Diamond being attacked by muggers, and who finds them? Obviously a Benedict. Trace and Diamond become Soulfinders, and kiss and kiss, while Crystal, injured on the floor waited patienly for them to stop....more

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Apr 05, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

At the beginning of the book, we are introduced to two of the main characters, sisters Crystal and Diamond, who are away on a business trip. At the very beginning of the book Diamond finds her soulmate, Trace, or her 'soulfinder' as they are known in this series. The two sisters meet the rest of Trace's family, and Crystal develops an instant dislike to Xav, one of the other Benedict brothers.
Crystal, unlike other savants, doesn't have an 'amazing' talent, as she sees it, she is actually quite...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Ferdy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Spoilers

The third book in the series, the books revolve around the seven Benedict brothers, who are all Savants - people with special powers. Each brother is desperate to find their Soulfinders. Youngest brothers Zed and Yves found their heroines in the previous installments. This time around two of the Benedict brothers get their HEA.
The story kicks off when oldest brother Trace finds his soulfinder in Diamond Brooke. Seconds after meeting they're kissing each other and planning their lives tog...more Spoilers

The third book in the series, the books revolve around the seven Benedict brothers, who are all Savants - people with special powers. Each brother is desperate to find their Soulfinders. Youngest brothers Zed and Yves found their heroines in the previous installments. This time around two of the Benedict brothers get their HEA.
The story kicks off when oldest brother Trace finds his soulfinder in Diamond Brooke. Seconds after meeting they're kissing each other and planning their lives together. Sadly and somewhat surprisingly, Trace and Diamond's meeting and eye roll inducing insta-love was the highlight of the book for me. The plot actually focuses on the boring romance between Diamond's younger sister, Crystal, and Trace's younger brother, Xavier. Why was the romance rubbish? Because I really really hated Crystal - she was a pig.
Crystal was a cookie cutter typical insecure, never been kissed, self pitying YA heroine. She kept moaning about how ugly she was but it turned out she was so pretty that she was offered top modeling jobs, she was bitter because she had rubbish powers but naturally she found out her powers were actually awesome, she thought she wasn't a speshul snowflake but surprise, surprise, she's actually the most speshulest snowflake of all the speshul snowflakes. She was so full of irritating cliches..ugh.
Xavier I guess was a decent enough love interest, unfortunately his love for Crystal just annoyed the hell out of me. I honestly don't know what he saw in whingy-moany-mummy-doesn't-love-me Crystal.
The plot was boring, the romance got on my nerves because the heroine was a pathetic bitch, most of the characters were cheesy and on top of all that there was a whole preachy vibe going on about forgiveness and shit...ugh.
On another note, I'm finding it annoying how the lives of the heroes in the series never change when they meet the heroine — their home life, dreams and plans stay the same yet the heroine always has to move or change any plans she once had just to be with the hero...ugh.
The first two books were pretty good — the main characters were likeable enough so I could forgive them being just the same old standard, run of the mill paranormal YA. This however was utterly disappointing as the main character was too much of a silly cow for me to enjoy it. (less)

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About Joss Stirling

Julia Golding (born March 1969) is a British novelist.

Julia Golding was born in March 1969 in London and grew up on the edge of Epping Forest. She originally read English at the University of Cambridge.

Golding lives in Oxford and works as a freelance writer. She is married with three children.

In 2007 she was selected by Waterstone's as one of the 25 Authors of the Future.

Golding also publishes und...more

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“Hell-on-skis, can you hear me? This is flying cupcake.” — 29 people liked it

“Xav!
Got you. Not letting you go.
I realised I wasn't alone in mental deep space; he had always been there and could pilot me home.” — 21 people liked it

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Seeking Crystal (Benedicts #3)

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