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The Unintended (The Watcher #1)

by Robin Woods (Goodreads Author)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 88 ratings · 27 reviews

“I tried to push him back, but he was too strong, like iron. Suddenly his head snapped up like he heard something; he craned his neck to listen and then he let out a hiss. He kissed next to my ear and softly whispered, “I think breaking you will be much more fun. I’ll see you soon.” And then he added, as if an afterthought, “Tell him hello for me.” Then I felt his mouth lo...more

Paperback, First Edition, 334 pages

Published December 9th 2011 by CreateSpace

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Nov 29, 2012 Chandra rated it 2 of 5 stars

When you write a vampire-romance-type book in this day in age, it had better be extremely special. And, well, this isn't.
Don't get me wrong, it does some things right. I like that there wasn't a creepy age difference between the protagonist and her vampire love-interest. I like that she actually tried to learn some things, like how to use a crossbow or throw knives. I like that she at least had to think a little bit during the climax. I like that, at least at the end, her team of protectors do t...more When you write a vampire-romance-type book in this day in age, it had better be extremely special. And, well, this isn't.
Don't get me wrong, it does some things right. I like that there wasn't a creepy age difference between the protagonist and her vampire love-interest. I like that she actually tried to learn some things, like how to use a crossbow or throw knives. I like that she at least had to think a little bit during the climax. I like that, at least at the end, her team of protectors do the smart thing by moving her out of a situation that clearly wasn't working.
Unfortunately, most of the things I liked are pretty small potatoes. This book was something of a slog: sometimes, I simply stopped reading in the middle of a paragraph and just stare at the wall, and it would take me a few seconds to realize I had stopped reading. AND I WOULD SIGH BEFORE I GOT BACK TO READING. Judging from empirical evidence, I think there are sections of this book that I literally found less interesting than my off-white wall. That's very sad.
It's hard to put your finger on why a book bores you, mostly because, whenever you start thinking about it, you get bored and start trying to analyze something else. Either way, here are a few problems with this book that may have been the cause of my wall-staring:
1. The protagonist is kind of boring. This is far from a problem unique to this particular book, but it still contributes to the tedium-factor. It's made even worse by the fact that the protagonist is narrating, and she's not that interesting of a narrator. I know I said that I liked that she tried to pick up a few skills, but, even then, the narration is kind of dull. I didn't really CARE that she was learning how to throw a cross-bow (or whatever), I just respected the concept on an objective level. She's not a bad role model, she's just bland.
2. The protagonist has dozens of interchangeable friends. Okay, this is hyperbole. She's got Kay, Angela, Kathleen, Marie, Kaela and Maggie, so that's six. And don't be impressed that I remembered all of their names, because I had to look them up just now. I may have missed one, in fact. And, dear god, these friends are bland and interchangeable. I mean, I think maybe Angela's more outgoing and Kay's more, I don't know, motherly, but these differences are SUBTLE. Why are there even six of them? Why not, like, two? Then I could keep them straight and would be more interested in reading about them.
3. A whole lot of the book is about the protagonist doing very mundane things. Talking to friends. Going to the bookstore. Going to the beach. Sleeping. I don't want to READ about these things, I do them every day! Holy crap, it's like The Traveling Vampire Show all over again! (disclaimer: This book is nowhere near as bad as The Traveling Vampire Show, for all its flaws.)
4. Too much exposition. Nothing can ruin a book like too much exposition! Large chunks of this book involve the protagonist talking with someone about exposition. And the scenes just seem to go on and on, like you're reading a book entirely of exposition! Actually, looking back, I'm not sure how much of it was exposition and how much of it was just talking. There is a lot of talking in this book. They talk about love, summer vacation, vampires, forgetting sunglasses, caffeine, blood loss, stubborn streaks, and what feels (to me) like ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL.
5. It compares itself to other books. Obligatorily to Shakespeare, but also The Great Gatsby for some reason. Now, I'm not sure if other readers share this pet peeve of mine, but my interest in a book goes WAY down the minute it starts comparing itself to other books, frequently classics, usually Shakespeare. Book, I am the reader. I will read you, and then, if I think you should be compared to another book, I will compare you. I will discuss you. If I think Shakespeare need be brought up, I WILL BRING HIM UP. You do not need to. You will typically do so in a PRETENTIOUS MANNER. You will typically also not be as funny as Shakespeare, so it is a bad idea to bring him up anyway. (PS: If you want compare yourself to The Great Gatsby, I suppose that might sound like a good idea because it might make you look better in comparison. But it will still probably be a bad idea because, god dammit, book, IF YOU DESERVE TO BE COMPARED TO ANOTHER BOOK, I WILL DO IT.)
So, yeah, this book did not really hold my personal interest. However, there is one little bit that I found hilarious. It was probably unintentional. But still hilarious. I would like to imagine that Bowen, our villain, has just taught us how a villain goes about tempting people to the dark side, with his wonderful line from page 251:
"...You can have everything you want. An extraordinary life. Children. Grandchildren. Everything."
Got that, aspiring villains? What tempts people to the dark side isn't power or immortality or greed. It's children. And grandchildren. Which is, apparently, everything the dark side has to offer.
Seriously.They don't even have jelly-filled doughnuts like the rest of us. (less)

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Apr 05, 2012 BrookeElaine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Robin Wood's novel, The Unintended, is an excellent read, catering to vampire-loving, teen sci-fi/fantasy readers. This is the first book in a trilogy and seems to be loaded with strategically placed subtleties that allude to possibilities in the upcoming books in The Watcher Series. This novel rolls out sensitive character development, letting us into the heart of our heroine, Aleria "Ali" Hayes, as she embarks on a life-altering journey at the most vulnerable time in a high school girl's life....more

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Jan 11, 2012 Nancyb rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read several books in this genre (but is not my typical genre) and this is the first that I really enjoyed and was able to move through quickly but with a desire to complete.

The Unintended is an excellent novel, particularly for the first of a trilogy. It has all the elements for its demographic (young readers) but as a mature person, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had suspense, historical references (which I enjoy) and set the stage for more ‘happenings’ with the protagonist, Ali, and the...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars

WARNING! THIS HAS MAJOR SPOILERS!

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Although commonly compared to other popular vampire novels such as Twilight this book differs immenseley and in a good way. There are several things about this book in which I thoroughly enjoyed.

1)Perfect amount of romance!

I love the fact that although the main character is in love with a vampire the novel doesn't overwhelm you with scene after scene of romance and gooshy gooshy love. The author did a great job only giving you enough so that y...more

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Dec 17, 2011 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

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

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May 14, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

This is Book One of The Watchers. Aleria (Ali) has just broken up with her boyfriend. She is at a coffee shop studying when her ex boyfriends friends start harassing her. She is save by a super good looking boy named Bowen. She ends up spending a lot of time with him over the next two weeks and he turns out to be a bad guy. Ali has a close friend named Joshua who she hasn't heard from in years. Joshua shows up one evening and Ali discovers the truth about the situation she finds herself in and t...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Dereck Hoekstra rated it 5 of 5 stars

In general, I always had a distaste for vampires/immortals, especially since the last 5-6 years of BS playing in the theaters. So I was a little hesitant to picking up the book at 1st, but gave it a chance, read the whole book and love it. The 2 pluses for me was (1) detail and (2) romance. I hate the "I'm bewildered by you'"/instant love that happens in allot of books like this, and Robin did a really good job pacing/developing relationships. When I think to myself, "What do I remember from the...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

WOW! I was completely blown away!! This book is amazing! I read a lot of books/series in the paranormal genre, but I have found that my favorites tend to be written by English teachers. Robin Woods is by far no exception. She is a brilliant and talented author. Not only does she provide a fresh new take on vampires and an exciting can't-wait-to-get-to-the-end storyline, but her command of the English language is refreshing and delightful as well. As a lover of language, I found myself enjoying t...more

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May 14, 2013 Kasha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, lone-star-stand-alones, mythological, supernatural, cool-covers

I really liked it!
The main character, Ali, was very strong and even though she does make a few dumb mistakes, she instantly realizes them and acknowledges them and tries to learn from them. She also tries her hand at a cross bow after she discovers she's got a vampire (or two) on her tail which I really think is brave of her. She knows that she'll probably lose in a fight against them but she would want to go down trying, which says a lot about her character.
Josh was a good character to me but I...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have never enjoyed reading and when I say NEVER I mean I've only read THREE books cover to cover in my lifetime, The Unintended being one of them. This book hits every aspect of a 'keep you on your toes wanting more cant read fast enough' kind of story. The author, Robin Woods, did a great job pulling true historical facts into the story without it getting boring. I felt smarter after reading this book! Most of all I LOVED the love story that developed as I got further into the book. It took m...more

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Dec 14, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've gotta say, I had at one point completely lost faith in the vampire genre. It is thanks to Robin Woods that hope has been renewed in me. I must also personally thank her for giving us a strong heroine which is difficult to come by nowadays. I thoroughly enjoyed The Unintended. There is something for everyone in the this book (yes, male readers, that includes you). It has the perfect blend of suspense, romance, drama, and action to keep its reader wanting more. Seriously, I cannot get over ho...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fantastic work of suspense and mystique, The Unintended left me craving more. Robin Woods has created a brilliant world where everything and nothing can make sense simultaneously. Her vampires do not sparkle, but their roles are far more intriguing. Woods' unique take on these over-used villains is refreshing. The romance also refrains from being overbearing. Although delightful, the relationship does not become the focus of the novel. There truly is something in this book for everyone. I abso...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

For the sake of complete and unbridled honesty, I have to begin with this: I have never been interested in the vampire concept. I was not a "Buffy" viewer growing up, nor have I ever been turned on by the idea of sexy men drinking my insides. Bleh. HOWEVER, dare I say it, I think "The Unintended" by Robin Woods has successfully melted this ice queen's disinterest and has convinced me that this kind of story is not off limits for me. In fact, I actually loved it.

For those who are already Vampire-...more For the sake of complete and unbridled honesty, I have to begin with this: I have never been interested in the vampire concept. I was not a "Buffy" viewer growing up, nor have I ever been turned on by the idea of sexy men drinking my insides. Bleh. HOWEVER, dare I say it, I think "The Unintended" by Robin Woods has successfully melted this ice queen's disinterest and has convinced me that this kind of story is not off limits for me. In fact, I actually loved it.

For those who are already Vampire-lit-lovers (can this be a term? I think it should be a term. Let's call them VLLs for short), Woods has all of the bases covered. For those like myself who need a bit more convincing, this work has elements that can win over VLLs and non-VLLs alike. In particular, Woods is smart, as is our protagonist and first-person narrator. Aleria is well-read (I love her use of Shakespeare references) and possesses an intelligent sarcasm that doesn't fall into the trap of making her seem obnoxious. While some may say that she does not fit the mold of the "average teenager," I would heartily disagree. Woods effectively balances the knowledge and interests of an intelligent young lady with the true-to-life worries and emotions of someone trying to walk the fine line between adolescence and adulthood. How refreshing to see that the two actually CAN coexist!

I also appreciate the world that Woods creates and the way that she explains it to readers. She has clearly done her research. Drawing upon history, religion, and classic mythology, Woods somehow manages to justify the presence of vampires in a way that makes sense. Fantastic, yes, but still somehow logical.

This was a page-turner for me, which is exactly what I needed. I found it to be well-paced, cathartic, and just downright fun. It features some great "bait and switch" moments, as well as a dynamic cast of principal characters that never seem to fall into the trap of being labeled simply "good guys" or "bad guys." Each has his or her own flaws as well as his or her own redeeming qualities. So whether you're a VLL (I warned you that I was gonna make this a thing) or the thought of vampires makes you want to throw something, I really recommend that you give this a try. Who knows? It might just surprise you.(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Connie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is not a genre I usually go to BUT knowing the author made it worth a shot and I have not been disappointed, except that I had to wait to read the second one and am now waiting on the third. I love the way the characters are developed and that there is such a mix of personalities. I also loved that it brought in local venues, familiar places in Campbell, California. I'm hooked!

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Nov 13, 2012 Aly rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is one that will keep you up all night reading! The story catches you right away and keeps you on your toes. Very strong female role, but one that everyone can relate to. You will be feeling each emotion that is told through this book. Great read for people who are looking to really understand why reading is so alluring!

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Mar 30, 2012 Rebekah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoined this book. The plot and setting are energetic and captivating and the characters are well developed. Ali is a saavy heroin worthy of admiration without being gloomy, naive or permiscuous. The start of a wonderful series I recommend to all young readers and those looking for a fun read.

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Dec 29, 2011 Othy rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading this book it is obvious that this author is going to grow to write some great books. I have to say that I am probably outside of the intended age range, but I was really enjoying the story. It is exciting to see a new author begin so strongly. There is no doubt it will only get better.

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May 13, 2012 Ashlyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is honestly amazing! For anyone who likes Twilight, Harry Potter, or the Hunger Games would love this book! At first I wasn't sure about it but after I read a couple pages I couldn't put it down! Defiantly one of the top books I have ever read! I can't wait to read her second book!!

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Apr 10, 2013 Deanna Harris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love reading when I find a good book. As soon as I started chapter two I knew I was going to have a hard time putting it down. Robin Woods knows how to get you attached to her characters. An excellent read that I definitely recommend and I can't wait to start the next one!!

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Mar 12, 2012 Elaina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book and can't wait for the rest of the series! I am a fan of vampire lit, and the mythology of this novel is such a fresh twist on vampires, watchers and the rest. It is definitely a must read!

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Jun 11, 2013 Tracie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I high recommend this book. The author created a story that I was able to connect with the characters, I find myself wonder what they are up too while I am stuck waiting to get the next book.

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Nov 17, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is a refreshing take on the hackneyed vampire romance. I legitimately enjoyed it and ABSOLUTELY recommend that you read the whole series. :)

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Feb 03, 2013 Karissa Wolfe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This book grabbed my attention from the start. The characters were easy to like/love especially the protagonist. I couldn't put this book down!

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Dec 14, 2011 Martha Crowley rated it 5 of 5 stars

this is a great read. can't wait for book two. great characters!

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May 09, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

looks and sounds great...

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Apr 07, 2013 Cathie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book & look forward to reading the next one.

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Apr 06, 2012 Amanda Savig rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-books

When I first read the description, I instantly wanted to read it. I had borrowed it on my Kindel and it was instantly thrilling and drawing. It is a must read and not like any other!

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Jun 17, 2013 C. Graham is currently reading it

Jun 16, 2013 Alex marked it as to-read

Shelves: need

Jun 15, 2013 Larissa marked it as to-read

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About Robin Woods

Young adult fiction writer, Robin Woods, was born and raised in San Jose, CA where she earned a BA in English and a MA in Education from local universities. In addition to writing, Robin has been teaching high school English for close to two decades. Her love of working with teenagers and her love of books inspired her to begin writing in the teen genre.

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The Unintended (The Watcher #1)

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