More by T.M. Franklin - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Oct 01, 2012 Sara (sarabara081) rated it 4 of 5 stars

You can find more of my reviews at Forever 17 Books.

More is a spectacular debut by author, T.M. Franklin. I was instantly enraptured by its mysterious tale and the characters within!

Ava is your typical college student, juggling a job, friends and her schoolwork. But she is also plagued by nightmares of a terrifying man with one blue eye, one green, stalking her. But it’s just a dream, right? Well that is what we are off to find out! I easily slipped into the plot right along with Ava, asking que...more You can find more of my reviews at Forever 17 Books.

More is a spectacular debut by author, T.M. Franklin. I was instantly enraptured by its mysterious tale and the characters within!

Ava is your typical college student, juggling a job, friends and her schoolwork. But she is also plagued by nightmares of a terrifying man with one blue eye, one green, stalking her. But it’s just a dream, right? Well that is what we are off to find out! I easily slipped into the plot right along with Ava, asking questions and trying to solve the secrets surrounding her life. Told in 3rd person, we slowly get to uncover bits of truth as Ava learns them but we also get a little more information in the form of Caleb Foster, her physics tutor. We discover more from his side, but just enough to leave us hanging, waiting for the full reveal with Ava. I found this style to fit perfectly with the storytelling. What is so different about More, is that the reader isn’t entirely sure what the paranormal aspect is! When we do find out.. WOW. So imaginative and unique, making this novel stand apart from other paranormals I have read. Want to know what it is??! Pfft, like I’d tell you! You need to discover it for yourself! But I absolutely loved the whole journey to find out and was not disappointed when I did. My only wish was that it moved a little bit faster with some more action. There were times I craved a little more ‘oomph’ to the plot.

Ava was a very likable character to me. She was not a pushover, and stood up for what she believed was the right choice. What was even better, a male character who didn’t push her, ‘for her safety’. Caleb was so supportive and I loved that about these two. They were such refreshing characters. While I am talking about Caleb… I loved him! Understanding and protective as well as kind of dorky, with a side of kick-ass. ;)

Another refreshing aspect about More deals with the revelation. I have a huge pet peeve with novels when a character instantly believes the paranormal aspect when it is discovered. I was thrilled we didn’t get that here. I hate when they are like, “Oh you are an angel? Cool.” Or “Oh you are a vampire who sucks blood from unsuspecting females all over the world? Cool. Let’s make out.” *sigh* Let’s be honest, if someone came up to me and told me any of those things, I’d laugh in their face and tell them to seek help. So when it is easily believed in a novel I am reading, I cringe. I am so happy to report there was no cringing here! That was a huge bonus for me and my reading experience.

There is a little bit of a forbidden love story developing, but when I say developing, I mean it is only the beginning in More. A solid friendship and protectiveness is established, but I think we are just grazing the romantic potential from this series. I am looking forward to watching it bloom with the next installment.

If you enjoy paranormal, or even if you enjoy a bit of mystery, I think you will love this debut!(less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Sherry Gomes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since I cannot get the ratings to work on the mobile site, five out of five STARS!!

A book that drew me in, captivated me and left me breathless, that’s how I’d describe this book. I received the ARC yesterday, and I literally could not stop reading. It’s fairly cliché to say I couldn’t put this down, but I couldn’t. I carried my book reading device around the house with me, while I did laundry, took care of my dogs, did other household chores and then just sat on my couch reading till I reached...more Since I cannot get the ratings to work on the mobile site, five out of five STARS!!

A book that drew me in, captivated me and left me breathless, that’s how I’d describe this book. I received the ARC yesterday, and I literally could not stop reading. It’s fairly cliché to say I couldn’t put this down, but I couldn’t. I carried my book reading device around the house with me, while I did laundry, took care of my dogs, did other household chores and then just sat on my couch reading till I reached the end. Utterly spellbound and lost in the story.
Ava is a normal college girl, worried about possibly failing physics and living a normal college girl life. Or is she? She has recurring nightmares of a large man coming after her. What happens when her nighttime world and her daytime world collide, and the nightmare becomes all too frighteningly real?
Caleb is a seemingly mild physics tutor. Or is he? He always seems to be exactly where Ava needs him when she needs him.
Due to circumstances I won’t detail, the two set off on a wild ride to escape something that is coming for Ava. That portion of the story reminded me a bit of Firestarter, by Stephen King, when Andy is desperately running with his daughter trying to keep her out of the hands of the people chasing them. My heart raced during these scenes, and I wanted to rush through to see what would happen. And I wasn’t disappointed. Ava showed she’s no wimp, and made a choice that took the story in an unexpected direction, and I was delighted beyond words.
More is filled with well-drawn characters, people I loved, people I distrusted. Ava had me cheering for her from the beginning. Caleb is a good guy, willing to go against the trend to do what he believes is right, in my mind, exactly what makes a hero. There are others, good and bad, and each character we met was exactly who they should be, the good guys making me want to know them, the bad guys making me want to run, or slug them, and even some whose motives and feelings leave me questioning and wondering who they really are. Characters make a story for me, and Franklin made me love hers.
The book has a great blend of action and calm, suspense and answers. The romance was toned down, not the focus, and I loved that. I was far too interested in all the other aspects of the story. In some ways, this reminded me of some of the best Barbara Michaels or Elisabeth Ogilvie, that great mix of romance and suspense that keeps you hoping and thinking. Yet, T. M. Franklin has a completely new and unique voice, and honestly, I can’t wait to read anything else she may write in the future.
And in the end, as I sat still and speechless at the last word, I was filled with one overwhelming thought,
“No, it can’t be over. I want more!”

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Nov 11, 2012 ~Tina~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-e-galley, arc, e-book, read-2012, paranormal-human, young-adult

4.5 stars

At the start of the story we enter Ava's reoccurring nightmare. She's being chased my a man with one green eye and one blue and when he finally catches up to her, he strangles her to death before she wakes with a scream. But other then strange nightmares here and there, Ava Michaels is just your average girl. When she was little she believed that she could make things happen but now all grown up she's given up on such fantasies and goes to college at Allenmore and failing at physics. To...more

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Aug 29, 2012 Laury rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: advance-reader-copy

I remember posting about 2 month ago how I wanted to read this book and that I was sure I was going to love it.
Well I did, it was an intense, action pack book, the world that T.M. Franklin created is a very unique interesting one, with its turns and twist on the plot and likable characters she did an amazing job with this book.

Overall I just want to say that after reading it... I WANT MORE! ;) yes there is more to tell of this story and I am sure there will be.

I loved Ava as a character I usuall...more I remember posting about 2 month ago how I wanted to read this book and that I was sure I was going to love it.
Well I did, it was an intense, action pack book, the world that T.M. Franklin created is a very unique interesting one, with its turns and twist on the plot and likable characters she did an amazing job with this book.

Overall I just want to say that after reading it... I WANT MORE! ;) yes there is more to tell of this story and I am sure there will be.

I loved Ava as a character I usually hate or love the female lead character in books, this one I definitively loved, she was a very mature character, even tho she was presented with the most bizarre world and got dealt a very different reality that the one she though was true, she took things with strive, and even when I didn't agree with all her decisions, she made them with her heart in the right place, she wasn't a naive little thing, she cared about the people around her, I truly enjoy Ava. Oh the final chapter Ava rocked by the way!

Caleb .. (view spoiler)

The relationship with the too wasn't rush, it grew at the pace any relationship would under those circumstances, there wasn't that much Unst moments between them and although I would have wanted more of those, I understand that the story wasn't mainly about that and I am fine with that (or not... JK... I am).

So just to sum up this review I WANT MORE MORE .. MORE? I hope we get it, because I truly enjoyed the story, I am still thinking about it and all that means and all that went on in the final chapters.

Note: I received an ARC from T.M. Franklin Publisher, thank you both I will post this review when available on Amazon/B&N and a new blog I am working on, but humbly appreciate the chance.(less)

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Sep 13, 2012 GraceDZ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA, New Adult, PNR, Sci-Fi fans

Shelves: arc, fiction, sci-fi, strong-heroine, paranormal, new-adult, suspense, young-adult

Thumbs up! Review posted here:
Sam, E and R's Awesomness!

Are you ready for a paranormal adventure?

For Young Adult readers who like mystery and suspense of the paranormal variety, author T.M. Franklin offers a bright and extraordinary story in her original debut novel, MORE.

When college freshman Ava Michaels meets her physics tutor, she has no idea that her life, as she knows it, would change forever. Caleb Foster is more than just a brilliant mind, in fact, he is more than what he seems. He was...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Jocelyn Sanchez rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazing!! This book was a paranormal adventure that will leave you wanting MORE!

The book starts with us in a dream. One that has been occurring in college student Ava Michaels dreams for a while now. But was it a dream? Ava Michaels feels as if she is being watched, by whom is unsure but the prickly feeling never seems to go away. Ava always felt as a child that she was special, having magical powers and making things happen. But as she grew up Ava believes she is normal, and has accepted that....more Amazing!! This book was a paranormal adventure that will leave you wanting MORE!

The book starts with us in a dream. One that has been occurring in college student Ava Michaels dreams for a while now. But was it a dream? Ava Michaels feels as if she is being watched, by whom is unsure but the prickly feeling never seems to go away. Ava always felt as a child that she was special, having magical powers and making things happen. But as she grew up Ava believes she is normal, and has accepted that. I mean there’s nothing wrong with normal right? But then enters the mysterious and intelligent Caleb Foster. He is her tutor to help her pass her Physics class. But there seems to be more to Caleb then he’s letting on. He’s secretive, brave, and most of all always seems to be there protecting her. When dreams seem to turn to reality Ava finds herself finding a life she has always dream as a child. Full of magic and wonder, but where does she fit in all of it? Ava finds herself in a world of magic and an ancient race bound to protect humans but only after protecting their secrets. Ava is tossed in a life where as a child wanted to believe existed and a world she’s coming to realize isn’t everything she thought it would be. And Ava is different. Ava was right about one thing. She is definitely special, and seems to be a little bit more.

I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down and found myself stuck in the story. The characters were so entertaining and I felt like I was experiencing the obstacles that they were facing. The plot was refreshing and very captivating. It definitely left me wanting more. If you like books that have adventure, action, some romance, and a paranormal twist you will love this book. An entertaining page turner and a story unlike any other it is sure to be a huge success. I loved reading about Ava and Caleb. Ava had a lot of the characteristics I look in a heroine: Strong, brave, caring, and a kick butt personality that had me rooting for her from beginning to ending. And Caleb, I knew I was going to like Caleb from the first time I read about him. He is: kind, compassionate, brave, and most of all loyal. I really love these characters and found myself really connecting with the characters. I think the author T.M. Franklin did a fantastic job writing this book. I am definitely a fan after reading this book and look forward to the author’s future work. I recommend this book to everyone.
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Dec 10, 2012 Jess Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I were younger, I’d have been up all night with a flashlight to finish this book. As it is, Ms. Franklin stole quite a lot of my sleep, but I had to take a break and finish it today. It’s a suitable book for teens, but adults will enjoy it, too. This is a super story that kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s going to be very hard to wait for the second book in the trilogy.

I’ve been reading T.M. Franklin’s fiction since 2009, and it’s lovely to see her first foray into publishing. This novel h...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Tugcenin rated it 3 of 5 stars

It is the story of Ava Michaels, who believed she had magical powers all her childhood. She is now a university student and those dreams are long pushed back…

When Caleb Foster is assigned to help Ava in her physics classes, her life begins to change. He is handsome, mysterious, and has a mission of his own – which is, of course, not limited to just teaching her physics.

With what Caleb shows her, Ava realizes everything she believed about her life was an illusion. She is something “More,” as she...more

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Oct 13, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Vicki

More is the excellent first installment of T.M. Franklin’s ParaRomance/Young Adult trilogy. If you have previously followed Franklin’s derivative fiction you will inevitably begin this novel with the expectation of: brilliant writing; well-rounded, real characters; well-developed plot and believable world building. It is safe to say: you will not be disappointed. And new readers of Franklin will enjoy the ride.

Some may say that this genre has ‘had its day’. Bu...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Lizzy Lessard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, ya, reviewed

Overall: The best thing about this book was that it used split perspectives effectively. It was amazing how different Caleb and Ava viewed the world and how each one was essential to the story. Caleb’s POV described the magical world and his role as protector. Ava’s POV described the normal world and how Caleb’s attitude and protector status was downright creepy stalker at times (but at least he acknowledged that his actions did imitate that of a stalker, which added to the realism). It’s true t...more Overall: The best thing about this book was that it used split perspectives effectively. It was amazing how different Caleb and Ava viewed the world and how each one was essential to the story. Caleb’s POV described the magical world and his role as protector. Ava’s POV described the normal world and how Caleb’s attitude and protector status was downright creepy stalker at times (but at least he acknowledged that his actions did imitate that of a stalker, which added to the realism). It’s true that there’s always three sides to a story, and the reader’s job is to connect the two versions and fill in the blanks. I really think that this book was THE best dual POV book I’ve read all year.

Characters: There is no instant love between Ava and Caleb and the back and forth between the two is quite entertaining. I really liked Caleb’s attitude and the fact that he was willing to lie to Ava straight to her face repeatedly. Ava kept asking Caleb if there was something strange about him. Caleb’s answer? ”Nope…” *touches Ava’s forehead and delete Ava’s memory of the conversation…again.* He totally reminded me of MIB. Lucy was a fun character too and I really enjoyed how she tried to push Ava and Caleb together when the couple kept resisting a romance. Ava, herself, took a very realistic approach to the whole magic thing. She didn’t outright deny that it existed (like most heroines) and sought instead to find evidence that things weren’t as they seemed.

Plot: Ava always wanted to be a special girl. She thought she did magic this one time. But, she never expected how special she really was or how much her life would flip upside down when Caleb started tutoring her for college physics. This was a fun, quick read for me. The action/drama takes precedence over the romance, which is a good thing. The only predictable part of the book was the romance. The plot was definitely not predictable. Ava kept doing the craziest things, which made me love her more and more. There was a steady flow of twists to keep the reader busy if the chemistry between Ava and Caleb wasn’t enough.

Ending: It took me the entire book to realise how the cover ties into the story. Nice touch. So, all I can say is “sequel, please?”.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher (Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Oct 08, 2012 Mary Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

(Read the full review over at my blog.)

I think Franklin is navigating a strange territory and this seems like a book that I would have really enjoyed in high school. There are hints of romance in More-- Franklin's promising the series will be a trilogy, so I'm interested to see how she continues to build romance and adventure in her subsequent books. More was a little... short? I didn't get bored while reading, but I knocked the whole thing out in about two hours. I could see this book getting m...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Raum rated it 5 of 5 stars

MORE is the first installment of a new Young Adult paranormal trilogy by T.M. Franklin. If you like suspense and romance series, this is the right novel for you. It's also a great gift idea for friends who love a good adventure story. They won’t be disappointed.

T.M. Franklin has a captivating writing style, and her words will immediately make you feel as you're following Ava and Caleb in their journey. The story begins with Ava Michaels, a brilliant college student who's experiencing some proble...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Janessa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mythology, science-fantasy

I absolutely loved loved loved this book! It is definitely one of the best young adult novels I have read in awhile. Now sadly for the rest of you kiddos this book does not come out until October I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy. I will say that as soon as October 4th hits buy this book! It was filled with adventure, romance, and a little mystery. T.M. Franklin really did an amazing job on this novel the writing was witty and she weaved a very captivating story of a young woman try...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Dallas Funk rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is well-worth the time that I spent to read it. It opened with vivid details that cause the reader to instantly connect to Ava (the heroine) and make us pull for her, our hearts racing every time she faces a new challenge.

The pacing of the book is done beautifully. Between every "high" point in the book is a plateau that allows the reader to catch their breath before Franklin once more ratchets up the stakes. The unraveling of secrets and mysteries within Ava's life is done just as sk...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Christie Rich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-titles, rocking-original

More is just that. The concept of this book was so refreshing! Normally I don't like books that start out inside a dream, but this dream was integral to the plot. It was also heart pounding and an exciting opening for the book.

Ava (the MC) is a down to earth type that is trying to adjust to college. She's had struggles in her life, but she has no idea what is after her.

She's been marked by the Race as a person of interest, and the one person she thinks she can trust might just turn out to be her...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Justine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-z-challenge-2013

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the debut novel by T.M. Franklin and what a debut. This story pulls at you from the beginning by having you easily relate to the main characters college life. Then T.M. Throws a huge curveball about Ava that you definitely weren't expecting, then she does it again. The reader is constantly thrown for a loop which keeps e book pretty interesting. Finally at the end of the book you begin to scratch the surface about...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Lucie rated it 3 of 5 stars

A déjà vu sensation that held me for a good part of my reading ... Too bad because as soon as the heroin is on a run, I began a nicest adventure with the additional something of the author. The little extra that makes the story original ... that stands out and other novels.

Unfortunately, it is the part of the campus supervision, the feeling of being spied and rescued by a white knight coming who he is fighting his feelings for the heroine that reminded me of other stories and works.
But honestly,...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Marielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for the ARC of this book!

Check out more of my reviews on my blog!

I thought that MORE by T.M. Franklin was very entertaining. The story line was great!

Growing up, Ava Michaels always thought she was special. But once she was old enough, she accepted the fact that she was just like everyone else, but for one thing: the nightmares of the large man with two different colored eyes. Now in college, Ava is content with her life, except f...more Thank you Netgalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for the ARC of this book!

Check out more of my reviews on my blog!

I thought that MORE by T.M. Franklin was very entertaining. The story line was great!

Growing up, Ava Michaels always thought she was special. But once she was old enough, she accepted the fact that she was just like everyone else, but for one thing: the nightmares of the large man with two different colored eyes. Now in college, Ava is content with her life, except for physics; she’s nearly failing. When she is set up with a tutor, Caleb Foster, all she expects is a good grade in physics, but he introduces her to a whole new world; one that she may be a larger part of than anyone expects. There are people after Ava and she doesn’t even know why, but Caleb may new more than he lets on. Will she learn to flourish in her new surroundings, or will she drown? Or will she be killed before she even has a chance?

Ava, the main character, was completely sensible, not like some other YA heroines I can think of. And she was normal; she was attending college on a scholarship and working, unlike the rich characters in most of the current YA literature. She wasn’t stupid and was pretty good at figuring things out herself; she didn’t need someone to tell her everything that was going on. Also, she wasn’t a wimp. She killed a guy. That is no activity for the wimpy, I’ll tell you that much. Oh, and she didn’t automatically trust the “love interest,” nor did she fall in love with him right away. Speaking of the “love interest,”(I shall not name him so you won’t know who he is!) he was even better than Ava. He knew and understood his responsibilities and he didn’t let his feelings get in the way of his life. He was also hilarious, and that goes a long way with me. The secondary characters were likable, as well, I thought.

The plot went at a pretty standard rate, not too fast, not too slow, and I got caught up in it nearly right away. I wanted to keep reading it all day, but school got in the way (how dare you, school?!?). But the thing that I did not like about this book was its lack of artistic writing. I don’t think there was any figurative language in there at all; it was kind of like, “she did this,” and, “he did that.” I don’t normally notice these things in books, but I really noticed that in this book. The writing was all sort of… bland. Also, there was one instance where it said on one page that it was Friday night, then the on the next page it said it was Saturday night (and I know that it was supposed to say Friday night the second time- it didn’t actually change days). However, the plot makes this book definitely worth the read because I really wanted to know what would happen next and most of the time, I had no clue what that would be!
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Aug 31, 2012 M.B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: can-t-wait-to-buy

Once again, I received an ARC of this book and I am so glad I did. I absolutely loved this book. Franklin sucks you (the reader) into the story by only giving out small snippets of information.

I constantly second guessed the characters and their intentions towards Ava and each time I was surprised at their actions and revelations.

I didn't read this as YA at all. Maybe because Ava doesn't constantly have boys on the brain (unlike her room mate). They are in university (college) rather than in Hi...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Sherry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

After reading many glowing reviews of this book, I feel bad that I wasn't as enthusiastic after reading it. But I want to give an honest review, so these are my thoughts.

The beginning of the book was slow and a little repetitive for me. To be fair, the plot was more complicated than the average book, and it took time to set up the details, but there was a level of dissatisfaction in being kept in the dark. I was well aware that the heroine was in danger. I found myself distracted and impatient f...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Giu Molina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ava quando pequena, achava que ela era especial, queria porque queria ter poderes mágicos, para fazer coisas aparecerem do nada, punir aquele menino chato que a irritava, entre outras coisas. Mas no fim nada disso dava certo, e com o tempo ela desistiu desse sonho.

Agora ela está na faculdade e outro tipo de sonho a tormenta. Ela está sendo perseguida por um homem com um olho verde e outro azul e quase toda noite acorda quando ela está sendo sufocada.

Juntos com o pesadelo e as noites mal dormid...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book from the author. Oh boy, I am so glad that I read this book!!

Best part of the book: The story begins with Ava, college female, struggling with physics. She gets a tutor, Caleb, and then the journey begins. Once this book started it DID NOT stop! It was a consent progression and I am in love with Caleb! Ava thinks that she is "different" but overall is "normal". Throughout the book she cares for her friends and those that cross her path. She deeply believes in right and wrong...more

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May 08, 2013 Aixa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Magnificent simply outstanding. More by T.M. Franklin is a story about doing what is right even when the odds are stacked against you. A story about people like us just a little bit better in the non-human way.

I was captivated by the story right off the bat and I couldn’t put it down. The story keeps you going with twist and turns at every corner and it doesn’t have a dull moment. Every page has you wanting to read more, intrigued about what is happening and what will be coming up.

Ava Michaels j...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Kathryn Romeo rated it 5 of 5 stars

More, by T.M. Franklin, is a fresh and original YA paranormal story that you will not be able to put down.

Ava had long forgotten her childhood belief of being something special. While away at college, she is constantly haunted by a recurring nightmare; but is there something more to these dreams? Could there be some truth or even a warning hidden there? Not only will Ava discover her own strength, but she will also uncover some shocking information about the world she lives in and the people sur...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is quite different then what I thought and it totally rocked! There should be more buzz about this book!

Now, what hooked me about this book is the plot. The reader meets a young girl who is not the same. She is something more...More as in not quite human. No, it's not vampire, or were, or any of that overdone stuff. I really like how well the plot takes off engaging the reader is mysteries, on the run action, as well as a love interest. When put together, it makes for a well done book...more

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Sep 23, 2012 J.m. Darhower rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book... I've been itching to read this book ever since TM Franklin announced she had a novel coming out. I've always been impressed with her ability to weave a fascinating and intricate tale, and MORE certainly didn't disappoint at all when it came to that.

Overall, MORE bounced back-and-forth between three and five stars for me while reading, so I'm going with a dead center four stars for my official rating. I wish I could give it 4.5 (we need half stars)...

First of all, we need to talk abo...more This book... I've been itching to read this book ever since TM Franklin announced she had a novel coming out. I've always been impressed with her ability to weave a fascinating and intricate tale, and MORE certainly didn't disappoint at all when it came to that.

Overall, MORE bounced back-and-forth between three and five stars for me while reading, so I'm going with a dead center four stars for my official rating. I wish I could give it 4.5 (we need half stars)...

First of all, we need to talk about Caleb Foster. Oh my... What can I say about Caleb? He is undoubtedly one of my newest favorite book heroes. He's one I won't forget. From his very first appearance, I was completely captivated by the handsome physics tutor. He's smooth, and brilliant, and mysterious,yet something about him feels open and even playful. Immediately you know there's more to him than meets the eye, and you have no idea what kind of secrets he's harboring underneath his cool exterior, but yet there's something about him that makes you want to trust him. It's hard to explain. I find myself wondering if he's done some sort of mind trick on me. *side-eyes Caleb*

Even after learning what Caleb's hiding, what his motivations are, he maintains his calm presence, something about him subtly stealing the show every time he appears. He was a gentleman, protective and charming, but yet at the same time he's sort of the rebel bad boy. It's a fantastic balance of a character.

The world T.M. created is surprisingly unique and fresh for a genre that (as of the past few years) has been completely swarmed with supernatural, sci-fi, dystopia-type stories. MORE stands out because it's logical in a sense, branched off from our current reality to make the scenario seem almost entirely plausible, like maybe this really exists, but there's enough supernatural elements to make it feel magical. Reminds me of Harry Potter in that sense, the balance of realism and something much more (get it? MORE? Haha)

Without giving anything away, I'll also say the plot line itself kept me hooked. I wanted to know who, what, why, how... and I loved that the author was able to make me question the characters, my opinion of them shifting as the plot moved forward. I felt them transformation. Villains became heroes, heroes became potential villains. I love not knowing, continually guessing which "side" to cheer for. Fantastic.

Having said that, I really wish one of the characters had been developed a bit better. I don't want to spoil anything by saying who, but I will say something about them felt a bit out of left field and that could've been rectified by adding a bit more backstory pertaining to them. Without it, I felt a bit detached and didn't care quite as much during the twist as I might've otherwise. It could've ripped my heart out. Emotion aside, though, the twist itself is pretty damn genius (again, stellar plot).

The only other issue I had was not being able to relate to/understand some of Ava's reactions during the last 1/3 of the book. She seemed too detached emotionally for the circumstances, but maybe that was the point, given it would be surreal for her. But I found myself waiting for a breakdown that never happens (probably because it was based in the realm of reality, which made me anticipate average young adult reactions, and girls her age are usually quite emotional). She's a strong heroine, though, so kudos for that.

MORE is a truly fantastic story, and I very much look forward to the next installments in the series. I still have so many questions and I'm nowhere near ready to let these characters go.

In closing, I'd just like to say I don't recommend reading the first few chapters of this book before having to walk outside in the woods alone after dark. I made that mistake and literally freaked the fuck out, convinced I was about to be attacked by someone stalking me. Powerful stuff (Jesus, tempted to give this five stars for that fact alone).

Thanks to TM Franklin and TWCS for sending me an ARC.(less)

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Dec 04, 2012 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Full review can be seen at My Two Cents

"I want to start out by saying, even tho this cover is pretty cool, It gives me the heebie jeebies! Those eyes are just creepy, stalkerish, and say "I want to hurt you", and they make me unsettled. I get shivers down the spine. However; they are totally a reflection of the book, the ominous, creepy, watch your back vibe the book has. And totally entice the right reaction from me. I must say if someone with creepy eyes like that glared at me in real life, m...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Corina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Corina by: Got it off Netgalley

Shelves: arc-shelf

More

When I first started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like. It seemed a bit hedgy and repetitive through the first few chapters, but despite it’s rather slow beginning, More by T.M. Franklin, was actually very well written and I quite enjoyed it. The story follows Ava, a college student, through a pretty traumatic and enlightening discovery about herself and a race of people she never knew existed. The great thing about this story is once it picks up and Ava is thrown into the midst of...more More

When I first started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like. It seemed a bit hedgy and repetitive through the first few chapters, but despite it’s rather slow beginning, More by T.M. Franklin, was actually very well written and I quite enjoyed it. The story follows Ava, a college student, through a pretty traumatic and enlightening discovery about herself and a race of people she never knew existed. The great thing about this story is once it picks up and Ava is thrown into the midst of the feuding race, the story is filled with action.

Ava is apparently this study-o-holic and incredibly bright, but she’s always wanted to be different, special, which is something I think we can all relate to or maybe that’s just me. But the author did a great job of making her relatable. She’s got a sick Dad, a best friend in her roommate, a job, classes and she’s trying to balance it all while having this crazy overwhelming feeling of being watched.

Which of course she is, but Ava doesn’t know that, at least not at first. Cue Caleb, her new tutor, slightly geeky and obviously smart, but so much more. I adore Caleb. The way he looked out for and protected Ava, it was sweet and you could tell he didn’t really understand why this assignment was so much different than the other’s he’d had in the past. I’m pretty sure I realized he was totally head over heels for Ava before he did, which is awesome.

For some reason I love when we know something before the characters in books and TV because then through the rest of the book you’re so anxious and you’re like oh my god don’t do that, no he’s bad…Stop judging me. Anyway, I think the way he tried to deny that he was involved with all the weird things going on with Ava was funny. When he finally saved her and there was no denying what was going on I was excited because I knew they were going to be stuck together trying to figure out how to outrun the council.

I never expected them to stop running and face the council head on, but then again there were a lot of other things I didn’t expect to happen that did. There is this huge twist at the end of the book that I want to tell you…But I won’t because it’s one of those things you need to read to get the full effect of.

I love the easy banter between Caleb and Ava and how he seems to have this unyielding loyalty to her almost from the beginning. Their connection is palpable combined with the intensity of the situation they are in makes for a very thrilling read. The plot is good, it hasn’t been done a dozen different ways, and I like how all the characters interact and engage each other. The author did a great job of giving all characters mentioned in the book a purpose, unlike some I’ve read lately. I would definitely recommend this book.

All I can say is, I hope there’s a sequel, because while the ending wrapped up everything nicely, there’s also this big moment that leaves you wanting more. It’s possibly I’m totally hoping this turns into a series...Pretty please?(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Zoe Crook rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-received-for-review, kindle, arc

MORE is a brilliant thriller that surprised me greatly at how brilliant it is. This book deserves much more credit than it has - it is a fantastic YA book.

From the beginning of the book, I was hooked. It starts with Ava having one of her horrific nightmares, the same one she has every night where the murderer is out to get her. We also meet her best friend, a zany and fun character which I think worked well despite it being a serious novel. I like how the book is relateable and still deals with...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Rob Fuller rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was so into the story of Ava and Caleb that I was frustrated by the open ending. I would love to knock a few stars off for Ms. Franklin leaving me hanging, but the book is just too good to merit any deductions. When I begin reading a book I look for characters that are relatable, check. Next is the chemistry between the leads, check and double check. The chemistry is where 'More' really comes to life. Ava, the outcast searching for her place, and Caleb, as the shadowy figure with all the answe...more

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