The First

The First

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4.21 of 5 stars 4.21  ·  rating details  ·  34 ratings  ·  30 reviews
Cassie Craig is not the chosen one. Not even close.

She's just an ordinary, 15-year-old California girl with a few problems. She talks too much. She has a crush on a guy in her school. She worries about her dad who is a Marine in Afghanistan.

Then, there's her new friend, Violet Starkey. The weirdest girl in school, Violet comes from a group of magical people who claim to be...more
Kindle Edition, 170 pages
Published April 21st 2012 by Sara Zaske
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4th out of 16 books — 14 voters
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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 364)
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Kathy LaMee
Sara Zaske has delivered a debut novel that brings a fabulous twist of a tale to the YA genre! It is fresh and new, and I loved it!

The story's central character, Cassie, is a typical teenager. She part of clique in school but by a twist of fate and her intense curiosity, she ends up spending the night with the 'odd' girl- Violet. That night, Cassie's world is turned sideways as she discovers some interesting things about her new-found friend's connection to nature and some pretty awesome powers....more
Lexie
Both Cassie and Violet are young girls in high school, but with very different backgrounds. Cassie was in the “popular crowd” and Violet was a girl with magical abilities tied to nature. Cassie is someone who doesn’t hold back her opinion and is very strong in her values, pretty much a rarity in high school!! Once she begins a tenuous friendship with Violet, she is forced is to choose between her old crowd and this new girl who intrigues her. Let’s just say that Cassie doesn’t do well being back...more
Damien Kelly
I can’t lie; I’m not the target for The First. I’ve enjoyed lots of works designated as Young Adult fiction, and my final year of literature studies was focussed entirely on children’s literature. There’s a difficulty in identifying the elements that lend a children’s work (which includes YA fiction) that transcendent, crossover appeal to adult readers, but this book doesn’t trouble that level of exploration. Written in a very direct, authentically youthful style, and at a skipping pace, this st...more
Christina (Ensconced in YA)
I won this book from member librarything giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

The First by Sara Zaske is about Cassie, a teenager who used to be part of a mean girls crowd until she meets Violet, a strange girl who has powers that Cassie cannot even fathom. But as she meets Violet's grandfather, who is charismatic but sinister, Cassie realizes that she is going to play a large role in determining what is going to happen to humanity.

I'll say it out right. Most of the books I receive through...more
Greta
3.5 stars
Brief summary:
Cassie becomes intriqued with her school's shy girl, Violet. Violet is more than human. She's a First Person, and she has power over the natural world. As Cassie comes to know Violet, she learns more about the First People, namely that they aren't happy with humans. Everyone wants to use Violet for her incredible powers, even Cassie. However, violet is determined not to let herself be used as a weapon. They both just want to protect those they love.

Liked:
-Cassie was a str...more
Natalie
Wow i really liked this book. What a wonderful concept of new beings in an amazing story.

"The First" are the First people on earth before humans evolved and imitated them. The First hold powers over nature.

Violet is a half "first" and is a loner, she doesn't mix with people and hardly talks, but holds powers like no other.

Cassie is known for her mega mouth, in the fact that she doesn't stop talking. She hangs in a group of frinds at School, her Dad is in Afghanistan and her mum is busy with her...more
Jasmine Villanova
Beneath the Moon and Stars review

I wasn't sure about this when I started it. It was kinda slow and one of the characters annoyed me a little bit. It picked up and I ended up liking that character more than I thought I would. I liked the concept the most. It is so unique. I hope there is a sequel because I think there is so much you could do with it.

Cassie never bothered me. I really liked her. I like how she gave Violet a chance before judging her. Violet annoyed me in the first half. She kinda...more
Between the Bind
Find this review and more on Between the Bind

The First is a unique story, explained well in the above blurb. The plot is well developed and the characterization is thoughtful. I appreciated that the First People were elitest's - which made complete sense to me as they are so much more advanced, intelligent, and powerful than humans. And then there is little halfling Violet, who is most definitely an odd ball - but an endearing one. Ms. Zaske definitely pulled me into her world of First's.

The Fir...more
Amy
Oct 21, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: ebooks
I really enjoyed this book for one main reason and that was it's uniqueness. I've never read a book with a plot like The First. It was different in a good way. I really enjoyed Violet and learning about her powers. I was worried at first that I wasn't going to like it because of the fantasy elements, but it was quite believable and interesting.

The last 1/3 of the book really sucked me in. I just couldn't stop reading. After Cassie got back from the orchard I just knew the proverbial sh*t was goi...more
Markella
For more reviews, check out my blog It's A Hardcover Life


“The First” is an Eco-thriller centered on Cassie, a normal high school girl, who makes friends with Violet, the ultimate weirdo. Cassie just wants some answers after seeing Violet do something impossible but what she gets sucked into has the potential of killing everyone she knows and possibly capsizing all of California. Turns out Violet is a part of The First people, a race older than humans with powers to manipulate nature. When Violet...more
Sara
I would like to thank the author for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review. my rating is probably more of a 3.5 stars. I feel this book is best for ages 12 to 18.

Cassie is a regular high school 15 year old, a little outspoken at times, and just wants her Dad to be able to come home from Afghanistan so her life can be normal again. Violet is the silent, small girl from school that never says a word. Cassie accidently befriends her and violet reveals that she is a member of an ancie...more
Alexie Aaron
A tree grows in Oakland.

Sara Zaske debuted this book on Earth Day. Being a fan of Mother Nature, I followed my instincts and picked it up. Not normally a YA reader, I trod carefully through the first two chapters, taking in the good characterization and atypical teenage angst. I found myself enjoying the book as the plot unfolded. Vivid descriptions, great dialog and multidimensional main characters accompanied my journey through this fast-paced young adult adventure. I couldn’t put it down, an...more
Elicia (Girl in the Woods Reviews)
You can also find this review at http://girlinthewoodsreviews.blogspot...

Detailed Review: This book was special in a way which I haven't seen in ages. Not only is it different, it is creative and original.

At first glance, Cassie Craig is what you would call normal. She has a busy mother who always has to take care her younger sister, Drew. Her father is in war in the middle of Afghanistan.

But in one day, everything can change.

All thanks to Violet Starkey. She's not what you'd call normal. She...more
Nichole
When I started reading the first couple of chapters of The First by Sara Zaske I really didn't care for it. I like to have more of a back story or lead into the story. Once I got past the first few chapters though I fell in love with this fast paced supernatural book. It reminded me of the book Need a little bit, but I enjoyed The First much more. Cassie is a spirited girl who stands up for what she believes in no matter what. Violet is a loner that is quiet but quickly brings Cassie into her wo...more
Lindsay
This book started of just ok for me. It wasn’t slow, it didn’t move fast, it wasn’t great, it wasn’t horrible… the first 35% left me indifferent. I was actually thinking as I was reading that I might just put this down. Then I hit approximately 40% and things became interesting. Cassie and Violet started to grow on me and Kodi intrigued me.


The last 60% of this book was action packed, interesting and a complete page turner. I thought the story was interesting and I particularly like the fact tha...more
Daniëlle
The first thing I must say: this book was very refreshing. I have never read something like this. The First people are the first people on earth, they have great powers. Violet has one of the most powerful forces. When Cassie accidentally finds out about Violet, she is drawn into a world where they call humans 'monkey people'.

I liked Violet very much. It is kind of unexpected that she has that much power, because she is very quiet. I do not like her grandfather. I found him mean and insensitive...more
Leigha
Reading my free copy given to me by the author- Review coming shortly ;)

This was a very good story. I found it different than anything I've ever read before. It was nice seeing a story from the side-kick's point of view. I also liked that there was a small hint of romance, but romance wasn't the focus! It's a nice change!

Cassie, the main character, is very likeable. I also really liked strange Violet. I liked all the characters, really. I felt satisfied by the ending, but wouldn't mind reading a...more
Nancy (The Avid Reader)
Cassie is a typical teenage California girl. Her best friend Angie is a very egotistical person. I couldn't understand Cassie and Angie being best friends. I mean they were like night and day. Cassie thought about other people and their feelings. Where as Angie only thought about herself.

Well they were best friends until Cassie became interested in the new girl at school. Violet is a very strange person until you get to know her. She doesn't talk much where as Cassie talks a lot. Violet ask Cass...more
Arden
The First is a novel about Cassie Craig who becomes intrigued by her "weirdo" classmate Violet. Violet is a "First". The First were the First people on earth before humans evolved and imitated them. The First are more than human and they hold powers over nature. After a sleepover with Violet, Cassie learns more about the First and Violet invites Cassie to meet her grandfather. Cassie soon learns that Violet's grandfather has less than honorable intentions and his plans for Violet will put both h...more
Melanie Cusick-Jones

What a great and unexpected book! I'd read - I think - that The First was a dystopian and so I'd left it in my Kindle dwindling having had a good dose of dystopia recently. And then I began reading it (after pressing the wrong button on my kindle) and mistakenly thought I was reading a book about vampires and at around 15% in was wondering how the hell the people with power over nature were going to have anything to do with vampires...what can I say - I don't always pay attention!

So - back to th...more
Dannielle R
Just got this because it was free and I figured I'd give it a shot.

I rather enjoyed this book. I knew it was free for Earth Day, so I assumed it would be 'Human's are taking bad care of the world, save the world' type thing. This was one of those novels where the main character has her eyes 'opened'. I enjoyed the idea of "First People" and the like. It was a rather good Earth Day story and a rather good read for any time of year.
Cassie
I really enjoyed this book. Especially since my name is Cassie. I loved the plot of this book,and how Violet has the power over the world. I became more intrigued with the book the further I read. If you like action, sci-fi books this is a book for you.
Lori
I love this book! It's not for just young adults. Before picking up this book to read, get some snacks, something to drink, and a nice comfy chair. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop until the book is done. Very well written. :)
Brandi
This is an amazing debut novel. Completely worth reading!

You can win a copy on my blog, here: http://bound2astound.blogspot.com
You'll also find an interview with author Sara Zaske.

The giveaway runs through July 24th!
Sara Zaske
May 07, 2012 Sara Zaske rated it 5 of 5 stars  ·  (Review from the author)
Shelves: i-wrote-it
It was amazing. What else am I going to say? I wrote it :) I wanted to rate it because I really believe in this book. I really enjoyed writing it even though it was not always easy. I hope you will enjoy reading it too.
Teresa
I loved this book ! The story line really kept me hooked. Cassie has become one of my favorite characters to read. My full review is on smashwords. Keep writing Sara !
Catherine
Enjoyed this book , looking forward to reading more by Sara
Marissa at Beneath the Moon and Stars
Nothing like I expected. I really liked it. Full review soon on blog.
Sunmi
I absolutely loved this book.It is a mixture of romance and supernatural events i liked it very much.
Rebecca Berto
Apr 17, 2013 Rebecca Berto marked it as never-finished
Great book but not for me. The voice is younger YA than I read.
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We ♥ YA Books! : ARR # 46 - THE FIRST by Sara Zaske 53 135 Nov 03, 2012 12:27am  
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The First (Paperback)
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Sara Zaske has lived a variety of places including eight years in Oakland, California where The First is set. A former journalist, she currently works as a freelance editor and writer in Berlin, Germany. Sara also hosts the book blog: YA Fantastic Book Review. Occasionally, she still dreams of California.
More about Sara Zaske...
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