Small Blue Thing (Small Blue Thing, #1)

Jun 24, 2012 Gervie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have recently just finished this book and I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Now before I go on and tell you where the rest of the 1 point went, I'm going to talk about why I like the book and why I gave it a 4.

First thing that I love about the book is its cover. I know, I know. We should not judge a book by its cover. And I don't but really, it caught my attention out of all the books in the shelves at the bookstore. The book, in my point of view, stands out very well. Also, I have a feeling that...more I have recently just finished this book and I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Now before I go on and tell you where the rest of the 1 point went, I'm going to talk about why I like the book and why I gave it a 4.

First thing that I love about the book is its cover. I know, I know. We should not judge a book by its cover. And I don't but really, it caught my attention out of all the books in the shelves at the bookstore. The book, in my point of view, stands out very well. Also, I have a feeling that this is something that I would have probably written myself!

When you read this book, I guarantee that you will fall in love with male character. :)) I know, I did. In some parts of the book, I couldn't help but go crazy about how much I desperately wanted a guy like Callum. Oh, he's just so perfect. :P But anyway, moving on to the main character. I find Alex really lucky. I love her character so much because first of all, she is not a MARY-SUE *cough* Bella Swan *cough*. She's also really interesting once you read the first chapters about her. I'm also glad that there isn't a love triangle. You rarely find stories that have no love triangles or guys fighting over a stupid girl whatsoever in stories. The characters are great! The author, S.C. Ransom, even said that some were based on real people. The plot line was really good but not THAT great. Which leads to where the 1 point went.

I think I've read something that has a similar plot to this. Another is that it gets really cheesy in some parts. Especially with Callum talking. I love slightly cheesy lines and stories but I'm not sure other people will. It bothers me how things got unbelievably fast between Callum and Alex. I mean, it was just weeks after they've met! Now they're saying "I love you" to each other for more like a hunder times. It's just quite unrealistic. But then again, this is supernatural. Who knows what could happen? :)

I think that's all I have to say. I love this book, I really do and I'm looking forward to buying the next book series.

By the way, I recommend this book to people or particularly teen who love romance. I swear this book is made for people who want to feel butterflies on their stomach whilst laying down in the bed before going to sleep... like me. ;)(less)

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Jun 15, 2011 Wildbriar rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who like constant literary swooning without merit.

Recommended to Wildbriar by: The cover recommended it to me. Fool, but I am gullible.

Shelves: definitely-not-shakespeare, disliked, exciting-as-dishwater, expected-more-of, ghosts, heroes-of-stupidity, in-and-out-of-the-real-world, intriguing-premise, reviewed, shallow, should-have-loved-but-didn-t, somewhat-pretentious, unrealistic-insta-love, wasted-opportunity, writing-that-makes-me-cringe

Er. Well. I suppose what I liked about Small Blue Thing can be summed up in one sentence: it had a fascinating premise. It could have been intricate and curious, an interesting new mythology; I quite liked the idea of this particular species of supernatural being. I also loved the London setting.

But.

From there it just fell apart. Two of the most irritating things that seem to crop up in YA paranormal these days obligingly put in an appearance here -- firstly, that frustrating unrealistic insta-l...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Marcia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Der erste Satz
Der Schwan tobte am Ufer herum, drosch mit seinen gewaltigen Flügeln auf die Kieselsteine ein und hatte alle anderen Vögel verjagt.

Meine Meinung
Das Buch ist eins meiner SuB-Leichen und ich konnte es einfach nicht mehr ertragen, dass dieses Buch hier ungelesen herum liegt, denn ich habe es sogar als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen und fühle mich echt schlecht, dass ich es erst jetzt gelesen habe und jetzt erst rezensiere. Das geht echt gar nicht. Ich hatte irgendwie einfach nicht so wir...more Der erste Satz
Der Schwan tobte am Ufer herum, drosch mit seinen gewaltigen Flügeln auf die Kieselsteine ein und hatte alle anderen Vögel verjagt.

Meine Meinung
Das Buch ist eins meiner SuB-Leichen und ich konnte es einfach nicht mehr ertragen, dass dieses Buch hier ungelesen herum liegt, denn ich habe es sogar als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen und fühle mich echt schlecht, dass ich es erst jetzt gelesen habe und jetzt erst rezensiere. Das geht echt gar nicht. Ich hatte irgendwie einfach nicht so wirklich Lust auf das Buch, weil ich von einigen gehört habe, dass es ziemlich langatmig ist und, dass es an einigen Stellen auch ein wenig sehr unrealistisch war. Vielleicht sollte ich mir erst immer selbst eine Meinung über das Buch bilden, denn dann würde es nicht mehr vorkommen, dass Bücher so lange auf meinem SuB herumliegen, wie dieses. Lange Rede kurzer Sinn, jetzt kommt meine Rezension zu dem Buch was seit Ewigkeiten auf meinem SuB herum liegt.

Die Geschichte hat mir wirklich am Anfang sehr gut gefallen, da sie wirklich sehr schnell abgelaufen ist und sich die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ziemlich schnell entwickelt hat, so dass ich wirklich von der Geschichte ziemlich gefesselt war. Doch nach ein paar Seiten habe ich gemerkt, dass sich die Beziehung zwischen den Protagonisten wirklich zu schnell für mich persönlich entwickelt hat, denn das war meiner Meinung nach einfach unrealistisch. Aber ihr fragt euch jetzt sicher worum es in der Geschichte genauer geht... Das Buch handelt von der 17-jährigen Alex, die schon seit längerer Zeit in den beliebten Schulschönling Rob verliebt ist. Als er sie dann endlich um ein Date bittet, müsste sie eigentlich das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber kurz vorher findet sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif, der sich immer so komisch verdunkelt und auf einmal sieht sie einen Jungen, der so wunderschöne blaue Augen hat, dass es ihr den Atem verschlägt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber irgendwas ist an dem Jungen echt komisch, als sie bemerkt, dass sie ihn immer nur in einem Spiegel sehen kann und durch ihn hindurch fassen kann, merkt sie, dass Callum definitiv kein normaler Junge ist, ganz im Gegenteil... Aber was ist wenn man sich in einen Geist verliebt ? Hat diese Liebe eine Chance oder ist sie zum Scheitern verurteilt ? Und genau diesen Moment meine ich, als die beiden sich unsterblich in einander verlieben. Natürlich gibt es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber man sagt dann doch trotzdem nicht gleich ich liebe dich, oder ? Vielleicht bin ich auch einfach nur ein bisschen zu oldschool was so etwas angeht. Auf jeden Fall war diese Entwicklung der Liebe zwischen Alex und Callum für meinen Geschmack viel zu schnell. Wenn das Ganze weniger schnell gewesen wär, wär die Geschichte spannender gewesen. Ich mag es wenn man spürt, dass sich die beiden zu einander hingezogen fühlen, es aber nicht gleich offen zugeben, weil sie sich selbst noch über ihre Gefühle klar werden müssen, denn dann liegt immer dieses schöne Knistern in der Luft. Trotzdem fand ich die Idee der Geschichte wirklich sehr interessant und auch spannend. Ich fand ja schon die Susannah Bücher von Meg Cabot so genial und hier geht es ja auch um einen Geist. Ich wurde von der Geschichte wirklich sehr gut unterhalten, auch wenn sie einigen unrealistische Stellen hatte, denn die Geschichte war wirklich sehr romantisch, aber auch fantastisch und vor allem auch sehr fesselnd und spannend. Ich finde nämlich gar nicht, dass sie langatmige Stellen hat. Ich war wirklich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite von der Geschichte gefesselt, auch wenn sie manchmal ein bisschen übertrieben und unrealistisch romantisch war. Ansonsten kann ich aber echt nicht an der Geschichte meckern. Auf jeden Fall hat sie mich so sehr überzeugt, dass ich mir unbedingt noch die beiden anderen Teile kaufen muss und sie lesen muss, aber das mag auch mit dem spannenden Ende zu tun hat, dass einen so neugierig auf Band 2 gemacht hat.

Die Charaktere haben mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil ich alle als sehr interessant und gut durchdacht empfunden habe. Sie passen einfach alle zur Geschichte, auch wenn natürlich nicht jeder mir sympathisch war, aber das wär ja irgendwie auch ein bisschen langweilig. Eine oder einen Bösen muss es ja immer geben. Alex ist die Protagonistin der Geschichte. Sie ist 17 Jahre alt und wohnt mit ihren Eltern und ihrem Bruder in der Nähe von London. Sie führt eigentlich ein total normales Leben, was man zumindest in dem Alter als normal bezeichnen kann, denn sie steht auf den beliebten Schulschwarm, Rob und himmelt ihn schon seit einer gefühlten Ewigkeit an. Als er sie endlich auch richtig bemerkt und sie auch noch um ein Date bittet, müsste sie das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber das ist sie nicht, denn kurz vorher hat sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif gefunden, in dem sich der Stein immer mal wieder verdunkelt. Und auf einmal sieht sie einen wunderschönen Jungen, der ihr mit seinen blauen Augen den Atem raubt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick und sofort hat sie Rob vergessen. Da wär nur ein Problem, denn der Junge ist ein Geist und sie kann ihn nur durch einen Spiegel sehen. Alex verliebt sich unsterblich in den Geist, namens Callum, aber sie hat immer wieder Zweifel an der Beziehung, da sie nicht weiß wie sie überhaupt funktionieren soll. Ich mochte Alex wirklich vom ersten Augenblick an, weil sie mir irgendwie vollkommen sympathisch war und ich mich mit ihr einfach identifizieren konnte. Ich habe oft das Selbe gedacht wie sie und hatte manchmal echt das Gefühl, dass die Autorin mich als Vorlage für den Charakter genommen hat :D Alex ist einfach total liebenswert und man schließt sie total schnell ins Herz. Vor allem habe ich mir aber gewünscht, dass ihre Liebe zu Callum nicht umsonst ist und die beiden das irgendwie hinbekommen, denn das hat sie echt verdient. Sie ist einfach ein ganz tolles Mädchen und ich könnte mir persönlich keine bessere Protagonistin für die Geschichte vorstellen. Callum ist ein Geist. Er kann sich gar nicht mehr so genau erinnern seit wann er schon in diesem "Zustand" ist, aber er kann sich erinnern wie er gestorben ist. Auch für ihn ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, als er Alex das erste Mal sieht, die komischer Weise genau so ein "Geisterarmband" hat wie er. Er fühlt sich ihr sofort total verbunden und weiß, dass sie die eine für ihn ist. Er hätte nie gedacht, dass ihn jemals ein Mensch wieder wahrnehmen wird. Alex ist sein Licht in der Dunkelheit und hält ihn davon ab in Trauer und Selbstmitleid zu versinken. Man hat wirklich das Gefühl, dass er ohne sie nicht sein kann. Ich mag Callum auch total gerne. Er ist einfach ein total toller Charakter und ich finde ihn einfach nur total liebenswert. Man muss ihn einfach mögen und in das eigene Herz schließen. Grace ist Alex's beste Freundin und würde so ziemlich alles für sie tun. Ich finde es echt schade, dass ihre Rolle in der Geschichte nicht größer war, weil ich sie echt gerne mag und die Szenen so schön fand als Alex und sie irgendwas zusammen unternommen haben. Sie ist einfach die perfekte beste Freundin und ich finde sie super sympathisch und liebenswert. So eine beste Freundin kann sich echt jedes Mädchen nur wünschen.

Der Schreibstil hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil er so schön wegzulesen war. Die Geschichte ist aus der personalen Ich-Perspektive aus Alex's Sicht geschrieben und der Schreibstil hat wirklich sehr gut zu ihr gepasst. Er ist wirklich sehr locker und jugendlich, aber überhaupt nicht so slangmäßig angehaucht. Die Autorin versteht sich wirklich darin den richtigen Grad zwischen romantisch und spannend in ihrem Schreibstil unter zu bringen. Ich war wirklich die ganze Zeit total gefesselt und hatte das Buch für die Seitenanzahl wirklich ziemlich schnell durchgelesen. Ich kann den Schreibstil wirklich nur in den Himmel loben, da er sehr gut zu der Erzählerin passt, wirklich locker und leicht ist und trotzdem Gefühle transportiert und fesselt. Einfach ein perfekter Schreibstil der Autorin.

Der Titel gefällt mir recht gut, auch wenn ich finde, dass der Originaltitel einfach viel neugieriger macht und trotzdem sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt, allerdings kann ich ja den Titel nicht ändern und deswegen gehe ich auf den deutschen Titel näher ein. Ich finde, dass "Nur ein Hauch" eigentlich wirklich sehr gut passt, weil Alex ja immer nur einen Hauch von Callum sieht, weil er ein Geist ist. Ich finde, dass der Titel wirklich gut zu der Geschichte passt, aber einen gar nicht neugierig auf die Geschichte macht. Hier hätte ich echt den Originaltitel beibehalten, aber das ist ja nur meine persönliche Meinung.

Das Cover finde ich auch gut gewählt, allerdings finde ich auch hier mal wieder das Originalcover viel schöner, da darauf das Armband im Wasser abgebildet ist und das Cover meiner Meinung nach einfach noch ein Stückchen schöner ist. Trotzdem finde ich das hier auch sehr gut gewählt, da man darauf Alex auf einem Steg sieht, der wahrscheinlich auf die Themse hinaus führt, wo sie ja den Armreif gefunden hat, der sie mit Callum verbindet. Im Hintergrund sieht man die Skyline einer Stadt und am Himmel stehen die Sterne. Darüber ist das Gesicht mit wunderschönen Augen gelagert, der höchstwahrscheinlich Callum darstellen soll. Ich finde das Cover wirklich schön coloriert, da die verschiedenen Blautöne wirklich zum Träumen einladen. Trotzdem finde ich einfach, dass das Originalcover noch ein Stückchen schöner und passender.

Mein Fazit
"Nur ein Hauch von dir" von S. C. Ransom konnte mich fesseln, auch wenn die Geschichte wenn mir die Geschichte wenn es um die Liebe geht ein bisschen zu unrealistisch ist. Trotzdem finde ich die Idee, die hinter der Geschichte steckt sehr originell und auch interessant. Die Geschichte konnte mich trotz kleiner Kritikpunkte wirklich überzeugen und das ist ja bekanntlich schon die halbe Miete. Auch die Charaktere und der Schreibstil haben mir sehr gut gefallen, da beides wirklich sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt. Vor allem der Schreibstil ist für mich perfekt. Chapeau ! Beim Titel und dem Cover muss ich sagen, dass ich bei beiden auf das Original zurück gegriffen hätte. Trotzdem finde ich beides passend gewählt. Ich bin wirklich sehr gespannt auf Band 2 und werde ihn mir wohl gleich kaufen müssen. Ich ärger mich gerade echt, dass ich das Buch erst so spät gelesen habe und das Buch so lange auf meinem SuB versauern musste.(less)

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May 20, 2012 Zixuan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think this book deserves five stars but I only give it four because of the opening. It was too quick paced and the sudden development in relationship left me puzzled, wondering how in the world that happened. But other than that...I really really loved this book.
I love ghostly romance, and when I started reading it, I was wondering whether or not this one would be too much of the same as Meg Cabot's The Mediator series. However that was not the case. Small Blue Thing did not make me think of T...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Cass - Words on Paper rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, read-2011, 2011-release, aussie-swap

3.5/5

+ Fresh unique concept, a new twist to the paranormal genre. A new dimension is unlocked when 17 year old Alex finds a mysterious bracelet from the Thames river.
+ Extending on that first point, I liked the exploration of this 'new dimension'.
+ Very tame romance so far, in terms of physical interactions go. Though, given the circumstances ...
+ NO LOVE TRIANGLE! And, for that matter, the protagonist isn't TOO much of a wimp. She shows some inner strength, though most of it is fuelled by her e...more 3.5/5

+ Fresh unique concept, a new twist to the paranormal genre. A new dimension is unlocked when 17 year old Alex finds a mysterious bracelet from the Thames river.
+ Extending on that first point, I liked the exploration of this 'new dimension'.
+ Very tame romance so far, in terms of physical interactions go. Though, given the circumstances ...
+ NO LOVE TRIANGLE! And, for that matter, the protagonist isn't TOO much of a wimp. She shows some inner strength, though most of it is fuelled by her extremely strange new relationship.
+ The book ended at a pretty good place, with just the right amount of tension to lead onto the next instalment of the series.
+ I like that there's a glimpse of the older teen experience going on her: driving lessons, end of year exams, partying but still being underage for drinking.
~ Fans in the UK will love its relevance to their world. Ransom herself commented that she wrote this so that her daughter, who loves books such as, eh, Twilight, could read something that was set in places that she would be familiar with.
- I actually had trouble believing the relationship. The emotions that were involved between the two of them, Callum and Alex, seemed almost laughable. A week in and they're both saying their "I Love You"s? Yes, there was that whole love at first sight thing. Call me a cynic, but I just can't call that love. At one point, Alex does toss around the insanity of her lust for a whatever Callum is (which is explored in the book, so read to find out).
- Going with the above point, most of the characters felt juvenile. Alex comes off quite mature at the beginning, but then she just kept on making these unforgivable mistakes, and her lines of thought all just seemed too naive for someone who should've had SOME experience. Such as with guys. And don't even get me started with Rob.
- The writing. About 3/5 of the way through I felt that a lot of the passages were just empty words, repeating itself over and over. To the point that I started skimming. Especially when Alex kept saying that she loved Callum, and I felt like going on a slapspree (Like for the How I Met Your Mother reference :P). The dialogue got cheesy after a while (just emphasising what I said). Descriptions, as well, didn't seem as polished as they could have.

I'm still interested in continuing this series, really. It's just that a lot of the book seemed unpolished. I wish I could've connected with at least one of the characters, but I don't feel like I know any of them that well, as Ransom seemed to skimp on those details, and instead focused on setting descriptions and 'roundabout', nauseating conversations between Alex and Callum.

I feel mean. I'll come back and nicefy this review a bit. And now I feel like a Taylor Swift or something. And now I feel offensive. Okay. :| Please don't unfriend me!!!(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 C D Meetens rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, romance, paranormal

A nice little story that, once it got going, held my attention so much that I finished it in one night.

The idea of the Dirges puts a different spin on the subject of ghosts, and the author puts in enough twists to make me want to keep reading, but not so many that I'm confused before I've managed to get halfway through.

I've seen other comments about the insta-love aspect between Alex and Callum, and while I can see how it does seem to be a general device in some Young Adult fiction, I believe t...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Katya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, candyfloss, dramarama, good-pnr, kick-arse-heroines, magical-realism, teen-lit, the-ya-project

I like heroines that take shit from no-one, and happily stick it to the patriarchy. I’m happy to say that “Small Blue Thing” is one of those books.

Alex starts off as your ordinary teenage girl with an ordinary crush. Then, by the will of magic coincidence, she finds a bracelet that allows her to communicate with the people who died in the river, and finds her real soul mate. Standard, yes?

What sets this story apart from all the other tales of ghosts falling for humans and vice versa is how stron...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Alex is with her best friend down at the Thames, celebrating sitting her last exams. While there she spots something hidden in the mud, and pulling it out finds an old silver bracelet with a sparkling blue stone.

After wearing it round for a while, she realises that she is hearing a voice of a mysterious young man, Callum who begins to tell her about her amulet, and how he is stuck in an imbetween world. As their friendship grows, she begins to wonder if she should get rid of the bracelet, especi...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Bücherfresser rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bücher-tausch-liste

"Nur ein Hauch von packender Geschichte …"

Inhalt:
Alex ist mit ihrer besten Freundin Grace unterwegs, als sie in am Ufer der Themse einen Schwan sieht, der sich am Ufer verfangen hat. Schnell eilt sie dem Tier zu Hilfe und stößt dabei auf einen merkwürdigen Silberarmreif, der auf den ersten Blick schon wertvoll erscheint. Sie entschließt ihn zu behalten, denn Alex findet Gefallen an dem kostbaren Schmuckstück mit dem schönen Opal. Doch auf einmal beginnt Alex immer wieder ein Gesicht zu sehen, tr...more

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Jan 29, 2011 Leanna (Daisy Chain Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Small Blue Thing is set in London, and follows the story of animal-lover Alex, who, while attempting to rescue a swan, discovers a mysterious bracelet, which leads her to Callum, a beautiful boy who she falls instantly in love with. The feeling is mutual, and so all should be perfect, save for the fact that Callum is a dirge - a ghost who is caught in a strange half-life of misery, suffering and sadness. Alex and Callum can never truly be together, and in addition to this the only way for Callum...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

I would give this story about a 6/10.

But I would say it's more for younger readers 16 and under, and probably not so much for seasoned readers who like their books written excellently.

This book is moore for light reading and it wasn't really intense so this was a nice change from the heavy books I usually read. It's a good one to read after you've just reas something really dark and intense and want a break.

The characters are likable and although this book is not super fantastic I thought it was...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Liz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ghosts-witches-werewolves

The best thing about this book is that I read it right after I came back from London so while reading I felt like I am still there.

Alex is on the way to meet her friends when she finds a mysterious bracelet in the Themse. At the beginning, she does not even understand that it is the bracelet that makes her see Callum, a ghost who lives in the St.Paul's Cathedral. Soon both of them realize, that they feel more than just friendship and interes. They fall in love.
But Callum is dead and Alex is ali...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Salima Korri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-like

I was really excited to read this considering the book was highly rated and that the author wrote such a master piece in six months.

When I first read this, I found it quite enjoyable and an original concept was taking place. I liked how the girl found a blue bracelet near the river Thames then begins to hear strange voices. It seemed intriguing.

But from there it fell apart.

The voices was a ghost who was trying to contact her and she could only see through a mirror which I found lacked imaginati...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Hazel rated it 3 of 5 stars

The book was not bad but i thought it too similar to Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver series of books. Both were about how much they loved each other which is a tad too cheesy for my taste, though not as extreme as twilight, and wanted to find out how to keep their love beside them. In this case, how to bring Callum to Alex's dimension. (I think I'm reading beyond this book already but that is the ending which would always happen from reading the summaries of the other two books)
It's not much of a pl...more

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May 18, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own-print, signed, read-in-2011

Alex is a normal teenager who just wants to celebrate finishing her exams and is hoping to catch the attention of the boy she fancies. When she attempts to rescue a trapped swan and discovers a silver bracelet with a beautiful blue stone she picks it up out of curiosity. Wearing the bracelet she starts having visions of a handsome young man and when they find a way to communicate she starts to fall in love. But as she learns more about the boy only she can see she starts to wonder if he is telli...more Alex is a normal teenager who just wants to celebrate finishing her exams and is hoping to catch the attention of the boy she fancies. When she attempts to rescue a trapped swan and discovers a silver bracelet with a beautiful blue stone she picks it up out of curiosity. Wearing the bracelet she starts having visions of a handsome young man and when they find a way to communicate she starts to fall in love. But as she learns more about the boy only she can see she starts to wonder if he is telling her the truth, especially when his sister Catherine has a completely different story to tell. Who should she trust - Callum or Catherine?

I have really mixed feelings about Small Blue Thing. One one hand it was really refreshing to read a story set in the UK, so many of the YA paranormal romances are set in the US that I enjoyed reading a story set in familiar surroundings. I really want to take a trip to St Paul's Cathedral now, especially to the whispering gallery! S.C Ransom has created something different which I really appreciated, I loved finding more about the Dirges (people who have died but aren't quite dead) and found that side of the story really interesting.

What I really had a problem with was the speed of the relationship between Alex and Callum. Yes, I know it was supposed to be love at first sight but it just didn't come across as at all believable. They speak to each other about twice before they start declaring their love for each other and Alex knew absolutely nothing about Callum apart from the fact he was gorgeous. I could totally buy lust at first sight but I was a long way from feeling the love! I was about ready to throw the book across the room at that point and had to force myself to keep reading. Having said that once we got the I love yous out of the way the story started to pick up and I began to enjoy it again. This is when you really start to learn about the dirges and like I said the mythology was unique compared to anything else I've read.

I would have liked a little more detail when the main action happened, it was all over quite quickly and left me a bit disappointed. However the great twist at the end has made me want to read more so I'm sure I will read the sequel when it comes out, I just don't think I'll rush to get hold of a copy. If you don't mind love at first sight with nothing to back it up then you'll probably enjoy this more than I did and I'd say it is well worth picking up a copy. If you're like me and that is something that really irritates you then I'd suggest reading a library copy first if you want to give it a try.(less)

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May 26, 2011 Lyndsey Rushby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

I originally bought this book because of the beautiful cover. I couldn’t resist it when I saw it in Foyles and after seeing that it was also signed by the author, I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately, the story did not match up to the amazing cover.

The basic idea of this book was interesting and different from anything else in the YA genre that I have read before and other reason why I wanted to read it. I love to be surprised when it comes to books and was looking forward to not reading abou...more I originally bought this book because of the beautiful cover. I couldn’t resist it when I saw it in Foyles and after seeing that it was also signed by the author, I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately, the story did not match up to the amazing cover.

The basic idea of this book was interesting and different from anything else in the YA genre that I have read before and other reason why I wanted to read it. I love to be surprised when it comes to books and was looking forward to not reading about vampires or werewolves etc for once. When it comes to this kind of thing, the YA genre doesn’t offer too much variety in its fantasy books but this is where S.C. Ransom stands out. A completely new idea was introduced and I did love the idea behind the story. Unfortunately, the idea was the most exciting part of the book. As you can see from the synopsis, some of the dead do not truly stay dead in this book and the way it was done was new and refreshing.

Just when the story began to get really interesting, it was all over in a matter of minutes. The action had been building up for a while and I was getting quite excited to see what was going to happen but it was all very rushed. The action scenes were very small and far too short. I wanted much, much more from this aspect of the book and was sad when the short amount of action was all over. I think that this was something that could have been expanded on, even if only a little more, and it would have made the book as a whole much better. This was not the only place where the story felt rushed either. The pacing as a whole throughout the book was quite uneven. There are some other events in the story which happened far too quickly for my liking but wont say what, just in case it spoils the book for anyone who does want to read it.

I really didn’t ‘buy’ Alex at all. As a main character, I think the purpose is to like her, maybe relate to her a little bit and also feel for her and the things she is going through. I felt none of this while reading this book, which was very unfortunate. My biggest gripe with Alex was the way she spoke. Small Blue Thing is told from her point of view but the narrative was far from believable. The way Alex spoke at times, the way she told the story, was outdated. I don’t know any teenagers now, nor when I was one myself, that spoke the way she did. Her language made her seem quite uptight and ‘prim and proper’ when that wasn’t really what she was like at all. I had a hard time liking Alex even after only a couple of pages due to this.

Even though I had this one major problem with Alex, she did have some redeeming moments so it isn’t all bad when it comes to her. There were a couple of moments where I absolutely loved her. Well, I loved the way she acted or reacted to different situations more than Alex herself but it was better than hating her completely. The way she reacts to one situation was amazing and I kind of wanted to applaud her for it, if only she had spoken a little more like a teenager, instead of sounding like an old woman.

I didn’t see the appeal with Callum either, which was a real shame. He was supposed to be this mysterious with lots of secrets but I just didn’t see the attraction for Alex. The only thing I could understand was the fact that he was someone she couldn’t really have, which is something I could relate to. Girls are always wanted the guys they cant have in books, which gives the basis of their appeal but that was the only really good thing about Callum. His appearance in the story was great but then it suddenly went downhill. Once he had kind of told Alex who he was, everything between the two happened quickly. Too quickly for me. The way he spoke and acted around Alex was unnatural and I just didn’t understand where he was coming from most of the time. There wasn’t that much about Callum that would have made me want him myself and there was nothing really drawing me to love this character.

I really wanted to love this book but it was such a struggle to get through it and even finish it. The only reason why I persevered with it was due to wanting to know how things would work out with Alex and Callum and their impossible situation but I wont be reading the other books in the trilogy.
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Apr 11, 2011 SJH (A Dream of Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, romance, paranormal

The beautiful shiny cover attracted me to 'Small Blue Thing' and it just leapt off the shelf and into my shopping basket! I started it as soon as I got home and found the story so gripping that I finished it the same night. I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy now!

The story centres on Alex who finds an exquisitely unique bracelet in the river Thames. She fishes it out and takes it home but soon discovers that the bracelet has some strange powers. It enables her to communicate with the ri...more The beautiful shiny cover attracted me to 'Small Blue Thing' and it just leapt off the shelf and into my shopping basket! I started it as soon as I got home and found the story so gripping that I finished it the same night. I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy now!

The story centres on Alex who finds an exquisitely unique bracelet in the river Thames. She fishes it out and takes it home but soon discovers that the bracelet has some strange powers. It enables her to communicate with the river's dead which leads her to the handsome and mysterious Callum. Callum and Alex fall in love but they cannot be together because Callum is a dirge - destined to live on the other side and feed off peoples' happy memories to keep his own misery at bay. Alex is determined to find a way in which they can be together properly but when Callum's sister Catherine appears, she has to decide who she can trust and who holds her future happiness in their hands.

I thought that this book was brilliant and a fabulous debut from a British author. The story was unlike anything else in the paranormal YA genre at the moment and kept me guessing throughout. I loved the combination of a fascinating mystery, ghostly going-ons, a generous helping of intrigue and a strong romantic thread running throughout. The storyline was compelling and the ending was most definitely jaw-dropping and has left me in a state of high anticipation for what's going to come next.

My only criticism and it's a very small thing, is that I thought the romance between Callum and Alex developed extremely quickly. In under 100 pages, they were already declaring their love for each other which seemed a bit fast. I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop more first but then I guess that's love at first sight!

The second book in the trilogy, 'Perfectly Reflected' is published by Nosy Crow in June 2011. I'm looking forward to seeing how S.C. Ransom is going to resolve the problem of Callum and Alex's romance and I have a feeling that there are going to be a lot of twists and turns still to come.
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Oct 14, 2011 Book Angel Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Basically Rob is an arse which I latter upgraded to t**t - Alex is awesome & Callum swoon.
Trip to Thames/St Pauls to seek out my own Callum is now in order

If you know me by now you will have realized that as soon as I saw that cover I had to have this book. It was love at first sight. The story just enhanced my love of the cover and you can bet I want a bracelet like that. Isn’t it gorgeous - the description of the setting and the stone within the narrative is utterly mesmerizing. However, y...more Basically Rob is an arse which I latter upgraded to t**t - Alex is awesome & Callum swoon.
Trip to Thames/St Pauls to seek out my own Callum is now in order

If you know me by now you will have realized that as soon as I saw that cover I had to have this book. It was love at first sight. The story just enhanced my love of the cover and you can bet I want a bracelet like that. Isn’t it gorgeous - the description of the setting and the stone within the narrative is utterly mesmerizing. However, you are constantly posing the questions: Where did it come from? How much power does it really have? And what are the consequences? I have to say that the writing style as a whole has a beautiful descriptive quality that captured my imagination and kept me reading into the wee small hours.

All the characters were well rounded and relatable. I was really drawn to Alex, becoming totally invested in her future. I love it when that happens, that a protagonist can get so deeply into your imagination that you feel her emotions as if they were your own. The story lulls us into a false sense of security, building the plot gently layer by layer until before you know it you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotion. For me the story had fairytale quality to it with a modern setting.

I know you are wondering if I am going to start swooning over the male protagonist, Callum, well I won’t disappoint you. OMGosh YES. He is so sweet, caring and let’s not forget HOT [ ; D ] As the truth about his situation as a ‘Dirge’ becomes clear within the narrative you have to admire his strength of spirit and innate charm. The way he only takes mundane memories in order to prevent himself sinking into despair just adds to his appeal. The actual use of the word ‘Dirge’ to describe the existence of these people who have perished in the waters of an offshoot of the Thames (I can’t for the life of me remember the name at the moment – blah this always happens)apparently by their own hands is rather inspired; as a Dirge is the name used for a somber song expressing mourning or grief. Which is how the ‘Dirges’ spend their existence in a perpetual state of mourning/grief. This type of existence and gathering of memories brought to my mind the Harpies from Phillip Pullmans His Dark Materials. On a personal note, I did find it disturbing that the Dirges could be inducing Alzheimer’s by taking memories, as my mother had Alzheimer’s.

You all already know how much I love the idea of soul mates and destiny. The bracelet is like a conduit to bring to soul mates together; to my mind I also think of it as a test to see if they can overcome the obstacles in their path to be together. Plus the danger from the other ‘Dirges’ adds to the thrill of the plot. The relationship between Alex and Callum is sweet and touching, blossoming slowly into passion. Open, honest, direct and utterly refreshing, touching, lovely, I think I need more words.

Alex has a wonderful, supportive family and the depiction of their close relationship was heart-warming. It also emphasized the guilt Alex feels by having to keep Callum a secret. The little alterations in her personality/actions that she has to make in order to ‘be’ with Callum do not go wholly unnoticed. Alex is also lucky enough to have a wonderfully loyal friend in the shape of Grace, I adored her ability to scour charity shops and transform outfits. Grace is always there to provide a shoulder whenever Alex needs it, non-judgmental and steadfast. Alex is lucky to have her.

Now that I have mentioned the ‘good’ characters I have to mention the ‘bad’. Let’s start with Rob – the hot guy crush from school that Alex wanted to date prior to meeting Callum. This guy needs to be hit over the head with a stick. I won’t go into details about their ‘date’ but seriously someone find him and hit him. These characters were so real to me I would have tracked him down myself if I could. The saying don’t judge a book by its cover certainly applies to Rob, hot on the outside and mean on the inside, completely narcissistic and self-centered I was concerned as to what he would do next.

Then we come to Catherine, Callum’s sister and fellow dirge, her hatred and maliciousness appear to be the only things that keep her going. Her personality is such a contrast to Callum’s; you wonder how on earth they are from the same family. There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding Catherine, I really need to know why she is the way she is, was there a cause or is it her natural disposition. There are still a lot of things to be unearthed about the ‘Dirges’ I NEED to know.

One thing I made a note of to mention about this book is how it captures the British pub culture perfectly. I don’t think any other culture in the world has the same affinity for pubs as the British. The portrayal within the narrative was realistic and completely relatable. The added benefit of the 80’s pop culture reference had me giggling away to myself.

There is a SURPRISE ending (I wasn’t expecting at all) opening up a whole world of possibilities for the direction of the story. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Plus I think I am going to miss Callum while I am waiting [ ; D ]

I admit to rambling and have been accused of gushing on a number of occasions but feel that good books deserve to be gushed over, this is one of them.(less)

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Dec 08, 2011 Vickie Ramage rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked Alex's character, although she has one moment where she's really stupid, she's usually quite sensible. When we first meet her she's doing exactly what I would be doing - trying to free a trapped swan from the Thames river. This made me like her immediately and I liked her even more when I discovered that she has a level head with boys too.

Read the rest of the review at Chicklish!

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Mar 30, 2011 Sarah Jayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! ITS SO AMAZING!!! WHEN U READ ONE PAGE YOU JUST WANT TO READ ON. ITS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND EXCITING!! IM SO GLAD I GOT THIS BOOK BECAUSE I LOVE IT, IS MY FAVOURITE BOOK I HAVE EVER READ AND ALWAYS WILL BE. I HAVE READ THE BOOK FROM START TO ALMOST FINISH AND I REALLY DONT WANT IT TO END BEACUSE IT IS A VERY GREAT BOOK!! I CANT WAIT TILL I GET THE NEXT BOOK!! XX

A BIGGG FAN,
SARAH JAYNE MATHESON
XXX :D :D :D :D

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Feb 26, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

normal im not a fan of romance books but added with the paranormal it makes a fantastic read. my favrouite character is callum because he seems so sweet and in my head very fit ;) the main female character alex annoys me abit, im not sure why, i try to like her but theres just somthing about her that makes it to difficult. I've allready read the next one (which is equally good as this one) so when the last one comes out i'll be first in the que for waterstones to buy it ;)

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Mar 13, 2013 Alana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: small-blue-thing

14th February 2013.

I loved this book and I can't wait to read the other books!

10th March 2013.

I have now read all the books, Ahhh... they were GREAT! It was such a cute, tragic, romantic story between a girl with a bracelet and a ghostly handsome dirge boy. It had me on the edge of my seat, will the ever properly be together????? I was continuously asking myself. Sometimes I thought:
"Naaa... there's no chance. Catherine, the idiot who she is has lost it for them..." but then I thought "Oh my go...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Marcella rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The German is translation is not very good most of the time. I don't know whether it's because of that or because of the fact the story was written on a smartphone but I would have liked more description during the scenes which sometimes are a bit too short.
The idea of the story was good though and it made me enjoy the book anyway.

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Jul 24, 2011 Cat rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, reviewed

I should not have liked this, I really shouldn't because it is essentially a luuurve story between a mortal and non-mortal (no vampires though, hooray). However I was captivated. I'm giving nothing away but I really enjoyed this and it feels like a fresh new take on the whole paranormal romance genre. I have book two...fingers crossed.

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Dec 25, 2012 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star

I really loved this book. It was well thought out and I really loved the concept of the story. I fell in love with the characters especially Callum. This book is well worth the read and the money. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story and just a tad of suspense x :-)

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Jul 01, 2012 Ellie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've read all three books and rate them all 5 star I think scattering like light was the best because I think Callum and Alex are going to live happily together and Olivia's brain has been put into Catherine's body which is scary but I love the Small Blue Thing series!!!!!

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Jan 08, 2013 Aynab rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: unfinished, annoying-romance, corny, lame

Okay, I started it and it seemed pretty good, but after Callum came in, I was lost and severely disappointed. She sounded so stupid and love-sick it made ME sick (in a 'i-am-going-to-throw-up-and-die' way). I couldn't take it any longer so I had to call the quits.

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Oct 20, 2011 Lauren Douglas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

So i found this book good, very good. I love the story line and thought it was an instresting one. The book its self took me a few attempts to start but i wasnt dissapointed, and the ending wanted me wanting more. Cant wait for the next one to arrive

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May 29, 2013 Jenni rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, paranormal

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

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Jan 01, 2013 Bella Marie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: forbidden-love, ghosts, paperback, series

Its no Anna dressed in blood I have to admitt that.NBut it isnt pinelight or sporeville either. But its no new moon I am afraid. When I first started to read it I didnt liked it at all. I mean ok it is genuine and original enough but a book has to win you and this one didnt, The ending though not very original, the mummy returns had the same ending but at least the author gave some answers.

well written with very interesting male character but not as good as I hoped.Better than others though. I...more

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