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Someone Wicked This Way Comes #1
Wicked Hunger
Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious.
Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories.
One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.
Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories.
One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.
240 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2013
About the author
DelSheree Gladden
52 books456 followersDelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 86 reviews
April 7, 2014
The content warning came with the information from the Blog Tour (most likely from the publisher itself); but for the most part there isn't anything too terribly intense or gory or overly sexual...but I am not sure of all the guidelines they have to follow when placing warnings...so we'll roll with it :)
I really liked this book. You know, I read a blog post somewhere the other day about adults who struggle with their "addiction" to young adult novels. I believe that I should possibly seek out one of these support groups because it's certainly one of my guilty pleasures. I kept hearing this voice inside my head saying "You shouldn't be enjoying this... you are old!". But like I do so many other times, I ignored that little voice and kept on reading :)
Van and Zander suffer from a family curse; a hunger to kill people, to inflict pain and suffering. Controlling their hunger is not easy; they've each found outlets that allow them to keep the hunger at bay, but sometimes that's just not enough. When Ivy arrives at their school, they both have the urge to kill her. Van tries to keep her distance and tries her best to keep Zander away as well, but he thinks he is in love with her and is torn between lust and the urge to kill her. His unwillingness to keep away from Ivy could mean the downfall of his entire family.
Sometimes the line between the good guys and the bad guys is blurred. Van and Zander try their best to control their hunger. They've both found outlets that allow them to push themselves to the point of physical pain and cause pain to others...just enough for them to get a "fix". Van teaches ballet and hip hop and pushes her students to their limits; she can feed off the pain of their muscles enough to control her hunger. Zander plays football and relishes in the pain he causes on the field. But they both control how much pain they inflict. Van tries to live as normal a life as she can, while Zander has pushed everyone away. There is another sibling, Oscar, and he's hinted at quite a bit at the beginning of the story, but we don't get to meet him until almost halfway through. His story is interesting and a bit of a surprise. Ketchup is probably my favorite supporting character, and it might be because I think that's one of the coolest nicknames ever; but he's truly an amazing friend who stands by Van no matter what she throws at him. In the beginning we are told that her friends are her friends because she has saved their lives at some point. But we aren't ever given that backstory. Perhaps it's something that will be explored more in book two or three. But it seems to me that Ketchup is there for the long haul and not because he is bound to be her friend. Noah... the jury is still out on him. I'm not sure that Van should trust him. There's just something that is too perfect about him (and his family too... I think they creeped me out a little more than Van wanting to rip someone's throat out).
The theme of this book is unique. We honestly have no idea exactly what causes the hunger... we really don't know anything about it. At the end of the book, as the secrets are starting to unravel, a man shows up at their house. He gives them a small explanation about what they are and offers them the opportunity to go with him and learn how to control their hunger and turn it into power. I'm not sold that they can actually trust this guy, but after everything they have been through I really want them to be able to find some answers. Oscar started to unravel his parent's secrets and that landed him in a mental institution.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading books two and three to see where our characters end up, what they find out about their curse and where the friendships and relationship end up. Can they really completely control their hunger and live normal lives? How many others are out there like them? Does the group that Ivy is mixed up with continue to hunt them?
I really liked this book. You know, I read a blog post somewhere the other day about adults who struggle with their "addiction" to young adult novels. I believe that I should possibly seek out one of these support groups because it's certainly one of my guilty pleasures. I kept hearing this voice inside my head saying "You shouldn't be enjoying this... you are old!". But like I do so many other times, I ignored that little voice and kept on reading :)
Van and Zander suffer from a family curse; a hunger to kill people, to inflict pain and suffering. Controlling their hunger is not easy; they've each found outlets that allow them to keep the hunger at bay, but sometimes that's just not enough. When Ivy arrives at their school, they both have the urge to kill her. Van tries to keep her distance and tries her best to keep Zander away as well, but he thinks he is in love with her and is torn between lust and the urge to kill her. His unwillingness to keep away from Ivy could mean the downfall of his entire family.
Sometimes the line between the good guys and the bad guys is blurred. Van and Zander try their best to control their hunger. They've both found outlets that allow them to push themselves to the point of physical pain and cause pain to others...just enough for them to get a "fix". Van teaches ballet and hip hop and pushes her students to their limits; she can feed off the pain of their muscles enough to control her hunger. Zander plays football and relishes in the pain he causes on the field. But they both control how much pain they inflict. Van tries to live as normal a life as she can, while Zander has pushed everyone away. There is another sibling, Oscar, and he's hinted at quite a bit at the beginning of the story, but we don't get to meet him until almost halfway through. His story is interesting and a bit of a surprise. Ketchup is probably my favorite supporting character, and it might be because I think that's one of the coolest nicknames ever; but he's truly an amazing friend who stands by Van no matter what she throws at him. In the beginning we are told that her friends are her friends because she has saved their lives at some point. But we aren't ever given that backstory. Perhaps it's something that will be explored more in book two or three. But it seems to me that Ketchup is there for the long haul and not because he is bound to be her friend. Noah... the jury is still out on him. I'm not sure that Van should trust him. There's just something that is too perfect about him (and his family too... I think they creeped me out a little more than Van wanting to rip someone's throat out).
The theme of this book is unique. We honestly have no idea exactly what causes the hunger... we really don't know anything about it. At the end of the book, as the secrets are starting to unravel, a man shows up at their house. He gives them a small explanation about what they are and offers them the opportunity to go with him and learn how to control their hunger and turn it into power. I'm not sold that they can actually trust this guy, but after everything they have been through I really want them to be able to find some answers. Oscar started to unravel his parent's secrets and that landed him in a mental institution.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading books two and three to see where our characters end up, what they find out about their curse and where the friendships and relationship end up. Can they really completely control their hunger and live normal lives? How many others are out there like them? Does the group that Ivy is mixed up with continue to hunt them?
August 31, 2016
Van, Zander and Oscar are siblings who all suffers from a curse, hunger. They have to fight their hunger all the time and certain people can set it off. When the new girl Ivy starts at their school she sets both Van’s and Zander’s hunger off, which is unheard of for them both to react to the same person. Zander is unable to stay away from Ivy and has to fight his raging hunger around her constantly. Can he control it or will his hunger control him?
Do you ever compare books to others you’ve read? The majority of the time I don’t but I did with Wicked Hunger, I couldn’t stop myself. Twilight was my comparison. New girl starts school, boy is drawn to her, he can hurt her but can’t stop himself from being around her. His family warn him off but he ignores them. Ring a bell? God, it annoyed the living day lights out of me :(
I really wanted to love Wicked Hunger, the synopsis really grabbed my attention but unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be. I did enjoy it I guess but it wasn’t anything special for me. I found myself taking long breaks from reading and when I did pick it back up it took me a while to get back into the story.
I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, not one. Van wasn’t too bad as she stuck by her brother and was determined to save him even if he wasn’t willing to save himself, she didn’t give up on him which I admired. Zander was a selfish ass who really irritated me, I mean he forces Van to choose him over someone she’s loved since kindergarten but is unwilling to do the same for her with someone he’s only just met?
But I did enjoy the ending. And not because it meant I was done, I was shocked when I finished it and wanted to keep reading. I didn’t expect it at all and now I’m dying to know what they’re going to do. Will it help or make it worse? Is he really there to help or has he got an ulterior motive? Argghhhh……I hate a book leaving me with questions. Whether or not I’ll read the next book to get answers who knows, we shall see.
**A copy was proved for review purposes**
Original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
Do you ever compare books to others you’ve read? The majority of the time I don’t but I did with Wicked Hunger, I couldn’t stop myself. Twilight was my comparison. New girl starts school, boy is drawn to her, he can hurt her but can’t stop himself from being around her. His family warn him off but he ignores them. Ring a bell? God, it annoyed the living day lights out of me :(
I really wanted to love Wicked Hunger, the synopsis really grabbed my attention but unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be. I did enjoy it I guess but it wasn’t anything special for me. I found myself taking long breaks from reading and when I did pick it back up it took me a while to get back into the story.
I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, not one. Van wasn’t too bad as she stuck by her brother and was determined to save him even if he wasn’t willing to save himself, she didn’t give up on him which I admired. Zander was a selfish ass who really irritated me, I mean he forces Van to choose him over someone she’s loved since kindergarten but is unwilling to do the same for her with someone he’s only just met?
But I did enjoy the ending. And not because it meant I was done, I was shocked when I finished it and wanted to keep reading. I didn’t expect it at all and now I’m dying to know what they’re going to do. Will it help or make it worse? Is he really there to help or has he got an ulterior motive? Argghhhh……I hate a book leaving me with questions. Whether or not I’ll read the next book to get answers who knows, we shall see.
**A copy was proved for review purposes**
Original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
July 30, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read Wicked Hunger, but I didn't realize how addicting it would be, when I started reading it at 10pm last night. Instantly, I was sucked in to this very original, thrilling, and exceptionally written novel. I tried going to sleep a few times unsuccessfully, as I couldn't get Vanessa and Zander out of my head. I had to know what was going to happened next. Finally, I forced myself to go to bed at 2am and finished Wicked Hunger within about the first hour I had woken up. The pace of Wicked Hunger is like Zander's hunting style; it is well thought out, intense, and the pay off is amazing, in which you cannot focus on anything else than the book in your hands. I've developed my own "hunger" for this series and I cannot wait to read the next book. If you want something to read that is suspenseful, incredibly interesting, has some great romance, includes great dialogue, and also has good grammar and sentence structure, this is the book for you! :)
I was excited to read Wicked Hunger, but I didn't realize how addicting it would be, when I started reading it at 10pm last night. Instantly, I was sucked in to this very original, thrilling, and exceptionally written novel. I tried going to sleep a few times unsuccessfully, as I couldn't get Vanessa and Zander out of my head. I had to know what was going to happened next. Finally, I forced myself to go to bed at 2am and finished Wicked Hunger within about the first hour I had woken up. The pace of Wicked Hunger is like Zander's hunting style; it is well thought out, intense, and the pay off is amazing, in which you cannot focus on anything else than the book in your hands. I've developed my own "hunger" for this series and I cannot wait to read the next book. If you want something to read that is suspenseful, incredibly interesting, has some great romance, includes great dialogue, and also has good grammar and sentence structure, this is the book for you! :)
July 22, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When this book went on tour, I jumped at the chance to review it simply because the synopsis sounds so intriguing. It's unusual, to say the least and I'm always on the lookout for something different. Wicked Hunger does not disappoint, not one bit. There are few books out there I label as 'favorites' and this is definitely one of them.
Wicked Hunger is written in first person point of view combined with present tense which creates an urgency that fits well with the plot. Every few chapters alternate between Vanessa's and Zander's point of view. It's interesting to experience the story from inside the minds of both characters since they handle their 'secret' differently.
Vanessa tries so hard to live a normal life which is virtually impossible with her constant hunger. I felt an immediate connection with the fifteen year old girl. She keeps mostly to herself other than a small group of loyal friends. In order to help with her hunger, she teaches dance classes since the physical activity helps curb desires.
Vanessa is presented with two potential love interests, Ketchup and Noah. Ketchup (I know, what a nickname!) has been her friend since kindergarten and has made his desire for more quite apparent. Noah appears in her English class and is assigned a project with her. They develop a friendship and Noah expresses his desire for a relationship.
Zander is a darker character, very stoic externally and a rather embroiled mess internally. He pulverizes people on the football field in an attempt to control his hunger. I enjoyed the chapters from Vanessa's point of view a bit more than Zander's. He is so dark inside, his mental pain could be exhausting.
Ivy Guerra, a cousin to a friend of Vanessa, shows up to school several weeks into the semester. Zander and Vanessa are both drawn to her by their hunger, something that would normally keep them as far away as possible. But Ivy makes that impossible when she tries to befriend Vanessa and seems attracted to Zander. Vanessa suspects Ivy of sinister motives from the beginning, but Zander's attraction to Ivy is too strong and he's unwilling to stay away.
Wicked Hunger is a combination of an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a thriller making for a very exciting read. The pacing is well done, drawing the reader further into the mystery with every page. The mystery slowly unfolds as more clues are revealed and we learn more about Vanessa and Zander.
I have to warn you, this is the first book of a series. The ending, while satisfying, will leave you begging for the next book. Some questions are answered but that always leads to more that arise from the answers. Overall, I highly recommend Wicked Hunger. The fast pace will draw you in, the mystery will keep you guessing, and the characters will leave you wanting more.
When this book went on tour, I jumped at the chance to review it simply because the synopsis sounds so intriguing. It's unusual, to say the least and I'm always on the lookout for something different. Wicked Hunger does not disappoint, not one bit. There are few books out there I label as 'favorites' and this is definitely one of them.
Wicked Hunger is written in first person point of view combined with present tense which creates an urgency that fits well with the plot. Every few chapters alternate between Vanessa's and Zander's point of view. It's interesting to experience the story from inside the minds of both characters since they handle their 'secret' differently.
Vanessa tries so hard to live a normal life which is virtually impossible with her constant hunger. I felt an immediate connection with the fifteen year old girl. She keeps mostly to herself other than a small group of loyal friends. In order to help with her hunger, she teaches dance classes since the physical activity helps curb desires.
Vanessa is presented with two potential love interests, Ketchup and Noah. Ketchup (I know, what a nickname!) has been her friend since kindergarten and has made his desire for more quite apparent. Noah appears in her English class and is assigned a project with her. They develop a friendship and Noah expresses his desire for a relationship.
Zander is a darker character, very stoic externally and a rather embroiled mess internally. He pulverizes people on the football field in an attempt to control his hunger. I enjoyed the chapters from Vanessa's point of view a bit more than Zander's. He is so dark inside, his mental pain could be exhausting.
Ivy Guerra, a cousin to a friend of Vanessa, shows up to school several weeks into the semester. Zander and Vanessa are both drawn to her by their hunger, something that would normally keep them as far away as possible. But Ivy makes that impossible when she tries to befriend Vanessa and seems attracted to Zander. Vanessa suspects Ivy of sinister motives from the beginning, but Zander's attraction to Ivy is too strong and he's unwilling to stay away.
Wicked Hunger is a combination of an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a thriller making for a very exciting read. The pacing is well done, drawing the reader further into the mystery with every page. The mystery slowly unfolds as more clues are revealed and we learn more about Vanessa and Zander.
I have to warn you, this is the first book of a series. The ending, while satisfying, will leave you begging for the next book. Some questions are answered but that always leads to more that arise from the answers. Overall, I highly recommend Wicked Hunger. The fast pace will draw you in, the mystery will keep you guessing, and the characters will leave you wanting more.
May 5, 2014
Riveting and Original - couldn't put it down. I gave it five stars.
Sister and brother, Vanessa and Zander Roth know only too well that self-control is important to the life they live and the lives of others around them because they were born with a wicked hunger; an uncontrollable hunger—the pain of others.
Imagine being a teen in high school where tempers are sure to flair, fights are certain to break out and contact sports are part of the daily curriculum. Any one of these issues can send either or both Roth teens into a frenzy of overwhelming, overpowering need to intensify, and feed on, the pain in others, real pain, the kind that usually ends in bloodshed.
While Zander uses the forceful contact sport, football to temper his hunger, Vanessa wears herself out with a grueling dedication to dance, and things seem to be manageable...until a new girl arrives at school. Ivy.
As Zander sees it, Ivy is all cute and sexy, and full of mysteries he wishes to delve into. The way Vanessa sees it, Ivy is all pushy, nosey, and full of secrets that will be the death of him.
While Ivy captures Zander's every waking thought with ravenous desire, the girl stirs Vanessa's anger, stimulates her hunger, and forces her to dig deeper into Ivy's motives.
What Zander and Vanessa both discover could change their lives forever.
Delsheree Gladden's first book in her new YA series Someone Wicked This Way Comes is a riveting story of uncontrollable bloodlust that turns dealing with family, friendships, trust, devotion and love into a WICKED HUNGER
~~~Susan Stec, author of The Grateful Undead series
Sister and brother, Vanessa and Zander Roth know only too well that self-control is important to the life they live and the lives of others around them because they were born with a wicked hunger; an uncontrollable hunger—the pain of others.
Imagine being a teen in high school where tempers are sure to flair, fights are certain to break out and contact sports are part of the daily curriculum. Any one of these issues can send either or both Roth teens into a frenzy of overwhelming, overpowering need to intensify, and feed on, the pain in others, real pain, the kind that usually ends in bloodshed.
While Zander uses the forceful contact sport, football to temper his hunger, Vanessa wears herself out with a grueling dedication to dance, and things seem to be manageable...until a new girl arrives at school. Ivy.
As Zander sees it, Ivy is all cute and sexy, and full of mysteries he wishes to delve into. The way Vanessa sees it, Ivy is all pushy, nosey, and full of secrets that will be the death of him.
While Ivy captures Zander's every waking thought with ravenous desire, the girl stirs Vanessa's anger, stimulates her hunger, and forces her to dig deeper into Ivy's motives.
What Zander and Vanessa both discover could change their lives forever.
Delsheree Gladden's first book in her new YA series Someone Wicked This Way Comes is a riveting story of uncontrollable bloodlust that turns dealing with family, friendships, trust, devotion and love into a WICKED HUNGER
~~~Susan Stec, author of The Grateful Undead series
Read
August 11, 2017This was an excellent young adult novel. A clean read that in spite of it appropriateness for the age group keeps you at the edge of your seat and scares the pants out of you. With Van and Zander, the author captures the struggles of growing up, except with the added complication of the protagonists’ “hunger.” The siblings have secrets, a darkness within them that makes them hurt and want to kill people. They both struggle to be normal. Feisty Van teaches dance, while Zander takes his aggression on the playing field as a star athlete. But they don’t always manage to make the best decisions, not when they’re struggling against the hunger.
I enjoyed the alternating POV and, although many authors can’t pull it off, Gladden does. I particularly enjoyed Zander. Many will probably find Van easier to relate to and likable, since she tries to live a more normal life, surrounding herself with friends, even with the added love interest and love triangle going on. To me, Zander is more complicated, though. I’m a sucker for characters like that. His inner turmoil isn’t pretty. It takes more talent to get this type of characters to work, and I feel it works wonderfully here.
The writing is excellent, full of vivid descriptions that make you feel the pain Van and Zander are feeling. The characters well-developed, not card-board figures. They’re not black and white, all good or bad, which makes them feel extremely real and provides extreme depth to their motives and action.
I highly recommend giving Gladden a try. You won’t be disappointed.
I enjoyed the alternating POV and, although many authors can’t pull it off, Gladden does. I particularly enjoyed Zander. Many will probably find Van easier to relate to and likable, since she tries to live a more normal life, surrounding herself with friends, even with the added love interest and love triangle going on. To me, Zander is more complicated, though. I’m a sucker for characters like that. His inner turmoil isn’t pretty. It takes more talent to get this type of characters to work, and I feel it works wonderfully here.
The writing is excellent, full of vivid descriptions that make you feel the pain Van and Zander are feeling. The characters well-developed, not card-board figures. They’re not black and white, all good or bad, which makes them feel extremely real and provides extreme depth to their motives and action.
I highly recommend giving Gladden a try. You won’t be disappointed.
March 13, 2014
WOW!!! Give me a book where danger, death and romance are so intertwined and you will hook me every time. Without giving away any spoilers although there are some plotlines that I was albe to figure out early on overall this book does NOT go where you expect it to and the ride is just fantastic. I read this cover to cover in one sitting because I had to see what was going to happen. Definitely one of the darker YA books that I have read but maybe that was why it worked so well for me. The characters are vibrant and well described and you feel that you are suffering with them but it feels really good.
As a debut offering this book knocks it out the park and I cannot wait to see where to story goes in book 2. V""V
As a debut offering this book knocks it out the park and I cannot wait to see where to story goes in book 2. V""V
March 18, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This is a hard book to define (in a good way). I shelved it for now as urban fantasy but dark fantasy is a better description I think. While it is YA I'd describe it as mature YA that all ages will enjoy and it is a dark story with paranormal elements.
Vanessa and Zander suffer from the family curse-a deep rooted uncontrollable hunger that makes them want to kill people. Trying to find outlets for the building hunger to be safely released is the one thing that gives them the fragile control they need to stop them killing their friends at school, and trying to have some kind of normal life. Some people have a bigger effect on the siblings than others and keeping control is never easy. Zander is haunted by the loss of control he had when he was younger, which led to him killing his girlfriend, and then trying to kill Ketchup, while older brother Oscar is in a mental ward for murdering their parents. But the hunger gets out of control when Ivy comes to their school. Vanessa has the constant urge to kill her and tells Zander to keep away from her, but Zander is torn as part of him wants to kill Ivy and the other part wants to love and protect her-urges that could spell terrible danger for his entire family.
I love the story of the hunger. It is like a beast inside each member of the family that has to be kept under control and the siblings battle daily to stop themselves from hurting people. They want to be normal teenagers but their situation means that they are older than their years and they are trying to hide the secrets from everyone they have contact with. It is a great concept for a story and as I read it I kept wondering if there was something that could be done to help the characters as I got so sucked into their story. I guess we will find out over the course of the four books in the series! This is not the all action plot that I am used to but the talent of this author is that she writes such intriguing and interesting characters that you are swept along by them and their story, so a slower plot doesn't matter as much.
I really liked Vanessa. She is feisty and doing the best that she can to make a normal life despite the hunger that blights her life. She does not want to hurt people and has in fact saved the life of all the people who are now her friends and she is very protective of them. All Vanessa wants is to have Ketchup as a boyfriend, have her friends and school, and live a normal and boring life like her friends-none of which she feels she can have in reality. Having Ketchup as only a friend upsets her but Zander won't allow anything more so their relationship is a sort of sweet friendship instead of a romance. I really feel her pain that she is constantly on edge and waiting for disaster to hit them again, knowing that Ivy is going to destroy everything.
Zander is interesting because of his temper and dreadful decision making. He carries the guilt over his hunger killing his girlfriend and the lack of control that Ketchup sets off in him means that his sister has to avoid a romantic relationship with the boy she loves. It infuriates me as a reader that he is stopping his sister from being happy but is prepared to risk everything to hang out with Ivy and test himself, which could end in disaster. You are yelling at him to stop being so stupid and stay away from Ivy but of course he doesn't listen and she becomes his complete obsession. The fact that she continues to hang around him when he treats her so badly had me agreeing with Vanessa that Ivy seems to be trying to get Zander to lose control and hurt her. Oh do I hate Ivy! Again it is more of a dangerous obsession that Zander has as opposed to any real romance going on.
Oscar was an interesting surprise and finding out his story was fascinating. All we really know is that he lost control one night and murdered his parents but we don't know much more at this stage. I think uncovering that story as the series progresses will be great! And poor Ketchup! I felt so sorry for him and Vanessa not being able to be together because of Zander. Ketchup is the nicest guy ever and he is determined to wait for Vanessa as long as it takes, and he will do anything for her. I'm not a romance fan generally but I really did want them to be able to be together and it was sad that it couldn't happen. It made me love both characters so much. The other character to feature heavily in the book is Noah, a new addition to Vanessa's circle. He is interested in her and she feels that somehow she she needs him as a friend, or her hunger does in some way. Don't worry, it isn't a love triangle!
The theme of the book is clever. You know how the hunger works but we have yet to see the full back story of it which I assume comes in later books. I hope we get more flashbacks to the past problems that the family had because I enjoyed the ones that were there about Oscar and Lisa. How Vanessa and Zander learn to cope with it should be really interesting and the way this book ends opens up whole new possibilities and certainly make me want to read it.
What I like about this book is that it doesn't have the YA cliches that have so much put me off this genre recently. Noah and Ketchup both want Vanessa but it is not a love triangle. Yes Vanessa feels a connection to Noah that she can't explain which I think is connected to her hunger but we know her heart is with Ketchup and she only wants Noah as a friend. So the complex interactions between the three of them did not annoy me in any way. I found it quite interesting. The connection between Zander and Ivy is not instaluv or a physical relationship-it is a form of dark obsession that Zander seems addicted to. It made their interactions facinating, especially with Vanessa wanting to kill her! There are cpmplex emotional bonds between the characters but it is not a romance novel.
I don't have any negatives to put forward. The author has taken the time to eliminate the errors that are common in the book. I think I saw one tiny spelling mistake which is better than most Indie books I read. She uses uncomplicated language with the right mixture of description and character interaction. The characters are beautifully developed so that you care about them and get right into the story as it unfolds. Ms Gladden is a very smart storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
This is a hard book to define (in a good way). I shelved it for now as urban fantasy but dark fantasy is a better description I think. While it is YA I'd describe it as mature YA that all ages will enjoy and it is a dark story with paranormal elements.
Vanessa and Zander suffer from the family curse-a deep rooted uncontrollable hunger that makes them want to kill people. Trying to find outlets for the building hunger to be safely released is the one thing that gives them the fragile control they need to stop them killing their friends at school, and trying to have some kind of normal life. Some people have a bigger effect on the siblings than others and keeping control is never easy. Zander is haunted by the loss of control he had when he was younger, which led to him killing his girlfriend, and then trying to kill Ketchup, while older brother Oscar is in a mental ward for murdering their parents. But the hunger gets out of control when Ivy comes to their school. Vanessa has the constant urge to kill her and tells Zander to keep away from her, but Zander is torn as part of him wants to kill Ivy and the other part wants to love and protect her-urges that could spell terrible danger for his entire family.
I love the story of the hunger. It is like a beast inside each member of the family that has to be kept under control and the siblings battle daily to stop themselves from hurting people. They want to be normal teenagers but their situation means that they are older than their years and they are trying to hide the secrets from everyone they have contact with. It is a great concept for a story and as I read it I kept wondering if there was something that could be done to help the characters as I got so sucked into their story. I guess we will find out over the course of the four books in the series! This is not the all action plot that I am used to but the talent of this author is that she writes such intriguing and interesting characters that you are swept along by them and their story, so a slower plot doesn't matter as much.
I really liked Vanessa. She is feisty and doing the best that she can to make a normal life despite the hunger that blights her life. She does not want to hurt people and has in fact saved the life of all the people who are now her friends and she is very protective of them. All Vanessa wants is to have Ketchup as a boyfriend, have her friends and school, and live a normal and boring life like her friends-none of which she feels she can have in reality. Having Ketchup as only a friend upsets her but Zander won't allow anything more so their relationship is a sort of sweet friendship instead of a romance. I really feel her pain that she is constantly on edge and waiting for disaster to hit them again, knowing that Ivy is going to destroy everything.
Zander is interesting because of his temper and dreadful decision making. He carries the guilt over his hunger killing his girlfriend and the lack of control that Ketchup sets off in him means that his sister has to avoid a romantic relationship with the boy she loves. It infuriates me as a reader that he is stopping his sister from being happy but is prepared to risk everything to hang out with Ivy and test himself, which could end in disaster. You are yelling at him to stop being so stupid and stay away from Ivy but of course he doesn't listen and she becomes his complete obsession. The fact that she continues to hang around him when he treats her so badly had me agreeing with Vanessa that Ivy seems to be trying to get Zander to lose control and hurt her. Oh do I hate Ivy! Again it is more of a dangerous obsession that Zander has as opposed to any real romance going on.
Oscar was an interesting surprise and finding out his story was fascinating. All we really know is that he lost control one night and murdered his parents but we don't know much more at this stage. I think uncovering that story as the series progresses will be great! And poor Ketchup! I felt so sorry for him and Vanessa not being able to be together because of Zander. Ketchup is the nicest guy ever and he is determined to wait for Vanessa as long as it takes, and he will do anything for her. I'm not a romance fan generally but I really did want them to be able to be together and it was sad that it couldn't happen. It made me love both characters so much. The other character to feature heavily in the book is Noah, a new addition to Vanessa's circle. He is interested in her and she feels that somehow she she needs him as a friend, or her hunger does in some way. Don't worry, it isn't a love triangle!
The theme of the book is clever. You know how the hunger works but we have yet to see the full back story of it which I assume comes in later books. I hope we get more flashbacks to the past problems that the family had because I enjoyed the ones that were there about Oscar and Lisa. How Vanessa and Zander learn to cope with it should be really interesting and the way this book ends opens up whole new possibilities and certainly make me want to read it.
What I like about this book is that it doesn't have the YA cliches that have so much put me off this genre recently. Noah and Ketchup both want Vanessa but it is not a love triangle. Yes Vanessa feels a connection to Noah that she can't explain which I think is connected to her hunger but we know her heart is with Ketchup and she only wants Noah as a friend. So the complex interactions between the three of them did not annoy me in any way. I found it quite interesting. The connection between Zander and Ivy is not instaluv or a physical relationship-it is a form of dark obsession that Zander seems addicted to. It made their interactions facinating, especially with Vanessa wanting to kill her! There are cpmplex emotional bonds between the characters but it is not a romance novel.
I don't have any negatives to put forward. The author has taken the time to eliminate the errors that are common in the book. I think I saw one tiny spelling mistake which is better than most Indie books I read. She uses uncomplicated language with the right mixture of description and character interaction. The characters are beautifully developed so that you care about them and get right into the story as it unfolds. Ms Gladden is a very smart storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
August 19, 2013
Brother and sister Zander and Van have a secret. A BIG secret. They protect their secret and each other at all costs, until the new girl in town, Ivy, threatens to expose them both.
When I was reading Wicked Hunger, I had an eerily similar feeling as I did reading The Hunger Games. The two stories aren't alike, plot or character-wise, but they both have a darkness that one doesn't usually associate with YA. As I was reading Wicked Hunger, I kept thinking, I shouldn't be enjoying this, I shouldn't be enjoying this. Exactly the same reaction I had to The Hunger Games. With HG, I shouldn't have enjoyed it because it was about children killing children. With WH, I shouldn't have enjoyed it because it was about Zander and Van struggling with their hunger to cause others intense physical (and sometimes, emotional) pain.
Sometimes it's the books we shouldn't enjoy that we enjoy the most.
Zander and Van can't explain WHY they have this hunger for pain, only that it has been passed down through their family. They think they are alone in the world and can't explain their struggles with anyone, for their own safety as well as the safety of everyone around them. They both do their best to control the hunger, Zander by channeling it into football, and Van by gathering a group of close friends around her and teaching dance classes; but controlling the hunger is the hardest thing Zander has ever done when he meets Ivy. She fuels his hunger unlike any other person he's ever met. Plus, he is immediately attracted to her, so that really doesn't help! Van feels her hunger for Ivy, too, but luckily, her judgement isn't clouded by teenage-boy-hormones.
When Van discovers what Ivy has planned to "out" their secret, she races to save Zander, Ivy, and herself.
Character Development: **** 3.5 out of 5 stars. Zander and Van are well-thought out and portrayed. I like that they have distinct personalities, but you also REALLY believe them as brother and sister. Ivy is complicated - the reader can never figure out what's going on with her, but Gladden does a great job showing how untrustworthy she is. But my favorite character is probably Oscar. He is Zander and Van's older brother who has literally been driven insane by his hunger. Although he only featured in 2 scenes, I could tell Gladden had his character down pat. His moments of crazy were beautifully interspersed with moments of lucidity and I'm really hoping for more of him as the series progresses.
I had to take stars off for some of the minor characters, though. Van's group of friends is made out to be very important to her controlling her hunger, but the only one who gets any major "screen" time is Ketchup (fun name!). And even Ketchup's character is very minimally drawn. We don't get to see what it is about him that Van loves so much. I really wish there had been more scenes showing us their history together, because it is clearly important to Van. Then there's Noah, a new kid in Van's life, who seems to only be introduced as a distraction immediately forgotten. Van and Zander's grandmother is their care-giver, but only appears in a few short scenes. We are told how strict she is, but it's never shown. A definite missed opportunity that I'm hoping will be corrected in book 2.
Plot: **** 4 out of 5 stars. There actually is not a lot of action to this book. What drives the story is Zander and Van's inner turmoil as they deal with the hunger. That being said, it is obvious that Gladden has put a lot of thought into her world. There are many of questions left unanswered at the end of the book, plenty to fill books 2 and 3!
Writing Style/ Voice of the Author: **** 4 out of 5 stars. Gladden does something unique, and it really works well for this story. She combines present tense and past tense. It gives the story an immediacy that intensifies the emotions of the characters. She also does a fantastic job of moving seamlessly between Van and Zander's points of view. I never once got confused as to which character's head I was in. I took one star off because I found it difficult to jump into the story. Gladden held back at the beginning a lot of the backstory, but then teased the reader with it continuously. I don't mind teasers when they are subtle, but these were not subtle! I understand the purpose - build up the mystery and the tension and then reveal bombshells throughout the book - it's just not my favorite way to do it. I know some readers who would absolutely disagree with me, though!
Favorite Lines:
"Bruises can tell stories better than most people."
"The pain burns up my arms and into my chest, but I can't escape the animalistic thrill of destruction."
"Instead, the colors look to be slowly blending together, a potter's clay not yet molded into what it is meant to become."
When I was reading Wicked Hunger, I had an eerily similar feeling as I did reading The Hunger Games. The two stories aren't alike, plot or character-wise, but they both have a darkness that one doesn't usually associate with YA. As I was reading Wicked Hunger, I kept thinking, I shouldn't be enjoying this, I shouldn't be enjoying this. Exactly the same reaction I had to The Hunger Games. With HG, I shouldn't have enjoyed it because it was about children killing children. With WH, I shouldn't have enjoyed it because it was about Zander and Van struggling with their hunger to cause others intense physical (and sometimes, emotional) pain.
Sometimes it's the books we shouldn't enjoy that we enjoy the most.
Zander and Van can't explain WHY they have this hunger for pain, only that it has been passed down through their family. They think they are alone in the world and can't explain their struggles with anyone, for their own safety as well as the safety of everyone around them. They both do their best to control the hunger, Zander by channeling it into football, and Van by gathering a group of close friends around her and teaching dance classes; but controlling the hunger is the hardest thing Zander has ever done when he meets Ivy. She fuels his hunger unlike any other person he's ever met. Plus, he is immediately attracted to her, so that really doesn't help! Van feels her hunger for Ivy, too, but luckily, her judgement isn't clouded by teenage-boy-hormones.
When Van discovers what Ivy has planned to "out" their secret, she races to save Zander, Ivy, and herself.
Character Development: **** 3.5 out of 5 stars. Zander and Van are well-thought out and portrayed. I like that they have distinct personalities, but you also REALLY believe them as brother and sister. Ivy is complicated - the reader can never figure out what's going on with her, but Gladden does a great job showing how untrustworthy she is. But my favorite character is probably Oscar. He is Zander and Van's older brother who has literally been driven insane by his hunger. Although he only featured in 2 scenes, I could tell Gladden had his character down pat. His moments of crazy were beautifully interspersed with moments of lucidity and I'm really hoping for more of him as the series progresses.
I had to take stars off for some of the minor characters, though. Van's group of friends is made out to be very important to her controlling her hunger, but the only one who gets any major "screen" time is Ketchup (fun name!). And even Ketchup's character is very minimally drawn. We don't get to see what it is about him that Van loves so much. I really wish there had been more scenes showing us their history together, because it is clearly important to Van. Then there's Noah, a new kid in Van's life, who seems to only be introduced as a distraction immediately forgotten. Van and Zander's grandmother is their care-giver, but only appears in a few short scenes. We are told how strict she is, but it's never shown. A definite missed opportunity that I'm hoping will be corrected in book 2.
Plot: **** 4 out of 5 stars. There actually is not a lot of action to this book. What drives the story is Zander and Van's inner turmoil as they deal with the hunger. That being said, it is obvious that Gladden has put a lot of thought into her world. There are many of questions left unanswered at the end of the book, plenty to fill books 2 and 3!
Writing Style/ Voice of the Author: **** 4 out of 5 stars. Gladden does something unique, and it really works well for this story. She combines present tense and past tense. It gives the story an immediacy that intensifies the emotions of the characters. She also does a fantastic job of moving seamlessly between Van and Zander's points of view. I never once got confused as to which character's head I was in. I took one star off because I found it difficult to jump into the story. Gladden held back at the beginning a lot of the backstory, but then teased the reader with it continuously. I don't mind teasers when they are subtle, but these were not subtle! I understand the purpose - build up the mystery and the tension and then reveal bombshells throughout the book - it's just not my favorite way to do it. I know some readers who would absolutely disagree with me, though!
Favorite Lines:
"Bruises can tell stories better than most people."
"The pain burns up my arms and into my chest, but I can't escape the animalistic thrill of destruction."
"Instead, the colors look to be slowly blending together, a potter's clay not yet molded into what it is meant to become."
August 10, 2013
Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious.
Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories.
One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.
I received this book for review as part of a blog tour and I must admit I immediately thought of 'The Hunger Games' as I looked at the book cover but I couldn't have been more wrong!
Vanessa (or Van as she prefers) and her brother Zander are strong characters and I loved that although they both have an uncontrollable struggle to maintain their thirst for pain and suffering, Gladden allowed the characters a release from their gloomy instincts as their urges seem to decrease when they are able to work out their aggressive tendencies by doing physical activities (Van is a dance teacher in the evening, whilst Zander is the school's athletic star).
I liked the fact that this book is written in the first person's point of view (every few chapters alternated from Vanessa to Zander) as it added to the intensity of the storyline and aided the urgency of the plot.
The contrast between the characters personality and inner turmoil made this story easier to read as it gave the reader two perspectives to see the main problem from.
Vanessa is a typical 15 year old. Due to her secret, she tries to keep herself to herself. She has a small group of friends but concentrates on curbing her urges with her evening dance class.
Zander is the darker, more concerned with taking out his urges on other players on the field than trying to control his inner thirst.
I enjoyed Vanessa character more as she seemed the more stable out of the pair and reading Zander's inner turmoil did get tiring at some points.
The sub characters are written in well as they help us to understand just how hard it is for Vanessa and Zander to control their hunger (even when feelings are involved), which helps unveil more clues to this dangerous pair.
I found the pace of this novel ideal for the storyline as I was always left wanting more, however, I did feel that even this is a YA novel, some parts of the story are a little scary and I would definitely say that it is not for the under 13s (in my opinion).
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves a little mystery with their Urban Fantasy!
I give it 4 wings out of 5 as I did enjoy it but maybe not for the younger YA fan!
Eva
Disclaimer: This book was given to Fiery Fantasy Book Reviews Site as a review copy and was provided to us in exchange for a fair and honest review. There was no monetary exchange for this review. The free book held no determination on our personal review.
For more YA, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Supernatural and Science Fiction reviews (and FREE ebooks), go to: Fiery Fantasy Book Reviews Site
Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories.
One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.
I received this book for review as part of a blog tour and I must admit I immediately thought of 'The Hunger Games' as I looked at the book cover but I couldn't have been more wrong!
Vanessa (or Van as she prefers) and her brother Zander are strong characters and I loved that although they both have an uncontrollable struggle to maintain their thirst for pain and suffering, Gladden allowed the characters a release from their gloomy instincts as their urges seem to decrease when they are able to work out their aggressive tendencies by doing physical activities (Van is a dance teacher in the evening, whilst Zander is the school's athletic star).
I liked the fact that this book is written in the first person's point of view (every few chapters alternated from Vanessa to Zander) as it added to the intensity of the storyline and aided the urgency of the plot.
The contrast between the characters personality and inner turmoil made this story easier to read as it gave the reader two perspectives to see the main problem from.
Vanessa is a typical 15 year old. Due to her secret, she tries to keep herself to herself. She has a small group of friends but concentrates on curbing her urges with her evening dance class.
Zander is the darker, more concerned with taking out his urges on other players on the field than trying to control his inner thirst.
I enjoyed Vanessa character more as she seemed the more stable out of the pair and reading Zander's inner turmoil did get tiring at some points.
The sub characters are written in well as they help us to understand just how hard it is for Vanessa and Zander to control their hunger (even when feelings are involved), which helps unveil more clues to this dangerous pair.
I found the pace of this novel ideal for the storyline as I was always left wanting more, however, I did feel that even this is a YA novel, some parts of the story are a little scary and I would definitely say that it is not for the under 13s (in my opinion).
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves a little mystery with their Urban Fantasy!
I give it 4 wings out of 5 as I did enjoy it but maybe not for the younger YA fan!
Eva
Disclaimer: This book was given to Fiery Fantasy Book Reviews Site as a review copy and was provided to us in exchange for a fair and honest review. There was no monetary exchange for this review. The free book held no determination on our personal review.
For more YA, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Supernatural and Science Fiction reviews (and FREE ebooks), go to: Fiery Fantasy Book Reviews Site
December 28, 2013
Wicked Hunger, by Delsheree Gladden, centres around Zander and Vanessa Roth, a brother and sister duo, both of whom are plagued with an uncontrollable hunger that threatens their everyday existence… not to mention puts the lives of those closest to them at risk. This story chronicles how they deal with that hunger and how the arrival of one individual might just jeopardize what little control they do have over this genetic predisposition.
One of the two main characters, Zander, the elder brother who assumes a protector role towards his sister and he’s a jock who plays football. That’s about where the predictability stops for him. I enjoy that we get to experience his struggles with his infliction and his point of view. I also like that his sections help reveal a bit more of the mystery, in pieces, and often tidbits of information that Van’s sections do not. Additionally, his chapters were written in such a way that I really felt sorry for the guy. He tries so hard to control himself but finds it harder and harder to resist temptation. While he does have his creepy moments (omitted to prevent spoiling things), ultimately, I really liked him. I liked that while he has the same curse as his sister, how he deals with it is so different. I liked seeing the two options for dealing with the same issue.
The second protagonist, Van, is an almost 16 year old dancer who struggles with her hunger. I like that unlike her brother she does not strive to isolate herself for the others benefit. She has a great group of friends that she surrounds herself with, all of whom she's saved their lives. There is also a bit of a love triangle with Van, Noah and Ketchup, the latter being the one who I’m rooting for. (I love the character of Ketchup!) I also loved that her passion for dance was one thing that helped keep her hunger at bay. I hadn’t really considered it being constructive in that way until I’d read this. I love her passion and the fact that she really and truly cares for her brother Zander. She’s incredibly self-sacrificing as well.
Finally, there were some things that I love about the book overall. One such thing was that I like how the letter in the drawing at the beginning of the chapter indicates whose point of view it will be. That is, in addition to the ballet shoes for Van and football helmet for Zander. I also liked how bit by bit more and more pieces to the curse puzzle were revealed as the novel progressed. That being said, I can’t wait to learn more about it. I still have many questions that I hope will be answered in a sequel, which judging by the way this novel ended, there will be many more tidbits coming. Finally, I liked how the way in which the story is told really makes us feel for Van and Zander instead of making us want to go all crazy villagers with fire and pick-axes on them. I feel for them. I wouldn’t want this affliction any more than they seem to.
I look forward to seeing where Gladden is taking this story. I haven’t quite read anything like this before. I’ve read about vampires and werewolves and shapeshifters, but these siblings don’t fit into any of those neat little cubby holes. I love that! That being said, hopefully we don’t have to wait too long for part two as I’m already anxiously awaiting its arrival. This book is definitely going to be recommended to as many people as possible!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of the two main characters, Zander, the elder brother who assumes a protector role towards his sister and he’s a jock who plays football. That’s about where the predictability stops for him. I enjoy that we get to experience his struggles with his infliction and his point of view. I also like that his sections help reveal a bit more of the mystery, in pieces, and often tidbits of information that Van’s sections do not. Additionally, his chapters were written in such a way that I really felt sorry for the guy. He tries so hard to control himself but finds it harder and harder to resist temptation. While he does have his creepy moments (omitted to prevent spoiling things), ultimately, I really liked him. I liked that while he has the same curse as his sister, how he deals with it is so different. I liked seeing the two options for dealing with the same issue.
The second protagonist, Van, is an almost 16 year old dancer who struggles with her hunger. I like that unlike her brother she does not strive to isolate herself for the others benefit. She has a great group of friends that she surrounds herself with, all of whom she's saved their lives. There is also a bit of a love triangle with Van, Noah and Ketchup, the latter being the one who I’m rooting for. (I love the character of Ketchup!) I also loved that her passion for dance was one thing that helped keep her hunger at bay. I hadn’t really considered it being constructive in that way until I’d read this. I love her passion and the fact that she really and truly cares for her brother Zander. She’s incredibly self-sacrificing as well.
Finally, there were some things that I love about the book overall. One such thing was that I like how the letter in the drawing at the beginning of the chapter indicates whose point of view it will be. That is, in addition to the ballet shoes for Van and football helmet for Zander. I also liked how bit by bit more and more pieces to the curse puzzle were revealed as the novel progressed. That being said, I can’t wait to learn more about it. I still have many questions that I hope will be answered in a sequel, which judging by the way this novel ended, there will be many more tidbits coming. Finally, I liked how the way in which the story is told really makes us feel for Van and Zander instead of making us want to go all crazy villagers with fire and pick-axes on them. I feel for them. I wouldn’t want this affliction any more than they seem to.
I look forward to seeing where Gladden is taking this story. I haven’t quite read anything like this before. I’ve read about vampires and werewolves and shapeshifters, but these siblings don’t fit into any of those neat little cubby holes. I love that! That being said, hopefully we don’t have to wait too long for part two as I’m already anxiously awaiting its arrival. This book is definitely going to be recommended to as many people as possible!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2014
Van and her brother Zander really just want to be normal teenagers. But they can't. They are different then everyone else. They think they have something genetically wrong with them. When they run into certain people they get a hunger in them, a desire to kill whoever it is causing the hunger. They do everything that they can to control their hunger. Van in spite of her hunger to kill has an strong desire to save people. She only has a few friends. These friends all have something in common. At one point in time Van had saved each of their lives. Out of her and her siblings she so far has been the only one to keep her hunger under control. Until Ivy comes to the school that is. Ivy is Van's best friends cousin and she tries to insert herself everywhere with both Van and Zander. Van and Zander both have that hunger to kill Ivy which is odd as they never both have the hunger for the same person. But Van knows that something isn't right with Ivy and that she is up to no good. She just has to probe it.
Zander stays away from girls. He stays away from people in general. He plays football. That is his outlet for his hunger as he can feed off of the pain that he can cause people on the field. Whereas Van uses dance for hers. When Ivy comes around and won't leave him alone he finds that he doesn't want her to. He still has the urge to kill her but at the same time he desires and wants to protect her. Is Ivy who Zander thinks she is or is Van right about her?
My Opinion: This book is Wickedly creative! I have read many types of books, a lot of them paranormal. This book is definitely original. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I can honestly say after this book I am a fan. Original creativity, well written, intriguingly addictive. My only issue with the book was Zander. He was a major hypocrite. He made Van give up Ketchup ( gotta love that nickname ) because he wanted to kill him yet he was not willing to do the same for Van. I can't stand hypocrites. With that said. It's definitely a page turner that you won't want to put down. I highly recommend reading!
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Zander stays away from girls. He stays away from people in general. He plays football. That is his outlet for his hunger as he can feed off of the pain that he can cause people on the field. Whereas Van uses dance for hers. When Ivy comes around and won't leave him alone he finds that he doesn't want her to. He still has the urge to kill her but at the same time he desires and wants to protect her. Is Ivy who Zander thinks she is or is Van right about her?
My Opinion: This book is Wickedly creative! I have read many types of books, a lot of them paranormal. This book is definitely original. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I can honestly say after this book I am a fan. Original creativity, well written, intriguingly addictive. My only issue with the book was Zander. He was a major hypocrite. He made Van give up Ketchup ( gotta love that nickname ) because he wanted to kill him yet he was not willing to do the same for Van. I can't stand hypocrites. With that said. It's definitely a page turner that you won't want to put down. I highly recommend reading!
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
August 5, 2013
It's going to be so difficult not including spoilers in this review, but I will try.
Van and her brother, Zander, are more than mysterious; they are fascinatingly dark characters, constantly battling horrifying thoughts and urges. Not only are they struggling with cravings revolving around pain, they possess superhuman strength.
This doesn't begin to explain the layers of fear and intensity in this novel. Every moment I waited and wondered when the gnawing and "hunger" would erupt. I couldn't stop reading until I found out what, if not human, Van and her brother were. I kept reading, wondering, are they vampires? Werewolves? Extra-terrestrials? For a moment, I wondered, maybe they are human, and they are just plain sick --maybe serial killers?
Wicked Hunger starts in a way, that surprised me. The book is in present tense! It is filled with riveting inner monologue of deeply troubled teenage characters, terrified of what they are capable of.
The book begins with Van, then, we experience Zander, whose portion of the story sent me through a frenzy of emotion. I saw what he saw, believed what he so badly wanted to believe (and I could hardly stand the betrayal he encountered).
The plot thickens yet, again, when the second brother, Oscar and other characters are introduced. The book kept me needing to know more, and even as it has ended, I see the scenes--mild, pleasant moments as well as the graphic thoughts of the characters--in my mind.
Gladden's writing is like an ocean of metaphors, because nearly every paragraph describes, in depth, the pain, the torture, the agony, that "the hunger" is causing Van and her brother, deep in their bones. The author succeeded in creating characters whose thoughts literally haunt and stay with you, long after you put the book down. Excellent read. I obviously, very much recommend.
Van and her brother, Zander, are more than mysterious; they are fascinatingly dark characters, constantly battling horrifying thoughts and urges. Not only are they struggling with cravings revolving around pain, they possess superhuman strength.
This doesn't begin to explain the layers of fear and intensity in this novel. Every moment I waited and wondered when the gnawing and "hunger" would erupt. I couldn't stop reading until I found out what, if not human, Van and her brother were. I kept reading, wondering, are they vampires? Werewolves? Extra-terrestrials? For a moment, I wondered, maybe they are human, and they are just plain sick --maybe serial killers?
Wicked Hunger starts in a way, that surprised me. The book is in present tense! It is filled with riveting inner monologue of deeply troubled teenage characters, terrified of what they are capable of.
The book begins with Van, then, we experience Zander, whose portion of the story sent me through a frenzy of emotion. I saw what he saw, believed what he so badly wanted to believe (and I could hardly stand the betrayal he encountered).
The plot thickens yet, again, when the second brother, Oscar and other characters are introduced. The book kept me needing to know more, and even as it has ended, I see the scenes--mild, pleasant moments as well as the graphic thoughts of the characters--in my mind.
Gladden's writing is like an ocean of metaphors, because nearly every paragraph describes, in depth, the pain, the torture, the agony, that "the hunger" is causing Van and her brother, deep in their bones. The author succeeded in creating characters whose thoughts literally haunt and stay with you, long after you put the book down. Excellent read. I obviously, very much recommend.
December 9, 2013
Van (short for Vanessa) and her brother Zander have a secret. They are different, dangerous to those around them. Van, determined to live a "normal" life to whatever extent is possible, surrounds herself with a small circle of close friends, friends who know just enough to not ask questions but no more, who she can trust not to dig too deeply into the reasons for her odd behavior. Zander, distrusting his self-control, isolates himself as much as possible from the rest of the world. Only able to fully confide in each other, the brother and sister share a special bond, which is only threatened when Ivy appears on the scene.
Van distrusts the pink-haired stranger immediately. Zander, on the other hand, develops an intense infatuation, which is only deepened by his overpowering desire to make her suffer...
This book was well-written, with interesting, well-developed characters and enough complexity to the plot to keep me guessing. As a dancer myself, I especially appreciated Van's use of dance as an outlet for her passions. Though this is not a book I see myself rereading multiple times, I did enjoy it and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, fast-paced urban fantasy. While a few minor grammatical errors did give me pause, the story was engrossing enough to keep me from getting hung up on them for more than a second before pulling me back in.
The twist at the end was intriguing and I am curious to see how the story continues in the next two books!
The author sent me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Van distrusts the pink-haired stranger immediately. Zander, on the other hand, develops an intense infatuation, which is only deepened by his overpowering desire to make her suffer...
This book was well-written, with interesting, well-developed characters and enough complexity to the plot to keep me guessing. As a dancer myself, I especially appreciated Van's use of dance as an outlet for her passions. Though this is not a book I see myself rereading multiple times, I did enjoy it and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, fast-paced urban fantasy. While a few minor grammatical errors did give me pause, the story was engrossing enough to keep me from getting hung up on them for more than a second before pulling me back in.
The twist at the end was intriguing and I am curious to see how the story continues in the next two books!
The author sent me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this story to be fascinating. A family needing to feed off the pain of others, it wasn't something I had read before.
The story started out as if the main character, Van, was a normal enough person... but you quickly find out she's definitely not. There's a lot about her I was curious about, and that helped fuel my desire to continue the story.
The relationship between Van and Zander, her brother, was quite possibly my favorite part. Too often siblings are written in a negative light of each other. It was nice to see something different.
The biggest drawback I found in this story was some of the characters. They seemed to really serve no purpose other than a momentary sense of amusement. It was hinted multiple times that there was a connection between Van and them, but it wasn't explained very well and those characters didn't show back up for the rest of the story.
There was one person in specific that really annoyed me. Not the character himself, I liked him. It was the reason for him being in the book. He didn't seem to have any point other than a temporary distraction that takes away from the main part of the story. Maybe he'll be more important in the rest of the series. Otherwise his entire part in this book was a waste of time and made Van really annoying.
Aside from that, I did really enjoy reading it. I liked how it ended, and I look forward to being able to reading more from this series.
http://www.platypire.com/3/post/2014/...
I found this story to be fascinating. A family needing to feed off the pain of others, it wasn't something I had read before.
The story started out as if the main character, Van, was a normal enough person... but you quickly find out she's definitely not. There's a lot about her I was curious about, and that helped fuel my desire to continue the story.
The relationship between Van and Zander, her brother, was quite possibly my favorite part. Too often siblings are written in a negative light of each other. It was nice to see something different.
The biggest drawback I found in this story was some of the characters. They seemed to really serve no purpose other than a momentary sense of amusement. It was hinted multiple times that there was a connection between Van and them, but it wasn't explained very well and those characters didn't show back up for the rest of the story.
There was one person in specific that really annoyed me. Not the character himself, I liked him. It was the reason for him being in the book. He didn't seem to have any point other than a temporary distraction that takes away from the main part of the story. Maybe he'll be more important in the rest of the series. Otherwise his entire part in this book was a waste of time and made Van really annoying.
Aside from that, I did really enjoy reading it. I liked how it ended, and I look forward to being able to reading more from this series.
http://www.platypire.com/3/post/2014/...
August 26, 2016
Van and Zander are forever resigned to the Wicked Hunger that lives within them. The hunger to cause pain to others. It is something that they have had to get control over for all of their lives. While Zander resorts to playing football to keep his hunger in check, Van dedicates herself to dancing and teaching others how to. When a new girl, Ivy, comes into school, she rattles the monster within them that is begging to be set free. Never have they had to fight so hard to control their hunger, than when she is in their proximity. Zander is drawn to Ivy, also, in a way that has nothing to do with his hunger. Or does it? Van just wants to find out what Ivy knows and why the girl is dead set on bringing her “differences” to light. She doesn’t trust her no further than she can throw her.
This is absolutely one of the best stories I’ve read pertaining to this subject. Well, it’s the only story I’ve read like this. It’s very well written and the characters just jump out of the pages. I love how the story moved and kept me on the edge of my seat. When Van and Zander find out the truth, their lives change forever. Having lived and believed that there is no rhyme or reason to their hunger, it especially changes Zander. Van has always believed the opposite, that their was a purpose to their hunger. Many interesting characters along the way.
Very good start to a great series. I, for one, can’t wait to read the next book!
This is absolutely one of the best stories I’ve read pertaining to this subject. Well, it’s the only story I’ve read like this. It’s very well written and the characters just jump out of the pages. I love how the story moved and kept me on the edge of my seat. When Van and Zander find out the truth, their lives change forever. Having lived and believed that there is no rhyme or reason to their hunger, it especially changes Zander. Van has always believed the opposite, that their was a purpose to their hunger. Many interesting characters along the way.
Very good start to a great series. I, for one, can’t wait to read the next book!
December 1, 2013
I won this book from GoodReads First Reads. It sounded really good, had a good looking cover, and had great reviews. So I was really expecting to like, or maybe even love, it.
But I didn't.
Wicked Hunger is told from the point of view of a brother and sister who are cursed with a hunger. The brother takes an interest in a girl named Ivy. He's rude to her. He looks at her like he wants to kill her. He always seems angry when she's around. He grabs her by the arm hard enough to leave a bruise. He memorizes her class schedule. He memorizes her license plate number. He breaks into her house at night and watches her sleep. So of course she's interested in him because he sounds like a real catch, right?
It felt kind of Twilighty to me. Not just in a "paranormal teen romance" kind of way, but in a "totally bizarrely unhealthy relationship" kind of way.
Other than that, nothing happened in the first 140 pages. Nothing. Well, unless you consider characters sitting around thinking about their feelings to be action. I don't. So it was incredibly slow moving, dull, easy to put down, and difficult to pick back up. After 140 pages I realized that trying to get through the book was like torture. I hate to leave a book unfinished, but I have officially put Wicked Hunger down with no intention of picking it back up.
But I didn't.
Wicked Hunger is told from the point of view of a brother and sister who are cursed with a hunger. The brother takes an interest in a girl named Ivy. He's rude to her. He looks at her like he wants to kill her. He always seems angry when she's around. He grabs her by the arm hard enough to leave a bruise. He memorizes her class schedule. He memorizes her license plate number. He breaks into her house at night and watches her sleep. So of course she's interested in him because he sounds like a real catch, right?
It felt kind of Twilighty to me. Not just in a "paranormal teen romance" kind of way, but in a "totally bizarrely unhealthy relationship" kind of way.
Other than that, nothing happened in the first 140 pages. Nothing. Well, unless you consider characters sitting around thinking about their feelings to be action. I don't. So it was incredibly slow moving, dull, easy to put down, and difficult to pick back up. After 140 pages I realized that trying to get through the book was like torture. I hate to leave a book unfinished, but I have officially put Wicked Hunger down with no intention of picking it back up.
July 20, 2013
Wicked Hunger is an imaginative, original story with vivid, well-written characters. Vanessa and Zander Roth are siblings who want, more than anything, to simply live normal, uncomplicated lives. Instead, they have inherited a family curse, and are plagued with an uncontrollable desire for the pain and suffering of other people. They are haunted by tragedy and regret, for their choices, and for choices made for them.
One of the things I loved about this book is that the author transitions between each sibling’s point of view. Given their desire to cause pain and relish in the suffering of others, it would be easy to see these characters as monsters. Instead, Gladden takes us inside their minds and gives us a front row seat to the anguish they suffer as they struggle to control their hunger, making daily choices to avoid causing pain, choices that require heart-wrenching sacrifice. This not only makes Vanessa and Zander relatable, it makes you hope they can somehow bridle their curse, forging it into something that can be used for good, something that will allow them to be with the people they love without harming them. The book is a fast, fun read with intrigue and unexpected twists. I look forward to reading the sequel!
One of the things I loved about this book is that the author transitions between each sibling’s point of view. Given their desire to cause pain and relish in the suffering of others, it would be easy to see these characters as monsters. Instead, Gladden takes us inside their minds and gives us a front row seat to the anguish they suffer as they struggle to control their hunger, making daily choices to avoid causing pain, choices that require heart-wrenching sacrifice. This not only makes Vanessa and Zander relatable, it makes you hope they can somehow bridle their curse, forging it into something that can be used for good, something that will allow them to be with the people they love without harming them. The book is a fast, fun read with intrigue and unexpected twists. I look forward to reading the sequel!
September 8, 2013
I loved Wicked Hunger. I’ve never read anything written by Delsheree Gladden before, but I’m gonna start soon.
Delsheree writes for YA and as a co-YA author, I’m extremely picky about some YA books. Some of them don’t capture their characters the way YA speak of today, and then they end up sounding a lot like grown ups. I didn’t find this with Wicked Hunger.
Vanessa and Zander were two really strong developed characters and Delsheree’s writing style made the novel an easy read.
At first I have to admit, it sounded like another vampire story, but when I came to the part that it’s a family curse, I couldn’t put it down. She put’s you in both Vanessa and Zander’s head and I know writing male pov isn’t easy for women to do. I think she really did well with Zander. He didn’t sound as if he was created by a female and I just have to say WELL DONE DELSHEREE.
Story plot, I’m not going to give anything away. It is a book well written and should be bought. A must read for YA, Supernatural and Paranormal lovers.
I promise you will sit at the edge of your chair, with all the lights on with this one. It has a bit of everything in it.
Awesome story Delsheree, and I can’t wait to read the second one
Delsheree writes for YA and as a co-YA author, I’m extremely picky about some YA books. Some of them don’t capture their characters the way YA speak of today, and then they end up sounding a lot like grown ups. I didn’t find this with Wicked Hunger.
Vanessa and Zander were two really strong developed characters and Delsheree’s writing style made the novel an easy read.
At first I have to admit, it sounded like another vampire story, but when I came to the part that it’s a family curse, I couldn’t put it down. She put’s you in both Vanessa and Zander’s head and I know writing male pov isn’t easy for women to do. I think she really did well with Zander. He didn’t sound as if he was created by a female and I just have to say WELL DONE DELSHEREE.
Story plot, I’m not going to give anything away. It is a book well written and should be bought. A must read for YA, Supernatural and Paranormal lovers.
I promise you will sit at the edge of your chair, with all the lights on with this one. It has a bit of everything in it.
Awesome story Delsheree, and I can’t wait to read the second one
April 13, 2014
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the unique idea of the hunger that Van and Zander experience. The description and development of it is captivating and I can't wait to find out more in book 2. I loved reading about the new relationships that both brother and sister make and how this effects their hunger in both good ways and bad. The unravelling plot as a whole kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved that you never quite knew everything at any one time, even when you thought you did another twist cam along.
Zander fights between his urge to kill Ivy Guerra and kiss her. As the best football player and total loner who pushes every girl away this need surprises even himself. Van has to suppress her love for a best friend she can never date because of her brother's hunger for him. We get to watch as she battle this affection and her growing one for her new English partner.
The author has done an amazing job or connecting the characters and developing the story in a way that keeps you on the balls of your feet. I loved their other brothers character especially and enjoy the mystery he brought to the plot. Altogether a good book that I would deeply recommend to you all :) Happy reading!!! x
I loved the unique idea of the hunger that Van and Zander experience. The description and development of it is captivating and I can't wait to find out more in book 2. I loved reading about the new relationships that both brother and sister make and how this effects their hunger in both good ways and bad. The unravelling plot as a whole kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved that you never quite knew everything at any one time, even when you thought you did another twist cam along.
Zander fights between his urge to kill Ivy Guerra and kiss her. As the best football player and total loner who pushes every girl away this need surprises even himself. Van has to suppress her love for a best friend she can never date because of her brother's hunger for him. We get to watch as she battle this affection and her growing one for her new English partner.
The author has done an amazing job or connecting the characters and developing the story in a way that keeps you on the balls of your feet. I loved their other brothers character especially and enjoy the mystery he brought to the plot. Altogether a good book that I would deeply recommend to you all :) Happy reading!!! x
April 18, 2014
I have read vampire, ghosts, shifters...you name it, I have probably read it. I have never read a novel like this.
Could you imagine being a teenager and not knowing what you are? Most teens go through a part of those first years a little confused as our bodies are changing and adapting, but Zander and Van are going through much much worse.
Zander and Van could be two typical teens. Brother and sister who love each other very much. But they have a secret...a secret that could change everything if it was found out. They know that they are different from all their friends, they have a desire to hurt and even kill people. They just don't know what they are..
Wicked Hunger is a YA novel, with a twist. It is not the typical story of teens trying to figure out where they are going, but of a brother and sister trying to figure out who they are. It is written from both Van' s and Zander's point of view, which makes it even better.
This is the first book that I have read from DelSheree Gladden, and I plan on to keep reading her! Wicked Hunger was amazing and I can't wait for book 2 - Wicked Power. It comes out May 01!
*I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. Honestly is what you got.*
Could you imagine being a teenager and not knowing what you are? Most teens go through a part of those first years a little confused as our bodies are changing and adapting, but Zander and Van are going through much much worse.
Zander and Van could be two typical teens. Brother and sister who love each other very much. But they have a secret...a secret that could change everything if it was found out. They know that they are different from all their friends, they have a desire to hurt and even kill people. They just don't know what they are..
Wicked Hunger is a YA novel, with a twist. It is not the typical story of teens trying to figure out where they are going, but of a brother and sister trying to figure out who they are. It is written from both Van' s and Zander's point of view, which makes it even better.
This is the first book that I have read from DelSheree Gladden, and I plan on to keep reading her! Wicked Hunger was amazing and I can't wait for book 2 - Wicked Power. It comes out May 01!
*I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. Honestly is what you got.*
May 2, 2014
An interesting start to a new YA series.
I am famed for disliking the characters that everyone else always loves and swoons over, so I'm going to get this out of the way first: I didn't get on with Van and Ketchup. The plot of their storyline was fabulous and interesting, but as characters they weren't the sort who gripped me and I didn't get invested in their relationship at all. Everyone else will love them, I'm sure, but that's my two-penneth on the matter.
Now. Let's talk about Zander and Oscar.
Zander and Oscar were by far my favourite characters in the tale; they were complex, dangerous and a little mentally unhinged which I absolutely loved. I want much more Oscar in future! I won't spoil any of the concept of the novel here because I think it's far more interesting if you figure it out for yourselves, but THIS IS NOT A VAMPIRE NOVEL. Okay? It's SO much more interesting than that, so stick with it even if you feel a bit 'Twilight' at the start because Wicked Hunger grows out and away from that genre the more you read it, transforming into something entertaining and new. Overall I am fascinated to see where this series goes and very interested to continue reading!
I am famed for disliking the characters that everyone else always loves and swoons over, so I'm going to get this out of the way first: I didn't get on with Van and Ketchup. The plot of their storyline was fabulous and interesting, but as characters they weren't the sort who gripped me and I didn't get invested in their relationship at all. Everyone else will love them, I'm sure, but that's my two-penneth on the matter.
Now. Let's talk about Zander and Oscar.
Zander and Oscar were by far my favourite characters in the tale; they were complex, dangerous and a little mentally unhinged which I absolutely loved. I want much more Oscar in future! I won't spoil any of the concept of the novel here because I think it's far more interesting if you figure it out for yourselves, but THIS IS NOT A VAMPIRE NOVEL. Okay? It's SO much more interesting than that, so stick with it even if you feel a bit 'Twilight' at the start because Wicked Hunger grows out and away from that genre the more you read it, transforming into something entertaining and new. Overall I am fascinated to see where this series goes and very interested to continue reading!
September 18, 2013
If you like anti-heroes and anti-heroines living in a violent reality where the moral compass spins fast enough to make you queasy, then Wicked Hunger is the book for you.
Sibling protagonists Vanessa and Zander would much rather be tearing people into bloody pieces than, say, watching a movie. They do try to control their murderous instincts, Van with more success than her deeply troubled brother. Gladden offers some justification for painting psychopath as victim, and victim as villain, but Zander still comes across as a budding serial killer who needs to be stopped. Van’s ability to forgive her brother his first murder because ‘he couldn’t help it’ and to despise his second victim because ‘she asked for it’ creates a disturbing subtext for an otherwise well-written and intriguing story.
This novel will make you think, and very likely inspire some heated debate, while it pushes the limits of YA horror.
I was given a free copy of Wicked Hunger in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sibling protagonists Vanessa and Zander would much rather be tearing people into bloody pieces than, say, watching a movie. They do try to control their murderous instincts, Van with more success than her deeply troubled brother. Gladden offers some justification for painting psychopath as victim, and victim as villain, but Zander still comes across as a budding serial killer who needs to be stopped. Van’s ability to forgive her brother his first murder because ‘he couldn’t help it’ and to despise his second victim because ‘she asked for it’ creates a disturbing subtext for an otherwise well-written and intriguing story.
This novel will make you think, and very likely inspire some heated debate, while it pushes the limits of YA horror.
I was given a free copy of Wicked Hunger in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 9, 2013
I started this book during the summer thinking I would have a lot of time to read. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish it until now. I really liked how the author plays with imagery describing the variety of the main characters’ emotions. It was an interesting spin for a science fiction novel, and I hadn’t come across a story similar before. Which made it a nice and refreshing read! The story picks up the pace as it reads on, and the way it ends is enticing. I want to know what happens next; wondering what lays ahead for the main characters after everything that has happened. I wish there was more history with Ivy, I wanted to know more about where she came from and even more with her family and the circumstances of how she arrived. Perhaps more will be revealed in the next book.
Overall I was happy and intrigued by the book, Gladden did a wonderful job! I really love the language of her writing and how she described the careful balancing act Van and Zander struggle with.
Overall I was happy and intrigued by the book, Gladden did a wonderful job! I really love the language of her writing and how she described the careful balancing act Van and Zander struggle with.
September 9, 2013
Zander and Van are just everyday American teens, brother and sister.
But they’re not.
They’re hiding a dark secret about themselves and their family, one that will get them killed if the right people find out…
Wicked Hunger is not just another book about supernatural teenage angst, but a holistic novel that introduces the reader to a strangely dark world where the protagonists have a rather unusual hunger…
This is a well written, enjoyable book, the sign of which is that the reader will have a hunger of their own – hunger for the next instalment. If you’re a fan of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series or Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, then this is a must read for you, as DelSheree Gladden’s writing style is up there with them, as well as her breathless narration with its mixes of humour and drama, and keeps you turning the pages in tense anticipation to see what happens next.
Highly recommended, I look forward to the next book in the series.
But they’re not.
They’re hiding a dark secret about themselves and their family, one that will get them killed if the right people find out…
Wicked Hunger is not just another book about supernatural teenage angst, but a holistic novel that introduces the reader to a strangely dark world where the protagonists have a rather unusual hunger…
This is a well written, enjoyable book, the sign of which is that the reader will have a hunger of their own – hunger for the next instalment. If you’re a fan of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series or Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, then this is a must read for you, as DelSheree Gladden’s writing style is up there with them, as well as her breathless narration with its mixes of humour and drama, and keeps you turning the pages in tense anticipation to see what happens next.
Highly recommended, I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 22, 2013
In Wicked Hunger, siblings Vanessa and Zander have a hunger to cause pain/death to other people. With that premise, I expected this book to be bloody and gory. It's not. In fact, the story is about Van and Zander's efforts to help each other control their hunger. When both of them feel hunger for a new girl at school, it's unusual. When Zander falls in love with her, Van despairs. Zander must fight all his feelings, lust and hunger, for Ivy. Meanwhile, Van is learning martial arts with a boy she's interested in. Violence is not a good way to control hunger, and Zander is frustrated by her insistence on continuing.
There are no scenes of killing in this book. It is appropriate for young adults of all ages, but the idea is pretty scary for the younger ones. I can hardly wait until the next one comes out and continues the story of Van and Zander.
There are no scenes of killing in this book. It is appropriate for young adults of all ages, but the idea is pretty scary for the younger ones. I can hardly wait until the next one comes out and continues the story of Van and Zander.
December 7, 2013
WOW!!! Give me a book where danger, death and romance are so intertwined and you will hook me every time. Without giving away any spoilers although there are some plotlines that I was albe to figure out early on overall this book does NOT go where you expect it to and the ride is just fantastic. I read this cover to cover in one sitting because I had to see what was going to happen. Definitely one of the darker YA books that I have read but maybe that was why it worked so well for me. The characters are vibrant and well described and you feel that you are suffering with them but it feels really good.
As a debut offering this book knocks it out the park and I cannot wait to see where to story goes in book 2. V""V
As a debut offering this book knocks it out the park and I cannot wait to see where to story goes in book 2. V""V
April 16, 2014
Definitely an interesting read . It was a little slow in some parts but it needed those parts for the story to make sense,I was just anxious to find out exactly what Zander and Van were. I tried to figure out what this hunger really was and was desperate to know if they would succeed in taming it or if it would destroy them. I kept trying to figure out which friend/friends were really deceiving them and why. Most of the answers that were revealed at the end were shocking and I didn't see that coming at all. And as if things couldn't get much worse they are thrown for a loop when their answers coming looking for them but what are they willing to give up for those answers?
May 5, 2015
I was excited to read Wicked Hunger, but I didn't realize how addicting it would be until I found myself reading through half the night, I just had to know what was going to happened next. The two main characters, siblings, Van and Zander have been forced to learn to control the “Wicked Hunger” to cause pain in others that lives within them for most of their lives. While I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, this book was very interesting and addictive enough that I read the entire book in one night. I would highly recommend this author to anyone looking for some clean, age appropriate, reading.
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