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Some Act of Vision
After ten years of ballet lessons, Jordan Walker has finally landed her first principal role in Romeo and Juliet. Sweeter yet, "Romeo" has asked her to the May Fling Ball at Winston High. But a massive Texas earthquake triggered by the fracking activity nearby tears apart the community and Jordan's future as a dancer. The Walker family survives the earthquake, but wake up the next morning utterly invisible. On the run from a military with nefarious plans, Jordan and her family are forced to abandon their old lives and flee to Galveston. It isn't until she meets Caleb, a blind musician, that Jordan dares to hope again. And the more their secret friendship develops, the more Jordan understands the danger she's placed everyone in.
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2013
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July 20, 2018Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2018/07...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2018/07...
August 17, 2018
I REALLY enjoyed this book!
I REALLY enjoyed this book!
Such a nice bunch of characters.
Loved the story line!
Hoping there are more books!
I REALLY enjoyed this book!
Such a nice bunch of characters.
Loved the story line!
Hoping there are more books!
January 6, 2019
Crazy premise, but easy, fun reading. (The adults were useless in the story).
September 9, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was a great read, pulling the reader in from the very beginning with a little hint of romance and ballet, only to have the entire world thrown into chaos with an earthquake that releases a purple gas from a research facility, forever changing Jordan and her family’s life.
It never ceases to amaze me when I know something’s coming in a plot line, yet, the author still manages to surprise me, and that’s exactly what happens in this novel. I knew about the invisibility due to the synopsis, but Stephens reveals it in such a way that it was still jarring for me, even though I was expecting it. As the reader, we’re given both sides of the coin: how the family interacts prior to the quake, and how they cope after with the advent of invisibility, which was really intriguing for me as I felt like I got to know the characters on a deeper level, watching them struggle and come to terms with their new lives, and being surprised time and time again by the many twists in the story.
Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the characterization, which is extremely well done; Jordan changes immensely throughout the duration of the story, and though at times her decisions, as well as those of her family, irked me to no end, this is what makes Jordan and her family extremely real. They struggle, they make mistakes, they yearn for what they can’t have, and Stephen captures it all quite beautifully in this well written paranormal read. It’s so easy, as the reader, to look in from the outside and point out every bad choice a character makes, which is what I ultimately did with Jordan, but when it’s all said and done, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Jordan definitely makes some bad decisions, but truthfully, I’d probably be doing the same if I were invisible and had no one to interact with aside from my family. So, I get it, even though I don’t necessarily like all the ramifications.
The novel, overall, kept up a decent pace, thought on occasion there was some downtime that I could have done without, mainly, when Jordan walks up and down the beach. She spends a lot of time in her head trying to figure out her relationship, and while this definitely needs to happen, I’m more of an action lady myself. But, there is more than enough happening in the novel, and throughout much of the novel I was on pins and needles waiting for the shoe to drop because an invisible existence is one that, at some point, must be found out.
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was a great read, pulling the reader in from the very beginning with a little hint of romance and ballet, only to have the entire world thrown into chaos with an earthquake that releases a purple gas from a research facility, forever changing Jordan and her family’s life.
It never ceases to amaze me when I know something’s coming in a plot line, yet, the author still manages to surprise me, and that’s exactly what happens in this novel. I knew about the invisibility due to the synopsis, but Stephens reveals it in such a way that it was still jarring for me, even though I was expecting it. As the reader, we’re given both sides of the coin: how the family interacts prior to the quake, and how they cope after with the advent of invisibility, which was really intriguing for me as I felt like I got to know the characters on a deeper level, watching them struggle and come to terms with their new lives, and being surprised time and time again by the many twists in the story.
Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the characterization, which is extremely well done; Jordan changes immensely throughout the duration of the story, and though at times her decisions, as well as those of her family, irked me to no end, this is what makes Jordan and her family extremely real. They struggle, they make mistakes, they yearn for what they can’t have, and Stephen captures it all quite beautifully in this well written paranormal read. It’s so easy, as the reader, to look in from the outside and point out every bad choice a character makes, which is what I ultimately did with Jordan, but when it’s all said and done, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Jordan definitely makes some bad decisions, but truthfully, I’d probably be doing the same if I were invisible and had no one to interact with aside from my family. So, I get it, even though I don’t necessarily like all the ramifications.
The novel, overall, kept up a decent pace, thought on occasion there was some downtime that I could have done without, mainly, when Jordan walks up and down the beach. She spends a lot of time in her head trying to figure out her relationship, and while this definitely needs to happen, I’m more of an action lady myself. But, there is more than enough happening in the novel, and throughout much of the novel I was on pins and needles waiting for the shoe to drop because an invisible existence is one that, at some point, must be found out.
March 1, 2015
Why did I wait so long to read this book? If only I knew it was going to be this good! This novel has all the element for me to fall in love with it. It got science as one of the themes, it got a blind character (I'll explain why I love this a bit further), beautiful smooth writing and a logical plot.
The setting at the beginning is a bit strange with a scientific father, a Russian stepmother with a ballet dancer for a daughter and a cute younger brother. How all of this come in handy when an earthquake strikes their hometown? Leave it to Lori Ann Stephens to write a wonderfully woven story to take you on a unique adventure.
I truly enjoyed the story. It has a solid plot and the reaction of the characters to the earthquake and the mystery around it is believable, specially how they deal with with the peculiar changes to their situation.
"Spoilers, maybe?!" The blind character, Caleb, plays an essential role in the story making Jordan, the protagonist, feel normal through the time she spends with him and it makes him her anchor to normality despite his handicap. This is one of many reasons I love blind characters. They always have deep understanding of life and its hardship, so in a way they become the sage of wisdom to protagonists.
I only wish there was more to the end. It feels like the author did not want to finish it like a typical YA book ending or she did not know what to write next to finish the book. This makes me hope for a sequel because I love the universe that was created for the story and it would be nice to see more of Caleb again.
The setting at the beginning is a bit strange with a scientific father, a Russian stepmother with a ballet dancer for a daughter and a cute younger brother. How all of this come in handy when an earthquake strikes their hometown? Leave it to Lori Ann Stephens to write a wonderfully woven story to take you on a unique adventure.
I truly enjoyed the story. It has a solid plot and the reaction of the characters to the earthquake and the mystery around it is believable, specially how they deal with with the peculiar changes to their situation.
"Spoilers, maybe?!" The blind character, Caleb, plays an essential role in the story making Jordan, the protagonist, feel normal through the time she spends with him and it makes him her anchor to normality despite his handicap. This is one of many reasons I love blind characters. They always have deep understanding of life and its hardship, so in a way they become the sage of wisdom to protagonists.
I only wish there was more to the end. It feels like the author did not want to finish it like a typical YA book ending or she did not know what to write next to finish the book. This makes me hope for a sequel because I love the universe that was created for the story and it would be nice to see more of Caleb again.
August 13, 2016
Some Act of Vision is fast-paced and beautifully-written. The novel balances beautifully between the demands of the rollicking adventure plot and occasional moments of lyrical description. With a sweet and poignant teenage romance and a compelling political thriller of a plot, Stephens has crafted a story that is, at its core, about family, responsibility, and that bittersweet moment right between childhood and adulthood. I couldn't put it down, and I've been thinking about it ever since I finished.
Stephens has created a cast of smart, lovable characters that propelled me through the pages. Jordan is endearing and, even though you root for her, she behaves in a way that's entirely believable for a teenage girl. She is both likable and flawed, which is something that you don't always see in YA heroines. More than the romance, the story is about Jordan herself and how she learns to take her place in the world. I can't wait for more from Stephens! Definitely an author to watch for.
Stephens has created a cast of smart, lovable characters that propelled me through the pages. Jordan is endearing and, even though you root for her, she behaves in a way that's entirely believable for a teenage girl. She is both likable and flawed, which is something that you don't always see in YA heroines. More than the romance, the story is about Jordan herself and how she learns to take her place in the world. I can't wait for more from Stephens! Definitely an author to watch for.
May 5, 2014
I downloaded this on Kindle after seeing a post by the author that it is a Finalist in the National Reader's Choice Awards for YA fiction. The sci-fi premise of fracking-related earthquake that causes a release of a gas that would make the protagonist and her family invisible made me a little skeptical of the plot, but the writing is just so good that didn't matter.
Juliette is a very believable teenager caught up in the loss of things that are dear to her, particularly her image of herself once she becomes invisible. After the earthquake, her family is on the run from the government's scientists, who would like to do testing on them for military research. The introduction of the blind boy who becomes Juliette's love interest provides for a great exploration of what is important in relationships, as does the tension among the family members. The strong characterization really carries the story to a deeper level.
The selection as NRCA Finalist is definitely deserved. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Stephens.
Juliette is a very believable teenager caught up in the loss of things that are dear to her, particularly her image of herself once she becomes invisible. After the earthquake, her family is on the run from the government's scientists, who would like to do testing on them for military research. The introduction of the blind boy who becomes Juliette's love interest provides for a great exploration of what is important in relationships, as does the tension among the family members. The strong characterization really carries the story to a deeper level.
The selection as NRCA Finalist is definitely deserved. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Stephens.
April 14, 2015
Would you choose invisibility if you could?
How often have you fantasized about being invisible? In Some Act of Vision, 16 year old Jordan and her family find out just how dangerous it is. After being exposed to an unstable gas and becoming invisible, the Walkers are on the run from government.
While the dilemma of being invisible is an interesting concept, the heart of this novel is about family relationships and trust which this author beautifully illustrates. While living mostly in isolation, Jordan realizes her role within her family and how to earn her step-mother's trust as well as to trust her own instincts. Jordan's loving relationship with Ethan, her younger brother, is especially heart warming.
The budding romance between invisible Jordan and handsome Caleb (who is blind) is absolutely perfect. Caleb’s disability proves not-so-much-a-disability at all. Very well done, Ms. Stephens!
There is plenty of action and suspense to keep the pages turning quickly as Jordan and her family fight to stay alive and see each other again.
How often have you fantasized about being invisible? In Some Act of Vision, 16 year old Jordan and her family find out just how dangerous it is. After being exposed to an unstable gas and becoming invisible, the Walkers are on the run from government.
While the dilemma of being invisible is an interesting concept, the heart of this novel is about family relationships and trust which this author beautifully illustrates. While living mostly in isolation, Jordan realizes her role within her family and how to earn her step-mother's trust as well as to trust her own instincts. Jordan's loving relationship with Ethan, her younger brother, is especially heart warming.
The budding romance between invisible Jordan and handsome Caleb (who is blind) is absolutely perfect. Caleb’s disability proves not-so-much-a-disability at all. Very well done, Ms. Stephens!
There is plenty of action and suspense to keep the pages turning quickly as Jordan and her family fight to stay alive and see each other again.
July 28, 2013
I was on the edge of my seat all the way through Some Act of Vision. I was never sure what was going to happen next. The main character Jordan was an amazing girl that learned so much about herself through her experiences with the family and Caleb. The author made it easy to connect and feel what she was feeling. All of the family dynamics are easy to recognize and understand. The development of the characters and their personalities is done perfectly. Beautifully written! This is a story that I will not forget. I can’t wait for another from this author. I kept forgetting this was a book written for young adults. I couldn’t put it down.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not compensated for this review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not compensated for this review.
August 2, 2013
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down each night, and grabbing it each morning to continue reading.
The pacing was incredible, with just the right amount of action tempered by intrigue. I'm not much of a romance reader, but enjoyed the way the characters were allowed to slowly grow their affection. I especially enjoyed the mild political and philosophical threads that were woven into the story.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a very good read.
The pacing was incredible, with just the right amount of action tempered by intrigue. I'm not much of a romance reader, but enjoyed the way the characters were allowed to slowly grow their affection. I especially enjoyed the mild political and philosophical threads that were woven into the story.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a very good read.
October 16, 2013
An easy read with many different personalities and character traits that lure you in. Jordan, though just a teenager, goes through different emotional journeys of a roller coaster yet comes out with some self-reflective lessons that builds her character and grows her heart. You can't help but root for her, and for her to share her heart with Caleb. On top of well-defined characters, the storyline grabs your attention with the mystery and how the family endures through their situation. I didn't want it to end. I wanted the story to continue. I can't wait for more from Lori!
September 17, 2013
I realize this book is listed as YA, but this "Old" Adult loved it! Stephens caused me to lose myself in her writing because of the suspense, fast-paced 'family on the run' storyline and budding romance. I really love the themes of invisibility, blindness, and how all of us 'see' those around us. Plus it made me do more research on fracking so another kudos to the author. Looking forward to a sequel to this book!
August 28, 2013
So fun! The action starts right away, and never stops! "Some Act of Vision" is written beautifully, but it was hard for me to slow down because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The main character, Jordan, has so many dimensions--I felt like we would have been friends right away. I especially liked that she is a ballet dancer! I was sad to finish this book and will definitely look for more from this author.
August 1, 2013
I LOVED this book! So much so that I couldn't put it down and finished in 3 days. I felt I was running along side Jordan at every moment to see what happened next. Geared towards young adult readers (tweens), "not-so-young" folks like myself will thoroughly enjoy as well. Some Act of Vision is a good, clean romance with a nice dose of suspense that keeps you wanting more. And after you have read the whole book...check out the cover in more detail. Now what do you see?
October 20, 2013
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A little supernatural, a little political, and a lot of family take the center of this book. With a large mysterious building that pops up in this town in Texas, comes some intrigue as to what is going on behind the closed doors. After an earthquake, that doesn't seem to come from just nature, this town has an environmental hazard and a father must make a quick decision to save his family.
A little supernatural, a little political, and a lot of family take the center of this book. With a large mysterious building that pops up in this town in Texas, comes some intrigue as to what is going on behind the closed doors. After an earthquake, that doesn't seem to come from just nature, this town has an environmental hazard and a father must make a quick decision to save his family.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews