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Open Heart #1
Divided
A new heart should mean new life, instead it’s a living nightmare.
Mishca Richardson’s life is at an all-time high after her heart transplant. With new boyfriend, Ryder, she has the perfect summer romance. Even the nightmares plaguing her sleep since her operation can’t dull her new dream world.
Yet life starts to unravel when Mishca develops superhuman abilities. She does her best to hide them so as not to end up a science experiment in a lab, but she can’t ignore the strange instant attraction she experiences when she meets her university professor, Colin Reed.
Torn between love and obsession, Mishca must unite her divided heart and decide between the two men. But when the truth about her weird powers comes to light, she’ll have a lot more to worry about than romance.
Mishca Richardson’s life is at an all-time high after her heart transplant. With new boyfriend, Ryder, she has the perfect summer romance. Even the nightmares plaguing her sleep since her operation can’t dull her new dream world.
Yet life starts to unravel when Mishca develops superhuman abilities. She does her best to hide them so as not to end up a science experiment in a lab, but she can’t ignore the strange instant attraction she experiences when she meets her university professor, Colin Reed.
Torn between love and obsession, Mishca must unite her divided heart and decide between the two men. But when the truth about her weird powers comes to light, she’ll have a lot more to worry about than romance.
249 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2015
About the author
Sharon M. Johnston
6 books85 followersSharon is a writer from Mackay in Queensland, Australia who has short stories published in anthologies and was also runner-up in the Australian Literary Review's Young Adult short story contest with KARMA.
Her NA novel DIVIDED was released by City Owl Press in winter 2015. The sequel SHATTERED is due out in Autumn 2016.
By day she is a public relations executive and by night she writes weird fiction and soulful contemporaries while her husband, two sons and cat are fast asleep.
Her NA novel DIVIDED was released by City Owl Press in winter 2015. The sequel SHATTERED is due out in Autumn 2016.
By day she is a public relations executive and by night she writes weird fiction and soulful contemporaries while her husband, two sons and cat are fast asleep.
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September 7, 2015Ooh, I love the new cover!
I've read several versions over the past two years since I met Sharon on inkpop, and I enjoyed all of them. I'm so thrilled this is getting published because it's a fun, super cool concept!!
I've read several versions over the past two years since I met Sharon on inkpop, and I enjoyed all of them. I'm so thrilled this is getting published because it's a fun, super cool concept!!
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
After Mishca got a heart transplant, her life changed. At first things were positive. She tried to live a normal life with a good boyfriend, but as soon as she entered uni, things changed. She felt an unexplainable connection with one of her professors.
On top of her feelings, she got superhuman strength and speed. There's so many questions! I thought the beginning of the story was a bit slow, but it really picks up. This wasn't what I was expecting, and I have a feeling book 2 is going to be action packed. I can't wait!
After Mishca got a heart transplant, her life changed. At first things were positive. She tried to live a normal life with a good boyfriend, but as soon as she entered uni, things changed. She felt an unexplainable connection with one of her professors.
On top of her feelings, she got superhuman strength and speed. There's so many questions! I thought the beginning of the story was a bit slow, but it really picks up. This wasn't what I was expecting, and I have a feeling book 2 is going to be action packed. I can't wait!
September 29, 2016
Edited after rereading the new edition (mostly 'cause the name of the book changed)...
Divided sits somewhere between YA and NA; the main character, Mischa, is eighteen and about to start university, but the themes sit closer to the more-typical YA fare of self-discovery. And while there’s a lot of kissing there’s no graphic detail in here that might make some teens (or parents of teens) uncomfortable. There's also no swearing.
After her heart transplant, Mischa finds that she’s traded being a “freak” with an illness that means she can’t do the things her peers can to being a freak in the truer sense. Although the doctors warned her she’d feel different, she’s pretty sure superhuman speed and strength weren’t want they meant. (Watch out for the scene on the beach where Mischa explores the full extent of her powers—it made me giggle. Poor girl!) She’s determined to fit in, though, and just wants to enjoy her new lease of life and being able to do things without worrying her heart may give out.
Mischa is easy to relate to and the romance between her and Ryder develops in a natural and realistic way that I enjoyed (though I do wonder how a mining magnate comes to call his child "Ryder"). He’s a likeable character, and when Mischa starts having eyes for another man, Colin, I got a bit grumpy with her—because Ryder. But it was obvious from the start that there was something weird going on in Mischa’s attraction to Colin, so her love at first sight didn’t irritate me the way it usually does in fiction. In fact, the attraction kept me guessing and made the plot more interesting. (For the record, I didn’t guess correctly either. The plot twist is a good one.)
Another thing I liked about Divided that you often don’t see in YA fiction is that Mischa's parents are not only present in her life but are responsible adults who actually take an active interest in their daughter’s behaviour and activities (though her dad is a bit of an ass). I think it’s easier for Johnston in this case because, at eighteen, Mischa is an adult with her own drivers license—if she was fifteen it would be harder for her to get away with the things she does, which is often why YA writers have their characters’ parents either dead or chronically negligent.
My absolute favourite part of the book was the epilogue. Beautiful stuff.
The only thing I found a bit jarring about the story was that the book is set over the course of a full year. I found a couple of the time jumps a little surprising. But this was only a tiny niggle, especially as it would’ve been unrealistic if the story had played out over a shorter timeframe.
(Also, there are some grammatical errors—little things that most people wouldn't notice but that tripped me up. I don't blame the author for that one, but I am disappointed in the publisher.)
The sequel comes out this weekend, and I'm keen to see if the story develops on the overall X-Men vibe I got from Divided!
Divided sits somewhere between YA and NA; the main character, Mischa, is eighteen and about to start university, but the themes sit closer to the more-typical YA fare of self-discovery. And while there’s a lot of kissing there’s no graphic detail in here that might make some teens (or parents of teens) uncomfortable. There's also no swearing.
After her heart transplant, Mischa finds that she’s traded being a “freak” with an illness that means she can’t do the things her peers can to being a freak in the truer sense. Although the doctors warned her she’d feel different, she’s pretty sure superhuman speed and strength weren’t want they meant. (Watch out for the scene on the beach where Mischa explores the full extent of her powers—it made me giggle. Poor girl!) She’s determined to fit in, though, and just wants to enjoy her new lease of life and being able to do things without worrying her heart may give out.
Mischa is easy to relate to and the romance between her and Ryder develops in a natural and realistic way that I enjoyed (though I do wonder how a mining magnate comes to call his child "Ryder"). He’s a likeable character, and when Mischa starts having eyes for another man, Colin, I got a bit grumpy with her—because Ryder. But it was obvious from the start that there was something weird going on in Mischa’s attraction to Colin, so her love at first sight didn’t irritate me the way it usually does in fiction. In fact, the attraction kept me guessing and made the plot more interesting. (For the record, I didn’t guess correctly either. The plot twist is a good one.)
Another thing I liked about Divided that you often don’t see in YA fiction is that Mischa's parents are not only present in her life but are responsible adults who actually take an active interest in their daughter’s behaviour and activities (though her dad is a bit of an ass). I think it’s easier for Johnston in this case because, at eighteen, Mischa is an adult with her own drivers license—if she was fifteen it would be harder for her to get away with the things she does, which is often why YA writers have their characters’ parents either dead or chronically negligent.
My absolute favourite part of the book was the epilogue. Beautiful stuff.
The only thing I found a bit jarring about the story was that the book is set over the course of a full year. I found a couple of the time jumps a little surprising. But this was only a tiny niggle, especially as it would’ve been unrealistic if the story had played out over a shorter timeframe.
(Also, there are some grammatical errors—little things that most people wouldn't notice but that tripped me up. I don't blame the author for that one, but I am disappointed in the publisher.)
The sequel comes out this weekend, and I'm keen to see if the story develops on the overall X-Men vibe I got from Divided!
February 16, 2017
I've been really excited for this book all year. I'm not typically a Science Fiction fan, but this is probably one of my new favorites. It's really part Sci-Fi, part romance.
The main character, Mischa, was easily likable. It was easy to feel for her from the beginning, especially when it came to her heart. The book is set in Australia, which I loved reading about since I live in the US and have never ventured out there. I liked the entire set-up of Mischa's family--she's adopted and from a different race other than her adopted parents.
Usually in most YA books, the MC's parents are non-existant. That definitely isn't the case with Sleeper. Mischa's parents were there for her, but also not afraid to punish her when needed. And of course there's the lovable feline family member, Smelly Belly, who kind of provided me with a bit of mini-amusement whenever he entered the scene.
I also like several of the side characters. Ryder is a great love interest and I loved Mischa's relationship with him. Mischa's later friend, Nerissa, proves to be more than what she seems in the beginning. Ryder's friends were pretty interesting as well, especially Sophitia. I wasn't really a huge fan of Colin, but he did add something to the overall story.
The plot was mostly smooth, though there were a few parts that seemed to drag a bit. There were some parts I really liked, too--The Drive-In, the Mascarade party, and the church scene. I never knew exactly what would happen next, which was nice. I never saw the twist coming.
I'm glad this looks like it will be a series because I have tons of questions after finishing the first book. I'll eagerly be awaiting the next one.
The main character, Mischa, was easily likable. It was easy to feel for her from the beginning, especially when it came to her heart. The book is set in Australia, which I loved reading about since I live in the US and have never ventured out there. I liked the entire set-up of Mischa's family--she's adopted and from a different race other than her adopted parents.
Usually in most YA books, the MC's parents are non-existant. That definitely isn't the case with Sleeper. Mischa's parents were there for her, but also not afraid to punish her when needed. And of course there's the lovable feline family member, Smelly Belly, who kind of provided me with a bit of mini-amusement whenever he entered the scene.
I also like several of the side characters. Ryder is a great love interest and I loved Mischa's relationship with him. Mischa's later friend, Nerissa, proves to be more than what she seems in the beginning. Ryder's friends were pretty interesting as well, especially Sophitia. I wasn't really a huge fan of Colin, but he did add something to the overall story.
The plot was mostly smooth, though there were a few parts that seemed to drag a bit. There were some parts I really liked, too--The Drive-In, the Mascarade party, and the church scene. I never knew exactly what would happen next, which was nice. I never saw the twist coming.
I'm glad this looks like it will be a series because I have tons of questions after finishing the first book. I'll eagerly be awaiting the next one.
December 30, 2015
This book was great read. Mishca is a sweet character. She has things that happen to her with her new heart. Instead of enjoying having a new chance at a new life she is having a nightmare of a life. A must read if you love a romance, mystery, and a badass character.
December 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! I was basically hooked after the first sentence. The author has a way of bringing you into the story. I felt like I was standing right next to Mischa the entire book.
Mischa has a heart condition and gets a transplant at the beginning of the book. Once she has healed, she gets to experience life and love for the first time. But slowly Mischa begins to realize that her new heart came with something more, she develops nightmares and hallucinations that she cant quite figure out. Mischa had so many emotions throughout the book, and the entire time I was reading I just wanted to comfort her or laugh with her or tell her why she was making a big mistake.
Ryder was my favorite character and I found myself ridiculously happy that she Mischa had found him. Together they make my heart feel good :)
I couldnt put the book down, I had a need to know what was going to happen next. There is no slow moments in this book, it keeps you going and it keeps you hooked until the very last word and there are some rather shocking moments to keep you on your toes. I will definitely be reading the next book once it is released.
ps. If you are wondering why I have 4.5 starts instead of 5 it is because it took me a few chapters to get used to the writing. The story sometimes jumps weeks ahead with no warning and while this does not take away form the story one bit, it was a bit disconcerting at first.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! I was basically hooked after the first sentence. The author has a way of bringing you into the story. I felt like I was standing right next to Mischa the entire book.
Mischa has a heart condition and gets a transplant at the beginning of the book. Once she has healed, she gets to experience life and love for the first time. But slowly Mischa begins to realize that her new heart came with something more, she develops nightmares and hallucinations that she cant quite figure out. Mischa had so many emotions throughout the book, and the entire time I was reading I just wanted to comfort her or laugh with her or tell her why she was making a big mistake.
Ryder was my favorite character and I found myself ridiculously happy that she Mischa had found him. Together they make my heart feel good :)
I couldnt put the book down, I had a need to know what was going to happen next. There is no slow moments in this book, it keeps you going and it keeps you hooked until the very last word and there are some rather shocking moments to keep you on your toes. I will definitely be reading the next book once it is released.
ps. If you are wondering why I have 4.5 starts instead of 5 it is because it took me a few chapters to get used to the writing. The story sometimes jumps weeks ahead with no warning and while this does not take away form the story one bit, it was a bit disconcerting at first.
December 7, 2013
This book was a seriously great read. Mishca is the type of character you want to be friends with and Sharon has a whole host of supporting characters that really come alive. A must read if you love a cocktail of romance, mystery, and all-kinds of badass-ery.
Want to read
April 26, 2013I'm so excited for this it's ridiculous!!
August 16, 2016
*** Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review! ***
I really liked the concept behind this novel. The story starts off with Mischa, a nineteen year old girl, who has a congenital heart defect. She undergoes a heart transplant but discovers she's suffering from some strange side affects which are more like special abilities and terrifying nightmares. The plot then follows her journey as to how she deals with these changes and other revelations in her life.
The plot pace was brisk and Sharon M. Johnston has a writing style that flows smoothly. They were no parts in the novel that dragged on or were boring. I really enjoyed Mischa as a MC. I liked that she wasn't your conventional pretty girl and that she was mixed race. The novel offers a lot of diversity in that regard. I also loved the setting of the novel as it took place in my city which is Brisbane and that my school way mentioned. Go QUT!!! It was nice to read about places that I could relate to.
With regards to the relationships in the book, I was happy to see Mischa's parents mentioned throughout the book. Usually in YA or New Adult novels, we tend to see a disconnect with the MC and their family but we don't get it here. It was nice to see how her parents cared about her and how she behaved around them. I also enjoyed the minor characters. They were well rounded enough to add interest to the story. We also catch glimpses of Mischa's friendships with Nerissa which is refreshing. However, I do have to say Nerissa is quite an intriguing character. I think there is more to her than is let on in this book.
The romance between Ryder and Mischa was played out well. I liked how it was built up slowly. However, I did not see the point of making Colin another love interest. That was the only time I felt the book took a weird turn. Till then I enjoyed the story immensely.
The book has a decent amount of plots and twists to keep the reader guessing. The revelations towards the end were the the best part. I liked how the book ended on a more "to be continued" note as opposed to a major cliffhanger. That has got my interest piqued for the sequel. Overall, I think this was a great start to the series and would recommend this novel to fans who enjoy the sci-fi genre in the new-adult to upper YA categories :)
I really liked the concept behind this novel. The story starts off with Mischa, a nineteen year old girl, who has a congenital heart defect. She undergoes a heart transplant but discovers she's suffering from some strange side affects which are more like special abilities and terrifying nightmares. The plot then follows her journey as to how she deals with these changes and other revelations in her life.
The plot pace was brisk and Sharon M. Johnston has a writing style that flows smoothly. They were no parts in the novel that dragged on or were boring. I really enjoyed Mischa as a MC. I liked that she wasn't your conventional pretty girl and that she was mixed race. The novel offers a lot of diversity in that regard. I also loved the setting of the novel as it took place in my city which is Brisbane and that my school way mentioned. Go QUT!!! It was nice to read about places that I could relate to.
With regards to the relationships in the book, I was happy to see Mischa's parents mentioned throughout the book. Usually in YA or New Adult novels, we tend to see a disconnect with the MC and their family but we don't get it here. It was nice to see how her parents cared about her and how she behaved around them. I also enjoyed the minor characters. They were well rounded enough to add interest to the story. We also catch glimpses of Mischa's friendships with Nerissa which is refreshing. However, I do have to say Nerissa is quite an intriguing character. I think there is more to her than is let on in this book.
The romance between Ryder and Mischa was played out well. I liked how it was built up slowly. However, I did not see the point of making Colin another love interest. That was the only time I felt the book took a weird turn. Till then I enjoyed the story immensely.
The book has a decent amount of plots and twists to keep the reader guessing. The revelations towards the end were the the best part. I liked how the book ended on a more "to be continued" note as opposed to a major cliffhanger. That has got my interest piqued for the sequel. Overall, I think this was a great start to the series and would recommend this novel to fans who enjoy the sci-fi genre in the new-adult to upper YA categories :)
December 11, 2013
Intriguing Twist In this Plot
Mishca Richardson have been walking on egg shells all her life. With a defective heart, she prays for a miracle and try to brave her world. When that miracle finally comes, a new life with new trails comes with it.
She meets Ryder who catches her attention immediately. Soon she falls head over heels for him, and life is good. Really good. Well except for a few little problems, like super human abilities that sort of make her life a little more epic. Every night since her heart transplant she’s have been having really bad dreams, thought to be from the medication she had to take. She pushes it aside and try to live her life. But when Colin comes into her life, he starts a ride she can’t get off and soon discovers the real truth behind her life and her origins.
Mischa grows up uncertain of life and because of this her steps at first are small, but as she progress into her new life her character grows with all the things being slowly exposed to her. Near the end, you start seeing a girl sick of being a freak and ready to stand up and fight back.
Ryder was the dazzling hero, sweeping in to rescue her and give her a happily ever after, or so he thought. I have to say his character wiggled its way into my heart pretty quick. I just love the hero type. When Colin steps into the plot I was pretty pissed and really not happy at all, but the more you read the more you understand each character. Although there is still much I would like to learn about Ryder.
At first it was hard to really dig into this one. I was riding from intrigued to bored and back again. As Mishca’s life unfolds, you start picking up on a few things that has you raising an eyebrow. It was near the end that the plot turns hectic and you are blown away with what really is going on with this girl. But the plot also have a few other interesting things that I hope will be revealed with the next one. I was really impressed with the turn of this plot, I wasn’t really expecting such a turn, and it was pretty awesome. All in all, the story was intriguing and left me curios with what would be happening next in this girl’s life.
Mishca Richardson have been walking on egg shells all her life. With a defective heart, she prays for a miracle and try to brave her world. When that miracle finally comes, a new life with new trails comes with it.
She meets Ryder who catches her attention immediately. Soon she falls head over heels for him, and life is good. Really good. Well except for a few little problems, like super human abilities that sort of make her life a little more epic. Every night since her heart transplant she’s have been having really bad dreams, thought to be from the medication she had to take. She pushes it aside and try to live her life. But when Colin comes into her life, he starts a ride she can’t get off and soon discovers the real truth behind her life and her origins.
Mischa grows up uncertain of life and because of this her steps at first are small, but as she progress into her new life her character grows with all the things being slowly exposed to her. Near the end, you start seeing a girl sick of being a freak and ready to stand up and fight back.
Ryder was the dazzling hero, sweeping in to rescue her and give her a happily ever after, or so he thought. I have to say his character wiggled its way into my heart pretty quick. I just love the hero type. When Colin steps into the plot I was pretty pissed and really not happy at all, but the more you read the more you understand each character. Although there is still much I would like to learn about Ryder.
At first it was hard to really dig into this one. I was riding from intrigued to bored and back again. As Mishca’s life unfolds, you start picking up on a few things that has you raising an eyebrow. It was near the end that the plot turns hectic and you are blown away with what really is going on with this girl. But the plot also have a few other interesting things that I hope will be revealed with the next one. I was really impressed with the turn of this plot, I wasn’t really expecting such a turn, and it was pretty awesome. All in all, the story was intriguing and left me curios with what would be happening next in this girl’s life.
February 22, 2014
What a fun read!
The main character, Mishca, is a strong, sympathetic young woman. She’s determined to discover the truth about her background, all while figuring out what she wants to do in life, surviving open heart surgery, and dealing with a battle for her heart from two love interests: the sweet and sexy Ryder, and the sophisticated, much older Colin. But this isn’t your simple love triangle story. Sharon has woven in an intricate and suspenseful sci-fi plot that keeps you flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Super powers? Yup. Mysterious adoption? Sure. Plenty of quirky Australian humor? Yeah!
Now to get Sharon to finish book 2.
The main character, Mishca, is a strong, sympathetic young woman. She’s determined to discover the truth about her background, all while figuring out what she wants to do in life, surviving open heart surgery, and dealing with a battle for her heart from two love interests: the sweet and sexy Ryder, and the sophisticated, much older Colin. But this isn’t your simple love triangle story. Sharon has woven in an intricate and suspenseful sci-fi plot that keeps you flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Super powers? Yup. Mysterious adoption? Sure. Plenty of quirky Australian humor? Yeah!
Now to get Sharon to finish book 2.
December 3, 2015
View all my reviews
Thankyou to City Owl Press for sending me a copy of Divded through Netgalley.
"Sometimes life is stranger than fiction."
- page 132
After just recently getting a heart transplant, Mishca is expecting to feel energised, healthier and like she is finally going to have the normal life she wanted. Unfortunately, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. She develops supernatural abilities and a plague of nightmares that begin to haunt her sleep. Mishca also develops new romances and is torn between two guys, Ryder and Colin who both have equal pieces of her heart. But as the truth behind her adoption and her instant attraction to Colin, her university professor, surfaces, everything isn't as it seems and romance will be the absolute last of her problems.
Divided is the first novel in the Open Heart fantasy/sci-fi series by Sharon M. Johnston and is set in Australia (which is exciting because I live in Australia too). I gave this book three and a half stars because despite enjoying it, I found a couple of faults and areas that I personally disliked. The general writing style was in first person and it was very easy to follow, although it kind of felt rushed to me. I hated Mishca's constant inner monologue too because it just seemed to be after every few sentences and was very annoying. They didn't really match her bad-ass personality.
You're instantly thrown into action when you begin the novel as Mishca receives her heart transplant and this drew me in immediately. Divided has the perfect amount of plot twists that kept me engaged and hooked whilst reading. At one point, I finished the chapter and intended to put the book down for the night, but a cliffhanger sucked me in and I ended up reading for another hour. The romance was almost, almost, perfect. Mishca and Ryder's relationship was not insta-love at all and developed at a very realistic pace. I loved all their little moments. But then the whole 'forbidden love' and 'love triangle' element was thrown in and I felt like throwing the book at my wall. Introducing Colin as another love interest was just unnecessary.
I'm still trying to decide if I liked Mishca as a main character or not. At first, I found her whiny and inconsistent as her personality and moods changed from sweet to kicking-in-a-wall mad. Then I realised that she was realistically portrayed considering she's adopted, doesn't have many close friends and is experiencing unworldly things. I liked most of the characters and their roles in the novel really worked and I didn't really expect a thing - I won't say much more in fear I'll give away any spoilers though.
Divided is a new and sci-fi fresh novel that I predict will be very popular in future and well-liked by many. I recommend it to anyone looking for an intense read for this upcoming summer (if you're in Aus).
Thankyou to City Owl Press for sending me a copy of Divded through Netgalley.
"Sometimes life is stranger than fiction."
- page 132
After just recently getting a heart transplant, Mishca is expecting to feel energised, healthier and like she is finally going to have the normal life she wanted. Unfortunately, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. She develops supernatural abilities and a plague of nightmares that begin to haunt her sleep. Mishca also develops new romances and is torn between two guys, Ryder and Colin who both have equal pieces of her heart. But as the truth behind her adoption and her instant attraction to Colin, her university professor, surfaces, everything isn't as it seems and romance will be the absolute last of her problems.
Divided is the first novel in the Open Heart fantasy/sci-fi series by Sharon M. Johnston and is set in Australia (which is exciting because I live in Australia too). I gave this book three and a half stars because despite enjoying it, I found a couple of faults and areas that I personally disliked. The general writing style was in first person and it was very easy to follow, although it kind of felt rushed to me. I hated Mishca's constant inner monologue too because it just seemed to be after every few sentences and was very annoying. They didn't really match her bad-ass personality.
You're instantly thrown into action when you begin the novel as Mishca receives her heart transplant and this drew me in immediately. Divided has the perfect amount of plot twists that kept me engaged and hooked whilst reading. At one point, I finished the chapter and intended to put the book down for the night, but a cliffhanger sucked me in and I ended up reading for another hour. The romance was almost, almost, perfect. Mishca and Ryder's relationship was not insta-love at all and developed at a very realistic pace. I loved all their little moments. But then the whole 'forbidden love' and 'love triangle' element was thrown in and I felt like throwing the book at my wall. Introducing Colin as another love interest was just unnecessary.
I'm still trying to decide if I liked Mishca as a main character or not. At first, I found her whiny and inconsistent as her personality and moods changed from sweet to kicking-in-a-wall mad. Then I realised that she was realistically portrayed considering she's adopted, doesn't have many close friends and is experiencing unworldly things. I liked most of the characters and their roles in the novel really worked and I didn't really expect a thing - I won't say much more in fear I'll give away any spoilers though.
Divided is a new and sci-fi fresh novel that I predict will be very popular in future and well-liked by many. I recommend it to anyone looking for an intense read for this upcoming summer (if you're in Aus).
December 10, 2013
Rating 3.5 stars but rounded up. :)
‘Sleeper’ was a unique, somewhat compelling book for me, even if it did have elements that I wasn’t fond of, but more about that later.
The first thing that I have to mention is the setting. It’s based in Australia, which is quite a quirky surprise when a reader such as me is used to American or English settings. I loved the fact that the book was set in a country so close to my own. The city names were as familiar to me as the ones in my own country are. It gave me that familiarity where it was easy to get sucked into the story.
Mishca Richardson is a character who struggles right from the start to survive. What I loved about her was she had real strengths and weaknesses. So much so that some of them made me question whether I found her likable or not. She seemed to be a lonely person, but loved by her family. She considered herself a freak because of her condition, and others avoided her because of it. I don’t think she was a whiny character; she just seemed real.
The events Mishca had to go through as part of the storyline gave the book a kind of haunting feel to it. It was kind of like there was more to her as the book went on. There’s that element of mystery and of a teenage girl trying to find herself and I liked that about this book – even as she found herself being stalked.
Now like all Young Adult novels there was a romantic pairing, which was so sweet and I really liked that it wasn’t that crazy kind of insta-love. The relationship between Mishca and Ryder developed slowly and I loved it when they were together.
But I do have to add something…
Something happened in this book that made me want to throw my kindle across the room, but I didn’t, of course. I don’t like insta-love at the best of times, but this scene almost made stop reading the book. The only reason I continued reading it was because I happen to love and respect the author who wrote this book. Despite that, though, I feel I have to warn other readers that may feel the same way as me, because there is a most appalling case of it. I have to admit that, even though I was warned of the love triangle in the summary of the book, I just wasn’t prepared for it. I was happily squeeing for Mishca and Ryder.
Now, if you are like me, don’t despair, because there was an extremely good reason for it, as I discovered as I read on. Although the buzz I was feeling died a little, I still enjoyed the novel. The situation between Mishca and Colin did add that twist of the unusual. I really hope even though there are two guys involved, it doesn’t end up being a love triangle.
Overall, even with that little blip I mentioned above, the novel is still well worth reading. I’m certainly glad I did. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi with a realistic edge.
(This novel was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
This review can be found here at http://cravingyareads.com/
‘Sleeper’ was a unique, somewhat compelling book for me, even if it did have elements that I wasn’t fond of, but more about that later.
The first thing that I have to mention is the setting. It’s based in Australia, which is quite a quirky surprise when a reader such as me is used to American or English settings. I loved the fact that the book was set in a country so close to my own. The city names were as familiar to me as the ones in my own country are. It gave me that familiarity where it was easy to get sucked into the story.
Mishca Richardson is a character who struggles right from the start to survive. What I loved about her was she had real strengths and weaknesses. So much so that some of them made me question whether I found her likable or not. She seemed to be a lonely person, but loved by her family. She considered herself a freak because of her condition, and others avoided her because of it. I don’t think she was a whiny character; she just seemed real.
The events Mishca had to go through as part of the storyline gave the book a kind of haunting feel to it. It was kind of like there was more to her as the book went on. There’s that element of mystery and of a teenage girl trying to find herself and I liked that about this book – even as she found herself being stalked.
Now like all Young Adult novels there was a romantic pairing, which was so sweet and I really liked that it wasn’t that crazy kind of insta-love. The relationship between Mishca and Ryder developed slowly and I loved it when they were together.
But I do have to add something…
Something happened in this book that made me want to throw my kindle across the room, but I didn’t, of course. I don’t like insta-love at the best of times, but this scene almost made stop reading the book. The only reason I continued reading it was because I happen to love and respect the author who wrote this book. Despite that, though, I feel I have to warn other readers that may feel the same way as me, because there is a most appalling case of it. I have to admit that, even though I was warned of the love triangle in the summary of the book, I just wasn’t prepared for it. I was happily squeeing for Mishca and Ryder.
Now, if you are like me, don’t despair, because there was an extremely good reason for it, as I discovered as I read on. Although the buzz I was feeling died a little, I still enjoyed the novel. The situation between Mishca and Colin did add that twist of the unusual. I really hope even though there are two guys involved, it doesn’t end up being a love triangle.
Overall, even with that little blip I mentioned above, the novel is still well worth reading. I’m certainly glad I did. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi with a realistic edge.
(This novel was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
This review can be found here at http://cravingyareads.com/
January 13, 2016
***This book was provided to Nerd Girl in exchange for an honest review.***
(Warning some spoilers.)
Mishca is a teenager who, all of her life, has been sheltered by her adoptive parents due to a heart defect that requires a heart transplant. Finally, at the end of her senior year, she finds out that she has a heart, but what she doesn’t know if that her life will never be the same.
When I first started reading this book I didn’t think that it was in the paranormal realm, but I was surprised and happy to find out that it was. As an avid reader of the paranormal this book was right up my alley. I would also like to say that as a reader who is not a big fan of first person POV, I found that the author used first person quite well. It was easy to follow her thoughts and transition into her many nightmares.
I do not want to give away the book, but I did not see this plot twist coming. When Mishca started to struggle with her new powers (or abnormalities) I immediately thought about super hero, and I wasn’t alone. But after everything she has gone through I was excited to find out that Ryder ( pretty much the love of her life) has abilities of his own and I hope that will make her feel like less of an outcast as the series progresses. The author, in my opinion, did a great job or growing the characters especially Mishca and Ryder. Ryder is such a loving person and he is so proper that you can’t help but adore him. I see him as more British then Australian in my mind. Mishca is so confused and allows a lot of guilt to guide her actions, but she always manages to find a way to do the right thing. She also cares very deeply about those that are close to her. I don’t quite know what Sophitia is up to, but I’m sure it is nothing good and I still don’t like her.
I think one of the few things that I did not like about the book was bringing in Colin. The book was a pretty good length and I just felt like he was thrown in for no other reason than to show that something was not quite right with Mishca’s birth. She has enough problems going on in her life without throwing a wedge between her and Ryder. We are already left with the big secret, that he may not forgive her for keeping, to keep us on our toes about their relationship. It was also just a little bit skeevy to me because the age gap was pretty substantial at their ages. I guess I just wasn’t a fan of this part.
In the end I really enjoyed reading this book, but my heart contracted in pain when I realized we wouldn’t be getting all of our answers at the end of the book. Sorry folks, it is a series! And sadly we will have to wait for Shattered to come out. I will be waiting with baited breath, but not very patiently.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
(Warning some spoilers.)
Mishca is a teenager who, all of her life, has been sheltered by her adoptive parents due to a heart defect that requires a heart transplant. Finally, at the end of her senior year, she finds out that she has a heart, but what she doesn’t know if that her life will never be the same.
When I first started reading this book I didn’t think that it was in the paranormal realm, but I was surprised and happy to find out that it was. As an avid reader of the paranormal this book was right up my alley. I would also like to say that as a reader who is not a big fan of first person POV, I found that the author used first person quite well. It was easy to follow her thoughts and transition into her many nightmares.
I do not want to give away the book, but I did not see this plot twist coming. When Mishca started to struggle with her new powers (or abnormalities) I immediately thought about super hero, and I wasn’t alone. But after everything she has gone through I was excited to find out that Ryder ( pretty much the love of her life) has abilities of his own and I hope that will make her feel like less of an outcast as the series progresses. The author, in my opinion, did a great job or growing the characters especially Mishca and Ryder. Ryder is such a loving person and he is so proper that you can’t help but adore him. I see him as more British then Australian in my mind. Mishca is so confused and allows a lot of guilt to guide her actions, but she always manages to find a way to do the right thing. She also cares very deeply about those that are close to her. I don’t quite know what Sophitia is up to, but I’m sure it is nothing good and I still don’t like her.
I think one of the few things that I did not like about the book was bringing in Colin. The book was a pretty good length and I just felt like he was thrown in for no other reason than to show that something was not quite right with Mishca’s birth. She has enough problems going on in her life without throwing a wedge between her and Ryder. We are already left with the big secret, that he may not forgive her for keeping, to keep us on our toes about their relationship. It was also just a little bit skeevy to me because the age gap was pretty substantial at their ages. I guess I just wasn’t a fan of this part.
In the end I really enjoyed reading this book, but my heart contracted in pain when I realized we wouldn’t be getting all of our answers at the end of the book. Sorry folks, it is a series! And sadly we will have to wait for Shattered to come out. I will be waiting with baited breath, but not very patiently.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2015
*** Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review! ***
There were so many things I loved about this book!
Mischa feels disconnected from her peers. Not only does her skin color not match that of her adopted parents, she's also been saddled with a hole in her heart that keeps her from getting to do anything remotely fun.
After she undergoes a heart transplant, she thinks her troubles are over. If her body doesn't reject the new heart, she has a chance at an actual life. Except there are the nightly dreams that consume her, and fill her with fear and guilt. Then there's that feeling of strength and endurance she's never felt before--and it seems to be more than just a better heart.
Enter Ryder, a guy from her adoption support group, Nerissa, the former high school it girl/now college bff, and Ryder's interesting group of friends (my favorite is Sophitia, but I'm not going to spoil the surprises she has in store. You'll have to discover her delights on your own). All of a sudden, Mischa's life might actually be headed to normal.
If she could only stop breaking things she shouldn't be strong enough to break, and running distances she shouldn't be able to run.
The novel is set in Australia, which is automatically a cool setting. I loved peeking all the way to the other side of the world and seeing things like Christmas in the middle of summer.
Mischa is an awesome main character. Along with physically strong, she's a pretty tough chick emotionally. Sometimes, she gives into her urges over her brain, but that's what growing up is like. It's a constant stream of mistakes to learn from.
The pace didn't falter. I kept turning the pages, wanting to know what was coming next. And I'll eagerly snatch up the next book in the series. When I wasn't reading this story, I was thinking about it.
The book is full of surprises and things that keep you guessing. It's also full of (no pun intended, I swear) heart. Mischa's story and her determination to find her birth parents almost broke mine.
If you want a cool coming-of-age book with some nifty Sci-fi thrown in for good measure, this book is definitely for you!
There were so many things I loved about this book!
Mischa feels disconnected from her peers. Not only does her skin color not match that of her adopted parents, she's also been saddled with a hole in her heart that keeps her from getting to do anything remotely fun.
After she undergoes a heart transplant, she thinks her troubles are over. If her body doesn't reject the new heart, she has a chance at an actual life. Except there are the nightly dreams that consume her, and fill her with fear and guilt. Then there's that feeling of strength and endurance she's never felt before--and it seems to be more than just a better heart.
Enter Ryder, a guy from her adoption support group, Nerissa, the former high school it girl/now college bff, and Ryder's interesting group of friends (my favorite is Sophitia, but I'm not going to spoil the surprises she has in store. You'll have to discover her delights on your own). All of a sudden, Mischa's life might actually be headed to normal.
If she could only stop breaking things she shouldn't be strong enough to break, and running distances she shouldn't be able to run.
The novel is set in Australia, which is automatically a cool setting. I loved peeking all the way to the other side of the world and seeing things like Christmas in the middle of summer.
Mischa is an awesome main character. Along with physically strong, she's a pretty tough chick emotionally. Sometimes, she gives into her urges over her brain, but that's what growing up is like. It's a constant stream of mistakes to learn from.
The pace didn't falter. I kept turning the pages, wanting to know what was coming next. And I'll eagerly snatch up the next book in the series. When I wasn't reading this story, I was thinking about it.
The book is full of surprises and things that keep you guessing. It's also full of (no pun intended, I swear) heart. Mischa's story and her determination to find her birth parents almost broke mine.
If you want a cool coming-of-age book with some nifty Sci-fi thrown in for good measure, this book is definitely for you!
February 16, 2019
Divided is a unique and very interesting story about a young woman, Mishca, who struggles with finding who she is after a heart transplant. The story hooks you from the first sentence and never really lets you go.
The author writes so well and makes Mishca’s feelings pop off the page, and it lets the reader feel her struggles with accepting that her life meant someone else had to die. It all seems so real and every page you want to reach into the book and give Mishca a comforting hug. The characters and the settings also feel real, and it’s all shown with just the right amount of descriptions.
As the story moves on it turn into a very interesting love story, which end up getting extremely exciting as Mishca starts discovering she has extraordinary powers. As if Mishca didn’t already have enough to struggle with, but together with Mishca’s determination to discover the truth about her background, this makes for such an exciting read.
And just when you think that you have it all figured out, you get a pleasant slap in the face for being wrong. The way the story twists and turns is remarkable, and in the end I simply found myself gawking at the last page with my mouth wide open. But that’s very much a good thing.
It feels mainly like a romance novel, but with some very interesting elements of Sci-Fi, which also happened to be the part I loved the most. It can be a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning, but the writing feels so real that it didn’t affect me that much. The book also spans over a pretty long period, and time can pass a lot between chapters, which sometimes made me a little confused. However, these things do not take away from the story in any way, and it’s just a minor thing for me.
Overall, I’m blown away with the way Sharon M. Johnston made this story come alive, and how she managed to make it fun and romantic while at the same time dealing with deep and heavy subjects.
I’ve given this book a very strong 4,5 stars (and why not round it up to five?), and this is a book I can highly recommend to anyone.
Read it!
The author writes so well and makes Mishca’s feelings pop off the page, and it lets the reader feel her struggles with accepting that her life meant someone else had to die. It all seems so real and every page you want to reach into the book and give Mishca a comforting hug. The characters and the settings also feel real, and it’s all shown with just the right amount of descriptions.
As the story moves on it turn into a very interesting love story, which end up getting extremely exciting as Mishca starts discovering she has extraordinary powers. As if Mishca didn’t already have enough to struggle with, but together with Mishca’s determination to discover the truth about her background, this makes for such an exciting read.
And just when you think that you have it all figured out, you get a pleasant slap in the face for being wrong. The way the story twists and turns is remarkable, and in the end I simply found myself gawking at the last page with my mouth wide open. But that’s very much a good thing.
It feels mainly like a romance novel, but with some very interesting elements of Sci-Fi, which also happened to be the part I loved the most. It can be a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning, but the writing feels so real that it didn’t affect me that much. The book also spans over a pretty long period, and time can pass a lot between chapters, which sometimes made me a little confused. However, these things do not take away from the story in any way, and it’s just a minor thing for me.
Overall, I’m blown away with the way Sharon M. Johnston made this story come alive, and how she managed to make it fun and romantic while at the same time dealing with deep and heavy subjects.
I’ve given this book a very strong 4,5 stars (and why not round it up to five?), and this is a book I can highly recommend to anyone.
Read it!
February 20, 2020
AUTHOR PROVIDED E-BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Actual Rating: 4.5
I am finally in Australia! Yes! I have been all over the world while I have never been to Australia. I have been to England with The Sweet Trilogy, I have been all over North America with a lot of book series, I have even traveled to the future. But let's focus on the now of Australia and the love of imagining their Aussie accents. Is it true you guys probably have some of the most attractive guys there?
Mischa has never felt belonged anywhere. No guy would date her because well... They all thought she was defected. There is the fact that most of the guys that were interested were to scared of her father, a rugby coach, to even try anything. But she's left behind by her friends as they backpack. Her skin color is out of place. She has a hole in her heart... But this book made me believe that once again, people are able to stop self-shaming by being strong and having the right people around you.
Honestly, thank you so much to Sharon for providing me with this book. It was a fresh look on NA novels. Nothing really supernatural goes on other than the fact of the main character, Mischa, is having feelings of deja vu when she gets out of her surgery. Strange powers, new friends, even feelings of a reverse Mrs. Robinson.
READ MORE AT AMY'S REVIEW OBSESSION AT BLOGGER
Actual Rating: 4.5
I am finally in Australia! Yes! I have been all over the world while I have never been to Australia. I have been to England with The Sweet Trilogy, I have been all over North America with a lot of book series, I have even traveled to the future. But let's focus on the now of Australia and the love of imagining their Aussie accents. Is it true you guys probably have some of the most attractive guys there?
Mischa has never felt belonged anywhere. No guy would date her because well... They all thought she was defected. There is the fact that most of the guys that were interested were to scared of her father, a rugby coach, to even try anything. But she's left behind by her friends as they backpack. Her skin color is out of place. She has a hole in her heart... But this book made me believe that once again, people are able to stop self-shaming by being strong and having the right people around you.
Honestly, thank you so much to Sharon for providing me with this book. It was a fresh look on NA novels. Nothing really supernatural goes on other than the fact of the main character, Mischa, is having feelings of deja vu when she gets out of her surgery. Strange powers, new friends, even feelings of a reverse Mrs. Robinson.
READ MORE AT AMY'S REVIEW OBSESSION AT BLOGGER
January 9, 2016
4.5 out of 5 stars
Mischa's life was put on hold because of her heart defect and although her new heart has given her things she didn't have before, it has its fair share of problems as well...
First of all, great cover!
Second of all, I love when books have a main character who isn't white. Because that doesn't really happen a lot, this is worthy of a mention. The alienation she feels with parents of a different skin color feels real. Besides her skin color, Mischa is very likable herself and you feel for her. She's a sweetheart. Never was I frustrated by her or annoyed which can happen with other YA books.
Not only was Mischa likable, but the people around her were too. Ryder, Nerissa, and her parents were good characters. Even Sophilita, who is not what you think at first glance.
Plot wise, you get sucked in. You get more and more interested on what the hell is going on.
I like how we were really kept guessing as readers, because Mischa herself had no idea what was going on.
Only problem is the time jumps - they can be a little disorientating. Like wow, that much time passed?
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mischa's life was put on hold because of her heart defect and although her new heart has given her things she didn't have before, it has its fair share of problems as well...
First of all, great cover!
Second of all, I love when books have a main character who isn't white. Because that doesn't really happen a lot, this is worthy of a mention. The alienation she feels with parents of a different skin color feels real. Besides her skin color, Mischa is very likable herself and you feel for her. She's a sweetheart. Never was I frustrated by her or annoyed which can happen with other YA books.
Not only was Mischa likable, but the people around her were too. Ryder, Nerissa, and her parents were good characters. Even Sophilita, who is not what you think at first glance.
Plot wise, you get sucked in. You get more and more interested on what the hell is going on.
I like how we were really kept guessing as readers, because Mischa herself had no idea what was going on.
Only problem is the time jumps - they can be a little disorientating. Like wow, that much time passed?
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2014
I don't often review books but this one deserves one
A great book with all right elements. Enough mystery and questions to keep me reading, and just the right amount of action vs romance!
I'm not a fan of insta-love but when you keep reading and find out the reason it all makes perfect sense so other readers shouldn't let that put them off.
Mishca and Ryder are both excellent main characters, and I particularly love all his little quirks - particularly the grammar thing! Loved that! As for Mishca, I connected with her straight away and right away I wanted to know more about her.
It does start a little slow but there are enough questions to make you keep reading and it picks up and carries you along nicely.
Would definitely recommend this to pretty much anyone, not just readers of YA. It has a nice element of Sci-Fi that I particularly enjoyed.
Definitely deserving of the 5 stars!
A great book with all right elements. Enough mystery and questions to keep me reading, and just the right amount of action vs romance!
I'm not a fan of insta-love but when you keep reading and find out the reason it all makes perfect sense so other readers shouldn't let that put them off.
Mishca and Ryder are both excellent main characters, and I particularly love all his little quirks - particularly the grammar thing! Loved that! As for Mishca, I connected with her straight away and right away I wanted to know more about her.
It does start a little slow but there are enough questions to make you keep reading and it picks up and carries you along nicely.
Would definitely recommend this to pretty much anyone, not just readers of YA. It has a nice element of Sci-Fi that I particularly enjoyed.
Definitely deserving of the 5 stars!
February 24, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading Sleeper back in Dec-2013 as well as interviewing the author S.M. Johnston where she answered questions about the novel & her life in beautiful Queensland Australia.
On the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Speculative Fiction with their YA/NA. The story-line is unique and intriguing and will keep you guessing the possible outcome.
I will not comment further for fear of giving away any plot twists, but if you want to read more on the author or on Sleeper, yo ucan go to my blog at: http://nikvukoja.wordpress.com/2013/12/
I highly recommend Sleeper to everyone and am anxious to read the next part in the series
On the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Speculative Fiction with their YA/NA. The story-line is unique and intriguing and will keep you guessing the possible outcome.
I will not comment further for fear of giving away any plot twists, but if you want to read more on the author or on Sleeper, yo ucan go to my blog at: http://nikvukoja.wordpress.com/2013/12/
I highly recommend Sleeper to everyone and am anxious to read the next part in the series
September 19, 2015
Besides having an attention grabbing cover, the story of Mishca and Ryder sucked me in early. I found myself trying to decipher the nightmares to fix Mishca and make her quality of life better, especially with the hunky Ryder! And trust me, every time you think you know what's happening, even with her sudden and weird attraction toward Colin, another curveball is thrown at you. Let me also say, the mushy is not overdone for those who don't want straight up romance, but there's enough to keep lovers swooning. The story is fast paced and keeps you on your toes, not to mention ample weirdness: nightmares, hallucinations, superhuman powers, secret organization...and plenty of lies! Dude, add this to your shelf!
December 23, 2013
I have tried to read "YA" novels time and time again, only to put them aside 20-50 pages in because I'm basically bored.
This wasn't the case with Sleeper.
Though it's primarily a romance novel, there was enough intrigue and (towards the end) scifi to keep me interested all the way through what was a very quick and easy read. Ms Johnston's writing is energetic and pacy, with enough wryness to keep it sparkling.
An excellent first foray into novel writing, not just YA novel writing.
This wasn't the case with Sleeper.
Though it's primarily a romance novel, there was enough intrigue and (towards the end) scifi to keep me interested all the way through what was a very quick and easy read. Ms Johnston's writing is energetic and pacy, with enough wryness to keep it sparkling.
An excellent first foray into novel writing, not just YA novel writing.
April 14, 2014
Wow. Just wow.
Such a great story. It's a slow burn. You think you've got it all figured out and then there's a right hook followed by a quick left and jab to the ribs.
There is some mature content as this is an NA title, but I feel it's appropriate for an upper YA audience.
Such a great story. It's a slow burn. You think you've got it all figured out and then there's a right hook followed by a quick left and jab to the ribs.
There is some mature content as this is an NA title, but I feel it's appropriate for an upper YA audience.
December 20, 2015
After Mishca Richardson receives a heart transplant, she begins to have strange nightmares and she suddenly possesses suberhuman speed, strength and hearing abilities. As if that wasn't enough, Mishca also finds herself torn between her new boyfriend Ryder and her college professor Colin.
Mishca sets out to find her biological parents, believng they may be the key to solve the riddle of her newfound skills. But digging for the truth uncovers a lot more than Mishca bargained for and she quickly learns that nothing is as it seems in this fast-paced, sci-fi thriller!
OK my initial reaction after reading this book's summary wasn't very favorable. It sounded too close to the plot of "The Brokenhearted" by Amelia Kahaney. Both books are about teenaged girls from wealthy backgrounds who develop superhuman abilities after receiving heart transplants. Although the intitial premise in both books is the same, the similarities stop there. In Kahaney's book our heroine is a "superhero" fighting off villians but "Divided" has more of a sci-fi theme with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. This was a fast-paced and engaging read with a cliffhanger that leaves you yearning for the next book!
Mishca sets out to find her biological parents, believng they may be the key to solve the riddle of her newfound skills. But digging for the truth uncovers a lot more than Mishca bargained for and she quickly learns that nothing is as it seems in this fast-paced, sci-fi thriller!
OK my initial reaction after reading this book's summary wasn't very favorable. It sounded too close to the plot of "The Brokenhearted" by Amelia Kahaney. Both books are about teenaged girls from wealthy backgrounds who develop superhuman abilities after receiving heart transplants. Although the intitial premise in both books is the same, the similarities stop there. In Kahaney's book our heroine is a "superhero" fighting off villians but "Divided" has more of a sci-fi theme with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. This was a fast-paced and engaging read with a cliffhanger that leaves you yearning for the next book!
September 20, 2016
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The supernatural elements add an intriguing element to the story.
I really liked Mishca. She is a strong young woman dealing with a lot of issues. She handles it the best she can and tries hard to protect those she care about. The romance between her and Ryder is sweet and her feelings for Colin really confuse her.
I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
I really liked Mishca. She is a strong young woman dealing with a lot of issues. She handles it the best she can and tries hard to protect those she care about. The romance between her and Ryder is sweet and her feelings for Colin really confuse her.
I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Read
January 6, 2016I'm a sucker for a book set in Australia, and Johnston's DIVIDED didn't disappoint. There were enough surprises to keep me racing through it, the sci-fi aspects adding cool elements to an already strong plot, and the romance was spot on. Mischa and Ryder are two memorable characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
August 9, 2016
Katharine is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
December 29, 2018
The voice felt a bit too young for a NA book. Other people might enjoy it, but it wasn't for me.
May 7, 2016
Buckle up kids this one's got everything, Love, action, excitement, and surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Can't wait to see what happens next.
July 27, 2018
Great writing. Deep characters, that are true to life. Love the bit of romance! Interesting take on heart transplants and adoption. : ) Can't spoil it, but you'll want to have the next book handy for when you finish this one!
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