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Tainted Luck
Levi Kast was content living his life in the shadows. He didn’t want much, just his dad’s attention and the girl of his dreams to notice his existence.
Instead, he got more than he had bargained for.
Taylor James was the new student at Kennedy High. She was eccentric, impulsive, Gothic and…dark.
She always got what she wanted, and she decided instantly that she wanted Levi Kast. He became her obsession.
Despite Levi’s initial response to retreat from her other world presence, he was eventually drawn to this girl and her obsession of death and ghosts.
But Taylor had skeletons in her closest, including a dead boyfriend, and before Levi could understand them, he found himself her next victim.
Instead, he got more than he had bargained for.
Taylor James was the new student at Kennedy High. She was eccentric, impulsive, Gothic and…dark.
She always got what she wanted, and she decided instantly that she wanted Levi Kast. He became her obsession.
Despite Levi’s initial response to retreat from her other world presence, he was eventually drawn to this girl and her obsession of death and ghosts.
But Taylor had skeletons in her closest, including a dead boyfriend, and before Levi could understand them, he found himself her next victim.
- GenresYoung AdultHorror
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2018
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Austin
11 books298 followersCynthia Austin lives in Northern California with her
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 28, 2021
Trigger warning: This book talks about suicide and mental illness.
This book is short, so I’ll try to make my review short as well.
I have to admit that if I haven’t been contacted by the author I would probably never read this book. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to, but because I simply haven’t heard about it before.
This is why reviews are so important.
Tainted luck is a story written from Levi’s POV, about a new girl in the school who is mysterious but also a bit addictive.
It has paranormal elements and talks about witchcraft in bits.
If you ask me, the biggest part of this book centers around mental illness.
The story itself is good. I loved how it was developed, from one atmosphere when everything was mysterious and cutesy to the other when it became dark and dangerous.
I loved that, and the whole story was really good. Yes, it had some problems and holes that could be easily fixed, but my main problem (and I hate to say this) lies in the writing style.
I really feel sorry to say that, especially because I was contacted by the author, but I feel that if the story was told in a different, better way it would be so much better.
It had potential to really become Britian’s next bestseller, but sadly, I don’t think it will.
It wasn’t just the writing, I had some issues with characters too.
Levi was not totally unlikeable, but he was annoying at times. However, I would ascribe it to the writing style. With his unpleasant comments he would throw on almost every time when talking about Taylor or describing certain situations.
One sentence even made me feel uncomfortable, and I am quoting it here for you, so you can get the picture what I’m talking about.
“…I turned to her, my patience as shaky as an anorexic supermodel…”
Taylor was unlikeable and rude. This is the was she talked to her own mother:
“Yeah, whatever Mom. How about doing your fucking job and put some dinner on the table?”
What is even more troublesome, that sentence right there made Levi see Taylor in a different way, he started to respect her because from then on.
As for others, they were just stupid most of the time. Didn’t have the courage to stand for themselves, but let that Taylor girl do whatever she wanted, even though their destiny was in question.
I don’t think that anyone could start a seanse in my presence against my will.
I won’t say anything else, I think you got the idea.
Even though you maybe wouldn’t say from my review, I am glad that I read Tainted luck.
I would recommend it to fans of paranormal and to those who want to read something quick and easy, since it has only 129 pages and it reads pretty fast.
This book is short, so I’ll try to make my review short as well.
I have to admit that if I haven’t been contacted by the author I would probably never read this book. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to, but because I simply haven’t heard about it before.
This is why reviews are so important.
Tainted luck is a story written from Levi’s POV, about a new girl in the school who is mysterious but also a bit addictive.
It has paranormal elements and talks about witchcraft in bits.
If you ask me, the biggest part of this book centers around mental illness.
The story itself is good. I loved how it was developed, from one atmosphere when everything was mysterious and cutesy to the other when it became dark and dangerous.
I loved that, and the whole story was really good. Yes, it had some problems and holes that could be easily fixed, but my main problem (and I hate to say this) lies in the writing style.
I really feel sorry to say that, especially because I was contacted by the author, but I feel that if the story was told in a different, better way it would be so much better.
It had potential to really become Britian’s next bestseller, but sadly, I don’t think it will.
It wasn’t just the writing, I had some issues with characters too.
Levi was not totally unlikeable, but he was annoying at times. However, I would ascribe it to the writing style. With his unpleasant comments he would throw on almost every time when talking about Taylor or describing certain situations.
One sentence even made me feel uncomfortable, and I am quoting it here for you, so you can get the picture what I’m talking about.
“…I turned to her, my patience as shaky as an anorexic supermodel…”
Taylor was unlikeable and rude. This is the was she talked to her own mother:
“Yeah, whatever Mom. How about doing your fucking job and put some dinner on the table?”
What is even more troublesome, that sentence right there made Levi see Taylor in a different way, he started to respect her because from then on.
As for others, they were just stupid most of the time. Didn’t have the courage to stand for themselves, but let that Taylor girl do whatever she wanted, even though their destiny was in question.
I don’t think that anyone could start a seanse in my presence against my will.
I won’t say anything else, I think you got the idea.
Even though you maybe wouldn’t say from my review, I am glad that I read Tainted luck.
I would recommend it to fans of paranormal and to those who want to read something quick and easy, since it has only 129 pages and it reads pretty fast.
September 7, 2018
Levi Kast is content to live out the rest of his high school days in the shadows, daydreaming about the girl of his dreams and yearning for his father’s approval. Yup, a typical teenager. But when Taylor walks into Levi’s life and clings to him like a magnet, chaos erupts. Taylor is twisted, holds dark secrets and could very well be a witch.
There’s something about Taylor which Levi finds attractive. The more he’s around her, the more he wants to know what’s behind her drastic mood swings and obsession with death. Taylor has her own agenda, though, and she needs Levi desperately. Before Levi knows what’s happening, he’s the star in a horror flick, only this is reality and the walls are about to come tumbling down. Will Levi survive or is his lot in life to be nothing but Tainted Luck?
Cynthia Austin has taken the YA Horror genre and put a new spin on it. She takes a confused Levi and given his insecurities a voice while at the same time, thrusting him into a paranormal situation where things are not what they appear to be. Dark themes permeate Tainted Luck though light-hearted banter between the characters breaks it up. I found Taylor to be a tragic character and her contrast to Levi gave me pause. Isn’t there a little bit of Taylor and Levi in each of us?
Brilliantly written and will appeal to many readers, not just young adult. It’ll remind you of King’s Carrie. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: “Sorry to say Dad, but your rabbit’s foot brought nothing but tainted luck. From here on out, I don’t need a silly trinket to produce my luck, I’ll make my own.”
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
There’s something about Taylor which Levi finds attractive. The more he’s around her, the more he wants to know what’s behind her drastic mood swings and obsession with death. Taylor has her own agenda, though, and she needs Levi desperately. Before Levi knows what’s happening, he’s the star in a horror flick, only this is reality and the walls are about to come tumbling down. Will Levi survive or is his lot in life to be nothing but Tainted Luck?
Cynthia Austin has taken the YA Horror genre and put a new spin on it. She takes a confused Levi and given his insecurities a voice while at the same time, thrusting him into a paranormal situation where things are not what they appear to be. Dark themes permeate Tainted Luck though light-hearted banter between the characters breaks it up. I found Taylor to be a tragic character and her contrast to Levi gave me pause. Isn’t there a little bit of Taylor and Levi in each of us?
Brilliantly written and will appeal to many readers, not just young adult. It’ll remind you of King’s Carrie. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: “Sorry to say Dad, but your rabbit’s foot brought nothing but tainted luck. From here on out, I don’t need a silly trinket to produce my luck, I’ll make my own.”
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
January 2, 2019
A Mixture of Humor and Horror in a Fast, Enjoyable Read
Tainted Luck features a seventeen-year-old high school student, Levi, who worries that he’s “… invisible when it came to the female species” and that he’s a distant second in his dad’s life. Then, we have the cute cheerleader, Stacy, the object of Levi’s dreams if only he had the courage to act on them. And finally, there’s the enigmatic, gothic, new girl in school, Taylor, who attaches herself to Levi, never taking no for an answer. Sound a bit like the setup for a typical story about teenage angst? Tainted Luck is that … and more. Taylor’s darkness turns black. Is it witchcraft or just a crush taken too far? Levi, on the other hand, starts off annoyed with Taylor, describing her as a gawky scarecrow with a shaggy, black mane but later, as “mesmerizing”. Has Taylor bewitched him? Or is this just the normal course of male hormones? And Stacy actually seems interested in Levi … or is this just part of his delusion as well? It’s an enjoyable undertaking to find out.
At 125 pages and with a plot that progresses steadily, the book is a quick read. The bite-sized chapters make it seem even faster – I always wanted to read just one more, making ‘The End’ sneak up on me sooner than I expected. One of the more enjoyable parts of the book is the author’s unusual and generally humorous similes, e.g., “I walked through the exit doors with Taylor trailing me like a paparazzi in a mini- Cooper.” Or “she had latched onto my side again like a school of piranhas sucking on a sea cow.” I certainly found myself smirking more than once at these strange yet descriptive, visual images.
The downside of this style, however, is that the same irreverence continues into the grislier scenes. I’ve never been a big fan of a super-macho, male protagonist ‘laughing in the face of death.’ It doesn’t work much better when it’s a 17-year-old, blonde cheerleader who wants to know if her murderous captor wants her baton because “I know just the place you can shove it.” Scare me or make me laugh, but both at the same time? No thanks. I also had some difficulty picturing the characters. Part of this muddle is the evolving nature of Levi’s image of Taylor, Stacy, and himself. But even so, I was never sure what they were like until the end and so, didn’t develop much attachment. And finally, I found my thoughts pulled from the plot by a typo or grammar misstep more often than I would like. One more edit would have helped.
Overall, Tainted Luck is a fast-paced, enjoyable read filled with humorous quips and tongue-in-cheek similes … even when, on occasion, they don’t seem to fit the setting.
Tainted Luck features a seventeen-year-old high school student, Levi, who worries that he’s “… invisible when it came to the female species” and that he’s a distant second in his dad’s life. Then, we have the cute cheerleader, Stacy, the object of Levi’s dreams if only he had the courage to act on them. And finally, there’s the enigmatic, gothic, new girl in school, Taylor, who attaches herself to Levi, never taking no for an answer. Sound a bit like the setup for a typical story about teenage angst? Tainted Luck is that … and more. Taylor’s darkness turns black. Is it witchcraft or just a crush taken too far? Levi, on the other hand, starts off annoyed with Taylor, describing her as a gawky scarecrow with a shaggy, black mane but later, as “mesmerizing”. Has Taylor bewitched him? Or is this just the normal course of male hormones? And Stacy actually seems interested in Levi … or is this just part of his delusion as well? It’s an enjoyable undertaking to find out.
At 125 pages and with a plot that progresses steadily, the book is a quick read. The bite-sized chapters make it seem even faster – I always wanted to read just one more, making ‘The End’ sneak up on me sooner than I expected. One of the more enjoyable parts of the book is the author’s unusual and generally humorous similes, e.g., “I walked through the exit doors with Taylor trailing me like a paparazzi in a mini- Cooper.” Or “she had latched onto my side again like a school of piranhas sucking on a sea cow.” I certainly found myself smirking more than once at these strange yet descriptive, visual images.
The downside of this style, however, is that the same irreverence continues into the grislier scenes. I’ve never been a big fan of a super-macho, male protagonist ‘laughing in the face of death.’ It doesn’t work much better when it’s a 17-year-old, blonde cheerleader who wants to know if her murderous captor wants her baton because “I know just the place you can shove it.” Scare me or make me laugh, but both at the same time? No thanks. I also had some difficulty picturing the characters. Part of this muddle is the evolving nature of Levi’s image of Taylor, Stacy, and himself. But even so, I was never sure what they were like until the end and so, didn’t develop much attachment. And finally, I found my thoughts pulled from the plot by a typo or grammar misstep more often than I would like. One more edit would have helped.
Overall, Tainted Luck is a fast-paced, enjoyable read filled with humorous quips and tongue-in-cheek similes … even when, on occasion, they don’t seem to fit the setting.
May 31, 2019
Dark and tense delight coats this quick read with bittersweet surprise.
Levi is just a guy in high school, whose only aspirations are to gain his father's approval and maybe...just maybe...get the girl he secretly crushes on for years to notice him. That's all he expects out of life. When the new girl plops down next to him in class and starts asking weird questions about one of the teachers, he wishes she'd go away. But she doesn't and sticks to him worse than a piece of old gum on his shoe. He can't get rid of her, and her goth weirdness makes him nervous. Little does he know that she's chucked full of very dark secrets.
This was a great read to dive into a tense, dark tale and enjoy it before it grows too long or heavy. The setting hits quickly and holds enough familiarity that scenes fall without the need for huge descriptions, allowing the plot to immediately take over. Levi comes across as an average boy from across the street and is easy to empathize with, especially his irritation and confusion with Taylor's relentless attention. Taylor is held at arm's length, but in a way which slides right in with her character. It's clear that something's off with her, and yet, it's exactly this which makes her more intriguing.
The plot is packed and quick, and settles with a sense of strangeness fitting for the atmosphere and read. It's definitely dark, a little twisted and grabs until the very last page.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading every page.
Levi is just a guy in high school, whose only aspirations are to gain his father's approval and maybe...just maybe...get the girl he secretly crushes on for years to notice him. That's all he expects out of life. When the new girl plops down next to him in class and starts asking weird questions about one of the teachers, he wishes she'd go away. But she doesn't and sticks to him worse than a piece of old gum on his shoe. He can't get rid of her, and her goth weirdness makes him nervous. Little does he know that she's chucked full of very dark secrets.
This was a great read to dive into a tense, dark tale and enjoy it before it grows too long or heavy. The setting hits quickly and holds enough familiarity that scenes fall without the need for huge descriptions, allowing the plot to immediately take over. Levi comes across as an average boy from across the street and is easy to empathize with, especially his irritation and confusion with Taylor's relentless attention. Taylor is held at arm's length, but in a way which slides right in with her character. It's clear that something's off with her, and yet, it's exactly this which makes her more intriguing.
The plot is packed and quick, and settles with a sense of strangeness fitting for the atmosphere and read. It's definitely dark, a little twisted and grabs until the very last page.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading every page.
July 31, 2018
Amazing! I was lured in by the dark attraction permeating the narrative, a deadly game of cat and mouse between two characters who couldn't be more opposite. Taylor James wears a cloak of secrets that at first repels Levi, but as the story progresses, he's caught in her web of mysteries. Suspenseful, full of plot twists, and evokes a sense of dread which stays with you until the end of the book. Highly recommend!
July 27, 2021
Tainted Luck is a book for young adults that talks about Levi, the schoolboy's first crush. The chapters were short, and Levi's journey to being liked by Stacey and getting his first kiss from Taylor turns into a nightmare when he discovers some disturbing secrets of this gothic girl. The ending takes a creepy turn, but as they say, all is fair in love and war! I loved the analogies that the author portrayed; they were entertaining.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
November 23, 2020
I started this at the beginning of the lockdown and then got distracted by physical books. So finished it this weekend.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, it's well written and quirky, and took on a very dark twist!
One of those occasions when when you don't know if you should feel empathy for the antagonist.
Would have liked it to have been longer and developed more but as a quick read, it was fun and I'm so glad I caught up with it in the end!
Thoroughly enjoyed it, it's well written and quirky, and took on a very dark twist!
One of those occasions when when you don't know if you should feel empathy for the antagonist.
Would have liked it to have been longer and developed more but as a quick read, it was fun and I'm so glad I caught up with it in the end!
October 23, 2018
I have to admit, up front, that I would not choose to read this genre, but, since it was one week prior to Halloween, I selected this book. It's a perfect read for young adults--perhaps over the age of 12-- and any adult, for that matter at this time of the year. Cynthia Austin combines the insecurities of high school with the dark underworld of witchcraft and attempts to revive the dead.
Levi Kast has been infatuated with the perfect teen-aged cheerleader in his school for years. She's hardly noticed him. But along comes Taylor, the new girl in town, and there's something eerily captivating about her. They share the same teacher, who's also the track coach. Levi can't get her out of his mind. Somehow, she manages to give Levi his first kiss and get him under her spell. Taylor insinuates that she wants to join the track team so that she can be invited to the track coach's famous Halloween party, but she never shows up for tryouts; however, Levi does.
Levi also notices that Taylor and the teacher/coach are spending time together. Is there something fishy going on? Is the teacher/coach overstepping his bounds and having some sort of affair, something that Levi should report to school authorities?
I don't want to spoil the plot by giving further details. However, this book, expressed in a first-person narrative from Levi's point of view, is well-conceived and interestingly written. I enjoyed the many musical references dropped in here and there, providing spice to the narrative. I also liked the way different characters were introduced and went in and out of the story. Levi's character wavered in a few spots, but I'm not sure if that was the author's intention to imply that he was under Taylor's spell, or if it was to strengthen the perception of his teenage angst.
The plot twists were interesting and surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it means that perhaps the next time I have an opportunity to read another book with a similar genre, I will gladly take the offer.
If I had the opportunity, I would rate this book at a 4.5.
Levi Kast has been infatuated with the perfect teen-aged cheerleader in his school for years. She's hardly noticed him. But along comes Taylor, the new girl in town, and there's something eerily captivating about her. They share the same teacher, who's also the track coach. Levi can't get her out of his mind. Somehow, she manages to give Levi his first kiss and get him under her spell. Taylor insinuates that she wants to join the track team so that she can be invited to the track coach's famous Halloween party, but she never shows up for tryouts; however, Levi does.
Levi also notices that Taylor and the teacher/coach are spending time together. Is there something fishy going on? Is the teacher/coach overstepping his bounds and having some sort of affair, something that Levi should report to school authorities?
I don't want to spoil the plot by giving further details. However, this book, expressed in a first-person narrative from Levi's point of view, is well-conceived and interestingly written. I enjoyed the many musical references dropped in here and there, providing spice to the narrative. I also liked the way different characters were introduced and went in and out of the story. Levi's character wavered in a few spots, but I'm not sure if that was the author's intention to imply that he was under Taylor's spell, or if it was to strengthen the perception of his teenage angst.
The plot twists were interesting and surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it means that perhaps the next time I have an opportunity to read another book with a similar genre, I will gladly take the offer.
If I had the opportunity, I would rate this book at a 4.5.
October 27, 2019
New girl, old trouble
When the new girl moves into town, Levi is less than impressed at first...but there’s something about her he can’t resist. A truly chilling take on obsession and witchcraft, this book reads like a cross between the craft, swim fan and Romeo and Juliet...perfect for Halloween!
When the new girl moves into town, Levi is less than impressed at first...but there’s something about her he can’t resist. A truly chilling take on obsession and witchcraft, this book reads like a cross between the craft, swim fan and Romeo and Juliet...perfect for Halloween!
February 11, 2019
Tainted Luck is more or less a short story with just 129 pages.
Levi Kast is in high school who is living a pretty much decent life like any teenager. He has a crush on Stacy klien and is best friends with Ben. His father is an ex athlete who wants his son to follow suit. Its obvious he has high expectations from his son which Levi wants to meet.
The plot starts with introducing us to the new girl in his class Taylor James who seems to have clung on to him the moment she came to the class. She is weird and follows Goth style and is very talkative. At first Levi tries to avoid her but soon he gets used to her and even begins to like her. But she is obsessed with Coach Collins and he wants to get to the bottom of it. Soon he gets embroiled on a wholly different plan of Taylor which is bordering on life and death.
I found the book to be trim and crisp. There’s no in-depth characterisation but you do understand where the characters come from. The story in itself was not impressive as it began as something and ended on a completely different note. But thankfully the blurb is pretty clear with this one.
Despite good writing, the plot doesn’t let you invest much in the characters but the pacing is good enough that you don’t lose interest.
For more please visit www.bibliogyan.com
Levi Kast is in high school who is living a pretty much decent life like any teenager. He has a crush on Stacy klien and is best friends with Ben. His father is an ex athlete who wants his son to follow suit. Its obvious he has high expectations from his son which Levi wants to meet.
The plot starts with introducing us to the new girl in his class Taylor James who seems to have clung on to him the moment she came to the class. She is weird and follows Goth style and is very talkative. At first Levi tries to avoid her but soon he gets used to her and even begins to like her. But she is obsessed with Coach Collins and he wants to get to the bottom of it. Soon he gets embroiled on a wholly different plan of Taylor which is bordering on life and death.
I found the book to be trim and crisp. There’s no in-depth characterisation but you do understand where the characters come from. The story in itself was not impressive as it began as something and ended on a completely different note. But thankfully the blurb is pretty clear with this one.
Despite good writing, the plot doesn’t let you invest much in the characters but the pacing is good enough that you don’t lose interest.
For more please visit www.bibliogyan.com
June 14, 2019
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
In Tainted Luck, Levi Kast dealt with problems associated with teenage life: dating, insecurities, and parental issues. He, unlike other teens, also had to deal with paranormal situations: spiritual body swaps and spirits.
This story did have some creepy moments in it and a few moments that will make your skin crawl, especially the maggot scene.
It also touched upon a sensitive subject matter… teen suicide.
It’s difficult raising a child because you wonder what going on in your kid’s head. I can’t imagine the mental and emotional toil raising Taylor James had on her parents. She had powers, thoughts and intentions that would be difficult for any caregiver to process. I can understand why her mother, teacher, and classmates were leery/afraid of her. Trust me, you’ll understand why once you read the book.
Tainted Luck is a book worth reading. Whether you believe in paranormal/supernatural world or not, certain sections might freak you out. It sure did me.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
In Tainted Luck, Levi Kast dealt with problems associated with teenage life: dating, insecurities, and parental issues. He, unlike other teens, also had to deal with paranormal situations: spiritual body swaps and spirits.
This story did have some creepy moments in it and a few moments that will make your skin crawl, especially the maggot scene.
It also touched upon a sensitive subject matter… teen suicide.
It’s difficult raising a child because you wonder what going on in your kid’s head. I can’t imagine the mental and emotional toil raising Taylor James had on her parents. She had powers, thoughts and intentions that would be difficult for any caregiver to process. I can understand why her mother, teacher, and classmates were leery/afraid of her. Trust me, you’ll understand why once you read the book.
Tainted Luck is a book worth reading. Whether you believe in paranormal/supernatural world or not, certain sections might freak you out. It sure did me.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
September 3, 2018
Although I’m far from being a teen (the audience I think this book is aimed at), I thoroughly enjoyed this story about a boy who’s pined from afar for both the cute blonde in his class and his father’s affection. Enter a new girl who won’t leave him alone and disrupts his life. She’s more than just an aggravation. She’s into the black arts, and maybe she’s for real. Or maybe she’s just a mental case. Read it to find out, and have a good time doing it!
The author did a great job of creating sympathetic characters, and she did a great job of telling the story largely through dialogue. There is description but nothing that bogs the story down—and it’s usually got some humor to it, making it a really fun read.
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is that it does need a good copyedit. The errors didn’t make the book unreadable, so they probably won’t bother some readers and some might not even notice them. Things like that do bother me, but in this case, I still enjoyed the story in spite of them.
The author did a great job of creating sympathetic characters, and she did a great job of telling the story largely through dialogue. There is description but nothing that bogs the story down—and it’s usually got some humor to it, making it a really fun read.
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is that it does need a good copyedit. The errors didn’t make the book unreadable, so they probably won’t bother some readers and some might not even notice them. Things like that do bother me, but in this case, I still enjoyed the story in spite of them.
October 17, 2018
For fans of YA horror, this book will not disappoint. It has humor and levity, young love and darkness. It has a bit of everything.
Levi pines for Stacy, one of the beautiful, unattainable blondes roaming the halls of his school. She is oblivious to his feelings. While trying to muster up the confidence to actually approach her, Taylor James, a rather eccentric goth, quite literally inserts herself into his life, a permanent fixture at his side. Her constant chatter and annoying habit of talking about death, drives him crazy, to the point that he finds ways to avoid her. But that quickly changes when they share an 'almost' kiss. Intrigued, his curiosity gets the better of him and he becomes entangled in everything Taylor.
When inexplicable things become impossible to ignore, Levi realizes the world around him is anything but normal and Taylor is at the heart of it all.
A fun, fast read filled with humor, chills, and romance. Highly recommended!
Levi pines for Stacy, one of the beautiful, unattainable blondes roaming the halls of his school. She is oblivious to his feelings. While trying to muster up the confidence to actually approach her, Taylor James, a rather eccentric goth, quite literally inserts herself into his life, a permanent fixture at his side. Her constant chatter and annoying habit of talking about death, drives him crazy, to the point that he finds ways to avoid her. But that quickly changes when they share an 'almost' kiss. Intrigued, his curiosity gets the better of him and he becomes entangled in everything Taylor.
When inexplicable things become impossible to ignore, Levi realizes the world around him is anything but normal and Taylor is at the heart of it all.
A fun, fast read filled with humor, chills, and romance. Highly recommended!
December 4, 2018
There are several reviews here that provide a quick synopsis of this tale by author Cynthia Austin, so I'll try to avoid being redundant. This isn't the first story I've read by this author, but without question, it is the best. The characters are well developed. There's a dark undercurrent that's appropriate for either a foray into the paranormal or a trip back to high school...and we're doing both here. I love how the author uses the first person narration so adroitly to develop a connection between the reader and the MC. The sense of impending doom and gloom is enhanced by entwining mental illness with dark abilities and witchcraft. The result is a well crafted and haunting story that slips through your fingers far too quickly. These characters and their story will definitely be with me for awhile, and what more could you want? Well done and highly recommend.
July 25, 2019
This is a fast-paced, well-written story seen through the eyes of Levi Kast, a 17-year-old boy who is no different than a million other boys who believe they can’t compete with the school’s popular jocks for the affections of that drop-dead gorgeous blond cheerleader—with a twist that makes it entirely different. The twist is Taylor James, a goth who becomes Levi’s other obsession until that blond, Stacy Klein, unaccountably inserted herself into Levi’s life. Confusing…yah, and so was Levi.
Things move inevitably toward a confrontation that is nothing short of a full-blown horror tale that you will need to read to understand. Wonderful writing, great characterization, delightful plot. This is a 5-stary story except that it really needed another line edit. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Things move inevitably toward a confrontation that is nothing short of a full-blown horror tale that you will need to read to understand. Wonderful writing, great characterization, delightful plot. This is a 5-stary story except that it really needed another line edit. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 9, 2019
Levi Kast is a seventeen year old boy who is just trying to survive high school. With the girl of his dreams seemingly out of reach and a father who cares more about himself than his son, no one is more surprised than he is when Goth girl, Taylor James, decides to attach herself to him. Caught between her unstable behavior and magnetic personality, the poor guy is beside himself. And then the really weird things begin to happen.
This witty and fast-paced YA urban fantasy novella was a delight to read. The characters were well-developed and Levi was hysterical. I really felt like I was in this young man's head. His family life felt real and the obstacles organic. Well done.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Austin's work.
This witty and fast-paced YA urban fantasy novella was a delight to read. The characters were well-developed and Levi was hysterical. I really felt like I was in this young man's head. His family life felt real and the obstacles organic. Well done.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Austin's work.
March 13, 2019
Very fun. I was engrossed from page one and wanted to read instead of doing the other things I was supposed to do. This story was outside of the norm in some ways and I was happy to see that. While it was straight-forward in a lot of ways (and therefore makes a good YA book), there were enough mysteries that I was happy to keep going until the end. Thank you, Ms. Austin, for the happy distraction!
April 2, 2019
Tainted Luck, is a fast-paced, suspenseful read. Mental illness, witchcraft, high school, a cheerleader and a goth girl makes for the perfect blend of a spine tingling adventure into the unknown. The ending had me holding my breath, who if anyone would survive? This is the first Cynthia Austin book I have read but it won't be the last.
April 5, 2019
Levi meets new girl Taylor, who is intriguing and weird. He soon finds himself sucked into her world and dealing with a level of crazy he didn't know existed. This was an interesting book, it moved fast, too fast in places, I didn't feel like I knew the characters too well, but the story was good and I think it would appeal to young adults 13-16 age range.
August 30, 2018
Very interesting! The book's short chapters and short overall length kept me reading. I didn't really know what to expect going into it, but I was, overall, very entertained! An experienced reader could probably finish in an hour or two, so it's great if you're looking for a quick read.
May 10, 2019
A can’t put it down kind of book
What a great book. It draws you in from the first page and the plot thickens just right. Great job writing this one. Taylor James is conniving in her own way. If you love to read thrillers, then this book is for you.
What a great book. It draws you in from the first page and the plot thickens just right. Great job writing this one. Taylor James is conniving in her own way. If you love to read thrillers, then this book is for you.
February 21, 2020
The author had emailed me about this book and asked if I’d be interested in reviewing it. The plot certainly intrigued me a lot and since it wasn’t a huge book I knew that I’d be able to squeeze this in to read it. I don’t have a lot of authors approaching me to review but most of the time they are great reads and I’m very happy to have been contacted. Thank you to Cynthia for the email!
I was not disappointed at all with this book. Despite the size, only 129 pages, this was a fantastic story. So let’s jump into my non-spoiler review!
The story follows Levi while he deals with the New Girls sudden obsession with him. Levi is a character that is easy to connect with which I love when I can connect with a character. He isn’t overly popular in school but that seems to be a choice and god I love that. The idea that you have to be popular in high school to be happy irritates me so having a MC that doesn’t seem to really care about that is amazing. He’s got a wit to him, that lovely dry sarcastic kind of humor that I do enjoy. Rooting for him throughout this book was easy.
His motivations for what really starts the book off is understandable. You can understand why he’d do what he does and hope that he succeeds. The author did such a great job in creating a believable teenage high schooler and I love that so much. I think a lot of YA books tend to give you a Dawson’s Creek kind of teen and let’s be honest, no teenager is actually like that. At least not when I was a teen.
Taylor is an interesting character herself. She seems a little over the top but I think that was kind of the point. When she explained parts of herself at different times in the book, I found myself hoping that she would be okay. She isn’t perfect and I loved that too. Broken characters are always the best written to me because people in general are broken in one way or another. Cynthia Austin does a great job at making Taylor mildly irritating, funny, surprisingly lovable but also dark.
Levi’s best friend isn’t a huge figure in the story but he does come into play at the right times. The teacher that is a prominent figure was written well enough that you couldn’t tell if he was a good guy or not and it kept you guessing throughout the book. Levi’s father is the typical dad that you just really want to smack because he’s stupid but he’s also the typical dad in a lot of ways. The girl of his dreams was a surprisingly great character. She wasn’t really a part of the story at first but once she comes into play she’s so much fun. All in all every character that is brought in, who has a role in the story’s plot, is well written.
It is one of the shortest books I’ve read but I didn’t feel like it was missing anything. The characters are strong, the plot is strong, the writing is strong. I enjoyed it very much and think that it’s one of the better books I’ve read since I started this blog. I would highly recommend this one to all of you so you should totally check it out!
I was not disappointed at all with this book. Despite the size, only 129 pages, this was a fantastic story. So let’s jump into my non-spoiler review!
The story follows Levi while he deals with the New Girls sudden obsession with him. Levi is a character that is easy to connect with which I love when I can connect with a character. He isn’t overly popular in school but that seems to be a choice and god I love that. The idea that you have to be popular in high school to be happy irritates me so having a MC that doesn’t seem to really care about that is amazing. He’s got a wit to him, that lovely dry sarcastic kind of humor that I do enjoy. Rooting for him throughout this book was easy.
His motivations for what really starts the book off is understandable. You can understand why he’d do what he does and hope that he succeeds. The author did such a great job in creating a believable teenage high schooler and I love that so much. I think a lot of YA books tend to give you a Dawson’s Creek kind of teen and let’s be honest, no teenager is actually like that. At least not when I was a teen.
Taylor is an interesting character herself. She seems a little over the top but I think that was kind of the point. When she explained parts of herself at different times in the book, I found myself hoping that she would be okay. She isn’t perfect and I loved that too. Broken characters are always the best written to me because people in general are broken in one way or another. Cynthia Austin does a great job at making Taylor mildly irritating, funny, surprisingly lovable but also dark.
Levi’s best friend isn’t a huge figure in the story but he does come into play at the right times. The teacher that is a prominent figure was written well enough that you couldn’t tell if he was a good guy or not and it kept you guessing throughout the book. Levi’s father is the typical dad that you just really want to smack because he’s stupid but he’s also the typical dad in a lot of ways. The girl of his dreams was a surprisingly great character. She wasn’t really a part of the story at first but once she comes into play she’s so much fun. All in all every character that is brought in, who has a role in the story’s plot, is well written.
It is one of the shortest books I’ve read but I didn’t feel like it was missing anything. The characters are strong, the plot is strong, the writing is strong. I enjoyed it very much and think that it’s one of the better books I’ve read since I started this blog. I would highly recommend this one to all of you so you should totally check it out!
January 4, 2020
Tainted Luck begins as a typical high-school story. The mysterious new girl starts, and Levi is infuriated by her, which leads to fascination. Except in Tainted Luck when things get weird, THEY GET WEIRD. And honestly, when they get weird was when I started having a blast. Unfortunately, I thought it was a little slow up until that point.
The playful tone made it very easy to read, and the short chapters too made it very easy to read a great big chunk all in one go. However, the short chapters did pose a bit of an issue for me, especially at the beginning, because I felt like we didn’t have enough time to digest anything or let it sink in.
I wanted to get to know these characters so much better. I wanted to know their hopes and dreams, what they love and hate, or at least a flavour of some of that, but because everything whisked past at such a pace, we don’t get much of a chance. The characters don’t have a moment to be vulnerable enough for us to get to know them, and I think that’s a shame. It felt like some of the heart and soul may have been stripped out for the sake of briskness and pace.
I felt this too about the relationships. Because we don’t get to linger on anything for very long, the relationships between some of the characters felt shallow. I was missing the emotion behind how these people come together and know each other.
At times there was too much ‘telling’ and not enough ‘showing’. A few times characters announce things about themselves that would’ve come across stronger if we’d been shown. While we’re on the more technical aspects, I had an issue with adverbs (I always do), and I found some of the dialogue stilted at the beginning.
But as I said, once it picks up, IT PICKS UP. I read the second half almost in one go. The web Cynthia Austin is weaving becomes fascinating and everything starts to add up. The tension and pace in the second half kept me reading and reading until I reached the end.
To sum up, I enjoyed it, especially when it got all paranormal and dark. I especially enjoyed the ending and the twists it brought.
The playful tone made it very easy to read, and the short chapters too made it very easy to read a great big chunk all in one go. However, the short chapters did pose a bit of an issue for me, especially at the beginning, because I felt like we didn’t have enough time to digest anything or let it sink in.
I wanted to get to know these characters so much better. I wanted to know their hopes and dreams, what they love and hate, or at least a flavour of some of that, but because everything whisked past at such a pace, we don’t get much of a chance. The characters don’t have a moment to be vulnerable enough for us to get to know them, and I think that’s a shame. It felt like some of the heart and soul may have been stripped out for the sake of briskness and pace.
I felt this too about the relationships. Because we don’t get to linger on anything for very long, the relationships between some of the characters felt shallow. I was missing the emotion behind how these people come together and know each other.
At times there was too much ‘telling’ and not enough ‘showing’. A few times characters announce things about themselves that would’ve come across stronger if we’d been shown. While we’re on the more technical aspects, I had an issue with adverbs (I always do), and I found some of the dialogue stilted at the beginning.
But as I said, once it picks up, IT PICKS UP. I read the second half almost in one go. The web Cynthia Austin is weaving becomes fascinating and everything starts to add up. The tension and pace in the second half kept me reading and reading until I reached the end.
To sum up, I enjoyed it, especially when it got all paranormal and dark. I especially enjoyed the ending and the twists it brought.
January 13, 2020
Tainted Luck is a short YA book featuring a never-been-kissed high school senior named Levi who becomes the reluctant object of the affections of the new girl in school, Taylor. But, Taylor is weird and Goth – and maybe something more dangerous. Levi is drawn into her spell and starts to care about her, even when she messes up Levi’s opportunity to get a date with the popular cheerleader he has loved from afar for years. When Levi digs into Taylor’s past, he discovers some disturbing secrets and things grow darker and more horrific. Without spoiling the story, this is not just a sappy love story about an awkward schoolboy’s first crush.
Ms. Austin has created some interesting characters here that we care about and whose relationships and personalities are anything but conventional and predictable. The action moves along at a brisk pace – sometimes maybe too fast – with short chapters, short paragraphs, and quick turns in the plot. For a Young reader, this is a book with relatable characters, suspense, peril, magic, and romance. I can fully understand how a young reader would really like it, including its colorful language and frequent similes that add flavor to the writing. I would recommend it for readers through high school.
For adult readers, there are some problems with aspects of the plot, including many unanswered questions and several bits of plot development that raise your eyebrows as implausible or in some cases counter to reality. There are some elements of the story where you just have to suspend disbelief and accept Taylor’s exceptional powers and the supernatural elements of the story. But, a high school track meet in October where the key event is a two-mile race is something that just doesn’t happen. There are some other elements here that leave an adult reader more distracted than entranced. There are also more copy editing errors than I’d like to see, but perhaps those will be corrected in later editions.
On balance, I can recommend this for young readers, who can more easily gloss past the issues and focus on the engaging story and characters.
Ms. Austin has created some interesting characters here that we care about and whose relationships and personalities are anything but conventional and predictable. The action moves along at a brisk pace – sometimes maybe too fast – with short chapters, short paragraphs, and quick turns in the plot. For a Young reader, this is a book with relatable characters, suspense, peril, magic, and romance. I can fully understand how a young reader would really like it, including its colorful language and frequent similes that add flavor to the writing. I would recommend it for readers through high school.
For adult readers, there are some problems with aspects of the plot, including many unanswered questions and several bits of plot development that raise your eyebrows as implausible or in some cases counter to reality. There are some elements of the story where you just have to suspend disbelief and accept Taylor’s exceptional powers and the supernatural elements of the story. But, a high school track meet in October where the key event is a two-mile race is something that just doesn’t happen. There are some other elements here that leave an adult reader more distracted than entranced. There are also more copy editing errors than I’d like to see, but perhaps those will be corrected in later editions.
On balance, I can recommend this for young readers, who can more easily gloss past the issues and focus on the engaging story and characters.
October 6, 2020
The best word to describe Tainted Luck is “fun.” This book reads like a young adult novel, but isn't marketed as one. Perhaps that's because it's fun for adults to read, too.
It is a paranormal novel, but the paranormal aspects were not what I expected when I started reading. That isn’t the only twist in this story. There are other cases where the plot leads a reader in one direction then reveals something unexpected. I love surprises like that.
This is the story of Levi, a young, high school student who is infatuated with Stacy Klein, a “blonde bombshell.” But Levi’s interest in Stacy is thrown off track when Taylor James, a very forceful young lady, sits next to him in history class. This sounds like a plot we’ve all heard before, but it’s a mistake to think like that. Their infatuation triangle goes its own way.
The book is written from the point of view of Levi Kast. He has been blessed with exceptional athletic prowess, but is more interested in chess than sports. These dual skills affect his relationships with Taylor and Stacy, but are much more important to his relationship with his father. We get to watch Levi as the events around him push him to take charge of his own life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal, high school novels.
It is a paranormal novel, but the paranormal aspects were not what I expected when I started reading. That isn’t the only twist in this story. There are other cases where the plot leads a reader in one direction then reveals something unexpected. I love surprises like that.
This is the story of Levi, a young, high school student who is infatuated with Stacy Klein, a “blonde bombshell.” But Levi’s interest in Stacy is thrown off track when Taylor James, a very forceful young lady, sits next to him in history class. This sounds like a plot we’ve all heard before, but it’s a mistake to think like that. Their infatuation triangle goes its own way.
The book is written from the point of view of Levi Kast. He has been blessed with exceptional athletic prowess, but is more interested in chess than sports. These dual skills affect his relationships with Taylor and Stacy, but are much more important to his relationship with his father. We get to watch Levi as the events around him push him to take charge of his own life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal, high school novels.
March 20, 2022
Fun Read!
I don’t usually read YA but I have to say this book pulled me in right from the get-go. At 124 pages, the book also was a quick and breezy read, especially given the short chapters. I liked author Cynthia Austin’s use of the first-person perspective. It made me feel like I was inside Levi Kast’s head as he navigates high school, deals with parents, and tries to figure out why new girl Taylor James has attached herself to him.
The author skillfully ratchets up the mystery and tension as Levi is drawn deeper and deeper into Taylor’s web.
That said, the ending came together too conveniently. I also felt the author could have done more with the paranormal aspect. It didn’t seem as integral to the plot as it should have been.
Still, I found Tainted Luck an enjoyable and fun read.
I don’t usually read YA but I have to say this book pulled me in right from the get-go. At 124 pages, the book also was a quick and breezy read, especially given the short chapters. I liked author Cynthia Austin’s use of the first-person perspective. It made me feel like I was inside Levi Kast’s head as he navigates high school, deals with parents, and tries to figure out why new girl Taylor James has attached herself to him.
The author skillfully ratchets up the mystery and tension as Levi is drawn deeper and deeper into Taylor’s web.
That said, the ending came together too conveniently. I also felt the author could have done more with the paranormal aspect. It didn’t seem as integral to the plot as it should have been.
Still, I found Tainted Luck an enjoyable and fun read.
August 31, 2018
Tainted Luck is a daring tale of misguided youth. A student gets his life turned upside down when a new “out-of-town” student arrives. As love blinds the leads in natural directions matters continue to get complicated and darker as the story progresses. There are welcome moments of humor present as well. For fans of the YA horror genre this story is aimed to please.
September 9, 2021
I love YA, even though I'm way past that age. This story was original and fun. No clue what was going on until almost the end. Quick read.
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