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Snapshots
Cyclop can see other people’s futures, but his own is clouded by a past he can’t escape and a man he calls Master.
It’s not Cyclop’s albino skin and mismatched eyes that make him stand out, but his ability to see the future and a dark past he escaped. Only those close to him know his secrets, and with their help, he has carved out a normal life. But his past refuses to let him go, and when the man he calls Master finds him, he is forced to return to his old life.
Imprisoned, Cyclop clings to the hope of freedom. To do so, he must break Master’s control over him. Will he find the strength to become the master of his own life? Or is his past destined to be his future?
A mix of science fiction, speculative fiction, and self discovery Snapshots is a story of facing the past and being in control of your own life and future.
It’s not Cyclop’s albino skin and mismatched eyes that make him stand out, but his ability to see the future and a dark past he escaped. Only those close to him know his secrets, and with their help, he has carved out a normal life. But his past refuses to let him go, and when the man he calls Master finds him, he is forced to return to his old life.
Imprisoned, Cyclop clings to the hope of freedom. To do so, he must break Master’s control over him. Will he find the strength to become the master of his own life? Or is his past destined to be his future?
A mix of science fiction, speculative fiction, and self discovery Snapshots is a story of facing the past and being in control of your own life and future.
- GenresYoung Adult
ebook
First published July 22, 2012
48 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Josephine Lynne
23 books108 followersIf you asked Patricia to describe herself, she’d tell you, “Too creative for my own good.”
A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft young adult and new adult stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical monsters. Aliens might even appear in her stories.
Patricia officially started writing in 2012. She was bored and since she was always daydreaming fantastic stories, she thought, “Why not write them down and share them with people?” She's still deciding if that was a mistake or not. Since then, she has finished a dozen stories and has no plans to stop.
You can find her young adult novels and short fiction under Patricia Josephine Lynne and her adult novels under Patricia Josephine.
When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, a good book. Patricia currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?)
A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft young adult and new adult stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical monsters. Aliens might even appear in her stories.
Patricia officially started writing in 2012. She was bored and since she was always daydreaming fantastic stories, she thought, “Why not write them down and share them with people?” She's still deciding if that was a mistake or not. Since then, she has finished a dozen stories and has no plans to stop.
You can find her young adult novels and short fiction under Patricia Josephine Lynne and her adult novels under Patricia Josephine.
When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, a good book. Patricia currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 22, 2013
READ THIS BOOK IF:
1. You enjoy a little science fiction.
2. Teen sexual situations of discovery don't bother you.
3. You are prepared to read about gangs (not presented in a terribly violent way, don't worry) and child abuse.
I bought this book mostly because I was looking for something to read and none of the other books I was looking at interested me. I had just finished Patricia Lynne's other book, Being Human, and read a sample of Snapshots that was offered to me. I was intrigued, so I thought, hey, why not? I never read a synopsis of the book. I simply read the sample and bought the book. I had no idea what I was in for. Maybe that was why I enjoyed it so much -- it kept me guessing.
We are introduced to Cyclop (weird name, right? But don't worry, that's explained in the book) and learn a few facts about him - he was abandoned as a child, adopted by a gang leader, and raised to adulthood in this gang. He also possesses superhuman powers. He believes that he is gay and has a relationship with another male member of the gang. But then he meets this girl and he kind of likes her...and then he becomes confused.
And, I have to admit, I became confused at this point. What on Earth is this book about?? Is it about sexual discovery? Is it about his powers? The gang?? So I kept reading. And the more I read, the more fascinated I became. I got wrapped up in the mystery of figuring out who Cyclop was and why he had these abilities. I found myself forgetting the world around me and diving headfirst into this book. I smiled with Cyclop as he fell more and more in love with Amber, and I cried (well, not really, but I felt sad) along with him when a "friend" was killed.
That being said, three things didn't sit well with me: 1) I was confused by the character referred to as Master. Was Master the teen that was discussed in the beginning? Maybe I need to read it again (and slower this time, since I finished it in one day) in order to digest those details. 2) The ending was a bit abrupt, and I kind of wish more was spent on Cyclop once he figured out who he was and became happy. 3) What about his vision of Darryl with Master? Did that never happen because Cyclop changed the future? Or because Darryl was killed in the explosion? Oooh, I'm so confused now.
As I'm sitting here thinking about what more to write, my husband suggests: "This book is AWESOME, go read it NOW." My response to that is, no, that's not quite how I feel. Yes, it's a good book and I do recommend it, but it is not one of those books that I think is a must read for everyone. Read it if you like this kind of book, and you will likely enjoy it.
1. You enjoy a little science fiction.
2. Teen sexual situations of discovery don't bother you.
3. You are prepared to read about gangs (not presented in a terribly violent way, don't worry) and child abuse.
I bought this book mostly because I was looking for something to read and none of the other books I was looking at interested me. I had just finished Patricia Lynne's other book, Being Human, and read a sample of Snapshots that was offered to me. I was intrigued, so I thought, hey, why not? I never read a synopsis of the book. I simply read the sample and bought the book. I had no idea what I was in for. Maybe that was why I enjoyed it so much -- it kept me guessing.
We are introduced to Cyclop (weird name, right? But don't worry, that's explained in the book) and learn a few facts about him - he was abandoned as a child, adopted by a gang leader, and raised to adulthood in this gang. He also possesses superhuman powers. He believes that he is gay and has a relationship with another male member of the gang. But then he meets this girl and he kind of likes her...and then he becomes confused.
And, I have to admit, I became confused at this point. What on Earth is this book about?? Is it about sexual discovery? Is it about his powers? The gang?? So I kept reading. And the more I read, the more fascinated I became. I got wrapped up in the mystery of figuring out who Cyclop was and why he had these abilities. I found myself forgetting the world around me and diving headfirst into this book. I smiled with Cyclop as he fell more and more in love with Amber, and I cried (well, not really, but I felt sad) along with him when a "friend" was killed.
That being said, three things didn't sit well with me: 1) I was confused by the character referred to as Master. Was Master the teen that was discussed in the beginning? Maybe I need to read it again (and slower this time, since I finished it in one day) in order to digest those details. 2) The ending was a bit abrupt, and I kind of wish more was spent on Cyclop once he figured out who he was and became happy. 3) What about his vision of Darryl with Master? Did that never happen because Cyclop changed the future? Or because Darryl was killed in the explosion? Oooh, I'm so confused now.
As I'm sitting here thinking about what more to write, my husband suggests: "This book is AWESOME, go read it NOW." My response to that is, no, that's not quite how I feel. Yes, it's a good book and I do recommend it, but it is not one of those books that I think is a must read for everyone. Read it if you like this kind of book, and you will likely enjoy it.
August 18, 2012
Snapshots tells the story of Cyclop (Cyc) Blaine, a boy with the ability to see the future when he meets another person's gaze. With his Father dead, and left on a street corner to fend for himself, he becomes adopted by the Victory Street Gang's leader. But he can never truly escape his past, and the voice whispering to him, 'Mine'.
I seriously loved this book. It's a quick, entertaining read, written in such a way that the writing never bogs you down. It flows quickly and with an ease that makes reading the story enjoyable and effortless.
The plot is, quite simply, imaginative and unpredictable. I can honestly say I had no idea what was going to happen in the end, and it came as a welcome surprise.
Snapshots is told in 1st-person, narrated by Cyc, who was always completely believable and... real. He's easy to like and empathise with, and by the end I was totally invested in him. And all the other characters were great too.
My only real gripe, besides the lack of sex (Patti's gonna hate me for saying that XD) was the very last few sentences in the epilogue, and only because it ended fast enough that I wasn't really sure what had happened. Who was the new guy who showed up right at the end? What's Cyc up to now? Does he have a new job? I want to know more!
Overall, a fantastic YA read. Yes, the main character is bisexual and male, which is a refreshing change of pace from all the female-dominated books in this genre. And yes, there is some romance. Sex is brought up, but only in passing; nothing ever actually happens on page. I'd recommend this for pretty much everyone.
I seriously loved this book. It's a quick, entertaining read, written in such a way that the writing never bogs you down. It flows quickly and with an ease that makes reading the story enjoyable and effortless.
The plot is, quite simply, imaginative and unpredictable. I can honestly say I had no idea what was going to happen in the end, and it came as a welcome surprise.
Snapshots is told in 1st-person, narrated by Cyc, who was always completely believable and... real. He's easy to like and empathise with, and by the end I was totally invested in him. And all the other characters were great too.
My only real gripe, besides the lack of sex (Patti's gonna hate me for saying that XD) was the very last few sentences in the epilogue, and only because it ended fast enough that I wasn't really sure what had happened. Who was the new guy who showed up right at the end? What's Cyc up to now? Does he have a new job? I want to know more!
Overall, a fantastic YA read. Yes, the main character is bisexual and male, which is a refreshing change of pace from all the female-dominated books in this genre. And yes, there is some romance. Sex is brought up, but only in passing; nothing ever actually happens on page. I'd recommend this for pretty much everyone.
August 10, 2012
This review was originally posted on my blog on July 31st, here
There’s something different
The very first thing that everyone should be aware of before starting this review is just how imaginative this story is. I found it difficult to put down and when I wasn’t reading it, I kept going back to it. It is a novel that is unique and different and has an easy writing style that really helped to make the novel better. I would easily recommend this book to sci-fi fans but also to anyone who just wants something that’s a little different and has a really interesting and intriguing story.
The snapshots keep coming
It is the concept of this novel that really got me hooked on this story. The synopsis is strong and really caught my attention and made me really intrigued and this stayed throughout the novel as it was really shrouded in mystery. When the explanation finally came at the end of the book, I loved it. It made the story really brilliant and it was totally unexpected to me. I was really impressed and just so glad that the ending didn’t ruin the rest of the book.
Along with the concept, the plot of this book and the structure was really interesting. It follows the tale of Cyclop’s life set into two parts – almost. I found it really fascinating and page-turning. I was hooked on him, and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved the subplots that went on alongside it all as well and just found that the structure and narrative was really creative and imaginative and just really worth reading.
It’s hidden in his eyes
I’ve already mentioned that I was hooked on Cyclop and it is therefore easy to say that I simply loved him. Every worry he had, every strength he had... he just felt so real and not at all like a 2D character. Patricia really managed to get in depth with his character and all of the issues that surrounded him. I loved how protective he was, how worried he got but how he tried to hide things from Amber because he cared about her so much. I just felt his humanity and his emotions and just knew that he was really well written character.
I had a few issues with Amber to begin with – I couldn’t even pinpoint why I didn’t like her but eventually I started to see her through Cyclop’s eyes and soon she became a more well-liked character in my eyes. She was strong, passionate and caring and she was worried about Cyclop and never stopped helping him. She seemed to be innocent and fragile but it turned out that there was a lot more to her hidden beneath and I quite liked that. She fit well with Cyclop and I was really happy with the way it all turned out.
I feel I should also mention some more secondary characters. I loved Daryll, I wanted to pick him up and hug him. I could understand everything he went through and just wished I could have made things easier for him. I adored Jacob. He was possibly the cutest character ever and I wanted to be his friend and spend lots of time with him. I also loved Keandra but I also really liked Nigel and felt for him and could understand him so well. It is clear to me that Patricia Lynne really knows how to write really well-rounded and heart-warming characters.
He stands tall
Overall this book is one that really kept me entertained. I adored the characters, felt my heart beating faster as I read their journey’s and just thoroughly enjoyed myself as I read the words on the page. It was a quick, easy and intelligent read that I would easily tell other people to read. The writing style was unique, as was the concept and I just really found myself hooked on every word on the page. Without repeating myself too much I will end the review here, letting you all know that this is one book that you really should pick up because who knows, you just may like it even more than I did!
There’s something different
The very first thing that everyone should be aware of before starting this review is just how imaginative this story is. I found it difficult to put down and when I wasn’t reading it, I kept going back to it. It is a novel that is unique and different and has an easy writing style that really helped to make the novel better. I would easily recommend this book to sci-fi fans but also to anyone who just wants something that’s a little different and has a really interesting and intriguing story.
The snapshots keep coming
It is the concept of this novel that really got me hooked on this story. The synopsis is strong and really caught my attention and made me really intrigued and this stayed throughout the novel as it was really shrouded in mystery. When the explanation finally came at the end of the book, I loved it. It made the story really brilliant and it was totally unexpected to me. I was really impressed and just so glad that the ending didn’t ruin the rest of the book.
Along with the concept, the plot of this book and the structure was really interesting. It follows the tale of Cyclop’s life set into two parts – almost. I found it really fascinating and page-turning. I was hooked on him, and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved the subplots that went on alongside it all as well and just found that the structure and narrative was really creative and imaginative and just really worth reading.
It’s hidden in his eyes
I’ve already mentioned that I was hooked on Cyclop and it is therefore easy to say that I simply loved him. Every worry he had, every strength he had... he just felt so real and not at all like a 2D character. Patricia really managed to get in depth with his character and all of the issues that surrounded him. I loved how protective he was, how worried he got but how he tried to hide things from Amber because he cared about her so much. I just felt his humanity and his emotions and just knew that he was really well written character.
I had a few issues with Amber to begin with – I couldn’t even pinpoint why I didn’t like her but eventually I started to see her through Cyclop’s eyes and soon she became a more well-liked character in my eyes. She was strong, passionate and caring and she was worried about Cyclop and never stopped helping him. She seemed to be innocent and fragile but it turned out that there was a lot more to her hidden beneath and I quite liked that. She fit well with Cyclop and I was really happy with the way it all turned out.
I feel I should also mention some more secondary characters. I loved Daryll, I wanted to pick him up and hug him. I could understand everything he went through and just wished I could have made things easier for him. I adored Jacob. He was possibly the cutest character ever and I wanted to be his friend and spend lots of time with him. I also loved Keandra but I also really liked Nigel and felt for him and could understand him so well. It is clear to me that Patricia Lynne really knows how to write really well-rounded and heart-warming characters.
He stands tall
Overall this book is one that really kept me entertained. I adored the characters, felt my heart beating faster as I read their journey’s and just thoroughly enjoyed myself as I read the words on the page. It was a quick, easy and intelligent read that I would easily tell other people to read. The writing style was unique, as was the concept and I just really found myself hooked on every word on the page. Without repeating myself too much I will end the review here, letting you all know that this is one book that you really should pick up because who knows, you just may like it even more than I did!
January 30, 2016
I jumped on this book as soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis. I thought is sounded amazing, and it was. I am not even sure where to start with this review. The book was intriguing from the very first page. From the first word to the last word I was engrossed. A page turner for sure. The story has action, mystery, huge creep factor, a bit of romance, and a tad of sci-fi mixed in.
Cyclop Blaine is a teenage boy who lives with a gang that runs half the town. He was found around the age 5 starving and along, abandoned on the streets; He was taken in and taught the life of crime. He has a very useful gift, he can see snapshots a person’s future when he looks into their eyes.
When his adoptive father dies and his adoptive brother blames him for his death he is kicked out of the only home has known to move in with a new family. Not long after he finds a way to live a normal life, apartment, job, friends, he is kidnapped by a monster from his past. He is now faced with not only saving his own life but the lives of others that are trapped in the same basement. While he lives in captivity, he finds out that he is not alone and other secrets from his past.
I want to start with the characters. I absolutely adore Cyclop. He was easy to fall for, feel for, and root for. He has had a hard life handed to him, abuse, control, picked on, crime, abandoned, I mean could we do any more to this kid, yet he still keeps going. He keeps his chin up. He finds joy where he can and tries to deal with the rest one step at a time. He is a real fighter, selfless, and loyal. One of the best characters I have read in all year.
There are many other wonderful characters in this book, Amber, Kearney, and Jacob. The good people in Cyclop’s life. They bring good hearts, a reason to fight, and someone that understands what he is going through. They were great supportive characters, especially when we see so little of them each. The relationships throughout the book are either beautiful or devastating and give so much to the life of Cyclop.
The book is paced very well, not rushed and not slow. The writing was just my style, the world built was a world of crime, hate, abuse, it was hard to get through but there was always a light at the end of the tunnel each time his life took a turn for the bad. A very powerful read, beautiful and dark!
Cyclop Blaine is a teenage boy who lives with a gang that runs half the town. He was found around the age 5 starving and along, abandoned on the streets; He was taken in and taught the life of crime. He has a very useful gift, he can see snapshots a person’s future when he looks into their eyes.
When his adoptive father dies and his adoptive brother blames him for his death he is kicked out of the only home has known to move in with a new family. Not long after he finds a way to live a normal life, apartment, job, friends, he is kidnapped by a monster from his past. He is now faced with not only saving his own life but the lives of others that are trapped in the same basement. While he lives in captivity, he finds out that he is not alone and other secrets from his past.
I want to start with the characters. I absolutely adore Cyclop. He was easy to fall for, feel for, and root for. He has had a hard life handed to him, abuse, control, picked on, crime, abandoned, I mean could we do any more to this kid, yet he still keeps going. He keeps his chin up. He finds joy where he can and tries to deal with the rest one step at a time. He is a real fighter, selfless, and loyal. One of the best characters I have read in all year.
There are many other wonderful characters in this book, Amber, Kearney, and Jacob. The good people in Cyclop’s life. They bring good hearts, a reason to fight, and someone that understands what he is going through. They were great supportive characters, especially when we see so little of them each. The relationships throughout the book are either beautiful or devastating and give so much to the life of Cyclop.
The book is paced very well, not rushed and not slow. The writing was just my style, the world built was a world of crime, hate, abuse, it was hard to get through but there was always a light at the end of the tunnel each time his life took a turn for the bad. A very powerful read, beautiful and dark!
September 30, 2012
I got through this book rather quickly. Even within the writing, some parts in the book moved to fast, while other parts of the book moved at a normal pace. The writer also tends to skim over what seems to be key events, and I wished that they had gone into more depth about those events. Otherwise this alien book was interesting, featuring of gang involvement and scientific experiments on our main character.
The book centers around a character called Cyclop, taking place in a gang's house. He’s a member of a gang that he has been in since he was a kid when the leader took him in. Everything was fine with him being in the gang until in-gang fighting broke out. Cyclop tried to help his gang, but in the end they threw him out and then he had to learn to live on his own. Its then that he and Amber, our female lead, grow even closer. Things were starting to look up for him, until he began to hear a voice talking in his mind. He hears it almost everyday, which aggravates his nightmares. Then he learns that his master is looking for him and will get him back no matter what.
The reason he’s called Cyclop is because he keeps one eye covered with a bandana. If he doesn’t do this, every time he looks into someone’s eye he would have visions of the future. Cyclop is a really good guy and he really doesn’t belong in a gang. You can tell this by the way he goes to a gym to train to hold in his strength so that he doesn’t hurt anyone. He also thought at first that he was only interested in men because of how he had dated one of the gang members. Though that changed when he met Amber and realized that he was bi. This is a Young Adult book and there is no sex in this book, only mentions of it.
Amber is a sweet Asian girl who falls for Cyclop. At first she is weary of Cyclop because he is in a gang. Though soon that changes when she sees a different side to Cyclop. Beyond the gang she sees the sweet guy. She even believes him and trusts him when he tells her the truth about his powers.
There is romance in this book, but it doesn’t center around it. Cyclop and Amber are an interesting pair because they are both different in some way. What attracted Cyclop to Amber was because she was the only Asian in his area. At first he’s confused thinking he was only gay but soon realizes that he is bi and that he can love Amber.
The book centers around a character called Cyclop, taking place in a gang's house. He’s a member of a gang that he has been in since he was a kid when the leader took him in. Everything was fine with him being in the gang until in-gang fighting broke out. Cyclop tried to help his gang, but in the end they threw him out and then he had to learn to live on his own. Its then that he and Amber, our female lead, grow even closer. Things were starting to look up for him, until he began to hear a voice talking in his mind. He hears it almost everyday, which aggravates his nightmares. Then he learns that his master is looking for him and will get him back no matter what.
The reason he’s called Cyclop is because he keeps one eye covered with a bandana. If he doesn’t do this, every time he looks into someone’s eye he would have visions of the future. Cyclop is a really good guy and he really doesn’t belong in a gang. You can tell this by the way he goes to a gym to train to hold in his strength so that he doesn’t hurt anyone. He also thought at first that he was only interested in men because of how he had dated one of the gang members. Though that changed when he met Amber and realized that he was bi. This is a Young Adult book and there is no sex in this book, only mentions of it.
Amber is a sweet Asian girl who falls for Cyclop. At first she is weary of Cyclop because he is in a gang. Though soon that changes when she sees a different side to Cyclop. Beyond the gang she sees the sweet guy. She even believes him and trusts him when he tells her the truth about his powers.
There is romance in this book, but it doesn’t center around it. Cyclop and Amber are an interesting pair because they are both different in some way. What attracted Cyclop to Amber was because she was the only Asian in his area. At first he’s confused thinking he was only gay but soon realizes that he is bi and that he can love Amber.
September 22, 2012
When I first started this book I was distressed to learn Cyclops was a gay individual. I would by nature steer clear of that kind of literature, but I continued to read and was pleasantly surprised--the fact Cyc was gay, was not a focal point of the story. During his stay with a gang, colors green, Cyc also met Amber and questioned his feelings for her. He had a special gift and could see the future of others when he made both eyes contact with another. Always tortured by nightmares that someone was searching for him and questioning his sexuality and his gift, Cyc only wants to be free and normal and in control of his own life.
Who is it searching for him and why? What is his fear of the lab, from his unremembered memories? The author provided a steady build up of the questions in Cyclops's mind. What made Jacob and Keanna and Cyc different from Nigel? The very last chapter revealed all the answers that Cyc and the reader wanted to know....well I had no inkling that the book would end as it did. Maybe I should have figured it out, but I didn't and I felt as if the last chapter was a bit disjointed from the pace of the previous chapters. Overall, it was an interesting and clever read, especially for those who are into Sci-Fi. Lots of adventure in this read and I rated it 3 out of 5 winks! Quite thought provoking.
Who is it searching for him and why? What is his fear of the lab, from his unremembered memories? The author provided a steady build up of the questions in Cyclops's mind. What made Jacob and Keanna and Cyc different from Nigel? The very last chapter revealed all the answers that Cyc and the reader wanted to know....well I had no inkling that the book would end as it did. Maybe I should have figured it out, but I didn't and I felt as if the last chapter was a bit disjointed from the pace of the previous chapters. Overall, it was an interesting and clever read, especially for those who are into Sci-Fi. Lots of adventure in this read and I rated it 3 out of 5 winks! Quite thought provoking.
April 25, 2013
Going into this book I was
really
looking forward to another great read. My hopes were high and I was expecting awesomeness... I am sad to say that it wasn't such amazingness as I would have liked.
I read Being Human, and I loved the book. Maybe it was more of a sci-fi that got to me rather than vamps, but it was good for what it was. Even though it made me mad because it had so many turns! It was like the author was deciding which way the story was going as it was being written. Lol. Like "this is going to happen" then BAM "now this is going to happen and this can't happen because this happen" O_O! Geeez! Talk about whiplash!
For those who have already read the book...
Well, if you want to read the book, or have been debating on it I say give it a try. It's something a little different and interesting. Unique. but in a good way of defining something as unique. I would say if you like sci-fi books then you'd probably enjoy it much more than I did. n_n
I read Being Human, and I loved the book. Maybe it was more of a sci-fi that got to me rather than vamps, but it was good for what it was. Even though it made me mad because it had so many turns! It was like the author was deciding which way the story was going as it was being written. Lol. Like "this is going to happen" then BAM "now this is going to happen and this can't happen because this happen" O_O! Geeez! Talk about whiplash!
For those who have already read the book...
Well, if you want to read the book, or have been debating on it I say give it a try. It's something a little different and interesting. Unique. but in a good way of defining something as unique. I would say if you like sci-fi books then you'd probably enjoy it much more than I did. n_n
September 29, 2012
This story is so well written, I read in one siting Absolutely a must read the author pull you right in this unique world. John Blaine AKA Cyclops, is adoptive to a street gangs, who raise him when, he was small cyclops, is what he father tyker call him.. Cyalops don't no his real name or his birthday..cyclops hear voice is in he head telling him. your mine and he think it from his life before the gangs found him..you see cyclops is not normal he can look right in your eyes and see future ..he help his adoptive dad.. with their gangs who fake or a trader.Cyalops heal fast and can not really be hurt he think he a freak and homosexuality. till he meet. Amber he dawr to her in a way he don't understand..but a crazy mad doctor is after him. and want to keep him lock away from the world, as him and Amber get close.. some then happend and he get kick out of the gangs and has no where no e to go but Amber..and her Family take him in to help him.. OMG I LOVE THIS STORY IT WAS SO GOOD I DON"T WANT TO GIVE SPOILERS BUT LIKE I SAID BEFORE A MUST READ \
ROMANCE, ACTION PACK ,AND CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT CYCLOPS,IS AND WHERE HE FROM.
May 29, 2012
I was lucky enough to read a beta copy of Snapshots!
Snapshots is an interesting tale of a boy with a power and a past he can't explain. Cyc only wants to belong, to be human and know he doesn't belong to anyone but himself.
The story takes some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages, eager to get to the end.
Lynne keeps the story interesting and different from most of the other YA stories that are out there right now. It a nice change to see a male main character as well. They are rare in current YA lit. Snapshots was a pleasure to read! I look forward to the final version.
Snapshots is an interesting tale of a boy with a power and a past he can't explain. Cyc only wants to belong, to be human and know he doesn't belong to anyone but himself.
The story takes some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages, eager to get to the end.
Lynne keeps the story interesting and different from most of the other YA stories that are out there right now. It a nice change to see a male main character as well. They are rare in current YA lit. Snapshots was a pleasure to read! I look forward to the final version.
September 26, 2012
Review coming soon.
Originally posted on Bookluvrs Haven. www.bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca
Originally posted on Bookluvrs Haven. www.bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca
August 5, 2013
This was supposed to be posted during the blogger book fair but the Internets didn't play nice.
What is the Blogger book fair?
It's two weeks every year that I get to make myself go crazy with contest, reviews, blog posts, and have the ability to meet hundreds of new authors all in one week.
A slight hiccup in Internet ability delayed the last three of my reviews, but I promise they'll be posted quickly. I've done what I could and given them stars/reviews on GoodReads, but there was no way I was tapping out a 500 word (or so review) on a tablet. It's incredibly frustrating to tap things when you can type at 90 words a minute.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="222"]
Click to buy on Amazon[/caption]
I was quite excited to find this book still on the list of books up for review as I looked at it rather late in the game.
I was hoping though, that some speculative/lgbt/science fiction would come along and grab me.
Perhaps grab me is the wrong word.
The premise of facing one's nightmares and trying to be released from the past is one that I face every day. As most people do in some way shape or form.
There are lots of things in life I'd like to forget, or would rather not have happened, but all the same I've learned something from them. Nothing however, like Cyclop Blaine.
I hoped reading this book would be the same.
For now though, a little more about the book, and after that, my thoughts on this Snapshot into life.
About the Book
My name is Cyclop Blaine and I am a real person.
“You are mine.”
I am a real person: heedless of a childhood spent under the supervision of an old man I only know as Master.
“You belong to me.”
I am a real person: regardless of my teenage years bound by violence as the adoptive son of the Victory Street Gang's leader.
“You will obey me.”
I am a real person: despite the visions I see in others' eyes. Snapshots of their futures.
“You will cower before me.”
I am a real person: my life will be my own. I belong to no one.
“You. Are. MINE.” (From GoodReads.)
Who doesn't like a good cyclop(s) story? You'll have to read the book to find out just exactly why that s is in brackets.
I enjoyed the book immensely. There's something vast and wonderful about the world of science fiction and speculative fiction. Perhaps it's the endless ways in which we can toy with the world, create new ones, and make our worlds function as we want within the bounds of a book.
I love being able to pick up a book and be transported away to a different reality where things don't work the way they do in the 'real' world. The concept of snapshots of the future was a great one, and allowed the reader to be as apprehensive Blaine, and kept the flow and pace of the story quick.
You know - like flipping through a photo album of family photos, except none of it has happened yet.
Snapshots was just such a book, and had a heart wrenching side to it that I wasn't expecting. I also wasn't expecting the ending, and I'm still not sure I like it, but it's more like - couldn't you have wrote 100 more pages so the story didn't have to end so quickly.
There are 2 quotes I'd like to share as well. They sum up the brilliance of Lynne's writing, and ability to weave LGBT issues into the storyline seamlessly. I got everything I wanted from this book with regards to the LGBT thread. It was very well written, always thoughtful, and
"There are more sexualities than gay or straight. There's bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and a ton more. I aws thinking maybe you're one of those. Like demisexual. People who are demisexual aren't attracted to gender. They're attracted to the person. Me being a girl doesn't matter to you. It's who I am that attracts you." and "I'm very confused," I replied. She laughed lightly. "I thought you were gay." "I did too." "So what does this mean?" "No idea," I whispered and kissed her again. I loved the character development, and grew very attached to both Amber and Keandra. Great names by the way, they describe the personalities quite well, and each character's name suited him or her to a tee. I wanted more interaction between Keandra and Amber, but perhaps in another story.
It would be lovely to know more about the main characters, and I'd love another story that continues on from this one, perhaps a new adventure and a coming of age book is in order?
I hope so.
About the Author
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200"]
Click to visit Patricia Lynne's Website[/caption]
I don't remember when exactly it happened, maybe while my husband was in college. I had a dream one night (and I always feel like I'm ripping off Stephenie Meyers when I say this but it's the truth) and in it there was this girl and a vampire, and the cast of True Blood was trying to keep them apart. I woke with the urge to write it - although not the True Blood part. So I did. As I went, I wasn't quite sure where it was going but that didn't deter me. I kept typing along and eventually I figured out who wanted to keep Kris and Kristen apart. After that another story came to me. Then another. And another. I couldn't stop and before I knew it I had a file for writing filled with stories - not all of them finished. I've been writing ever since. The characters in my head fight for attention and sometimes I wish I had more hands and a few computers to type it all down. Hopefully people will enjoy them as much as I do.
You can find out more about Patricia Lynne on her website here, or follow her on twitter, facebook or goodreads.
What is the Blogger book fair?
It's two weeks every year that I get to make myself go crazy with contest, reviews, blog posts, and have the ability to meet hundreds of new authors all in one week.
A slight hiccup in Internet ability delayed the last three of my reviews, but I promise they'll be posted quickly. I've done what I could and given them stars/reviews on GoodReads, but there was no way I was tapping out a 500 word (or so review) on a tablet. It's incredibly frustrating to tap things when you can type at 90 words a minute.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="222"]
Click to buy on Amazon[/caption]I was quite excited to find this book still on the list of books up for review as I looked at it rather late in the game.
I was hoping though, that some speculative/lgbt/science fiction would come along and grab me.
Perhaps grab me is the wrong word.
The premise of facing one's nightmares and trying to be released from the past is one that I face every day. As most people do in some way shape or form.
There are lots of things in life I'd like to forget, or would rather not have happened, but all the same I've learned something from them. Nothing however, like Cyclop Blaine.
I hoped reading this book would be the same.
For now though, a little more about the book, and after that, my thoughts on this Snapshot into life.
About the Book
My name is Cyclop Blaine and I am a real person.
“You are mine.”
I am a real person: heedless of a childhood spent under the supervision of an old man I only know as Master.
“You belong to me.”
I am a real person: regardless of my teenage years bound by violence as the adoptive son of the Victory Street Gang's leader.
“You will obey me.”
I am a real person: despite the visions I see in others' eyes. Snapshots of their futures.
“You will cower before me.”
I am a real person: my life will be my own. I belong to no one.
“You. Are. MINE.” (From GoodReads.)
Who doesn't like a good cyclop(s) story? You'll have to read the book to find out just exactly why that s is in brackets.
I enjoyed the book immensely. There's something vast and wonderful about the world of science fiction and speculative fiction. Perhaps it's the endless ways in which we can toy with the world, create new ones, and make our worlds function as we want within the bounds of a book.
I love being able to pick up a book and be transported away to a different reality where things don't work the way they do in the 'real' world. The concept of snapshots of the future was a great one, and allowed the reader to be as apprehensive Blaine, and kept the flow and pace of the story quick.
You know - like flipping through a photo album of family photos, except none of it has happened yet.
Snapshots was just such a book, and had a heart wrenching side to it that I wasn't expecting. I also wasn't expecting the ending, and I'm still not sure I like it, but it's more like - couldn't you have wrote 100 more pages so the story didn't have to end so quickly.
There are 2 quotes I'd like to share as well. They sum up the brilliance of Lynne's writing, and ability to weave LGBT issues into the storyline seamlessly. I got everything I wanted from this book with regards to the LGBT thread. It was very well written, always thoughtful, and
"There are more sexualities than gay or straight. There's bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and a ton more. I aws thinking maybe you're one of those. Like demisexual. People who are demisexual aren't attracted to gender. They're attracted to the person. Me being a girl doesn't matter to you. It's who I am that attracts you." and "I'm very confused," I replied. She laughed lightly. "I thought you were gay." "I did too." "So what does this mean?" "No idea," I whispered and kissed her again. I loved the character development, and grew very attached to both Amber and Keandra. Great names by the way, they describe the personalities quite well, and each character's name suited him or her to a tee. I wanted more interaction between Keandra and Amber, but perhaps in another story.
It would be lovely to know more about the main characters, and I'd love another story that continues on from this one, perhaps a new adventure and a coming of age book is in order?
I hope so.
About the Author
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200"]
Click to visit Patricia Lynne's Website[/caption]I don't remember when exactly it happened, maybe while my husband was in college. I had a dream one night (and I always feel like I'm ripping off Stephenie Meyers when I say this but it's the truth) and in it there was this girl and a vampire, and the cast of True Blood was trying to keep them apart. I woke with the urge to write it - although not the True Blood part. So I did. As I went, I wasn't quite sure where it was going but that didn't deter me. I kept typing along and eventually I figured out who wanted to keep Kris and Kristen apart. After that another story came to me. Then another. And another. I couldn't stop and before I knew it I had a file for writing filled with stories - not all of them finished. I've been writing ever since. The characters in my head fight for attention and sometimes I wish I had more hands and a few computers to type it all down. Hopefully people will enjoy them as much as I do.
You can find out more about Patricia Lynne on her website here, or follow her on twitter, facebook or goodreads.
September 7, 2018
This is one of those 4.5 star books. 4 on Goodreads, 5 on Amazon.
This is the second Patricia Lynne book I’ve read, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one, Abducted Life. The setup is interesting, and unusual, with Cyclop (no s) showing he has strange gifts (or powers) which are very useful to his gang leader ‘dad’. Most other things about ‘normal’ life he finds troubling. Then things change, and he’s back in his past nightmare, a slave to a controller in a laboratory. The secret of who he is and how he escapes are intertwined most neatly. Patricia Lynne is a master of plotting.
I didn’t feel that about halfway through. The writing excellence and the tight emotions and burgeoning love between Cyclop and Amber lulled me into a false sense of security. Suddenly the situation changed, and it felt uncommonly like Abducted Life all over again. Fortunately I persevered through the initial similarities to find that the premise was entirely different – a very different approach from any other novel I’ve read. All praise to the author for a stimulating and enjoyable, and unpredictable, book.
An excellent ya adventure with not too much angst for this sourpuss, and plenty of surprises in the fresh approach to the ‘special powers’ problem. Highly recommended.
This is the second Patricia Lynne book I’ve read, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one, Abducted Life. The setup is interesting, and unusual, with Cyclop (no s) showing he has strange gifts (or powers) which are very useful to his gang leader ‘dad’. Most other things about ‘normal’ life he finds troubling. Then things change, and he’s back in his past nightmare, a slave to a controller in a laboratory. The secret of who he is and how he escapes are intertwined most neatly. Patricia Lynne is a master of plotting.
I didn’t feel that about halfway through. The writing excellence and the tight emotions and burgeoning love between Cyclop and Amber lulled me into a false sense of security. Suddenly the situation changed, and it felt uncommonly like Abducted Life all over again. Fortunately I persevered through the initial similarities to find that the premise was entirely different – a very different approach from any other novel I’ve read. All praise to the author for a stimulating and enjoyable, and unpredictable, book.
An excellent ya adventure with not too much angst for this sourpuss, and plenty of surprises in the fresh approach to the ‘special powers’ problem. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2013
I went to the Book Birthday Party on Patricia Lynne's blog and from the fun character interactions I decided I had to read this book! I wasn't disappointed! This book had me feeling for the main character Cyclop and hoping that things would work out for him. There was a lot of action and I found myself quickly reading and worried about what was going to happen next. A lot of suspense and just the right amount of love story without it gushing and the intimate scenes were tastefully done.
At one point during the book I remembered reading The Outsiders when I was young. It was regarding the gang that had me thinking about the other book and how much I cared for those characters as well. I read this book in two days and it only took me that long because I had responsibilities that I had to get to; I didn't want to put the book down!
I did feel it was a little rushed at the ending of the book. I wished there was a little more to it but hey, maybe she will write a sequel.
Overall a very good book that I would recommend to anyone that likes a lot of suspense and action with twists at every turn! Now I have to go and check out her other books!
At one point during the book I remembered reading The Outsiders when I was young. It was regarding the gang that had me thinking about the other book and how much I cared for those characters as well. I read this book in two days and it only took me that long because I had responsibilities that I had to get to; I didn't want to put the book down!
I did feel it was a little rushed at the ending of the book. I wished there was a little more to it but hey, maybe she will write a sequel.
Overall a very good book that I would recommend to anyone that likes a lot of suspense and action with twists at every turn! Now I have to go and check out her other books!
February 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't see the ending coming. There was suspense and excitement throughout the book. I'm a grownup, but I would also recommend this book for teens. (The boy is discovering his sexual identity, so if you are homophobic, this book may not be for you. That is a small part of the plot, though, and there are no sex scenes (gay or straight) in the book.) I loved Cyc's perseverance despite having little guidance and not too many good breaks in life.
Want to Read
May 25, 2012How hot is the guy on this cover? *swoon*
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