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1-800-Where-R-You #1 & 2
Vanished: When Lightning Strikes / Code Name Cassandra
A gift…or a curse?
Jessica Mastriani has never liked attention. All she wants is to make it to high school graduation like any ordinary girl. But when Jess is struck by lightning, she becomes anything but ordinary: suddenly she has the ability to locate missing children.
Now Jess is getting noticed in all the wrong ways and by all the wrong people. The media is obsessed with her and her story. The FBI is tapping her phone. And what’s going on with sexy senior Rob? Soon Jess learns the hard way that not everyone who is lost wants to be found….
With no one to trust, it's up to Jess to decide what to do with her new power—before it’s decided for her.
540 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2010
140 people are currently reading
2789 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
269 books35.3k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
April 15, 2011
Meg Cabot rocks, there's no doubt about that. This early series, originally published under her Jenny Carroll pen name, is an absolute blast. Do yourself a favor and get books 3, 4 and 5, too. Once you've read the first two, you'll want to keep on going.
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES
I've decided that it really doesn't matter what Meg Cabot writes about, she's such a talented author that I'm pretty much guaranteed to like any of her books. Meg Cabot novels have solid, fast-paced plots, wonderful characters with unique voices and great dialogue. Throw in Ms. Cabot's patented humor and you've got a book like When Lightning Strikes - truly entertaining.
Jessica Mastriani is a pretty typical high school sophomore. Well, typical with a few issues (anger management and a schizophrenic older brother among them) but still, she's not all that different from all of the other kids in her Indiana town. That changes rather dramatically Jessica gets struck by lightning while walking home from school. She seems fine when she goes to bed that night, but when she wakes up the morning after, Jess realizes she knows where the missing kids on her family's milk carton are right now. A few more cartons of milk and a few more anonymous tips that leads to their recovery and Jess's secret is out of the bag. Suddenly everyone wants a piece of `the Lightning Girl,' from the national news media to the U.S. Government.
This unwanted attention isn't the only problem Jess is dealing with. Rob Wilkins, the sexy senior from Jess's detention (remember the anger management issues?) is looking her way and Jess thinks she might like to look back, even if Rob is from the bad part of town. Then, just when Jess is starting to feel good about her new found ability, she discovers that not everyone who's reported missing is really lost - and some of them do not want to be found.
I loved Jess: her snarky humor, her defense of her older brother - basically everything about her. The mystery in this book is clever and the added twist of Jess's ability is unique, but what really makes this book is Jessica. A fast read and a fun one!
CODE NAME CASSANDRA
Jessica Mastriani, feisty heroine of When Lightning Strikes, is back and as cranky as ever in this second installment of the 1-800-Where-R-You series. After being struck by lightning during a freak April storm Jess developed a decidedly odd psychic power. If she looks at a picture of a missing person before she goes to bed, Jess wakes up knowing where that person is now. Exactly where he or she is. Every time. Unfortunately for Jess, having a freaky mutant power isn't all sunshine and roses. Especially when the Feds, specifically the FBI and the U.S. Army, convinced her to let them 'study' her. One daring raid on a military base later (complete with a blown-up helicopter), Jess has decided that working with the Feds is not for her. She has informed all and sundry representatives of the U.S. government and the news media that her new-found psychic power has left as suddenly as it came and, even though the Feds obviously don't believe her, they've backed off a bit.
All of which leaves Jess free to work as a counselor to a bunch of musical prodigies at Camp Wawasee. Jess figures a summer on a lake in northern Indiana is just what the doctor would order, you know, if the doctor knew she still had her freaky powers. A little sun, a lot of music, a cabin full of twelve-year-old girls eager to have their hair braided, what could go wrong? Alas, because Jess obviously has the worst luck in the world, the answer is 'everything.'
First of all, a fellow counselor comes down with mono and Jess is asked to move in with a cabin full of twelve-year-old boys, no hair braiding skills required. They're paying her, so of course she's going to say yes, which means she's stuck with the eight little terrors. As if managing her pack of wild dogs, er.. boys, wasn't bad enough, a distraught father shows up at Wawasee and asks Jess to help him find his missing five-year-old daughter. Jess wants to help, but first she has to find a way to do that without giving away the fact that she still has her powers. This isn't going to be easy, but that's the story of Jess's life.
Although this book is the series, enough back story is given so that a reader who picks this one up first isn't going to be lost. As with When Lightning Strikes, Code Name Cassandra is lifted above the mainstream of Y.A. fiction by Meg Cabot's stellar storytelling and the snappy dialogue. Lots of fun!
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES
I've decided that it really doesn't matter what Meg Cabot writes about, she's such a talented author that I'm pretty much guaranteed to like any of her books. Meg Cabot novels have solid, fast-paced plots, wonderful characters with unique voices and great dialogue. Throw in Ms. Cabot's patented humor and you've got a book like When Lightning Strikes - truly entertaining.
Jessica Mastriani is a pretty typical high school sophomore. Well, typical with a few issues (anger management and a schizophrenic older brother among them) but still, she's not all that different from all of the other kids in her Indiana town. That changes rather dramatically Jessica gets struck by lightning while walking home from school. She seems fine when she goes to bed that night, but when she wakes up the morning after, Jess realizes she knows where the missing kids on her family's milk carton are right now. A few more cartons of milk and a few more anonymous tips that leads to their recovery and Jess's secret is out of the bag. Suddenly everyone wants a piece of `the Lightning Girl,' from the national news media to the U.S. Government.
This unwanted attention isn't the only problem Jess is dealing with. Rob Wilkins, the sexy senior from Jess's detention (remember the anger management issues?) is looking her way and Jess thinks she might like to look back, even if Rob is from the bad part of town. Then, just when Jess is starting to feel good about her new found ability, she discovers that not everyone who's reported missing is really lost - and some of them do not want to be found.
I loved Jess: her snarky humor, her defense of her older brother - basically everything about her. The mystery in this book is clever and the added twist of Jess's ability is unique, but what really makes this book is Jessica. A fast read and a fun one!
CODE NAME CASSANDRA
Jessica Mastriani, feisty heroine of When Lightning Strikes, is back and as cranky as ever in this second installment of the 1-800-Where-R-You series. After being struck by lightning during a freak April storm Jess developed a decidedly odd psychic power. If she looks at a picture of a missing person before she goes to bed, Jess wakes up knowing where that person is now. Exactly where he or she is. Every time. Unfortunately for Jess, having a freaky mutant power isn't all sunshine and roses. Especially when the Feds, specifically the FBI and the U.S. Army, convinced her to let them 'study' her. One daring raid on a military base later (complete with a blown-up helicopter), Jess has decided that working with the Feds is not for her. She has informed all and sundry representatives of the U.S. government and the news media that her new-found psychic power has left as suddenly as it came and, even though the Feds obviously don't believe her, they've backed off a bit.
All of which leaves Jess free to work as a counselor to a bunch of musical prodigies at Camp Wawasee. Jess figures a summer on a lake in northern Indiana is just what the doctor would order, you know, if the doctor knew she still had her freaky powers. A little sun, a lot of music, a cabin full of twelve-year-old girls eager to have their hair braided, what could go wrong? Alas, because Jess obviously has the worst luck in the world, the answer is 'everything.'
First of all, a fellow counselor comes down with mono and Jess is asked to move in with a cabin full of twelve-year-old boys, no hair braiding skills required. They're paying her, so of course she's going to say yes, which means she's stuck with the eight little terrors. As if managing her pack of wild dogs, er.. boys, wasn't bad enough, a distraught father shows up at Wawasee and asks Jess to help him find his missing five-year-old daughter. Jess wants to help, but first she has to find a way to do that without giving away the fact that she still has her powers. This isn't going to be easy, but that's the story of Jess's life.
Although this book is the series, enough back story is given so that a reader who picks this one up first isn't going to be lost. As with When Lightning Strikes, Code Name Cassandra is lifted above the mainstream of Y.A. fiction by Meg Cabot's stellar storytelling and the snappy dialogue. Lots of fun!
May 9, 2012
I was not really sure what I was expecting in this book when I first read it. It turns out the author, Meg Cabot, is extremely talented. This book got me thinking pretty well. In short, I liked it.
Jessica Mastriani was your average sixteen year old girl... until she got hit by lightning. Did she die? Was she injured? No. She seemed fine. That is, until she discovered she came find missing people dead or alive. In the second book, she had already discovered that not everyone wants to be found. Some very important people wants to meet her... knowing that the powers can be used for both good and evil. For Jess, one misstep can lead to deadly danger.
For the first book, the plot was thick. Every chapter ends with a strange twist in the story and kept us wanting for more. I love the author's writing style. Some humorous moments lightened up the story. I especially liked the Darth Vader one... since I love Star Wars. For the second book, it was still pretty addicting for me. Humor is still there, and mystery and other elements made the story interesting.
I really liked Jess. She was the kind of girl that stood up for herself and for others, yet had feelings. She can punch and fight, yet play flute. She was no damsel in distress, yet she was able to call for help when she knew she needed it. Her romance I don't like that much, but it was acceptable. Rob doing a lot for her was pretty touching for me, and when the whole gang showed up I was glad Jess had great friends. Ruth was okay, but she was too... girly for my taste. I liked Shane too. Though he may be a pain in the butt, he sure knows how to play flute. He was stubborn (or tenacious), curious, heroic, and maybe a little mean. He's my age, and I would have liked to meet him.
The flaws of the book actually wanted me to take of two stars, but then the seductiveness of the story made up for it. First of all, I don't mind some profitany but this story is so full of it, I was reluctant to continue. I'm not that kind of romantic person and I don't like the mentions in there. The second book was a bit slow to start, but still addicting. The brush at the cave needed more action.
In conclusion, I liked the book even though it has its flaws. If you're not the kind of person who minds bad language or *romance* that much, I suggest you go for it.
Jessica Mastriani was your average sixteen year old girl... until she got hit by lightning. Did she die? Was she injured? No. She seemed fine. That is, until she discovered she came find missing people dead or alive. In the second book, she had already discovered that not everyone wants to be found. Some very important people wants to meet her... knowing that the powers can be used for both good and evil. For Jess, one misstep can lead to deadly danger.
For the first book, the plot was thick. Every chapter ends with a strange twist in the story and kept us wanting for more. I love the author's writing style. Some humorous moments lightened up the story. I especially liked the Darth Vader one... since I love Star Wars. For the second book, it was still pretty addicting for me. Humor is still there, and mystery and other elements made the story interesting.
I really liked Jess. She was the kind of girl that stood up for herself and for others, yet had feelings. She can punch and fight, yet play flute. She was no damsel in distress, yet she was able to call for help when she knew she needed it. Her romance I don't like that much, but it was acceptable. Rob doing a lot for her was pretty touching for me, and when the whole gang showed up I was glad Jess had great friends. Ruth was okay, but she was too... girly for my taste. I liked Shane too. Though he may be a pain in the butt, he sure knows how to play flute. He was stubborn (or tenacious), curious, heroic, and maybe a little mean. He's my age, and I would have liked to meet him.
The flaws of the book actually wanted me to take of two stars, but then the seductiveness of the story made up for it. First of all, I don't mind some profitany but this story is so full of it, I was reluctant to continue. I'm not that kind of romantic person and I don't like the mentions in there. The second book was a bit slow to start, but still addicting. The brush at the cave needed more action.
In conclusion, I liked the book even though it has its flaws. If you're not the kind of person who minds bad language or *romance* that much, I suggest you go for it.
June 2, 2020
I've already read the first book in this bindup, but idk when I'll get to book two!
October 30, 2010
I'm so lucky to find this two-in-one book because it is super hard to find any part of this book nowadays.
Plus, two books in one?
When Lightning Strikes
Jess Mastriani was struck by lightning. So, she's dead? No. Coma? No. She's perfectly healthy. Until she dreamt of the exact location of missing children and called 1-800-where-r-you. And... voila! The missing children are back! But is she doing the right thing? What if some of the children didn't want to be find?
Written in typically Meg Cabot's style *which I adored so much*, When Lightning Strikes has done a very great job in entertaining me.
Jess is a very adorable character. And oh! I love her family! Especially her dad! It's also kinda cute that Jess had developed a relationship with Rosemary from 1-800-where-r-you.
Code Name Cassandra
Jess has been lying that she has lost her power. Apparently, the FEDs don't believe her & keep spying on her. Even when she goes to summer camp for musically gifted children.
Seems like the FEDs aren't the only people who don't believe her, 12-year-old Shane is too sharp & seems to not believe her. With many people asking for her help to find their missing children, she has to smartly think of a way to go undercover.
This second book is as good as the first one, When Lightning Strikes. You know what, I somehow felt something familiar when reading 1-800-where-r-you series & Mediator series. Like, it's thrilling & I just love the lead female character. I also like how Jess *and Suze* always found a way, though it's risky, to do things the way they want.
So... I guess I have to wait for a while for the next one..
Plus, two books in one?
When Lightning Strikes
Jess Mastriani was struck by lightning. So, she's dead? No. Coma? No. She's perfectly healthy. Until she dreamt of the exact location of missing children and called 1-800-where-r-you. And... voila! The missing children are back! But is she doing the right thing? What if some of the children didn't want to be find?
Written in typically Meg Cabot's style *which I adored so much*, When Lightning Strikes has done a very great job in entertaining me.
Jess is a very adorable character. And oh! I love her family! Especially her dad! It's also kinda cute that Jess had developed a relationship with Rosemary from 1-800-where-r-you.
Code Name Cassandra
Jess has been lying that she has lost her power. Apparently, the FEDs don't believe her & keep spying on her. Even when she goes to summer camp for musically gifted children.
Seems like the FEDs aren't the only people who don't believe her, 12-year-old Shane is too sharp & seems to not believe her. With many people asking for her help to find their missing children, she has to smartly think of a way to go undercover.
This second book is as good as the first one, When Lightning Strikes. You know what, I somehow felt something familiar when reading 1-800-where-r-you series & Mediator series. Like, it's thrilling & I just love the lead female character. I also like how Jess *and Suze* always found a way, though it's risky, to do things the way they want.
So... I guess I have to wait for a while for the next one..
July 18, 2011
Vanished was a great story. Sassy Jessica Mastriani is a girl who doesn't like to be bothered much. She likes it even less when you say something horrible about her friends or family. This is why Jessica spends a lot of her free time in detention. Needless does Jessica know that serving detention is going to be the least of her worries.
I really really enjoyed Vanished. Meg Cabot is absolutely hilarious. I loved Jess. She is a great snarky and sarcastic character who you can't help but think that in real life she would be a great friend. She is a girl who doesn't take anyone's crap. Even the United States government who want Jess for more than just locating missing children.
Vanished was a great light read. With saucy character's and dangerous situations that will keep you wanting to turn the page. Even when Jess finds herself in the most ridiculous situations her sarcasm and wit never seem to go away.
I thought that this book was great. The situations that Meg put Jess through were fun to read. In some situations I was wondering how she was going to get herself out of it. The book was filled with more action that I would have thought but it fit perfectly with the plot.
Meg Cabot is an amazing author who never disappoints me with her work. Vanished was no exception. I cannot wait to continue the story of Jess and Rob as she tries to escape The United States government and get back to her life as ordinary teenager. As ordinary as it is going to be for a girl who can locate missing people.
I really really enjoyed Vanished. Meg Cabot is absolutely hilarious. I loved Jess. She is a great snarky and sarcastic character who you can't help but think that in real life she would be a great friend. She is a girl who doesn't take anyone's crap. Even the United States government who want Jess for more than just locating missing children.
Vanished was a great light read. With saucy character's and dangerous situations that will keep you wanting to turn the page. Even when Jess finds herself in the most ridiculous situations her sarcasm and wit never seem to go away.
I thought that this book was great. The situations that Meg put Jess through were fun to read. In some situations I was wondering how she was going to get herself out of it. The book was filled with more action that I would have thought but it fit perfectly with the plot.
Meg Cabot is an amazing author who never disappoints me with her work. Vanished was no exception. I cannot wait to continue the story of Jess and Rob as she tries to escape The United States government and get back to her life as ordinary teenager. As ordinary as it is going to be for a girl who can locate missing people.
November 29, 2020
I finished book 1/2 in this collection. I loved Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries and Airhead series as a teenager, so I was eager to jump into this series as well. Perhaps the nostalgia wore off, but I found this book problematic. Besides the fact that the main character, Jess, is completely full of herself, she has a lot of issues that make this read so unrealistic. 1. She singlehandedly takes on the FBI, including assaulting them? The book ends without any indication of what happens to her in regards to the law. 2) She’s 16, but she just dumps her family and is able to solve all of the problems? The book never comes back to her family and whether or not her brother is okay. 3) her best friend is self-described as fat. Well, Jess never encourages body positivity for her friend and even tears her down in her narration. Additionally, when the super mega hot guy likes her and makes fun of her friend for being fat, Jess simply agrees and flirts back. Eh, as a teenager who suffered from body positivity when I was younger, I think this book would’ve really set me back. 4) she dumps said friend and never really interacts with her again as soon as she gets a boyfriend. Pretty crappy friend. 5) there’s another love interest with a 12-year-old. Although her boyfriend points out it’s a crush, Jess really takes it and runs with it and obsessed about how he feels about her. Kind of disturbing that she couldn’t play it off, but instead took it as a compliment that a young BOY “loved” her? Nooottt a fan of that at all.
The plot was interesting enough for me to keep reading, but it was wholly so unrealistic, I found myself rolling my eyes through most of it. I won’t be finishing the series.
The plot was interesting enough for me to keep reading, but it was wholly so unrealistic, I found myself rolling my eyes through most of it. I won’t be finishing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
Just so y’all know...Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors. Also, this book (and the next one) has been on my TBR list for like 5 years-and I finally got to it.
So the main character, Jess(ica) is a total kick-ass, snarky, and nerdy 16-year old girl-and I love her. This story is written in her perspective, and she adds some hilarious little witty remarks. Oh, and she’s also sorta wanted by the FBI, due to her special psychic abilities. With that being said, a guy she requests help from quite frequently-Rob-is also a wonderful addition to the story. Plus, Jess is totally NUTS about him, but he can’t feel the same way (at least out loud) because that goes against his parole.
This story is honestly a reallyyyy quick and easy read, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. There is action that I didn’t expect, but it played off quite nicely. All in all, this book has an interesting plot that is high-paced and super funny-a definite recommend!
So the main character, Jess(ica) is a total kick-ass, snarky, and nerdy 16-year old girl-and I love her. This story is written in her perspective, and she adds some hilarious little witty remarks. Oh, and she’s also sorta wanted by the FBI, due to her special psychic abilities. With that being said, a guy she requests help from quite frequently-Rob-is also a wonderful addition to the story. Plus, Jess is totally NUTS about him, but he can’t feel the same way (at least out loud) because that goes against his parole.
This story is honestly a reallyyyy quick and easy read, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. There is action that I didn’t expect, but it played off quite nicely. All in all, this book has an interesting plot that is high-paced and super funny-a definite recommend!
September 13, 2018
This is the omnibus version of the first two books (When Lightning Strikes and Code Name Cassandra) in the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series.
I had heard of this series but had never read it, even though I’ve read most of Meg Cabot’s books, so I wanted to give this series a try.
I enjoyed Code Name Cassandra much more than When Lightning Strikes. Book 1 introduced Jess and her abilities, but a lot of it was just so far fetched, with the whole helicopter thing and all. In book 2, Jess is aware of her powers and how to use them. I also really enjoyed her friendship with Shane.
I still don’t know how I feel about Rob. Usually I like Cabot’s male love interests a lot (they usually have a good sense of humor) but Rob is different. He’s a little more rough around the edges. Of course, that could be because I’m still getting to know him and there are 3 books left in the series.
I had heard of this series but had never read it, even though I’ve read most of Meg Cabot’s books, so I wanted to give this series a try.
I enjoyed Code Name Cassandra much more than When Lightning Strikes. Book 1 introduced Jess and her abilities, but a lot of it was just so far fetched, with the whole helicopter thing and all. In book 2, Jess is aware of her powers and how to use them. I also really enjoyed her friendship with Shane.
I still don’t know how I feel about Rob. Usually I like Cabot’s male love interests a lot (they usually have a good sense of humor) but Rob is different. He’s a little more rough around the edges. Of course, that could be because I’m still getting to know him and there are 3 books left in the series.
July 29, 2018
Cabot's books are always such a pleasure to read, and these are no exception. The heroine of this series is literally struck by lightning, and develops the extremely specific ability to wake up in the morning knowing the precise location of 2 missing kids.
What makes it such fun is Jess's agression and tendency to just go charging into trouble. There is a Nancy Drew feeling to the stories, but with a short George in the lead. Twenty years out, some of the slang is outdated and/or discomforting, but that is more than made up for by Doug, Jess's oldest brother who happens to have schizophrenia. It is always pleasing when a character has a mental illness and that it isn't what the book is about, and it isn't a metaphor.
Library copy
What makes it such fun is Jess's agression and tendency to just go charging into trouble. There is a Nancy Drew feeling to the stories, but with a short George in the lead. Twenty years out, some of the slang is outdated and/or discomforting, but that is more than made up for by Doug, Jess's oldest brother who happens to have schizophrenia. It is always pleasing when a character has a mental illness and that it isn't what the book is about, and it isn't a metaphor.
Library copy
March 22, 2018
I picked this book up because I was looking for a nice, easy read. Big mistake. This storytelling is terrible and the story lines left me cringing. The language In the book infuriated me (gay, retard etc) and seems unnecessary. The characters were all boring and predictable. It felt like a book that was written by someone who hasn’t been a teen in a very, very long time and maybe should have done some research or maybe talked to a teen during the process of writing this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
3,5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Love: Meg Cabot. Honestly anything she writes I will read.
Love: The SPUNK that Jess has!
Love: Rob. Duh.
Love: the general premise. Struck by lightning and is now suddenly able to find missing people? Cool.
Love: how light & easy this book was to read
Didn’t love: all the fatphobic shit about Ruth… and Shane actually.
Didn’t love: how casually Ruth’s eating disorder was mentioned/treated
Didn’t love: the use of the “R” slur.
Didn’t love: the “jailbait” aspect. Yes it’s only 18 yes & 16 yes but still… icky.
Love: Meg Cabot. Honestly anything she writes I will read.
Love: The SPUNK that Jess has!
Love: Rob. Duh.
Love: the general premise. Struck by lightning and is now suddenly able to find missing people? Cool.
Love: how light & easy this book was to read
Didn’t love: all the fatphobic shit about Ruth… and Shane actually.
Didn’t love: how casually Ruth’s eating disorder was mentioned/treated
Didn’t love: the use of the “R” slur.
Didn’t love: the “jailbait” aspect. Yes it’s only 18 yes & 16 yes but still… icky.
January 4, 2025
We love starting off the year with another Meg Cabot book
May 3, 2021
"How did I ever get to be so lucky? Really. I want to know. I mean, have you ever, in your life, met anyone with worse luck than mine?" (Jessica Mastriani, Code Name Cassandra)
⛈️ The 1-800-Where-R-You/Vanished series has an extremely interesting and unique concept: A girl gains psychic powers after being struck by lightning and can find missing people.
⛈️ 10 out of 10 points for plot execution.
⛈️ I love the main character, Jess. She's a spunky and sassy tomboy with anger management issues and she's so honest and real about who she is.
⛈️ I also love that Jess's psychic powers evolve in Code Name Cassandra.
⛈️ I don't like Ruth, Jess's best friend. She doesn't have much of a purpose in When Lightning Strikes and Code Name Cassandra
⛈️ Rob, the love interest, is a cool guy. He might have a bad boy exterior, but he's extremely caring.
⛈️ The Rob and Jess scenes are hilarious.
⛈️ Also, I'm pretty sure Jess loves Rob's motorcycle more than she likes Rob.
⛈️ I love reading about the Mastriani family dynamics.
⛈️ Unfortunately, there are a few problematic and offensive jokes and words in When Lightning Strikes and Code Name Cassandra.
⛈️ I had to suspend disbelief about government security and facilities in When Lightning Strikes, but the end result is entertaining and fun to read about.
⛈️ I like the relationship that Jess has with Sean and Shane.
⛈️ Sean > Shane.
⛈️ When Lightning Strikes > Code Name Cassandra.
⛈️ Also, that scene in Code Name Cassandra involving McDonald's, a white van and two FBI agents is utterly hilarious.
"I tell you, romance is dead." (Jessica Mastriani, Code Name Cassandra)
April 2, 2018
Though Cabot had written a lot of juvenile books before, this one takes the cake for the book with the most annoying, idiotic, and shittiest protagonist.
Jesus, I was feeling pretty dehydrated today because it was boiling here in down under, so I played a game while reading the book: every time the word ”slut” is said in the book, I’ll take a swig of water.
This is a remark about a girl who likes to sunbathe in her backyard:
It gets worse:
(Talking about distressed jeans here)
Suffice to say I took five bathroom breaks in the span of 3 hours.
So I decided to stop, this piece of garbage book ain’t worth bursting my bladder for.
Jesus, I was feeling pretty dehydrated today because it was boiling here in down under, so I played a game while reading the book: every time the word ”slut” is said in the book, I’ll take a swig of water.
This is a remark about a girl who likes to sunbathe in her backyard:
”Well”, I said, ”you got to admit, she does look good in a bathing suit.”
Ruth snorted. ”That slut. I can’t believe she does that. Every summer. I mean, it was one thing back before she hit puberty. But now... What’s she trying to do? Cause a traffic accident?”
It gets worse:
”They’re slut jeans,” my mother said. ”She’s dressing in slut jeans. It’s because she reads that slut magazine.” That’s what my mom calls Cosmo. It sort of is a slut magazine, but still.”
(Talking about distressed jeans here)
Suffice to say I took five bathroom breaks in the span of 3 hours.
So I decided to stop, this piece of garbage book ain’t worth bursting my bladder for.
March 7, 2014
This book ( or should I say books) was really amazing and I had to give it five stars, well the second one wasn't my favorite but it was still great.
The great things about this book
1) I can really relate to it. And it's so true, it really felt like someone was really telling their life story, if we lived in a world where we would find missing children with the power of our minds.
With powers
2) great detail, I loved how it really described everything, I felt so connected to Jess.
3) rob.
And there is more but I'm on an iPad so it's hard to type but I totally recommend this to anyone who loves a book you have to reread
The great things about this book
1) I can really relate to it. And it's so true, it really felt like someone was really telling their life story, if we lived in a world where we would find missing children with the power of our minds.
With powers
2) great detail, I loved how it really described everything, I felt so connected to Jess.
3) rob.
And there is more but I'm on an iPad so it's hard to type but I totally recommend this to anyone who loves a book you have to reread
January 31, 2016
Giving the book a try so when people bash chick-lit, I'll know what about it to bash, well - objectively. Another reason is the fact that I want to know Meg Cabot. In a strange way, she didn't disapoint. I know I should choke and fell of the chair reading how Manstriani, the less than perfect protagonist, displaying every bit of signs of girls hitting puberty, but I didn't.
Perhaps due to the way how she goes about it unapologetically.
Another run to Meg Cabot's? No thanks, though. I'll ensure my daughter pick it up when she hit that stage.
Perhaps due to the way how she goes about it unapologetically.
Another run to Meg Cabot's? No thanks, though. I'll ensure my daughter pick it up when she hit that stage.
September 13, 2010
Reissue of the first two books in her 1-800-Where-R-You series: When Lightning Strikes and Code Name Cassandra. Personally I think "Vanished" is a misleading title. The main character can find missing children after being struck by lightening.
May 27, 2012
One of my FAV series when I was younger by a very talented author.
April 5, 2020
cant wait to get my hands on the 3rd book!
July 30, 2011
This book is pretty good.
It would be really cool if you have the power Jessica has.
It would be really cool if you have the power Jessica has.
September 27, 2025
📚#32-33 in My Meg Cabot Read Through
This is my first time reading the 1-800 series (or as this omnibus calls it Vanished). It was written around the same time as Meg's The Mediator and has similar themes. Both series are also in the supernatural genre, which I sad in previous reviews is not my favorite.
When Lightning Strikes follows our main character, sophomore Jessica "Jess" Mastriani, after a mysterious lightning strike, which gives her the ability to finding missing people. Of course, once the Feds get wind of Jess's newfound ability, they have their own ideas about how to use her ability. Jess then finds a way to convince the public that the ability has left her. In Code Name Cassandra, Jess gets a job at a music camp that doesn't go the way she planned. A bully camper, Shane, and a distraught father further complicate her summer.
Jess is an okay protagonist thus far. Her ability is interesting, of course. Her personality somewhat rubs me the wrong way, but she's not unlikable. I'm sure I'll grow to like her more in the following installments. Who I'm not sure of is her best friend, Ruth. I was kinda annoyed about the frequent references about her weight tbh, but I'll let it slide. It's Ruth's personality that I can't get pass. She is so annoying and snobby. Jess is constantly making excuses for her snobbery like "that's just the way she is." Ugh. She's not quite Lilly Moscovitz level annoying but she has time.
Jess's love interest senior (later graduate) Rob Wilkins. I like him so far. He's seems very responsible for someone his age and makes a good foil to Jess. It is a little annoying how much Jess mentions that she has the hots for him. By the end of book two, I was like 'I get it already!!' The other characters so far aren't worth mentioning yet. We'll see in the future.
I want to say that I did not dislike the first two books of this series. It's just, like The Mediator, that it takes me a long time to warm up to this genre. I will be reading the other installments of this series and I anticipate by opinions gradually changing for the better.
This is my first time reading the 1-800 series (or as this omnibus calls it Vanished). It was written around the same time as Meg's The Mediator and has similar themes. Both series are also in the supernatural genre, which I sad in previous reviews is not my favorite.
When Lightning Strikes follows our main character, sophomore Jessica "Jess" Mastriani, after a mysterious lightning strike, which gives her the ability to finding missing people. Of course, once the Feds get wind of Jess's newfound ability, they have their own ideas about how to use her ability. Jess then finds a way to convince the public that the ability has left her. In Code Name Cassandra, Jess gets a job at a music camp that doesn't go the way she planned. A bully camper, Shane, and a distraught father further complicate her summer.
Jess is an okay protagonist thus far. Her ability is interesting, of course. Her personality somewhat rubs me the wrong way, but she's not unlikable. I'm sure I'll grow to like her more in the following installments. Who I'm not sure of is her best friend, Ruth. I was kinda annoyed about the frequent references about her weight tbh, but I'll let it slide. It's Ruth's personality that I can't get pass. She is so annoying and snobby. Jess is constantly making excuses for her snobbery like "that's just the way she is." Ugh. She's not quite Lilly Moscovitz level annoying but she has time.
Jess's love interest senior (later graduate) Rob Wilkins. I like him so far. He's seems very responsible for someone his age and makes a good foil to Jess. It is a little annoying how much Jess mentions that she has the hots for him. By the end of book two, I was like 'I get it already!!' The other characters so far aren't worth mentioning yet. We'll see in the future.
I want to say that I did not dislike the first two books of this series. It's just, like The Mediator, that it takes me a long time to warm up to this genre. I will be reading the other installments of this series and I anticipate by opinions gradually changing for the better.
October 13, 2012
I promise to be brutally honest with my opinion, but it should not be taken as fact. Any reader should read it for themselves, before they decide if this book has any merit or not. Do not judge this book biased solely on my opinion. If you do, you might miss out on a great read. You never know. It could happen.
So, this book called Vanished is actually two separate books in one. Too bad Goodreads will not recognize this book as two separate ones in my book goal for 2012. Oh, well! Anyways, I will separate and judge each book and their elements separately and then average the stars I give for each book and divide it by two to get the average for the book as a whole. I am using math. Who knew?!
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES: 4 ¾ Stars
1. Strong Main Character/ Female Heroine: Let me start off by saying how much I love the character Jessica, better known as Jess. She is amazing and totally fearless. She is everything you want in a female lead. She is bold, strong-willed, headstrong, stubborn, and most of all, has a hilarious sense of humor. She is often sarcastic and snarky, but underneath that distancing persona, is a girl full of passion and love….for her family and Rob. She is a character worth reading about and knowing more about. I cannot wait to follow her adventures to her second book. 5 out of 5 stars
2. Strong Minor Characters: I cannot say that I found the minor characters in this book very fascinating or worth knowing about other than a select few. Ruth is not one of these characters. I find her more annoying than smart or brilliant. She seems like a friend that Meg Cabot just stick in there so that she could have her drive Jess around and be the driving force behind the lightning incident. Douglas is an interesting character in the book, because of his mental condition. Otherwise, I would not find him as fascinating. He provides comic relief as well as dramatic scenes. Rob is a mysterious character that is super hawt and the bad boy in this book. All books need a bad boy and this one takes the cake. He is mysterious, but caring. Jess can never figure him out, but I think I have an inkling about him. I also think I know why he is Sean is a sweet little kid with a troubled past and he added so much to the novel that I wish he would be in the second book, but I know another little child will replace him and it makes me sad. He provided a lot of comic relief to the story. The detectives provide suspense for the novel, but I do not really see them as minor or supporting characters. I see them as plot characters, characters that keep the plot moving forward and are the antagonists of Jessica. 4 out of 5 stars
3. The Setting: I love it when the setting is constantly changes. They are at school, at the football field, at home, at a bar, on the road, at a military base, at the mall, at a random house, at the train station, and etc. There are so many different changes of scenery, so it kept the whole plot very fresh and new. It did not change so much that I thought I was lost, but it changed so much that I had to keep reading to see where else the book was going to take me. It kept my interest. 5 out of 5 stars
4. The Plot: The story is interesting and fresh. Out of all the books that I have read about lightning strikes, I have never read about anyone ever getting powers from it. Usually, they switch bodies with someone else. So this unique plot twist, kept me reading the book and the fact that it included missing children that were getting found touched my heart. But like the book says, “Not everyone who is lost wants to be found” (back cover). 5 out of 5 stars
CODE NAME CASSANDRA: 4 ¼ Stars
1. Strong Main Character/ Female Heroine: I am still in love with Jess and no, not in that way. She is such a strong-willed character that I can relate to her more than most other characters that I read about. She is as close to normal as a fictional character can get with a special ability to find and locate missing children. I love her sarcastic sense of humor that relieves the tension in any stressful situation. Meg Cabot really knows this character well and how she would normally act. Cabot just keeps improving her characters with each and every installment that I want to read the next till I finish the series completely. 5 out of 5 stars
2. Strong Minor Characters: I still do not like the character of Ruth, but I like her a little better than last time. Rob is just as hawt as ever and I continue to love him as a great romantic character for Jessica. I hope their romance will actually get somewhere by the end of the series. I love the sexual tension in this book between the two of them. It keeps me reading the series, if the two characters that are destined for each other, love each other at the very end of the book or near the end of the series. I hate insta-couples! That never happens in real life! I wish I could have had more of Douglass. He is a character that I really wish to know more about and delve into his past. I did not like the little kids in this book as much as I loved Sean in the first book, but they kept me entertained enough to keep reading. I wish I would have seen a little more of the detectives in this book. 3 out of 5 stars
3. The Setting: Constantly changing in the first book, I love how the second book settles down a little bit at the camp. It still took you all over the camp, but there was not a lot of travel involved. So, I could concentrate more on what is occurring in the book and less on where the characters actually are in the book. The book takes me through the general summer, Jessica’s house, the camp, the woods, the cave, the cabins, the lake, the pool, the music center, the camp hall, the cafeteria, into the city, to McDonald’s and much, much more. I enjoy reading about all the different places that Jessica goes to. It creates quality entertainment like when you are watching a movie or your favorite tv show. 5 out of 5 stars
4. The Plot: The plot is not as entertaining as the first one. This one is generally centered on the camp and the detectives have a less active role that leaves the reader unsatisfied. I was hoping for more chasing Jessica about, but it was not like that at all. In fact, this one is less crazy and adventurous as the first, but I still enjoyed it. There was still so much mystery and intrigue. Plus, some more sexual tension with Jessica and Rob. I still craved more chaos, though. I enjoy a good chaotic read. 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, I give this entire book 4 ½ stars. I will continue to read the series, since I found it very well written and enjoyable. I believe that it would be more reflective, if I label this review as four rather than 5 stars, but this book is more than four, but less than five. There is always room for improvement.
So, this book called Vanished is actually two separate books in one. Too bad Goodreads will not recognize this book as two separate ones in my book goal for 2012. Oh, well! Anyways, I will separate and judge each book and their elements separately and then average the stars I give for each book and divide it by two to get the average for the book as a whole. I am using math. Who knew?!
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES: 4 ¾ Stars
1. Strong Main Character/ Female Heroine: Let me start off by saying how much I love the character Jessica, better known as Jess. She is amazing and totally fearless. She is everything you want in a female lead. She is bold, strong-willed, headstrong, stubborn, and most of all, has a hilarious sense of humor. She is often sarcastic and snarky, but underneath that distancing persona, is a girl full of passion and love….for her family and Rob. She is a character worth reading about and knowing more about. I cannot wait to follow her adventures to her second book. 5 out of 5 stars
2. Strong Minor Characters: I cannot say that I found the minor characters in this book very fascinating or worth knowing about other than a select few. Ruth is not one of these characters. I find her more annoying than smart or brilliant. She seems like a friend that Meg Cabot just stick in there so that she could have her drive Jess around and be the driving force behind the lightning incident. Douglas is an interesting character in the book, because of his mental condition. Otherwise, I would not find him as fascinating. He provides comic relief as well as dramatic scenes. Rob is a mysterious character that is super hawt and the bad boy in this book. All books need a bad boy and this one takes the cake. He is mysterious, but caring. Jess can never figure him out, but I think I have an inkling about him. I also think I know why he is Sean is a sweet little kid with a troubled past and he added so much to the novel that I wish he would be in the second book, but I know another little child will replace him and it makes me sad. He provided a lot of comic relief to the story. The detectives provide suspense for the novel, but I do not really see them as minor or supporting characters. I see them as plot characters, characters that keep the plot moving forward and are the antagonists of Jessica. 4 out of 5 stars
3. The Setting: I love it when the setting is constantly changes. They are at school, at the football field, at home, at a bar, on the road, at a military base, at the mall, at a random house, at the train station, and etc. There are so many different changes of scenery, so it kept the whole plot very fresh and new. It did not change so much that I thought I was lost, but it changed so much that I had to keep reading to see where else the book was going to take me. It kept my interest. 5 out of 5 stars
4. The Plot: The story is interesting and fresh. Out of all the books that I have read about lightning strikes, I have never read about anyone ever getting powers from it. Usually, they switch bodies with someone else. So this unique plot twist, kept me reading the book and the fact that it included missing children that were getting found touched my heart. But like the book says, “Not everyone who is lost wants to be found” (back cover). 5 out of 5 stars
CODE NAME CASSANDRA: 4 ¼ Stars
1. Strong Main Character/ Female Heroine: I am still in love with Jess and no, not in that way. She is such a strong-willed character that I can relate to her more than most other characters that I read about. She is as close to normal as a fictional character can get with a special ability to find and locate missing children. I love her sarcastic sense of humor that relieves the tension in any stressful situation. Meg Cabot really knows this character well and how she would normally act. Cabot just keeps improving her characters with each and every installment that I want to read the next till I finish the series completely. 5 out of 5 stars
2. Strong Minor Characters: I still do not like the character of Ruth, but I like her a little better than last time. Rob is just as hawt as ever and I continue to love him as a great romantic character for Jessica. I hope their romance will actually get somewhere by the end of the series. I love the sexual tension in this book between the two of them. It keeps me reading the series, if the two characters that are destined for each other, love each other at the very end of the book or near the end of the series. I hate insta-couples! That never happens in real life! I wish I could have had more of Douglass. He is a character that I really wish to know more about and delve into his past. I did not like the little kids in this book as much as I loved Sean in the first book, but they kept me entertained enough to keep reading. I wish I would have seen a little more of the detectives in this book. 3 out of 5 stars
3. The Setting: Constantly changing in the first book, I love how the second book settles down a little bit at the camp. It still took you all over the camp, but there was not a lot of travel involved. So, I could concentrate more on what is occurring in the book and less on where the characters actually are in the book. The book takes me through the general summer, Jessica’s house, the camp, the woods, the cave, the cabins, the lake, the pool, the music center, the camp hall, the cafeteria, into the city, to McDonald’s and much, much more. I enjoy reading about all the different places that Jessica goes to. It creates quality entertainment like when you are watching a movie or your favorite tv show. 5 out of 5 stars
4. The Plot: The plot is not as entertaining as the first one. This one is generally centered on the camp and the detectives have a less active role that leaves the reader unsatisfied. I was hoping for more chasing Jessica about, but it was not like that at all. In fact, this one is less crazy and adventurous as the first, but I still enjoyed it. There was still so much mystery and intrigue. Plus, some more sexual tension with Jessica and Rob. I still craved more chaos, though. I enjoy a good chaotic read. 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, I give this entire book 4 ½ stars. I will continue to read the series, since I found it very well written and enjoyable. I believe that it would be more reflective, if I label this review as four rather than 5 stars, but this book is more than four, but less than five. There is always room for improvement.
July 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I am usually a very slow reader but when I read this book I would pick it up and the next thing I knew I had read 100 pages! The thing I liked about this book most is the characters. They are all very fun and interesting whether your laughing with them and cheering them on or rolling your eyes, annoyed at them. They all make you feel a certain type of emotion at some point of the book.
Another thing I love is all the action. Whenever something suspenseful happens it is impossible to put the book down! In these scenes, I think what makes them so amazing is that Jess is incredibly brave, braver than most people, and it's exciting to read about someone doing incredibly crazy stuff that we could only wonder what it'd be like to do.
Though I enjoyed this book, I wished that the main character, Jess,developed more as a character throughout the story. She learned something new, no everyone wants to be found, but other than that she didn't really change too much. I just think it would've been nice if the book(s) would've given us something to think about/take away at the end of the story. Besides that, I enjoyed this book very much and will continue reading the series.
Another thing I love is all the action. Whenever something suspenseful happens it is impossible to put the book down! In these scenes, I think what makes them so amazing is that Jess is incredibly brave, braver than most people, and it's exciting to read about someone doing incredibly crazy stuff that we could only wonder what it'd be like to do.
Though I enjoyed this book, I wished that the main character, Jess,developed more as a character throughout the story. She learned something new, no everyone wants to be found, but other than that she didn't really change too much. I just think it would've been nice if the book(s) would've given us something to think about/take away at the end of the story. Besides that, I enjoyed this book very much and will continue reading the series.
February 23, 2018
To be honest, I don't have any expectation with this book(s), to which I think is a good thing because I was able to enjoy it in my own flow without the needs to suffice the "expectation" meter I always set for a certain book.
Riveting in its own way, witty in a lot of different ways--Vanished is a book perfect for light reading with a dose of mystery and adventure (and detentions) on the side.
I really like how the heroine, Jess, isn't the typical girly girl superhero (i really like how she always gets the detention...it feels bad ass!). And I guess, superhero isn't the right term too--more like a incredibly humane human who uses her "powers" to do selected good. Selected good means, she wants to do good, but then she knows that not all good is good. The same way not everyone who needs to be found wants to be found.
In summary, I really enjoyed the first two books that I am actually searching for the last two books too! :D
Riveting in its own way, witty in a lot of different ways--Vanished is a book perfect for light reading with a dose of mystery and adventure (and detentions) on the side.
I really like how the heroine, Jess, isn't the typical girly girl superhero (i really like how she always gets the detention...it feels bad ass!). And I guess, superhero isn't the right term too--more like a incredibly humane human who uses her "powers" to do selected good. Selected good means, she wants to do good, but then she knows that not all good is good. The same way not everyone who needs to be found wants to be found.
In summary, I really enjoyed the first two books that I am actually searching for the last two books too! :D
June 4, 2017
6/4/2017 I finished the first book out of this 2-for-1, but I've kept it on my currently-reading shelf thinking I'd get around to the second book eventually, but I haven't.
Since it's been over a week now, I don't remember much of the book itself. Of course, it was a bit more juvenile, a bit more unlikely than I remember from when I first read it years ago. I had also seen the first season of the television show, and that had messed with how I remember the book. For instance, Jess did not get electrocuted on a bridge like I remembered, but was instead under some bleachers. I think the bridge would've been more dramatic, yeah?
But despite all that I have forgotten, or mis-remembered, I still love this series, just as I had when I was a kid.
Since it's been over a week now, I don't remember much of the book itself. Of course, it was a bit more juvenile, a bit more unlikely than I remember from when I first read it years ago. I had also seen the first season of the television show, and that had messed with how I remember the book. For instance, Jess did not get electrocuted on a bridge like I remembered, but was instead under some bleachers. I think the bridge would've been more dramatic, yeah?
But despite all that I have forgotten, or mis-remembered, I still love this series, just as I had when I was a kid.
October 2, 2019
Story follows main character Jessica, who was stroke by lightning and gained the ability to locate missing people. After she called in the location of a few missing children she gained the attention of the entire nation as well as the FBI, who wanted to run test on her and to used her as an asset. eventually things got too overwhelming for hr, and she ended telling them that she no longer have her powers anymore, just so that she can go back to a normal life. Things never really work out that way, because she was under constant surveillance, which forced her to continue with the lie. Overall this was a good read, even though at times Jessica's character did things and made decisions that were reckless.
March 1, 2021
Book 1 = 2 Stars Book 2= 4 Stars
When Lightening Strikes was very...meh. There were so many opportunities for serious, relatable content that were glossed over in favor of bratty selfishness. I absolutely couldn't stand Beth, and Michael's creepy stalker behavior was just laughed at. I wouldn't have picked up book 2 if it wasn't bound with book 1.
Code Name Cassandra was better. Beth grew on me a bit, and the setting of summer camp made it easier to push larger family issues to the background. (Trying to be non-spoiler-y) Still not totally buying that tiny Jess manages to get herself out of certain situations, but the characters were over-all more believable. I'm sure I'll finish the series at some point.
When Lightening Strikes was very...meh. There were so many opportunities for serious, relatable content that were glossed over in favor of bratty selfishness. I absolutely couldn't stand Beth, and Michael's creepy stalker behavior was just laughed at. I wouldn't have picked up book 2 if it wasn't bound with book 1.
Code Name Cassandra was better. Beth grew on me a bit, and the setting of summer camp made it easier to push larger family issues to the background. (Trying to be non-spoiler-y) Still not totally buying that tiny Jess manages to get herself out of certain situations, but the characters were over-all more believable. I'm sure I'll finish the series at some point.
May 28, 2020
I have had the first two books of the Vanished by Meg Cabot sitting on my shelf for a while and decided to pick them up over quarantine for an easier fiction read. The series is definitely part of the young adult genre and the characters and plot are not the most complex, but the book is entertaining and just what I needed to read. The combination of action, romance, and ESP makes for an interesting story with lots of twists and turns. It is an easy read that keeps me entertained, perfect for this time of isolation. I just started reading the second two books and cannot wait to dive deeper into those.
December 23, 2022
This volume by Meg Cabot, writing as Jenny Carroll, contains the first two novels in the Vanished series, previously published as 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU, When Lightning Strikes and Code Name Cassandra.
You never know what you are going to get with Meg Cabot: brain transplants, vampires, princesses, psychics. This was a fun read!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few editing issues in this book. One or two don’t bother me too badly, but there were way more than one or two. Little mistakes like, “I totally did not believe he would go for his crap” (390). His should be this, of course. There were enough errors to aggravate me, but this is still an enjoyable book!
You never know what you are going to get with Meg Cabot: brain transplants, vampires, princesses, psychics. This was a fun read!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few editing issues in this book. One or two don’t bother me too badly, but there were way more than one or two. Little mistakes like, “I totally did not believe he would go for his crap” (390). His should be this, of course. There were enough errors to aggravate me, but this is still an enjoyable book!
May 6, 2020
I liked this book, I think it had a cool concept but I didn’t find most of the characters likeable. Rob seemed disinterested in Jess for the entire book and you never really got to know who he was as a person, Ruth was just annoying and always seemed to have something negative to say, Jess’ mom wasn’t ideal either... the spelling mistakes and missing quotation marks and such also did take me out of my reading trance when I found myself enjoying it. It did have a cool concept, and Jess was likeable enough herself but idk, it was just a three star read for me.
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