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Small Blue Thing #1
Small Blue Thing
When Alex finds a bracelet that connects her with the souls of the dead, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with one of them.
Found buried in the mud of London’s River Thames, a beautiful bracelet connects Alex with Callum, a drowned soul damned to stalk the streets of the city. Neither ghost nor human, Callum is trapped – forced to steal the memories of unsuspecting humans to survive.
But Callum has a secret. He can escape this torturous half-life, if Alex makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Will Alex risk it all to save the one she loves?
Note - Paperback is edition 1. For the latest, updated and revised edition, see the Kindle edition.
Found buried in the mud of London’s River Thames, a beautiful bracelet connects Alex with Callum, a drowned soul damned to stalk the streets of the city. Neither ghost nor human, Callum is trapped – forced to steal the memories of unsuspecting humans to survive.
But Callum has a secret. He can escape this torturous half-life, if Alex makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Will Alex risk it all to save the one she loves?
Note - Paperback is edition 1. For the latest, updated and revised edition, see the Kindle edition.
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2011
32 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Ransom
5 books33 followersSue Ransom, the author of the Small Blue Thing series, is based near Chichester in the UK. She used to have a completely different life, but she wrote her first novel as a birthday present for her daughter, and things snowballed from there. Four published books later, she is now a full time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
S.C. Ransom introduces us to this YA Fiction story where the main characters are Alex and Callum.
Alex is just a normal teenager with the typical worries of someone her age. While trying to save a swan from getting hurt after getting trapped in some wire by the river, she finds a bracelet with an opal and that somehow links her to the world of the undead, which is Callum's world. That's exactly when Alex's life and world is turned upside down.
At first, Alex believes she may be losing her mind as she hears voices that no one else seems to hear, but while at St. Paul's Cathedral working on a school project she is finally faced with Callum. It is then, she realizes she's infatuated by the most gorgeous guy she's ever met. Despite the fact he doesn't belong to the world of the living, she still falls for him.
What she doesn't know is that Callum, along with the rest of the undead (the Dirges) need to feed on human's emotions to survive. Callum seems too good to be true, but there are things that he hides from Alex and that may be putting her life at risk.
Will Alex discover what Callum is keeping from her? Can the love Alex and Callum feel for each other be enough to overcome the obstacles they may need to face? What about the mysterious bracelet found in the river? What are the secrets behind such a piece of jewelry?
There are many unanswered questions, but the only possible way to have the answer to them all is by getting immersed into their world.
As a whole, I had fun with this first instalment of the series, and I look forward to knowing what's coming next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
S.C. Ransom introduces us to this YA Fiction story where the main characters are Alex and Callum.
Alex is just a normal teenager with the typical worries of someone her age. While trying to save a swan from getting hurt after getting trapped in some wire by the river, she finds a bracelet with an opal and that somehow links her to the world of the undead, which is Callum's world. That's exactly when Alex's life and world is turned upside down.
At first, Alex believes she may be losing her mind as she hears voices that no one else seems to hear, but while at St. Paul's Cathedral working on a school project she is finally faced with Callum. It is then, she realizes she's infatuated by the most gorgeous guy she's ever met. Despite the fact he doesn't belong to the world of the living, she still falls for him.
What she doesn't know is that Callum, along with the rest of the undead (the Dirges) need to feed on human's emotions to survive. Callum seems too good to be true, but there are things that he hides from Alex and that may be putting her life at risk.
Will Alex discover what Callum is keeping from her? Can the love Alex and Callum feel for each other be enough to overcome the obstacles they may need to face? What about the mysterious bracelet found in the river? What are the secrets behind such a piece of jewelry?
There are many unanswered questions, but the only possible way to have the answer to them all is by getting immersed into their world.
As a whole, I had fun with this first instalment of the series, and I look forward to knowing what's coming next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2011
Basically Rob is an arse which I latter upgraded to t**t - Alex is awesome & Callum swoon.
Trip to Thames/St Pauls to seek out my own Callum is now in order
If you know me by now you will have realized that as soon as I saw that cover I had to have this book. It was love at first sight. The story just enhanced my love of the cover and you can bet I want a bracelet like that. Isn’t it gorgeous - the description of the setting and the stone within the narrative is utterly mesmerizing. However, you are constantly posing the questions: Where did it come from? How much power does it really have? And what are the consequences? I have to say that the writing style as a whole has a beautiful descriptive quality that captured my imagination and kept me reading into the wee small hours.
All the characters were well rounded and relatable. I was really drawn to Alex, becoming totally invested in her future. I love it when that happens, that a protagonist can get so deeply into your imagination that you feel her emotions as if they were your own. The story lulls us into a false sense of security, building the plot gently layer by layer until before you know it you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotion. For me the story had fairytale quality to it with a modern setting.
I know you are wondering if I am going to start swooning over the male protagonist, Callum, well I won’t disappoint you. OMGosh YES. He is so sweet, caring and let’s not forget HOT [ ; D ] As the truth about his situation as a ‘Dirge’ becomes clear within the narrative you have to admire his strength of spirit and innate charm. The way he only takes mundane memories in order to prevent himself sinking into despair just adds to his appeal. The actual use of the word ‘Dirge’ to describe the existence of these people who have perished in the waters of an offshoot of the Thames (I can’t for the life of me remember the name at the moment – blah this always happens)apparently by their own hands is rather inspired; as a Dirge is the name used for a somber song expressing mourning or grief. Which is how the ‘Dirges’ spend their existence in a perpetual state of mourning/grief. This type of existence and gathering of memories brought to my mind the Harpies from Phillip Pullmans His Dark Materials. On a personal note, I did find it disturbing that the Dirges could be inducing Alzheimer’s by taking memories, as my mother had Alzheimer’s.
You all already know how much I love the idea of soul mates and destiny. The bracelet is like a conduit to bring to soul mates together; to my mind I also think of it as a test to see if they can overcome the obstacles in their path to be together. Plus the danger from the other ‘Dirges’ adds to the thrill of the plot. The relationship between Alex and Callum is sweet and touching, blossoming slowly into passion. Open, honest, direct and utterly refreshing, touching, lovely, I think I need more words.
Alex has a wonderful, supportive family and the depiction of their close relationship was heart-warming. It also emphasized the guilt Alex feels by having to keep Callum a secret. The little alterations in her personality/actions that she has to make in order to ‘be’ with Callum do not go wholly unnoticed. Alex is also lucky enough to have a wonderfully loyal friend in the shape of Grace, I adored her ability to scour charity shops and transform outfits. Grace is always there to provide a shoulder whenever Alex needs it, non-judgmental and steadfast. Alex is lucky to have her.
Now that I have mentioned the ‘good’ characters I have to mention the ‘bad’. Let’s start with Rob – the hot guy crush from school that Alex wanted to date prior to meeting Callum. This guy needs to be hit over the head with a stick. I won’t go into details about their ‘date’ but seriously someone find him and hit him. These characters were so real to me I would have tracked him down myself if I could. The saying don’t judge a book by its cover certainly applies to Rob, hot on the outside and mean on the inside, completely narcissistic and self-centered I was concerned as to what he would do next.
Then we come to Catherine, Callum’s sister and fellow dirge, her hatred and maliciousness appear to be the only things that keep her going. Her personality is such a contrast to Callum’s; you wonder how on earth they are from the same family. There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding Catherine, I really need to know why she is the way she is, was there a cause or is it her natural disposition. There are still a lot of things to be unearthed about the ‘Dirges’ I NEED to know.
One thing I made a note of to mention about this book is how it captures the British pub culture perfectly. I don’t think any other culture in the world has the same affinity for pubs as the British. The portrayal within the narrative was realistic and completely relatable. The added benefit of the 80’s pop culture reference had me giggling away to myself.
There is a SURPRISE ending (I wasn’t expecting at all) opening up a whole world of possibilities for the direction of the story. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Plus I think I am going to miss Callum while I am waiting [ ; D ]
I admit to rambling and have been accused of gushing on a number of occasions but feel that good books deserve to be gushed over, this is one of them.
Trip to Thames/St Pauls to seek out my own Callum is now in order
If you know me by now you will have realized that as soon as I saw that cover I had to have this book. It was love at first sight. The story just enhanced my love of the cover and you can bet I want a bracelet like that. Isn’t it gorgeous - the description of the setting and the stone within the narrative is utterly mesmerizing. However, you are constantly posing the questions: Where did it come from? How much power does it really have? And what are the consequences? I have to say that the writing style as a whole has a beautiful descriptive quality that captured my imagination and kept me reading into the wee small hours.
All the characters were well rounded and relatable. I was really drawn to Alex, becoming totally invested in her future. I love it when that happens, that a protagonist can get so deeply into your imagination that you feel her emotions as if they were your own. The story lulls us into a false sense of security, building the plot gently layer by layer until before you know it you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotion. For me the story had fairytale quality to it with a modern setting.
I know you are wondering if I am going to start swooning over the male protagonist, Callum, well I won’t disappoint you. OMGosh YES. He is so sweet, caring and let’s not forget HOT [ ; D ] As the truth about his situation as a ‘Dirge’ becomes clear within the narrative you have to admire his strength of spirit and innate charm. The way he only takes mundane memories in order to prevent himself sinking into despair just adds to his appeal. The actual use of the word ‘Dirge’ to describe the existence of these people who have perished in the waters of an offshoot of the Thames (I can’t for the life of me remember the name at the moment – blah this always happens)apparently by their own hands is rather inspired; as a Dirge is the name used for a somber song expressing mourning or grief. Which is how the ‘Dirges’ spend their existence in a perpetual state of mourning/grief. This type of existence and gathering of memories brought to my mind the Harpies from Phillip Pullmans His Dark Materials. On a personal note, I did find it disturbing that the Dirges could be inducing Alzheimer’s by taking memories, as my mother had Alzheimer’s.
You all already know how much I love the idea of soul mates and destiny. The bracelet is like a conduit to bring to soul mates together; to my mind I also think of it as a test to see if they can overcome the obstacles in their path to be together. Plus the danger from the other ‘Dirges’ adds to the thrill of the plot. The relationship between Alex and Callum is sweet and touching, blossoming slowly into passion. Open, honest, direct and utterly refreshing, touching, lovely, I think I need more words.
Alex has a wonderful, supportive family and the depiction of their close relationship was heart-warming. It also emphasized the guilt Alex feels by having to keep Callum a secret. The little alterations in her personality/actions that she has to make in order to ‘be’ with Callum do not go wholly unnoticed. Alex is also lucky enough to have a wonderfully loyal friend in the shape of Grace, I adored her ability to scour charity shops and transform outfits. Grace is always there to provide a shoulder whenever Alex needs it, non-judgmental and steadfast. Alex is lucky to have her.
Now that I have mentioned the ‘good’ characters I have to mention the ‘bad’. Let’s start with Rob – the hot guy crush from school that Alex wanted to date prior to meeting Callum. This guy needs to be hit over the head with a stick. I won’t go into details about their ‘date’ but seriously someone find him and hit him. These characters were so real to me I would have tracked him down myself if I could. The saying don’t judge a book by its cover certainly applies to Rob, hot on the outside and mean on the inside, completely narcissistic and self-centered I was concerned as to what he would do next.
Then we come to Catherine, Callum’s sister and fellow dirge, her hatred and maliciousness appear to be the only things that keep her going. Her personality is such a contrast to Callum’s; you wonder how on earth they are from the same family. There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding Catherine, I really need to know why she is the way she is, was there a cause or is it her natural disposition. There are still a lot of things to be unearthed about the ‘Dirges’ I NEED to know.
One thing I made a note of to mention about this book is how it captures the British pub culture perfectly. I don’t think any other culture in the world has the same affinity for pubs as the British. The portrayal within the narrative was realistic and completely relatable. The added benefit of the 80’s pop culture reference had me giggling away to myself.
There is a SURPRISE ending (I wasn’t expecting at all) opening up a whole world of possibilities for the direction of the story. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Plus I think I am going to miss Callum while I am waiting [ ; D ]
I admit to rambling and have been accused of gushing on a number of occasions but feel that good books deserve to be gushed over, this is one of them.
June 15, 2011
Er. Well. I suppose what I liked about Small Blue Thing can be summed up in one sentence: it had a fascinating premise. It could have been intricate and curious, an interesting new mythology; I quite liked the idea of this particular species of supernatural being. I also loved the London setting.
But.
From there it just fell apart. Two of the most irritating things that seem to crop up in YA paranormal these days obligingly put in an appearance here -- firstly, that frustrating unrealistic insta-love (which is so prevalent that I even have a special shelf set aside just for it); within seconds of meeting Callum, Alex falls head over heels for him, and for the rest of the book we are treated to her endless, nauseating descriptions of Callum's perfection (except for that cloak. If that was meant to sound all mysterious and exotic, it didn't, it just sounded ridiculous. Sorry), and when she loses him, her endless, nauseating descriptions of how her grief causes her physical pain. I was constantly having Twilight flashbacks.
Second most irritating thing is that situation where, the author needing to introduce their chosen mythology, decides that the best way to do this would be through faux-conversation, that hideous spectre that doubles as...Infodump. A contrived question-and-answer session is not the way to go about it.
So all in all Small Blue Thing was disappointing, and fell far short of my expectations. Maybe my standards are just unrealistically high.
June 24, 2012
I have recently just finished this book and I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
Now before I go on and tell you where the rest of the 1 point went, I'm going to talk about why I like the book and why I gave it a 4.
First thing that I love about the book is its cover. I know, I know. We should not judge a book by its cover. And I don't but really, it caught my attention out of all the books in the shelves at the bookstore. The book, in my point of view, stands out very well. Also, I have a feeling that this is something that I would have probably written myself!
When you read this book, I guarantee that you will fall in love with male character. :)) I know, I did. In some parts of the book, I couldn't help but go crazy about how much I desperately wanted a guy like Callum. Oh, he's just so perfect. :P But anyway, moving on to the main character. I find Alex really lucky. I love her character so much because first of all, she is not a MARY-SUE *cough* Bella Swan *cough*. She's also really interesting once you read the first chapters about her. I'm also glad that there isn't a love triangle. You rarely find stories that have no love triangles or guys fighting over a stupid girl whatsoever in stories. The characters are great! The author, S.C. Ransom, even said that some were based on real people. The plot line was really good but not THAT great. Which leads to where the 1 point went.
I think I've read something that has a similar plot to this. Another is that it gets really cheesy in some parts. Especially with Callum talking. I love slightly cheesy lines and stories but I'm not sure other people will. It bothers me how things got unbelievably fast between Callum and Alex. I mean, it was just weeks after they've met! Now they're saying "I love you" to each other for more like a hunder times. It's just quite unrealistic. But then again, this is supernatural. Who knows what could happen? :)
I think that's all I have to say. I love this book, I really do and I'm looking forward to buying the next book series.
By the way, I recommend this book to people or particularly teen who love romance. I swear this book is made for people who want to feel butterflies on their stomach whilst laying down in the bed before going to sleep... like me. ;)
Now before I go on and tell you where the rest of the 1 point went, I'm going to talk about why I like the book and why I gave it a 4.
First thing that I love about the book is its cover. I know, I know. We should not judge a book by its cover. And I don't but really, it caught my attention out of all the books in the shelves at the bookstore. The book, in my point of view, stands out very well. Also, I have a feeling that this is something that I would have probably written myself!
When you read this book, I guarantee that you will fall in love with male character. :)) I know, I did. In some parts of the book, I couldn't help but go crazy about how much I desperately wanted a guy like Callum. Oh, he's just so perfect. :P But anyway, moving on to the main character. I find Alex really lucky. I love her character so much because first of all, she is not a MARY-SUE *cough* Bella Swan *cough*. She's also really interesting once you read the first chapters about her. I'm also glad that there isn't a love triangle. You rarely find stories that have no love triangles or guys fighting over a stupid girl whatsoever in stories. The characters are great! The author, S.C. Ransom, even said that some were based on real people. The plot line was really good but not THAT great. Which leads to where the 1 point went.
I think I've read something that has a similar plot to this. Another is that it gets really cheesy in some parts. Especially with Callum talking. I love slightly cheesy lines and stories but I'm not sure other people will. It bothers me how things got unbelievably fast between Callum and Alex. I mean, it was just weeks after they've met! Now they're saying "I love you" to each other for more like a hunder times. It's just quite unrealistic. But then again, this is supernatural. Who knows what could happen? :)
I think that's all I have to say. I love this book, I really do and I'm looking forward to buying the next book series.
By the way, I recommend this book to people or particularly teen who love romance. I swear this book is made for people who want to feel butterflies on their stomach whilst laying down in the bed before going to sleep... like me. ;)
April 24, 2015
Alex is a normal teenager who just wants to celebrate finishing her exams and is hoping to catch the attention of the boy she fancies. When she attempts to rescue a trapped swan and discovers a silver bracelet with a beautiful blue stone she picks it up out of curiosity. Wearing the bracelet she starts having visions of a handsome young man and when they find a way to communicate she starts to fall in love. But as she learns more about the boy only she can see she starts to wonder if he is telling her the truth, especially when his sister Catherine has a completely different story to tell. Who should she trust - Callum or Catherine?
I have really mixed feelings about Small Blue Thing. One one hand it was really refreshing to read a story set in the UK, so many of the YA paranormal romances are set in the US that I enjoyed reading a story set in familiar surroundings. I really want to take a trip to St Paul's Cathedral now, especially to the whispering gallery! S.C Ransom has created something different which I really appreciated, I loved finding more about the Dirges (people who have died but aren't quite dead) and found that side of the story really interesting.
What I really had a problem with was the speed of the relationship between Alex and Callum. Yes, I know it was supposed to be love at first sight but it just didn't come across as at all believable. They speak to each other about twice before they start declaring their love for each other and Alex knew absolutely nothing about Callum apart from the fact he was gorgeous. I could totally buy lust at first sight but I was a long way from feeling the love! I was about ready to throw the book across the room at that point and had to force myself to keep reading. Having said that once we got the I love yous out of the way the story started to pick up and I began to enjoy it again. This is when you really start to learn about the dirges and like I said the mythology was unique compared to anything else I've read.
I would have liked a little more detail when the main action happened, it was all over quite quickly and left me a bit disappointed. However the great twist at the end has made me want to read more so I'm sure I will read the sequel when it comes out, I just don't think I'll rush to get hold of a copy. If you don't mind love at first sight with nothing to back it up then you'll probably enjoy this more than I did and I'd say it is well worth picking up a copy. If you're like me and that is something that really irritates you then I'd suggest reading a library copy first if you want to give it a try.
I have really mixed feelings about Small Blue Thing. One one hand it was really refreshing to read a story set in the UK, so many of the YA paranormal romances are set in the US that I enjoyed reading a story set in familiar surroundings. I really want to take a trip to St Paul's Cathedral now, especially to the whispering gallery! S.C Ransom has created something different which I really appreciated, I loved finding more about the Dirges (people who have died but aren't quite dead) and found that side of the story really interesting.
What I really had a problem with was the speed of the relationship between Alex and Callum. Yes, I know it was supposed to be love at first sight but it just didn't come across as at all believable. They speak to each other about twice before they start declaring their love for each other and Alex knew absolutely nothing about Callum apart from the fact he was gorgeous. I could totally buy lust at first sight but I was a long way from feeling the love! I was about ready to throw the book across the room at that point and had to force myself to keep reading. Having said that once we got the I love yous out of the way the story started to pick up and I began to enjoy it again. This is when you really start to learn about the dirges and like I said the mythology was unique compared to anything else I've read.
I would have liked a little more detail when the main action happened, it was all over quite quickly and left me a bit disappointed. However the great twist at the end has made me want to read more so I'm sure I will read the sequel when it comes out, I just don't think I'll rush to get hold of a copy. If you don't mind love at first sight with nothing to back it up then you'll probably enjoy this more than I did and I'd say it is well worth picking up a copy. If you're like me and that is something that really irritates you then I'd suggest reading a library copy first if you want to give it a try.
January 29, 2011
Small Blue Thing is set in London, and follows the story of animal-lover Alex, who, while attempting to rescue a swan, discovers a mysterious bracelet, which leads her to Callum, a beautiful boy who she falls instantly in love with. The feeling is mutual, and so all should be perfect, save for the fact that Callum is a dirge - a ghost who is caught in a strange half-life of misery, suffering and sadness. Alex and Callum can never truly be together, and in addition to this the only way for Callum to find happiness and escape his never-ending existence of misery is to feed off the happy memories of humans. Should Alex trust him with all that she holds dear, or is there something more sinister at work here? Things get interesting, especially when Callum’s shady sister Catherine enters the fray.
The premise of Small Blue Thing is interesting and unique and it is always good to see authors try something a little different when writing paranormal romance. While the characters here are older teenagers, this one is geared towards a younger readership, and it’s certainly age-appropriate. The relationship between Alex and Callum is sweet and innocent, while there is a definite emphasis on the importance of friendship, which I liked. All the characters are well-drawn here, and I particularly enjoyed reading about Alex’s relationship with her best friend Grace and brother, Josh. It’s also refreshing to see a parental influence in this one. Parents are so often lacking from young adult novels, or have a negative influence when they do appear, so it’s nice to see that Alex’s parents are supportive, never overbearing and always there for her.
You can read the rest of this review on my blog: http://daisychainbookreviews.blogspot...
The premise of Small Blue Thing is interesting and unique and it is always good to see authors try something a little different when writing paranormal romance. While the characters here are older teenagers, this one is geared towards a younger readership, and it’s certainly age-appropriate. The relationship between Alex and Callum is sweet and innocent, while there is a definite emphasis on the importance of friendship, which I liked. All the characters are well-drawn here, and I particularly enjoyed reading about Alex’s relationship with her best friend Grace and brother, Josh. It’s also refreshing to see a parental influence in this one. Parents are so often lacking from young adult novels, or have a negative influence when they do appear, so it’s nice to see that Alex’s parents are supportive, never overbearing and always there for her.
You can read the rest of this review on my blog: http://daisychainbookreviews.blogspot...
February 13, 2022
Let me first start by saying that I found this book at a second hand book store while I was on vacation with my family a few weeks ago. I couldn't possibly pass up a bargain and the cover drew me in. I started reading it three days ago while we were on our way back home.
Now, I have mixed emotions about this book. Firstly I thought it was a really good idea and the world building was *chef's kiss* however this book is intended for younger audiences most likely 12+ so to me it got a little boring for time to time and this book definitely had it's fair share of eye rolling moments. I felt like they 'I love you' moment was too soon and rushed it kind of reminded me a Bella and Edward (that's warning enough I suppose) but Callum was thankfully no Edward Cullen. Another thing that was irritating was that many things are mentioned that could help Alex slove the mystery about Callum but yet as soon as they are brought up they are dismissed and forgotten.
What i didn't like at all was the ending. WHYYYY?! Really hoped that, it would have been the last of Catherine and I could have gone without the whole finding of the memory card which *spoiler* we all know its Rob was I will definitely not be reading the second the second book.
As for the characters: Alex was a very relatable main character. Grace was a bit annoying and selfish at times. Josh is big brother goals. Callum was the perfect ghost boyfriend. Rob was like most guys at age of 17 if I have to be honest. Ashley was a typical Ashley. Catherine was a selfish b*tch I would love to slap. And for the once the main character's parents actually felt like parent's like I could see them as my own parents.
Overall the book was good and I enjoyed the sweet and light theme of it as a distraction from being on the road for three days. This book definitely had potential and if it were intended for audiences of more 16+ I feel like it would have been a lot more popular.
Now, I have mixed emotions about this book. Firstly I thought it was a really good idea and the world building was *chef's kiss* however this book is intended for younger audiences most likely 12+ so to me it got a little boring for time to time and this book definitely had it's fair share of eye rolling moments. I felt like they 'I love you' moment was too soon and rushed it kind of reminded me a Bella and Edward (that's warning enough I suppose) but Callum was thankfully no Edward Cullen. Another thing that was irritating was that many things are mentioned that could help Alex slove the mystery about Callum but yet as soon as they are brought up they are dismissed and forgotten.
What i didn't like at all was the ending. WHYYYY?! Really hoped that, it would have been the last of Catherine and I could have gone without the whole finding of the memory card which *spoiler* we all know its Rob was I will definitely not be reading the second the second book.
As for the characters: Alex was a very relatable main character. Grace was a bit annoying and selfish at times. Josh is big brother goals. Callum was the perfect ghost boyfriend. Rob was like most guys at age of 17 if I have to be honest. Ashley was a typical Ashley. Catherine was a selfish b*tch I would love to slap. And for the once the main character's parents actually felt like parent's like I could see them as my own parents.
Overall the book was good and I enjoyed the sweet and light theme of it as a distraction from being on the road for three days. This book definitely had potential and if it were intended for audiences of more 16+ I feel like it would have been a lot more popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2017
This review is for a proof edition: A YA supernatural romance without vampires - what a refreshing change! (Although I do love vampires, it does get a bit much.) This is a debut novel from S.C. Ransom and deserves to do well. After a slightly slow start it really is unputdownable - I read it in an afternoon. The suspense builds beautifully, leaving you trying to figure out who is good and who is bad while desperately wanting everything to work out well. A nice cliffhanger ending too - be warned, you'll want to read the next one in the series!
March 30, 2011
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! ITS SO AMAZING!!! WHEN U READ ONE PAGE YOU JUST WANT TO READ ON. ITS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND EXCITING!! IM SO GLAD I GOT THIS BOOK BECAUSE I LOVE IT, IS MY FAVOURITE BOOK I HAVE EVER READ AND ALWAYS WILL BE. I HAVE READ THE BOOK FROM START TO ALMOST FINISH AND I REALLY DONT WANT IT TO END BEACUSE IT IS A VERY GREAT BOOK!! I CANT WAIT TILL I GET THE NEXT BOOK!! XX
A BIGGG FAN,
SARAH JAYNE MATHESON
XXX :D :D :D :D
A BIGGG FAN,
SARAH JAYNE MATHESON
XXX :D :D :D :D
February 2, 2023
2,5⭐ za bardzo mi się nie podobała ponieważ za szybko wszystko się działo ale no nie spodziewałam się po niej niczego więc no
September 27, 2024
Never read this author before but was intrigued. The whole story reminded me of the movie "City of Angels". And I thought the story was going to go one way, where Alex finds the truth about Callum, and decides to throw the bracelet back where she finds it. There's love, lost souls, deception, and a twist that will leave you wanting more. Very excited to continue reading more by this author.
December 6, 2023
Loved this book! I’m generally not a big fantasy reader but the immersion in real-life modern London really grounded this for me. Great story - and did not see the ending coming!
January 5, 2024
i read this book when i was probably in year 8 or 9 and im now 25, these books i think about often, but i had forgotten for years what they where called. I’m so happy to have found them and to have the chance to re read them again.
September 22, 2013
I decided to read this book as I was in my local library one day and the cover caught my eye. People say not to judge a book by it's cover but in actuality, when I read the blurb, it sounded very appealing to me. To me this book is a fantasy novel and I haven't really read many fantasy stories but I'm getting into them more and more as to me, it is almost my escape from reality.
This novel completes the category 'Own choice'. I was considering marking it down under the 'Fantasy' category but I have another one to choose from which is more fantasy like to me so i thought this would do.
I'm glad I learnt that I like fantasy books All the typical teenage romance and cheesy love stories was starting to get tedious for me.
The character I liked the most was Alex who is the main character. She is 17 but seems mature for her age and she is a very caring sort of person, loves to imagine things and day dream yet can stand up for herself. One day , she found a beautiful amulet by the Thames River and it found out it allowed her to communicate with the dead. Once she meet Callum, her world turned around. She was so interested and curious in his life. Callum is half dead, living off people's happy memories in order to survive. Callum is breath takingly good looking, has a kind heart and mysterious so it's not surprising that Alex has an interest in him. But she can only see him when she has the amulet on and cannot touch him and Alex has to figure out how she can break that barrier between her and Callum but Callum's sister Catherine threatens to tear them apart. Unlike Callum she is devious, manipulative, cruel, persuasive and a great little liar. Her character is interesting. when I read this, I couldn't tell if Catherine was trying to help Alex and do her a favour or intentionally driving them apart making Alex frustrated, confused and misunderstood. Alex is only young and naive.
There weren't many quotes that stood out to me but one that really made me think was The idea of someone interfering with my thoughts and memories – with what made me who I was – was a scary one…[without them] what would be left of me?”
This is really caught my attention because it actually made me think for a change. I'd hate for someone to read my mind, take away my precious memories that mean a lot to me. I love to daydream and sometimes I just like to think of things that make me happy and smile and if someone took those things away from me then I hardly know what has happened in my life and it is like it never happened and I haven't lived life to my full possible potential.
Something this book has taught me is to not believe everything you hear from others. As I have possibly mentioned in previous reviews, believe half of what you read and a quarter of what you hear. Lies sound so good to the ear but when you hear the real truth, you will be let down and feel miserable. To me the harshest truth is better then the sweetest lie. I have been lied to so many times in the past and it has broken a friendship because I didn't know what to believe and the stress got a lot for me so I can understand Alex's confusion and frustration and how upset she felt when Catherine gave her a little visit telling her different things to what Callum had told her. You don't know who to believe but we have got to make that decision for ourselves.
This novel completes the category 'Own choice'. I was considering marking it down under the 'Fantasy' category but I have another one to choose from which is more fantasy like to me so i thought this would do.
I'm glad I learnt that I like fantasy books All the typical teenage romance and cheesy love stories was starting to get tedious for me.
The character I liked the most was Alex who is the main character. She is 17 but seems mature for her age and she is a very caring sort of person, loves to imagine things and day dream yet can stand up for herself. One day , she found a beautiful amulet by the Thames River and it found out it allowed her to communicate with the dead. Once she meet Callum, her world turned around. She was so interested and curious in his life. Callum is half dead, living off people's happy memories in order to survive. Callum is breath takingly good looking, has a kind heart and mysterious so it's not surprising that Alex has an interest in him. But she can only see him when she has the amulet on and cannot touch him and Alex has to figure out how she can break that barrier between her and Callum but Callum's sister Catherine threatens to tear them apart. Unlike Callum she is devious, manipulative, cruel, persuasive and a great little liar. Her character is interesting. when I read this, I couldn't tell if Catherine was trying to help Alex and do her a favour or intentionally driving them apart making Alex frustrated, confused and misunderstood. Alex is only young and naive.
There weren't many quotes that stood out to me but one that really made me think was The idea of someone interfering with my thoughts and memories – with what made me who I was – was a scary one…[without them] what would be left of me?”
This is really caught my attention because it actually made me think for a change. I'd hate for someone to read my mind, take away my precious memories that mean a lot to me. I love to daydream and sometimes I just like to think of things that make me happy and smile and if someone took those things away from me then I hardly know what has happened in my life and it is like it never happened and I haven't lived life to my full possible potential.
Something this book has taught me is to not believe everything you hear from others. As I have possibly mentioned in previous reviews, believe half of what you read and a quarter of what you hear. Lies sound so good to the ear but when you hear the real truth, you will be let down and feel miserable. To me the harshest truth is better then the sweetest lie. I have been lied to so many times in the past and it has broken a friendship because I didn't know what to believe and the stress got a lot for me so I can understand Alex's confusion and frustration and how upset she felt when Catherine gave her a little visit telling her different things to what Callum had told her. You don't know who to believe but we have got to make that decision for ourselves.
April 11, 2011
The beautiful shiny cover attracted me to 'Small Blue Thing' and it just leapt off the shelf and into my shopping basket! I started it as soon as I got home and found the story so gripping that I finished it the same night. I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy now!
The story centres on Alex who finds an exquisitely unique bracelet in the river Thames. She fishes it out and takes it home but soon discovers that the bracelet has some strange powers. It enables her to communicate with the river's dead which leads her to the handsome and mysterious Callum. Callum and Alex fall in love but they cannot be together because Callum is a dirge - destined to live on the other side and feed off peoples' happy memories to keep his own misery at bay. Alex is determined to find a way in which they can be together properly but when Callum's sister Catherine appears, she has to decide who she can trust and who holds her future happiness in their hands.
I thought that this book was brilliant and a fabulous debut from a British author. The story was unlike anything else in the paranormal YA genre at the moment and kept me guessing throughout. I loved the combination of a fascinating mystery, ghostly going-ons, a generous helping of intrigue and a strong romantic thread running throughout. The storyline was compelling and the ending was most definitely jaw-dropping and has left me in a state of high anticipation for what's going to come next.
My only criticism and it's a very small thing, is that I thought the romance between Callum and Alex developed extremely quickly. In under 100 pages, they were already declaring their love for each other which seemed a bit fast. I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop more first but then I guess that's love at first sight!
The second book in the trilogy, 'Perfectly Reflected' is published by Nosy Crow in June 2011. I'm looking forward to seeing how S.C. Ransom is going to resolve the problem of Callum and Alex's romance and I have a feeling that there are going to be a lot of twists and turns still to come.
The story centres on Alex who finds an exquisitely unique bracelet in the river Thames. She fishes it out and takes it home but soon discovers that the bracelet has some strange powers. It enables her to communicate with the river's dead which leads her to the handsome and mysterious Callum. Callum and Alex fall in love but they cannot be together because Callum is a dirge - destined to live on the other side and feed off peoples' happy memories to keep his own misery at bay. Alex is determined to find a way in which they can be together properly but when Callum's sister Catherine appears, she has to decide who she can trust and who holds her future happiness in their hands.
I thought that this book was brilliant and a fabulous debut from a British author. The story was unlike anything else in the paranormal YA genre at the moment and kept me guessing throughout. I loved the combination of a fascinating mystery, ghostly going-ons, a generous helping of intrigue and a strong romantic thread running throughout. The storyline was compelling and the ending was most definitely jaw-dropping and has left me in a state of high anticipation for what's going to come next.
My only criticism and it's a very small thing, is that I thought the romance between Callum and Alex developed extremely quickly. In under 100 pages, they were already declaring their love for each other which seemed a bit fast. I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop more first but then I guess that's love at first sight!
The second book in the trilogy, 'Perfectly Reflected' is published by Nosy Crow in June 2011. I'm looking forward to seeing how S.C. Ransom is going to resolve the problem of Callum and Alex's romance and I have a feeling that there are going to be a lot of twists and turns still to come.
March 3, 2016
The best thing about this book is that I read it right after I came back from London so while reading I felt like I am still there.
Alex is on the way to meet her friends when she finds a mysterious bracelet in the Themse. At the beginning, she does not even understand that it is the bracelet that makes her see Callum, a ghost who lives in the St.Paul's Cathedral. Soon both of them realize, that they feel more than just friendship and interes. They fall in love.
But Callum is dead and Alex is alive and Alex wants to bring him back. And she wants to free the other ghosts from the Cathedral.
But how? Well, Callum's sister Catherine is ready to help...But not the ghosts. She wants to help Alex and this help turns out to be very dangerous...
The write style of this book is just adorable. It is written in a very romantic and calm way. This book gives you the feeling like you sit somewhere in the Regent's Park in London at sunset in the summer with ice cream and read the most beautiful book ever. At least, this is the feeling I had while reading.
The plot meanwhile is like a smooth river. It is not really thrilling, except the last 100 pages but this book doesn't need tension.
It is a read for the calm and beautiful days.
The characters are all adorable and real. Alex, who is just a normal teenage girl with all the usual problem. Callum, who is just adorable. He is a noble knight on a white horse. Everything about him is sweet and sympathetic. Then, there are Grace, Alex best friend and Josh, her older brother who are more than just authenthical.
I really adore this book and I definitely recommend it to everyone! I hope you have with it!
Alex is on the way to meet her friends when she finds a mysterious bracelet in the Themse. At the beginning, she does not even understand that it is the bracelet that makes her see Callum, a ghost who lives in the St.Paul's Cathedral. Soon both of them realize, that they feel more than just friendship and interes. They fall in love.
But Callum is dead and Alex is alive and Alex wants to bring him back. And she wants to free the other ghosts from the Cathedral.
But how? Well, Callum's sister Catherine is ready to help...But not the ghosts. She wants to help Alex and this help turns out to be very dangerous...
The write style of this book is just adorable. It is written in a very romantic and calm way. This book gives you the feeling like you sit somewhere in the Regent's Park in London at sunset in the summer with ice cream and read the most beautiful book ever. At least, this is the feeling I had while reading.
The plot meanwhile is like a smooth river. It is not really thrilling, except the last 100 pages but this book doesn't need tension.
It is a read for the calm and beautiful days.
The characters are all adorable and real. Alex, who is just a normal teenage girl with all the usual problem. Callum, who is just adorable. He is a noble knight on a white horse. Everything about him is sweet and sympathetic. Then, there are Grace, Alex best friend and Josh, her older brother who are more than just authenthical.
I really adore this book and I definitely recommend it to everyone! I hope you have with it!
February 15, 2016
The main character, Alex has finished her school exams and she finds a swan in the river Thames, hooked onto a strange, projected piece of wire. Alex appears very curious and sees that the wire is actually a blue bracelet, hooked onto a piece of rock, very precisely. She finds the bracelet very beautiful but when her best friend goes to her house for a sleepover and Alex goes to get a drink of water in the night, she sees a dazzling picture of a boy which upon, thinking that she is mad, goes to bed. The next day, Alex and her best friend Grace, go to do a art project at St Paul's Church, she sees the same boy standing right in front of her. Alex reaches out a hand to touch him but sees that her hand goes right through him. Suddenly, the boy is gone in a flash of white and Alex is bewildered but asks Grace about the boy. Grace is very confused as she did not see the boy and thought Alex was talking to herself. After a terrible night, Alex goes up to her room and starts weeping. Soon she felt her body tingle and a voice said "Don't cry"... Alex looks up to see the boy and the boy says that his name is Callum. From then on, they have a lot of adventures together. This book is recommended for year 8 students and is very good.
September 29, 2023
lowk unnecessarily dramatic but good chemistry
February 6, 2017
The front cover shows us clearly the focus the amulet will have. When Alex, about to celebrate her exams finishing, discovers this amulet in The Thames it sets forth a very unusual turn of events.
The concept behind this novel is fascinating. The idea that the amulets draw people together from different times but allow them to communicate with each other sets up, potentially, a great story. Unfortunately, it didn't really work out that way for me.
Alex is a bit hasty in her determination to fall for Callum, and the appearance of his sister is brought in so abruptly that her role as villain in thus novel seems rather pantomime. Where it got interesting was in what seems to be set up for the second in the series. There's clearly more to the amulet and Callum than we've been told, but I'm not sure this has enough to make me want to try and find out what it is.
The concept behind this novel is fascinating. The idea that the amulets draw people together from different times but allow them to communicate with each other sets up, potentially, a great story. Unfortunately, it didn't really work out that way for me.
Alex is a bit hasty in her determination to fall for Callum, and the appearance of his sister is brought in so abruptly that her role as villain in thus novel seems rather pantomime. Where it got interesting was in what seems to be set up for the second in the series. There's clearly more to the amulet and Callum than we've been told, but I'm not sure this has enough to make me want to try and find out what it is.
February 26, 2012
normal im not a fan of romance books but added with the paranormal it makes a fantastic read. my favrouite character is callum because he seems so sweet and in my head very fit ;) the main female character alex annoys me abit, im not sure why, i try to like her but theres just somthing about her that makes it to difficult. I've allready read the next one (which is equally good as this one) so when the last one comes out i'll be first in the que for waterstones to buy it ;)
August 16, 2021
This was one of my favorite books and one of the first 'love stories' i read as a tween.
June 4, 2013
Der erste Satz
Der Schwan tobte am Ufer herum, drosch mit seinen gewaltigen Flügeln auf die Kieselsteine ein und hatte alle anderen Vögel verjagt.
Meine Meinung
Das Buch ist eins meiner SuB-Leichen und ich konnte es einfach nicht mehr ertragen, dass dieses Buch hier ungelesen herum liegt, denn ich habe es sogar als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen und fühle mich echt schlecht, dass ich es erst jetzt gelesen habe und jetzt erst rezensiere. Das geht echt gar nicht. Ich hatte irgendwie einfach nicht so wirklich Lust auf das Buch, weil ich von einigen gehört habe, dass es ziemlich langatmig ist und, dass es an einigen Stellen auch ein wenig sehr unrealistisch war. Vielleicht sollte ich mir erst immer selbst eine Meinung über das Buch bilden, denn dann würde es nicht mehr vorkommen, dass Bücher so lange auf meinem SuB herumliegen, wie dieses. Lange Rede kurzer Sinn, jetzt kommt meine Rezension zu dem Buch was seit Ewigkeiten auf meinem SuB herum liegt.
Die Geschichte hat mir wirklich am Anfang sehr gut gefallen, da sie wirklich sehr schnell abgelaufen ist und sich die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ziemlich schnell entwickelt hat, so dass ich wirklich von der Geschichte ziemlich gefesselt war. Doch nach ein paar Seiten habe ich gemerkt, dass sich die Beziehung zwischen den Protagonisten wirklich zu schnell für mich persönlich entwickelt hat, denn das war meiner Meinung nach einfach unrealistisch. Aber ihr fragt euch jetzt sicher worum es in der Geschichte genauer geht... Das Buch handelt von der 17-jährigen Alex, die schon seit längerer Zeit in den beliebten Schulschönling Rob verliebt ist. Als er sie dann endlich um ein Date bittet, müsste sie eigentlich das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber kurz vorher findet sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif, der sich immer so komisch verdunkelt und auf einmal sieht sie einen Jungen, der so wunderschöne blaue Augen hat, dass es ihr den Atem verschlägt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber irgendwas ist an dem Jungen echt komisch, als sie bemerkt, dass sie ihn immer nur in einem Spiegel sehen kann und durch ihn hindurch fassen kann, merkt sie, dass Callum definitiv kein normaler Junge ist, ganz im Gegenteil... Aber was ist wenn man sich in einen Geist verliebt ? Hat diese Liebe eine Chance oder ist sie zum Scheitern verurteilt ? Und genau diesen Moment meine ich, als die beiden sich unsterblich in einander verlieben. Natürlich gibt es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber man sagt dann doch trotzdem nicht gleich ich liebe dich, oder ? Vielleicht bin ich auch einfach nur ein bisschen zu oldschool was so etwas angeht. Auf jeden Fall war diese Entwicklung der Liebe zwischen Alex und Callum für meinen Geschmack viel zu schnell. Wenn das Ganze weniger schnell gewesen wär, wär die Geschichte spannender gewesen. Ich mag es wenn man spürt, dass sich die beiden zu einander hingezogen fühlen, es aber nicht gleich offen zugeben, weil sie sich selbst noch über ihre Gefühle klar werden müssen, denn dann liegt immer dieses schöne Knistern in der Luft. Trotzdem fand ich die Idee der Geschichte wirklich sehr interessant und auch spannend. Ich fand ja schon die Susannah Bücher von Meg Cabot so genial und hier geht es ja auch um einen Geist. Ich wurde von der Geschichte wirklich sehr gut unterhalten, auch wenn sie einigen unrealistische Stellen hatte, denn die Geschichte war wirklich sehr romantisch, aber auch fantastisch und vor allem auch sehr fesselnd und spannend. Ich finde nämlich gar nicht, dass sie langatmige Stellen hat. Ich war wirklich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite von der Geschichte gefesselt, auch wenn sie manchmal ein bisschen übertrieben und unrealistisch romantisch war. Ansonsten kann ich aber echt nicht an der Geschichte meckern. Auf jeden Fall hat sie mich so sehr überzeugt, dass ich mir unbedingt noch die beiden anderen Teile kaufen muss und sie lesen muss, aber das mag auch mit dem spannenden Ende zu tun hat, dass einen so neugierig auf Band 2 gemacht hat.
Die Charaktere haben mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil ich alle als sehr interessant und gut durchdacht empfunden habe. Sie passen einfach alle zur Geschichte, auch wenn natürlich nicht jeder mir sympathisch war, aber das wär ja irgendwie auch ein bisschen langweilig. Eine oder einen Bösen muss es ja immer geben. Alex ist die Protagonistin der Geschichte. Sie ist 17 Jahre alt und wohnt mit ihren Eltern und ihrem Bruder in der Nähe von London. Sie führt eigentlich ein total normales Leben, was man zumindest in dem Alter als normal bezeichnen kann, denn sie steht auf den beliebten Schulschwarm, Rob und himmelt ihn schon seit einer gefühlten Ewigkeit an. Als er sie endlich auch richtig bemerkt und sie auch noch um ein Date bittet, müsste sie das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber das ist sie nicht, denn kurz vorher hat sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif gefunden, in dem sich der Stein immer mal wieder verdunkelt. Und auf einmal sieht sie einen wunderschönen Jungen, der ihr mit seinen blauen Augen den Atem raubt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick und sofort hat sie Rob vergessen. Da wär nur ein Problem, denn der Junge ist ein Geist und sie kann ihn nur durch einen Spiegel sehen. Alex verliebt sich unsterblich in den Geist, namens Callum, aber sie hat immer wieder Zweifel an der Beziehung, da sie nicht weiß wie sie überhaupt funktionieren soll. Ich mochte Alex wirklich vom ersten Augenblick an, weil sie mir irgendwie vollkommen sympathisch war und ich mich mit ihr einfach identifizieren konnte. Ich habe oft das Selbe gedacht wie sie und hatte manchmal echt das Gefühl, dass die Autorin mich als Vorlage für den Charakter genommen hat :D Alex ist einfach total liebenswert und man schließt sie total schnell ins Herz. Vor allem habe ich mir aber gewünscht, dass ihre Liebe zu Callum nicht umsonst ist und die beiden das irgendwie hinbekommen, denn das hat sie echt verdient. Sie ist einfach ein ganz tolles Mädchen und ich könnte mir persönlich keine bessere Protagonistin für die Geschichte vorstellen. Callum ist ein Geist. Er kann sich gar nicht mehr so genau erinnern seit wann er schon in diesem "Zustand" ist, aber er kann sich erinnern wie er gestorben ist. Auch für ihn ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, als er Alex das erste Mal sieht, die komischer Weise genau so ein "Geisterarmband" hat wie er. Er fühlt sich ihr sofort total verbunden und weiß, dass sie die eine für ihn ist. Er hätte nie gedacht, dass ihn jemals ein Mensch wieder wahrnehmen wird. Alex ist sein Licht in der Dunkelheit und hält ihn davon ab in Trauer und Selbstmitleid zu versinken. Man hat wirklich das Gefühl, dass er ohne sie nicht sein kann. Ich mag Callum auch total gerne. Er ist einfach ein total toller Charakter und ich finde ihn einfach nur total liebenswert. Man muss ihn einfach mögen und in das eigene Herz schließen. Grace ist Alex's beste Freundin und würde so ziemlich alles für sie tun. Ich finde es echt schade, dass ihre Rolle in der Geschichte nicht größer war, weil ich sie echt gerne mag und die Szenen so schön fand als Alex und sie irgendwas zusammen unternommen haben. Sie ist einfach die perfekte beste Freundin und ich finde sie super sympathisch und liebenswert. So eine beste Freundin kann sich echt jedes Mädchen nur wünschen.
Der Schreibstil hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil er so schön wegzulesen war. Die Geschichte ist aus der personalen Ich-Perspektive aus Alex's Sicht geschrieben und der Schreibstil hat wirklich sehr gut zu ihr gepasst. Er ist wirklich sehr locker und jugendlich, aber überhaupt nicht so slangmäßig angehaucht. Die Autorin versteht sich wirklich darin den richtigen Grad zwischen romantisch und spannend in ihrem Schreibstil unter zu bringen. Ich war wirklich die ganze Zeit total gefesselt und hatte das Buch für die Seitenanzahl wirklich ziemlich schnell durchgelesen. Ich kann den Schreibstil wirklich nur in den Himmel loben, da er sehr gut zu der Erzählerin passt, wirklich locker und leicht ist und trotzdem Gefühle transportiert und fesselt. Einfach ein perfekter Schreibstil der Autorin.
Der Titel gefällt mir recht gut, auch wenn ich finde, dass der Originaltitel einfach viel neugieriger macht und trotzdem sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt, allerdings kann ich ja den Titel nicht ändern und deswegen gehe ich auf den deutschen Titel näher ein. Ich finde, dass "Nur ein Hauch" eigentlich wirklich sehr gut passt, weil Alex ja immer nur einen Hauch von Callum sieht, weil er ein Geist ist. Ich finde, dass der Titel wirklich gut zu der Geschichte passt, aber einen gar nicht neugierig auf die Geschichte macht. Hier hätte ich echt den Originaltitel beibehalten, aber das ist ja nur meine persönliche Meinung.
Das Cover finde ich auch gut gewählt, allerdings finde ich auch hier mal wieder das Originalcover viel schöner, da darauf das Armband im Wasser abgebildet ist und das Cover meiner Meinung nach einfach noch ein Stückchen schöner ist. Trotzdem finde ich das hier auch sehr gut gewählt, da man darauf Alex auf einem Steg sieht, der wahrscheinlich auf die Themse hinaus führt, wo sie ja den Armreif gefunden hat, der sie mit Callum verbindet. Im Hintergrund sieht man die Skyline einer Stadt und am Himmel stehen die Sterne. Darüber ist das Gesicht mit wunderschönen Augen gelagert, der höchstwahrscheinlich Callum darstellen soll. Ich finde das Cover wirklich schön coloriert, da die verschiedenen Blautöne wirklich zum Träumen einladen. Trotzdem finde ich einfach, dass das Originalcover noch ein Stückchen schöner und passender.
Mein Fazit
"Nur ein Hauch von dir" von S. C. Ransom konnte mich fesseln, auch wenn die Geschichte wenn mir die Geschichte wenn es um die Liebe geht ein bisschen zu unrealistisch ist. Trotzdem finde ich die Idee, die hinter der Geschichte steckt sehr originell und auch interessant. Die Geschichte konnte mich trotz kleiner Kritikpunkte wirklich überzeugen und das ist ja bekanntlich schon die halbe Miete. Auch die Charaktere und der Schreibstil haben mir sehr gut gefallen, da beides wirklich sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt. Vor allem der Schreibstil ist für mich perfekt. Chapeau ! Beim Titel und dem Cover muss ich sagen, dass ich bei beiden auf das Original zurück gegriffen hätte. Trotzdem finde ich beides passend gewählt. Ich bin wirklich sehr gespannt auf Band 2 und werde ihn mir wohl gleich kaufen müssen. Ich ärger mich gerade echt, dass ich das Buch erst so spät gelesen habe und das Buch so lange auf meinem SuB versauern musste.
Der Schwan tobte am Ufer herum, drosch mit seinen gewaltigen Flügeln auf die Kieselsteine ein und hatte alle anderen Vögel verjagt.
Meine Meinung
Das Buch ist eins meiner SuB-Leichen und ich konnte es einfach nicht mehr ertragen, dass dieses Buch hier ungelesen herum liegt, denn ich habe es sogar als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen und fühle mich echt schlecht, dass ich es erst jetzt gelesen habe und jetzt erst rezensiere. Das geht echt gar nicht. Ich hatte irgendwie einfach nicht so wirklich Lust auf das Buch, weil ich von einigen gehört habe, dass es ziemlich langatmig ist und, dass es an einigen Stellen auch ein wenig sehr unrealistisch war. Vielleicht sollte ich mir erst immer selbst eine Meinung über das Buch bilden, denn dann würde es nicht mehr vorkommen, dass Bücher so lange auf meinem SuB herumliegen, wie dieses. Lange Rede kurzer Sinn, jetzt kommt meine Rezension zu dem Buch was seit Ewigkeiten auf meinem SuB herum liegt.
Die Geschichte hat mir wirklich am Anfang sehr gut gefallen, da sie wirklich sehr schnell abgelaufen ist und sich die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ziemlich schnell entwickelt hat, so dass ich wirklich von der Geschichte ziemlich gefesselt war. Doch nach ein paar Seiten habe ich gemerkt, dass sich die Beziehung zwischen den Protagonisten wirklich zu schnell für mich persönlich entwickelt hat, denn das war meiner Meinung nach einfach unrealistisch. Aber ihr fragt euch jetzt sicher worum es in der Geschichte genauer geht... Das Buch handelt von der 17-jährigen Alex, die schon seit längerer Zeit in den beliebten Schulschönling Rob verliebt ist. Als er sie dann endlich um ein Date bittet, müsste sie eigentlich das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber kurz vorher findet sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif, der sich immer so komisch verdunkelt und auf einmal sieht sie einen Jungen, der so wunderschöne blaue Augen hat, dass es ihr den Atem verschlägt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber irgendwas ist an dem Jungen echt komisch, als sie bemerkt, dass sie ihn immer nur in einem Spiegel sehen kann und durch ihn hindurch fassen kann, merkt sie, dass Callum definitiv kein normaler Junge ist, ganz im Gegenteil... Aber was ist wenn man sich in einen Geist verliebt ? Hat diese Liebe eine Chance oder ist sie zum Scheitern verurteilt ? Und genau diesen Moment meine ich, als die beiden sich unsterblich in einander verlieben. Natürlich gibt es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, aber man sagt dann doch trotzdem nicht gleich ich liebe dich, oder ? Vielleicht bin ich auch einfach nur ein bisschen zu oldschool was so etwas angeht. Auf jeden Fall war diese Entwicklung der Liebe zwischen Alex und Callum für meinen Geschmack viel zu schnell. Wenn das Ganze weniger schnell gewesen wär, wär die Geschichte spannender gewesen. Ich mag es wenn man spürt, dass sich die beiden zu einander hingezogen fühlen, es aber nicht gleich offen zugeben, weil sie sich selbst noch über ihre Gefühle klar werden müssen, denn dann liegt immer dieses schöne Knistern in der Luft. Trotzdem fand ich die Idee der Geschichte wirklich sehr interessant und auch spannend. Ich fand ja schon die Susannah Bücher von Meg Cabot so genial und hier geht es ja auch um einen Geist. Ich wurde von der Geschichte wirklich sehr gut unterhalten, auch wenn sie einigen unrealistische Stellen hatte, denn die Geschichte war wirklich sehr romantisch, aber auch fantastisch und vor allem auch sehr fesselnd und spannend. Ich finde nämlich gar nicht, dass sie langatmige Stellen hat. Ich war wirklich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite von der Geschichte gefesselt, auch wenn sie manchmal ein bisschen übertrieben und unrealistisch romantisch war. Ansonsten kann ich aber echt nicht an der Geschichte meckern. Auf jeden Fall hat sie mich so sehr überzeugt, dass ich mir unbedingt noch die beiden anderen Teile kaufen muss und sie lesen muss, aber das mag auch mit dem spannenden Ende zu tun hat, dass einen so neugierig auf Band 2 gemacht hat.
Die Charaktere haben mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil ich alle als sehr interessant und gut durchdacht empfunden habe. Sie passen einfach alle zur Geschichte, auch wenn natürlich nicht jeder mir sympathisch war, aber das wär ja irgendwie auch ein bisschen langweilig. Eine oder einen Bösen muss es ja immer geben. Alex ist die Protagonistin der Geschichte. Sie ist 17 Jahre alt und wohnt mit ihren Eltern und ihrem Bruder in der Nähe von London. Sie führt eigentlich ein total normales Leben, was man zumindest in dem Alter als normal bezeichnen kann, denn sie steht auf den beliebten Schulschwarm, Rob und himmelt ihn schon seit einer gefühlten Ewigkeit an. Als er sie endlich auch richtig bemerkt und sie auch noch um ein Date bittet, müsste sie das glücklichste Mädchen der Welt sein, aber das ist sie nicht, denn kurz vorher hat sie in der Themse einen mysteriösen Armreif gefunden, in dem sich der Stein immer mal wieder verdunkelt. Und auf einmal sieht sie einen wunderschönen Jungen, der ihr mit seinen blauen Augen den Atem raubt. Es ist wie Liebe auf den ersten Blick und sofort hat sie Rob vergessen. Da wär nur ein Problem, denn der Junge ist ein Geist und sie kann ihn nur durch einen Spiegel sehen. Alex verliebt sich unsterblich in den Geist, namens Callum, aber sie hat immer wieder Zweifel an der Beziehung, da sie nicht weiß wie sie überhaupt funktionieren soll. Ich mochte Alex wirklich vom ersten Augenblick an, weil sie mir irgendwie vollkommen sympathisch war und ich mich mit ihr einfach identifizieren konnte. Ich habe oft das Selbe gedacht wie sie und hatte manchmal echt das Gefühl, dass die Autorin mich als Vorlage für den Charakter genommen hat :D Alex ist einfach total liebenswert und man schließt sie total schnell ins Herz. Vor allem habe ich mir aber gewünscht, dass ihre Liebe zu Callum nicht umsonst ist und die beiden das irgendwie hinbekommen, denn das hat sie echt verdient. Sie ist einfach ein ganz tolles Mädchen und ich könnte mir persönlich keine bessere Protagonistin für die Geschichte vorstellen. Callum ist ein Geist. Er kann sich gar nicht mehr so genau erinnern seit wann er schon in diesem "Zustand" ist, aber er kann sich erinnern wie er gestorben ist. Auch für ihn ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, als er Alex das erste Mal sieht, die komischer Weise genau so ein "Geisterarmband" hat wie er. Er fühlt sich ihr sofort total verbunden und weiß, dass sie die eine für ihn ist. Er hätte nie gedacht, dass ihn jemals ein Mensch wieder wahrnehmen wird. Alex ist sein Licht in der Dunkelheit und hält ihn davon ab in Trauer und Selbstmitleid zu versinken. Man hat wirklich das Gefühl, dass er ohne sie nicht sein kann. Ich mag Callum auch total gerne. Er ist einfach ein total toller Charakter und ich finde ihn einfach nur total liebenswert. Man muss ihn einfach mögen und in das eigene Herz schließen. Grace ist Alex's beste Freundin und würde so ziemlich alles für sie tun. Ich finde es echt schade, dass ihre Rolle in der Geschichte nicht größer war, weil ich sie echt gerne mag und die Szenen so schön fand als Alex und sie irgendwas zusammen unternommen haben. Sie ist einfach die perfekte beste Freundin und ich finde sie super sympathisch und liebenswert. So eine beste Freundin kann sich echt jedes Mädchen nur wünschen.
Der Schreibstil hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen, weil er so schön wegzulesen war. Die Geschichte ist aus der personalen Ich-Perspektive aus Alex's Sicht geschrieben und der Schreibstil hat wirklich sehr gut zu ihr gepasst. Er ist wirklich sehr locker und jugendlich, aber überhaupt nicht so slangmäßig angehaucht. Die Autorin versteht sich wirklich darin den richtigen Grad zwischen romantisch und spannend in ihrem Schreibstil unter zu bringen. Ich war wirklich die ganze Zeit total gefesselt und hatte das Buch für die Seitenanzahl wirklich ziemlich schnell durchgelesen. Ich kann den Schreibstil wirklich nur in den Himmel loben, da er sehr gut zu der Erzählerin passt, wirklich locker und leicht ist und trotzdem Gefühle transportiert und fesselt. Einfach ein perfekter Schreibstil der Autorin.
Der Titel gefällt mir recht gut, auch wenn ich finde, dass der Originaltitel einfach viel neugieriger macht und trotzdem sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt, allerdings kann ich ja den Titel nicht ändern und deswegen gehe ich auf den deutschen Titel näher ein. Ich finde, dass "Nur ein Hauch" eigentlich wirklich sehr gut passt, weil Alex ja immer nur einen Hauch von Callum sieht, weil er ein Geist ist. Ich finde, dass der Titel wirklich gut zu der Geschichte passt, aber einen gar nicht neugierig auf die Geschichte macht. Hier hätte ich echt den Originaltitel beibehalten, aber das ist ja nur meine persönliche Meinung.
Das Cover finde ich auch gut gewählt, allerdings finde ich auch hier mal wieder das Originalcover viel schöner, da darauf das Armband im Wasser abgebildet ist und das Cover meiner Meinung nach einfach noch ein Stückchen schöner ist. Trotzdem finde ich das hier auch sehr gut gewählt, da man darauf Alex auf einem Steg sieht, der wahrscheinlich auf die Themse hinaus führt, wo sie ja den Armreif gefunden hat, der sie mit Callum verbindet. Im Hintergrund sieht man die Skyline einer Stadt und am Himmel stehen die Sterne. Darüber ist das Gesicht mit wunderschönen Augen gelagert, der höchstwahrscheinlich Callum darstellen soll. Ich finde das Cover wirklich schön coloriert, da die verschiedenen Blautöne wirklich zum Träumen einladen. Trotzdem finde ich einfach, dass das Originalcover noch ein Stückchen schöner und passender.
Mein Fazit
"Nur ein Hauch von dir" von S. C. Ransom konnte mich fesseln, auch wenn die Geschichte wenn mir die Geschichte wenn es um die Liebe geht ein bisschen zu unrealistisch ist. Trotzdem finde ich die Idee, die hinter der Geschichte steckt sehr originell und auch interessant. Die Geschichte konnte mich trotz kleiner Kritikpunkte wirklich überzeugen und das ist ja bekanntlich schon die halbe Miete. Auch die Charaktere und der Schreibstil haben mir sehr gut gefallen, da beides wirklich sehr gut zu der Geschichte passt. Vor allem der Schreibstil ist für mich perfekt. Chapeau ! Beim Titel und dem Cover muss ich sagen, dass ich bei beiden auf das Original zurück gegriffen hätte. Trotzdem finde ich beides passend gewählt. Ich bin wirklich sehr gespannt auf Band 2 und werde ihn mir wohl gleich kaufen müssen. Ich ärger mich gerade echt, dass ich das Buch erst so spät gelesen habe und das Buch so lange auf meinem SuB versauern musste.
October 21, 2011
"Nur ein Hauch von packender Geschichte …"
Inhalt:
Alex ist mit ihrer besten Freundin Grace unterwegs, als sie in am Ufer der Themse einen Schwan sieht, der sich am Ufer verfangen hat. Schnell eilt sie dem Tier zu Hilfe und stößt dabei auf einen merkwürdigen Silberarmreif, der auf den ersten Blick schon wertvoll erscheint. Sie entschließt ihn zu behalten, denn Alex findet Gefallen an dem kostbaren Schmuckstück mit dem schönen Opal. Doch auf einmal beginnt Alex immer wieder ein Gesicht zu sehen, traurig und verschwommen. Zuerst sträubt sie sich noch gegen das unnatürliche, bis sie sich zum ersten Mal richtig mit dem schönen jungen Mann unterhält, der sich als Callum vorstellt. Plötzlich gibt es eine Verbindung zwischen Alex und ihm, allem Anschein nach dank des Armreifs. Trotz dieser mysteriösen Umstände verliebt sie sich Hals über Kopf in Callum und steckt dadurch schneller als sie ahnt in einem Spiel zwischen starken Gefühlen, Verwirrung und der Sorge um ihre glücklichen Erinnerungen, denn davon lebt Callum und er ist nicht der einzige …
Meinung:
Bei “Nur ein Hauch von dir” handelt es sich um eine Liebesgeschichte zwischen Alex und Callum, die allerdings alles andere als normal abläuft, da Callum eine etwas exotische Art von Geist ist. Der Fantasyanteil in dem Roman beruht sich auch ausschließlich auf diese Variation von Geistern. Ansonsten steht im Mittelpunkt überwiegend Alex und ihre Liebe zu Callum. “Nur von Hauch von dir” ist außerdem nur der Beginn, da der dritte Band “Scattering Like Light” im englischen voraussichtlich nächstes Jahr erscheinen wird.
Die Geschichte beginnt damit, dass Alex einen mysteriösen Armreif in der Themse findet, der zugleich auch ziemlich wertvoll zu sein scheint. Der Armreif wird silbern, fein und ebenso grob gearbeitet beschrieben und in dem Mittelpunkt des Armreifs ist ein großer Opal eingelassen. Dieser Armreif spielt in der weiteren Handlung auch eine ziemlich große Rolle, da Alex erst so Kontakt zu Callum aufnehmen kann. Natürlich trifft sie nicht sofort auf den attraktiven jungen Geist. Doch sobald sie das erste Mal auf Callum trifft, merkt man als Leser sofort, dass sich die Hauptprotagonistin in Callum verliebt hat. Somit gerät die weitere Handlung um Alex herum eher in den Hintergrund, ihr Umfeld wundert sich immer mehr, wieso sie sich immer weiter abschottet, da Alex nur noch mit dem Geist Callum beschäftigt ist und erforscht, wie sie ihm überhaupt näher kommen kann.
Genau das macht die Liebesgeschichte zwischen ihr und Callum schwierig, da sich beide nur ganz sanft berühren bzw. fühlen können und nur Alex Callum richtig wahrnehmen kann. Diese Liebesgeschichte bildet auch den Schwerpunkt der Geschichte, bis zum Ende hin.
Die Idee der Autorin ist im Grunde ziemlich spannend. Bei Callum handelt es sich nicht um die übliche Sorte Geist, sondern um eine etwas exotische Art, da Callum in einem Nebenfluss der Themse ertrunken ist. Es gibt mehrere seiner Art, die alle den gleichen Tod erlitten haben und sich in der Kathedrale St. Paul’s versammeln. Das interessante an dieser Art von Geist ist, dass jeder einen identischen Armreif trägt, genau der gleiche wie Alex einen besitzt, durch diesen Armreif können diese Geister glückliche Gefühle einsammeln, um ihren toten und unglücklichen Zustand aufzuheitern und so nicht in totaler Finsternis zu versinken.
Leider erklärt die Autorin hier wirklich nichts zu dieser mysteriösen Geschichte. Man erfährt als Leser nur, dass irgendetwas mit diesem Fluss los sein muss, da niemand der dort stirbt einen richtigen Tod findet. Ansonsten erfährt man auch nichts weiter zu Callums Geschichte, da er sich an kaum etwas erinnern kann. Insgesamt fand ich das etwas schade, da die Idee spannend klingt, aber nur unzureichend beschrieben und erklärt wird. Es gibt im gesamten Buch keine richtige Aufklärung.
Dazu kommt der zwar spannende Höhepunkt, aber leider auch sehr vorhersehbare. Gegen Ende mischt sich nämlich noch Callums Geisterschwester dazu, die unbedingt einen Weg der Erlösung finden will. Als Leser merkt man sofort, dass sie nur schlechte Absichten hat und dennoch fällt Alex sofort auf sie herein. Ich weiß nicht, ob ich nicht einfach zu alt für diesen Roman bin, aber der Plot war einfach sehr vorhersehbar, was die Spannung total raubt. Bei diesem Höhepunkt bleibt es eigentlich dann auch, denn ansonsten plätschert die Geschichte zu Anfang, wie auch zu Ende ziemlich vor sich hin. Es gibt viele Dialoge und Alex ist unglaublich in Callum verknallt, vergisst alles um sich herum, aber wo ist der Plot hin? Gute Frage, denn bis zum Ende gibt es keine richtige Aufklärung. Der Höhepunkt war zwar ganz okay — aber vorhersehbar und das Ende? Ja, so ein richtiges Ende war es dann auch nicht, denn es gibt keine Antworten, beide küssen sich und Punkt, Ende, Schluss.
Fraglich ist hier auch, ob das Ende so gut gewählt ist. Bei den meisten Geisterromanen ist das Ende meisten so, dass entweder beide zueinander finden, da ein Protagonistin wieder lebt/stirb oder sich beide trennen, da der Geist seinen Weg fortsetzte. In “Nur ein Hauch von dir” ist es leider so, dass Alex Callum in der Kathedrale mehr wahrnehmen kann,was ziemlich spät bemerkt wird und sich beide küssen. Keine Aufklärug, keine Idee oder Plan oder Vorstellung, wie die beide miteinander weiter leben wollen … Das war etwas enttäuschend.
Wahrscheinlich bzw. hoffentlich werden weitere Fragen in den folgenden Bände beantwortet, da im englischen schon der zweite Teil unter dem Titel “Perfectly Reflected” erschienen ist und der drittel Teil unter dem Titel “Scattering Like Light” voraussichtlich 2012 erscheinen wird.
Die Charaktere sind sympathisch und ich denke, dass Alex und Callum jungen Lesern garantiert gefallen werden. Mir fehlte persönlich ein wenig Tiefe und irgendwie auch weitere Charaktere. Den Hauptteil spielen eigentlich Alex und Callum, Nebenrollen sind dann die beste Freundin Grace oder Callums Schwester, die aber sehr blass bleiben.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfach, sehr schnell und flüssig zu lesen. Das Buch ist optimal für jüngere Leser. Mir waren die Sätze teils zu einfach, langweilig und zu belanglos. Die Geschichte plätschert ebenso wie der Schreibstil vor sich hin. Es gibt einfach keinen Knackpunkt. Allerdings war die Ich-Perspektive von Alex eine interessante Variante, da man so nicht sofort alles über Callum wusste.
Das Cover ist hübsch, genauso wie der Einband an sich. “Nur ein Hauch von dir” passt als Titel ausgezeichnet und das Buch sieht schick in jedem Bücherregal aus. Mir hat die äußere Erscheinung ziemlich gut gefallen, wobei die Schriftgröße vielleicht auch hätte kleiner sein können, wodurch das Buch ein wenig dünner geworden wäre und somit leichter ;-)
Fazit:
“Nur ein Hauch von dir” ist eine nette Liebesgeschichte zwischen zwei jugendlichen Protagonisten. Die Handlung bietet eine interessante und neue Idee, da der männliche Hauptprotagonist ein etwas exotischer Geist ist. Trotz dieser sanften Liebesgeschichte und dem Fantasyanteil war mir die Geschichte jedoch zu oberflächig. Wahrscheinlich ist “Nur ein Hauch von dir” eher für ein jüngeres Publikum geeignet (12+), da der Roman durch einen sehr einfachen Schreibstil besticht und einem Plot, der über die ersten Gefühle berichtet, die vor einem etwas anderen Problem stehen.
Inhalt:
Alex ist mit ihrer besten Freundin Grace unterwegs, als sie in am Ufer der Themse einen Schwan sieht, der sich am Ufer verfangen hat. Schnell eilt sie dem Tier zu Hilfe und stößt dabei auf einen merkwürdigen Silberarmreif, der auf den ersten Blick schon wertvoll erscheint. Sie entschließt ihn zu behalten, denn Alex findet Gefallen an dem kostbaren Schmuckstück mit dem schönen Opal. Doch auf einmal beginnt Alex immer wieder ein Gesicht zu sehen, traurig und verschwommen. Zuerst sträubt sie sich noch gegen das unnatürliche, bis sie sich zum ersten Mal richtig mit dem schönen jungen Mann unterhält, der sich als Callum vorstellt. Plötzlich gibt es eine Verbindung zwischen Alex und ihm, allem Anschein nach dank des Armreifs. Trotz dieser mysteriösen Umstände verliebt sie sich Hals über Kopf in Callum und steckt dadurch schneller als sie ahnt in einem Spiel zwischen starken Gefühlen, Verwirrung und der Sorge um ihre glücklichen Erinnerungen, denn davon lebt Callum und er ist nicht der einzige …
Meinung:
Bei “Nur ein Hauch von dir” handelt es sich um eine Liebesgeschichte zwischen Alex und Callum, die allerdings alles andere als normal abläuft, da Callum eine etwas exotische Art von Geist ist. Der Fantasyanteil in dem Roman beruht sich auch ausschließlich auf diese Variation von Geistern. Ansonsten steht im Mittelpunkt überwiegend Alex und ihre Liebe zu Callum. “Nur von Hauch von dir” ist außerdem nur der Beginn, da der dritte Band “Scattering Like Light” im englischen voraussichtlich nächstes Jahr erscheinen wird.
Die Geschichte beginnt damit, dass Alex einen mysteriösen Armreif in der Themse findet, der zugleich auch ziemlich wertvoll zu sein scheint. Der Armreif wird silbern, fein und ebenso grob gearbeitet beschrieben und in dem Mittelpunkt des Armreifs ist ein großer Opal eingelassen. Dieser Armreif spielt in der weiteren Handlung auch eine ziemlich große Rolle, da Alex erst so Kontakt zu Callum aufnehmen kann. Natürlich trifft sie nicht sofort auf den attraktiven jungen Geist. Doch sobald sie das erste Mal auf Callum trifft, merkt man als Leser sofort, dass sich die Hauptprotagonistin in Callum verliebt hat. Somit gerät die weitere Handlung um Alex herum eher in den Hintergrund, ihr Umfeld wundert sich immer mehr, wieso sie sich immer weiter abschottet, da Alex nur noch mit dem Geist Callum beschäftigt ist und erforscht, wie sie ihm überhaupt näher kommen kann.
Genau das macht die Liebesgeschichte zwischen ihr und Callum schwierig, da sich beide nur ganz sanft berühren bzw. fühlen können und nur Alex Callum richtig wahrnehmen kann. Diese Liebesgeschichte bildet auch den Schwerpunkt der Geschichte, bis zum Ende hin.
Die Idee der Autorin ist im Grunde ziemlich spannend. Bei Callum handelt es sich nicht um die übliche Sorte Geist, sondern um eine etwas exotische Art, da Callum in einem Nebenfluss der Themse ertrunken ist. Es gibt mehrere seiner Art, die alle den gleichen Tod erlitten haben und sich in der Kathedrale St. Paul’s versammeln. Das interessante an dieser Art von Geist ist, dass jeder einen identischen Armreif trägt, genau der gleiche wie Alex einen besitzt, durch diesen Armreif können diese Geister glückliche Gefühle einsammeln, um ihren toten und unglücklichen Zustand aufzuheitern und so nicht in totaler Finsternis zu versinken.
Leider erklärt die Autorin hier wirklich nichts zu dieser mysteriösen Geschichte. Man erfährt als Leser nur, dass irgendetwas mit diesem Fluss los sein muss, da niemand der dort stirbt einen richtigen Tod findet. Ansonsten erfährt man auch nichts weiter zu Callums Geschichte, da er sich an kaum etwas erinnern kann. Insgesamt fand ich das etwas schade, da die Idee spannend klingt, aber nur unzureichend beschrieben und erklärt wird. Es gibt im gesamten Buch keine richtige Aufklärung.
Dazu kommt der zwar spannende Höhepunkt, aber leider auch sehr vorhersehbare. Gegen Ende mischt sich nämlich noch Callums Geisterschwester dazu, die unbedingt einen Weg der Erlösung finden will. Als Leser merkt man sofort, dass sie nur schlechte Absichten hat und dennoch fällt Alex sofort auf sie herein. Ich weiß nicht, ob ich nicht einfach zu alt für diesen Roman bin, aber der Plot war einfach sehr vorhersehbar, was die Spannung total raubt. Bei diesem Höhepunkt bleibt es eigentlich dann auch, denn ansonsten plätschert die Geschichte zu Anfang, wie auch zu Ende ziemlich vor sich hin. Es gibt viele Dialoge und Alex ist unglaublich in Callum verknallt, vergisst alles um sich herum, aber wo ist der Plot hin? Gute Frage, denn bis zum Ende gibt es keine richtige Aufklärung. Der Höhepunkt war zwar ganz okay — aber vorhersehbar und das Ende? Ja, so ein richtiges Ende war es dann auch nicht, denn es gibt keine Antworten, beide küssen sich und Punkt, Ende, Schluss.
Fraglich ist hier auch, ob das Ende so gut gewählt ist. Bei den meisten Geisterromanen ist das Ende meisten so, dass entweder beide zueinander finden, da ein Protagonistin wieder lebt/stirb oder sich beide trennen, da der Geist seinen Weg fortsetzte. In “Nur ein Hauch von dir” ist es leider so, dass Alex Callum in der Kathedrale mehr wahrnehmen kann,was ziemlich spät bemerkt wird und sich beide küssen. Keine Aufklärug, keine Idee oder Plan oder Vorstellung, wie die beide miteinander weiter leben wollen … Das war etwas enttäuschend.
Wahrscheinlich bzw. hoffentlich werden weitere Fragen in den folgenden Bände beantwortet, da im englischen schon der zweite Teil unter dem Titel “Perfectly Reflected” erschienen ist und der drittel Teil unter dem Titel “Scattering Like Light” voraussichtlich 2012 erscheinen wird.
Die Charaktere sind sympathisch und ich denke, dass Alex und Callum jungen Lesern garantiert gefallen werden. Mir fehlte persönlich ein wenig Tiefe und irgendwie auch weitere Charaktere. Den Hauptteil spielen eigentlich Alex und Callum, Nebenrollen sind dann die beste Freundin Grace oder Callums Schwester, die aber sehr blass bleiben.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfach, sehr schnell und flüssig zu lesen. Das Buch ist optimal für jüngere Leser. Mir waren die Sätze teils zu einfach, langweilig und zu belanglos. Die Geschichte plätschert ebenso wie der Schreibstil vor sich hin. Es gibt einfach keinen Knackpunkt. Allerdings war die Ich-Perspektive von Alex eine interessante Variante, da man so nicht sofort alles über Callum wusste.
Das Cover ist hübsch, genauso wie der Einband an sich. “Nur ein Hauch von dir” passt als Titel ausgezeichnet und das Buch sieht schick in jedem Bücherregal aus. Mir hat die äußere Erscheinung ziemlich gut gefallen, wobei die Schriftgröße vielleicht auch hätte kleiner sein können, wodurch das Buch ein wenig dünner geworden wäre und somit leichter ;-)
Fazit:
“Nur ein Hauch von dir” ist eine nette Liebesgeschichte zwischen zwei jugendlichen Protagonisten. Die Handlung bietet eine interessante und neue Idee, da der männliche Hauptprotagonist ein etwas exotischer Geist ist. Trotz dieser sanften Liebesgeschichte und dem Fantasyanteil war mir die Geschichte jedoch zu oberflächig. Wahrscheinlich ist “Nur ein Hauch von dir” eher für ein jüngeres Publikum geeignet (12+), da der Roman durch einen sehr einfachen Schreibstil besticht und einem Plot, der über die ersten Gefühle berichtet, die vor einem etwas anderen Problem stehen.
December 1, 2023
Small blue thing
I was very grateful and excited to receive a copy of this book directly from Sue Ransom as the blurb sounded fantastic – and Im so happy to say the book was just as fantastic.
I was hooked from the beginning and it was such an easy page turner. The story follows the MMC Callum and the MFC Alex, who were so wonderful to see the character development between them. Callum is also such a heart throb, you can’t help but to wish for a guy like him! For me personally I loved their instant attraction and how quickly they were to declare their feelings for each other (maybe because I was the same with my husband – I knew he was the one within weeks and now 8.5 years and 2 daughters later… ) I love Ransom’s style of writing, it is not written in an overly complex style which is nice as it makes following the story enjoyable, the characters were written well and I felt very invested, the book was the perfect length (I hate when books waffle on when a good 100 pages could be cut out – this one didn’t have that which was perfect).
Having lived in London for a while it was also great to read a book set so close to home, and I could really visualise Alex finding the bracelet in the Thames whilst saving the swan – which is totally something I would do; with the added bonus of the supernatural. It gives me slight vibes of Meg Cabot’s Mediator stories (which were my favourite growing up) however felt this was an independent story to read and I loved the premise.
All in all, it is a 5 star read from me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am so grateful to have come across this book and so lucky to have received the copy for free. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I was very grateful and excited to receive a copy of this book directly from Sue Ransom as the blurb sounded fantastic – and Im so happy to say the book was just as fantastic.
I was hooked from the beginning and it was such an easy page turner. The story follows the MMC Callum and the MFC Alex, who were so wonderful to see the character development between them. Callum is also such a heart throb, you can’t help but to wish for a guy like him! For me personally I loved their instant attraction and how quickly they were to declare their feelings for each other (maybe because I was the same with my husband – I knew he was the one within weeks and now 8.5 years and 2 daughters later… ) I love Ransom’s style of writing, it is not written in an overly complex style which is nice as it makes following the story enjoyable, the characters were written well and I felt very invested, the book was the perfect length (I hate when books waffle on when a good 100 pages could be cut out – this one didn’t have that which was perfect).
Having lived in London for a while it was also great to read a book set so close to home, and I could really visualise Alex finding the bracelet in the Thames whilst saving the swan – which is totally something I would do; with the added bonus of the supernatural. It gives me slight vibes of Meg Cabot’s Mediator stories (which were my favourite growing up) however felt this was an independent story to read and I loved the premise.
All in all, it is a 5 star read from me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am so grateful to have come across this book and so lucky to have received the copy for free. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 17, 2017
Alex rescues a trapped swan in the Thames at Twickenham, and finds a bracelet with a mysterious blue stone. wearing the bracelet gives her the power to communicate with Callum, who is a dirge. Dirges are the spirits of people who drowned in the river Fleet, a London river now almost entirely covered over. for some unknown reason, the dirges are trapped on earth, condemned to wander the streets of London gathering happy memories from people in order to prevent themselves falling into total despair, and congregating at night in St Paul's Cathedral. as luck would have it, Callum is drop dead gorgeous with blue eyes and blonde hair and is really fit, so Alex falls instantly in love with him despite him being dead. She hopes to find a way to be able to bring Callum back to life, but callum's sister Catherine, another dirge, is determined to get possession of Alex's bracelet to get a chance of regaining life for herself.
The plot is quite interesting, but I found the characters rather bland. there's not much to them really to make them distinctive. alex loves Callum because - well, because he's drop dead gorgeous. Callum loves alex because - well, because the drop dead gorgeous boy always does love the heroine in this type of story. There's rather too much of them drooling over each other, and I don't really need to be reminded quite so often about Callum's blue eyes and blond hair and how really, really gorgeous he is. Still, i am interested enough in the dirges and what happens to them to read the sequels.
The plot is quite interesting, but I found the characters rather bland. there's not much to them really to make them distinctive. alex loves Callum because - well, because he's drop dead gorgeous. Callum loves alex because - well, because the drop dead gorgeous boy always does love the heroine in this type of story. There's rather too much of them drooling over each other, and I don't really need to be reminded quite so often about Callum's blue eyes and blond hair and how really, really gorgeous he is. Still, i am interested enough in the dirges and what happens to them to read the sequels.
November 8, 2023
Young love, teen angst, deception, racing against the clock and a supernatural twist? Yes, please!
The premise of this book intrigued me and knowing the author S C Ransom wrote the book for her daughter made me all the more keen to read it. Gorgeous front cover too!
It’s definitely a YA novel and whilst I’m not a YA, I certainly enjoyed it. It is exactly the type of book that I would have devoured when I was a teen. I was looking for something that I could just simply enjoy. It was easy to dip in and out of at the beginning but after a certain point, I found it hard to put down.
New twists and new characters had me storming through to the end and I was so relieved to find out it is a trilogy. I already have the other two books lined up!
One of my favourite things about this book is the fact it is set in London. Being from the U.K., it brings the story to life! Who knows? Maybe there will be a Small Blue Thing walking tour!
If you like YA with a supernatural twist then this is definitely for you. Highly recommend.
The premise of this book intrigued me and knowing the author S C Ransom wrote the book for her daughter made me all the more keen to read it. Gorgeous front cover too!
It’s definitely a YA novel and whilst I’m not a YA, I certainly enjoyed it. It is exactly the type of book that I would have devoured when I was a teen. I was looking for something that I could just simply enjoy. It was easy to dip in and out of at the beginning but after a certain point, I found it hard to put down.
New twists and new characters had me storming through to the end and I was so relieved to find out it is a trilogy. I already have the other two books lined up!
One of my favourite things about this book is the fact it is set in London. Being from the U.K., it brings the story to life! Who knows? Maybe there will be a Small Blue Thing walking tour!
If you like YA with a supernatural twist then this is definitely for you. Highly recommend.
November 26, 2023
Little Blue Thing is a paranormal romance that itches the right scratch for me when it comes to ghost. Our FMC, Alex, is living a relatively normal life when she finds something that connects her to Callum, and changes her life forever.
This book was fun, engaging, and gave us a fast burn romance that leaves you wanting more by the end of it. While this book was enjoyable, I do think there were parts that the author could have expanded on. Alex and Callum have this fast paced romance and I kind of wish it had been dragged out a bit longer.
The plot and conflict though were fascinating. And the ending? Single-handedly will have me picking up book two.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was fun, engaging, and gave us a fast burn romance that leaves you wanting more by the end of it. While this book was enjoyable, I do think there were parts that the author could have expanded on. Alex and Callum have this fast paced romance and I kind of wish it had been dragged out a bit longer.
The plot and conflict though were fascinating. And the ending? Single-handedly will have me picking up book two.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2021
This was a book I first read back in primary school, although more than 10 years on I did not remember much of it. I picked this up from my shelf because I had no power and all of my electronics had died, so my kindle wasn't an option.
I can see why 11/12 year old me bought this book - it was the kind of easy read that I have no trouble reading. I found the storyline to be quite predictable once I started reading and getting into the meat of things, however I still really enjoyed it.
Is it the best book I've read? No. But it was a nice morning read over a cup of coffee and I'm really interested in finishing the series.
I can see why 11/12 year old me bought this book - it was the kind of easy read that I have no trouble reading. I found the storyline to be quite predictable once I started reading and getting into the meat of things, however I still really enjoyed it.
Is it the best book I've read? No. But it was a nice morning read over a cup of coffee and I'm really interested in finishing the series.
November 15, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't totally hate this book but I necessarily love this book either. It was giving major YA vibes. Throughout reading this book, I found myself skimming through it. Maybe it just wasn't my kind of book. I felt like the main characters didn't really know much about each other before claiming their undivided love to each other. I donno, it was giving twilight feelings to me. Also, Rob is a piece of work LOL. Made me so angry. The good thing was, this book brought out different emotions for me. So that's good (:
I didn't totally hate this book but I necessarily love this book either. It was giving major YA vibes. Throughout reading this book, I found myself skimming through it. Maybe it just wasn't my kind of book. I felt like the main characters didn't really know much about each other before claiming their undivided love to each other. I donno, it was giving twilight feelings to me. Also, Rob is a piece of work LOL. Made me so angry. The good thing was, this book brought out different emotions for me. So that's good (:
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