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Desire #1
Desire
A Dystopian world where everyone's future is planned out for them at age 18...whether it is what a person desires or not. Kama is about to turn 18 and she thinks her Life s Plan will turn out like her boyfriend's and friend's as they desired. But when she glimpse a young man who can communicate with her with his thoughts and knows her name...a young man with burning blue eyes and raven hair, who is dressed like no other in her world, she is left to question her Life's Plan and her destiny. Knowing the truth can destroy everyone...
Within the book itself, find out how you can win a SIGNED Kindle!
DESIRE - Available Now in Kindle and Paperback.
Summer Wishes (DESIRE #1.5) - Now Available
Shattered (DESIRE #2) - Now Available
Passion (DESIRE #3) - 2012
Within the book itself, find out how you can win a SIGNED Kindle!
DESIRE - Available Now in Kindle and Paperback.
Summer Wishes (DESIRE #1.5) - Now Available
Shattered (DESIRE #2) - Now Available
Passion (DESIRE #3) - 2012
290 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
3224 people want to read
About the author
Kailin Gow
345 books2,501 followers2025 News!
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 8, 2011
No, it's not like Delirium, and it's not like Matched. It's something entirely different, but takes place in a dystopian society. Desire is the first book in this series, and serves as the intro to this world with many layers.
February 26, 2012
I rarely give one-star reviews. Especially to books I don't finish. ESPECIALLY to books that make me stop after the first page. If you're considering buying or reading this, do yourself a favor and go read the first page of this on Amazon (click on "Look Inside" to see the first few pages). It is laughably bad and reads like a 7-year-old wrote it. The grammar is awful and I already hate the main character. Sorry, Ms. Gow. I know firsthand how difficult it is to write a book so I'm usually generous with authors, but this needs a few more drafts (and a good editor) before it's ready to publish.
August 23, 2011
I really enjoyed this book... it has been on my wish list for a while and finally I just couldn't resist the gorgeous cover art any more Once I downloaded the sample and started reading I was hooked. I started and finished the book in the same day! I was really enchanted by Kama and her life in the dystopian society of Arcadia. It is similar in nature to "Matched" by Ally Condie with a slight paranormal twist. The writing style makes it a quick easy read, yet I felt very connected to Kama and her feelings. The ending has a big cliffhanger so I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series and will be checking out Kailin Gow's other novels.
June 7, 2011
All you desire can be yours in this dystopian society. In Arcadia, you are given your life's plan when you turn 18 years of age. Your life plan is filled with things you desire and want out of life. The committee in charge of life's plans try to keep to those things if possible. Arcadia seems to be a beautiful and peaceful place. Kama and Liam are deeply in love and hopeful that their life's plan will evolve around each other. Kama, is strong, courageous, willing to sacrifice, and in love.....Liam is confident, strong, so so in love with Kama, courageous, willing to sacrifice, and chiveriest, and such an amazing guy. I thought Liam was wonderful in the guy department, he is so good and gentle and kind to Kama and completely soon worthy. Theirs is an amazing relationship they have been apart of each others lives since they were children and know every detail of each others lives. Shortly before her 18th birthday Kama meets a beautiful young man who will open her eyes to many things in her world, and possibly her heart. As Kama finds out who she really is and what she really desires, and what is expected of her things start to fall into place, and everything changes. This was quit a delightful read, the authors prose were smooth and wonderful. She captures the beauty of love into words. Magical!
This cover is absolutely gorgeous, one of my favorites!
language 1 or 2 words
clean romance for adult, pushes the limits a bit for me. Heavy making-out couple of times, with small amount of detail. Not for my teen.
This cover is absolutely gorgeous, one of my favorites!
language 1 or 2 words
clean romance for adult, pushes the limits a bit for me. Heavy making-out couple of times, with small amount of detail. Not for my teen.
June 23, 2014
PARANORMAL ROMANCE: NOW WITH ADDED EXTRA CHEESE AND SWEETENER
Kama lives in a perfect world, with perfect weather, where her perfect boyfriend is particularly perfect, with his perfect blonde curls which perfectly match her perfect blonde hair. Cue the appearance of a tall, dark, mysterious stranger. Suddenly everything is not so perfect and Kama receives her Life Plan with nothing on it. No perfect life, perfect husband, perfect house, perfect job. The horror! And a love triangle. Don't forget about that.
These characters are all very stiff, and in spite of all the lovey dovey talk (or possibly because of) I didn't ever feel that anyone actually cared about anyone else. Kama has a whole bucket of insta-love chucked over her, whilst mastering skills which take other Magic Ones (aside: I didn't like this name and could not take them seriously) like 10 years to get the hang of. So we have another perfect heroine who can do everything perfectly, and who is beautiful, charming and intelligent to boot...oh the originality!
At best tenuous and tedious, the one good thing about this story is that it never made me hate it enough to actual stop reading it. Which the completionist in me appreciates.
Kama lives in a perfect world, with perfect weather, where her perfect boyfriend is particularly perfect, with his perfect blonde curls which perfectly match her perfect blonde hair. Cue the appearance of a tall, dark, mysterious stranger. Suddenly everything is not so perfect and Kama receives her Life Plan with nothing on it. No perfect life, perfect husband, perfect house, perfect job. The horror! And a love triangle. Don't forget about that.
These characters are all very stiff, and in spite of all the lovey dovey talk (or possibly because of) I didn't ever feel that anyone actually cared about anyone else. Kama has a whole bucket of insta-love chucked over her, whilst mastering skills which take other Magic Ones (aside: I didn't like this name and could not take them seriously) like 10 years to get the hang of. So we have another perfect heroine who can do everything perfectly, and who is beautiful, charming and intelligent to boot...oh the originality!
At best tenuous and tedious, the one good thing about this story is that it never made me hate it enough to actual stop reading it. Which the completionist in me appreciates.
January 6, 2012
I am wrong…a lot. I admit this freely, of course, because lying about it will always come back to bite me in the ass, but let me assure you this statement does leave dents in my pride.
A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a friend and I…the poster-child for stubbornness, had insisted that “I have read books about every freaking topic on the planet.” Now, I know what you are thinking; “Misty…you are a total dumbass, that is the broadest statement imaginable.” And to that I say…”Yes, you are right.” Naturally (because Karma has it in for me) a week later I started reading a book that took me completely by surprise, and (predictably so, I imagine) found myself in the uncomfortable position of having to hear those dreaded words “I told you so!” (as my friend wagged her finger at me in unabashed triumph.) Regardless of the humiliation my cockiness had afforded me however, I have to admit that I would graciously accept multiple tongue lashings, if only I could be as shocked by a book (or at least the “people” in it) as I was by Kailin Gow’s little ditty ”Desire.”
Here’s what the synopsis said:
“A Dystopian world where everyone’s future is planned out for them at age 18…whether it is what a person desires or not.
Kama is about to turn 18 and she thinks her Life s Plan will turn out like her boyfriend’s and friend’s as they desired. But when she glimpse a young man who can communicate with her with his thoughts and knows her name…a young man with burning blue eyes and raven hair, who is dressed like no other in her world, she is left to question her Life’s Plan and her destiny. Knowing the truth can destroy everyone…”
So…you want to know what the shock was? Too bad, I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that this is NOT your average Dystopian read. Yes, it has the markings of any great dystopian story (lack of freedom, predetermined future…yada yada) but the complications in Gow’s society is not what makes this particular book interesting; it’s Gow’s incorporation of ”fantasy” that does. That’s right folks…I said fantasy. (for the record…that’s not the shocker, just an intriguing fact.)
If I’m to be honest, the “dystopian” aspects of the novel are VERY similar to at least 3 other books I have read (which shall remain nameless) and that is a little disconcerting, but thankfully for Gow, her characters (the entangled romance that surrounds them), and the sub plots strewn throughout, drown out these little issues, AND…in a stroke of what I can only assume is literary genius she combined the best elements of each of her genre tags:
Dystopian – The inevitability of an action packed up-rising
Fantasy – A journey down an unpredictable, and life changing path, that leads you TO that action.
The title…”Desire”…is exactly what this book is about. The desire Kama has to understand her past, present and future. Her desire to understand the nature of her situation so that she can make responsible choices, and her desire to make out with 2 very cute (and powerful) boys. (Who could blame her.)
To be blunt, the book was great.
Gow’s writing was solid, and the story left me wanting for more. (It ended in a cliffhanger. Damn it!)
If you are a fan of books like “Possession” “Delirium” or anything paranormal I have a feeling you will love this read.
It’s a little pricey (by comparison) but still worth the dime.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: just when you THOUGHT you’ve read it all, an author will ALWAYS pull something new out of the bottle. (P.S. that was a hint)
A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a friend and I…the poster-child for stubbornness, had insisted that “I have read books about every freaking topic on the planet.” Now, I know what you are thinking; “Misty…you are a total dumbass, that is the broadest statement imaginable.” And to that I say…”Yes, you are right.” Naturally (because Karma has it in for me) a week later I started reading a book that took me completely by surprise, and (predictably so, I imagine) found myself in the uncomfortable position of having to hear those dreaded words “I told you so!” (as my friend wagged her finger at me in unabashed triumph.) Regardless of the humiliation my cockiness had afforded me however, I have to admit that I would graciously accept multiple tongue lashings, if only I could be as shocked by a book (or at least the “people” in it) as I was by Kailin Gow’s little ditty ”Desire.”
Here’s what the synopsis said:
“A Dystopian world where everyone’s future is planned out for them at age 18…whether it is what a person desires or not.
Kama is about to turn 18 and she thinks her Life s Plan will turn out like her boyfriend’s and friend’s as they desired. But when she glimpse a young man who can communicate with her with his thoughts and knows her name…a young man with burning blue eyes and raven hair, who is dressed like no other in her world, she is left to question her Life’s Plan and her destiny. Knowing the truth can destroy everyone…”
So…you want to know what the shock was? Too bad, I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that this is NOT your average Dystopian read. Yes, it has the markings of any great dystopian story (lack of freedom, predetermined future…yada yada) but the complications in Gow’s society is not what makes this particular book interesting; it’s Gow’s incorporation of ”fantasy” that does. That’s right folks…I said fantasy. (for the record…that’s not the shocker, just an intriguing fact.)
If I’m to be honest, the “dystopian” aspects of the novel are VERY similar to at least 3 other books I have read (which shall remain nameless) and that is a little disconcerting, but thankfully for Gow, her characters (the entangled romance that surrounds them), and the sub plots strewn throughout, drown out these little issues, AND…in a stroke of what I can only assume is literary genius she combined the best elements of each of her genre tags:
Dystopian – The inevitability of an action packed up-rising
Fantasy – A journey down an unpredictable, and life changing path, that leads you TO that action.
The title…”Desire”…is exactly what this book is about. The desire Kama has to understand her past, present and future. Her desire to understand the nature of her situation so that she can make responsible choices, and her desire to make out with 2 very cute (and powerful) boys. (Who could blame her.)
To be blunt, the book was great.
Gow’s writing was solid, and the story left me wanting for more. (It ended in a cliffhanger. Damn it!)
If you are a fan of books like “Possession” “Delirium” or anything paranormal I have a feeling you will love this read.
It’s a little pricey (by comparison) but still worth the dime.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: just when you THOUGHT you’ve read it all, an author will ALWAYS pull something new out of the bottle. (P.S. that was a hint)
May 25, 2011
Very sweet, lovely story about an eighteen year old girl Kama who lives in a perfect, settled future with a perfect boy, Liam, soon to be her future husband.
However, her world turns upside down when an enchanting, desireable boy Torrid appears in her life. Is the life she was supposed to be living really not what it looks like? Is there another pad she is destined for to live? Is her love toward Liam not as strong as she thought it was, is Torrid the love of her life? Step by step Kama discovers her true nature and makes her decision, but is It the right one?
However, her world turns upside down when an enchanting, desireable boy Torrid appears in her life. Is the life she was supposed to be living really not what it looks like? Is there another pad she is destined for to live? Is her love toward Liam not as strong as she thought it was, is Torrid the love of her life? Step by step Kama discovers her true nature and makes her decision, but is It the right one?
March 20, 2011
I definitely will not be reading DESIRE. It seems like too much of a trendbait. And, based on the many errors in the plot description above, I doubt I'd like to see how many are on the inside. I honestly think this book will end up being ripoff of Matched or Delirium, but only time will tell.
September 25, 2011
Cover 1st: LOVE it. It is beautiful!
I really liked this story.
Kama is 17 years old. Awaiting her 18th birthday when she will get her life's plan. She is dating Liam. Who is the General's son. Being with Liam, would give Kama the perfect plan. The wife of the future General. When Kama meet's Torrid. A mysterious, gorgeous boy, he quickly takes Kama's breath away. Who is this mysterious boy? Torrid has a little gift. One that allows him to speak to Kama in her mind. What is he? What is Kama? hmmmm. So there it is.. Instant love triangle. At 1st I got the feel of Matched. With the life's plan. Until the paranormal came in play. Which I really liked. Some people in Arcadia has magical powers. Which everyone cannot see. Only some can look through the glamour of this world. Torrid is helping Kama with this. Helping her understand the life where she belongs.
As Kama awaits her life's plan in the mail after she turned 18. It felt to Kama as it took forever to come. Then when it did, it was not the life's plan that she expected. It was no plan at all.
Kama has to find out why she received such a plan. Why everything she has wanted is being taken away from her. Liam included. Liam to me was super "clingy" like she is trying to not get him in trouble, because he was not in her plan. & he was just so presistant in being with Kama that he was risking that. But Kama doesn't really know if that is the life's plan that she wants now. After meeting Torrid, and getting some very strong feelings for the mysterious boy.
Arcadia is not really all that it seems to be. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. What are they hiding. And why?
For FULL review. Please visit my blog: http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com/
I really liked this story.
Kama is 17 years old. Awaiting her 18th birthday when she will get her life's plan. She is dating Liam. Who is the General's son. Being with Liam, would give Kama the perfect plan. The wife of the future General. When Kama meet's Torrid. A mysterious, gorgeous boy, he quickly takes Kama's breath away. Who is this mysterious boy? Torrid has a little gift. One that allows him to speak to Kama in her mind. What is he? What is Kama? hmmmm. So there it is.. Instant love triangle. At 1st I got the feel of Matched. With the life's plan. Until the paranormal came in play. Which I really liked. Some people in Arcadia has magical powers. Which everyone cannot see. Only some can look through the glamour of this world. Torrid is helping Kama with this. Helping her understand the life where she belongs.
As Kama awaits her life's plan in the mail after she turned 18. It felt to Kama as it took forever to come. Then when it did, it was not the life's plan that she expected. It was no plan at all.
Kama has to find out why she received such a plan. Why everything she has wanted is being taken away from her. Liam included. Liam to me was super "clingy" like she is trying to not get him in trouble, because he was not in her plan. & he was just so presistant in being with Kama that he was risking that. But Kama doesn't really know if that is the life's plan that she wants now. After meeting Torrid, and getting some very strong feelings for the mysterious boy.
Arcadia is not really all that it seems to be. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. What are they hiding. And why?
For FULL review. Please visit my blog: http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com/
March 31, 2012
Desire by Kailin Gow... I don't know what to say. Well I do, unfortunately, because if I didn't, I wouldn't waste my time writing a review.
Here it goes:
I have a few issues with this book. First, the main character. I'm all for love, but this girl, Kama, it's like love is the only thing on her mind. Everything became just a bit more cheesier because of that, and it almost made me stop reading halfway.
But because I am such a darling, I did no such thing, and carried on reading.
Second & last issue, the plot. When I first read the plot of the book, I gotta say, I was pretty impressed. Then I realized it was one of those damn dystopian novels. But since I was pretty impressed by the plot, I read the book. I was pretty disappointed. The plot that was so amazing, turned out to be a mushy love triangle between the girl & the girl's parents. Gow should've increased the magick moments with the girl, not kissy-kissy moments with the hot prince.
I said that that was my last, but I can't help it. Genie? Why not just come up with a better name? And get this... lamp rubbing? Sorry, I just can't.
Overall, I didn't quite like the book, and I'm sorry to say (not really) that I won't be reading the second.
Here it goes:
I have a few issues with this book. First, the main character. I'm all for love, but this girl, Kama, it's like love is the only thing on her mind. Everything became just a bit more cheesier because of that, and it almost made me stop reading halfway.
But because I am such a darling, I did no such thing, and carried on reading.
Second & last issue, the plot. When I first read the plot of the book, I gotta say, I was pretty impressed. Then I realized it was one of those damn dystopian novels. But since I was pretty impressed by the plot, I read the book. I was pretty disappointed. The plot that was so amazing, turned out to be a mushy love triangle between the girl & the girl's parents. Gow should've increased the magick moments with the girl, not kissy-kissy moments with the hot prince.
I said that that was my last, but I can't help it. Genie? Why not just come up with a better name? And get this... lamp rubbing? Sorry, I just can't.
Overall, I didn't quite like the book, and I'm sorry to say (not really) that I won't be reading the second.
July 30, 2012
A combination of Dystopian society and fantasy. Kama will be given her Life Plan when she turns 18, however, things don’t turn out as expected: she may not be marrying the boy she loves, she may not love him so much and she may not be who she thought she was, but somebody else.
Lots of romance and love in Desire and unexpected violence in Summer Wishes , a novella in which Jocelyn and Matthew, Kama’s friends who are about to face the same Life Plan situation learn the truth about the beautiful city of Arcadia, where they all live.
I found Desire entertaining except for two things :
-The name of one of the characters which I found hilarious instead of attractive.
-A little incident with a bottle that was too much for me, I just didn’t see it coming, now that I think about it I guess it’s the way things are.
If you like this original combination of fantasy and dystopia you will like Desire and if you don’t mind some violence you may like Summer Wishes.
the leisure diaries
Lots of romance and love in Desire and unexpected violence in Summer Wishes , a novella in which Jocelyn and Matthew, Kama’s friends who are about to face the same Life Plan situation learn the truth about the beautiful city of Arcadia, where they all live.
I found Desire entertaining except for two things :
-The name of one of the characters which I found hilarious instead of attractive.
-A little incident with a bottle that was too much for me, I just didn’t see it coming, now that I think about it I guess it’s the way things are.
If you like this original combination of fantasy and dystopia you will like Desire and if you don’t mind some violence you may like Summer Wishes.
the leisure diaries
July 31, 2011
I know I say this alot but WOW. Desire was so much more than the dystopian YA romance I thought I was going to be reading and i'm sad that I have had it on my kindle since it was released. Kailin Gow's twist of her first Dystopian novel rocked my world I loved that within the Dystopian world you also had genies some thing I have never read about and please don't think A lamp and you rub it and out pops your genie to grant you three wishes. These genies have a magical history and powers beyond what an mortals can think of. A great start to what has started out as a great Dystopian, genie twist with a little bit of Matched by Ally Condie throw in. A must read that all YA fans will love.
October 7, 2011
The story revolves around an eighteen year old girl called Kama Johnson who lives in a dystopian society called Arcadia. When the citizens of Arcadia reach the age of eighteen they receive a life's plan ( a plan that tells them how they are destined to live out their lives). Kama has always thought her life's plan included certain events and people,but will it include what she has always thought it would include ?
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a total page turner! Totally would recommend this book for any fan of the dystopian Y.A novels.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a total page turner! Totally would recommend this book for any fan of the dystopian Y.A novels.
June 25, 2012
First off, I know its really hard to write a book but really?! Nobody read this through before publication? Its badly written and the entire plot is thin and not well thought out. The entire story jumps from situation to situation, without fully exploring any. It seems written In haste, with the author rushing to make the important points and not letting the characters or story develop fully. If you're hoping to read something as good as Hunger games, matched or Star crossed, don't read this.
And last, I don't understand it at all! What does the main character want?
And last, I don't understand it at all! What does the main character want?
January 6, 2012
In 2011 this book was up for a giveaway and thousands of readers entered the contest. I had never read anything written by Kailin Gow and was curious to see what the big deal was so I ordered a copy online.
Big Disappointment!!!
It is full of clichés and repetition. The book is very poorly written and seems like there was no attempt at editing. The only thing I liked about DESIRE was the beautiful cover. So here is a cliché from me: Don’t judge a book by its cover!
Big Disappointment!!!
It is full of clichés and repetition. The book is very poorly written and seems like there was no attempt at editing. The only thing I liked about DESIRE was the beautiful cover. So here is a cliché from me: Don’t judge a book by its cover!
August 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this story, but the total lack of editing (or appearance of such) completely ruined it for me, more so in the first half than the second. I would have given this book four stars. Although poor editing is usual little more than an annoyance for me, this is the first time it's had an effect on the overall effect.
September 4, 2012
Where do I start with this one... I must say I have NEVER felt this conflicted about writing a review on one of Kailin Gow's books like I do with this one. If you know me you know my deep love for her books and the passion and feeling that she pours into her books. This one was a completely riveting read that had me hooked from the first chapter but there were things that just got to me too.
Kama is my biggest conflict in this book. I loved her but she made me so down right angry at times I just wanted to scream. Her life's plan means everything to her just like every other person in Arcadia. Turning 18 and finding out what you are to do for the rest of your life is how things are run and no one ever questions it because that is what bring peace to this small state. However the fact that she seems to all but fall apart when her life's plan isn't what she wants drives me nuts. She does some what redeem herself by trying to find answers and fight the decision. In the process she learns that she has not one but two destiny's to choose from and making it could destroy everything she knows or save it.
Liam is Kama's past and hopeful future. He is also an all around awesome guy that can't see his life without her and honestly doesn't want to even consider life without her. This guy seriously for once has me hooked on the good boy. I know crazy right?! However her was passionate, caring and didn't back down. He fights for Kama and isn't swayed by others thoughts and opinions of her. Even when it seems like the odds are against it and he should turn his back this boy just keeps on going! He is one book good boy that I can honestly say that I hope can get the girl because man he deserves it!
I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't find Torrent alluring. He is totally drool over tall, dark and handsome kind of guy. You know the one that your parents tell you to be careful of. I could see the attraction to him I just couldn't feel it myself. He was always holding something back from her and always seems like he has something to hide. Personally I think I was thrown when he spoke to Kama in her mind and the first thing out of her mouth wasn't "WTF?" I mean maybe minus the language but still she didn't even question it to start.
There is a love triangle and this one actually kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I am normally very VERY understanding about choosing between two awesome guys but this one kind of rubbed at me. I really enjoyed all things Kama except how quickly and easily she changed boys! I mean she was all about whoever was right in front of her. I don't expect her to choose off the hop but some amount of loyalty would be nice.
I will be starting book two very very soon and have high hopes that my irritation will be cleared up a little. The way this one ended made me feel like it might. I know that the triangle wont just go away but I hope it becomes easier.
The clarity of Gow's world building really shines in this book. There was not a moment that I didn't see where I was. The description of the field was amazing and I wanted to be there with Kama. With such a clean and polished society it was easy to forget that the world outside of Arcadia is battered, broken and war torn. The people are all compliant to say the least but that is really what it takes to be a part of what people see as a safe and stable world.
This is the kind of book that I would recommend to people that are lovers of dystopian books but more importantly are lovers of love triangles. I am eager to start the next book and see where everyone goes and who continues to fight. Beyond that I can only say that I enjoyed this one but it isn't my favorite Gow book but I hope that the series will turn out to be one of my favorites!
Kama is my biggest conflict in this book. I loved her but she made me so down right angry at times I just wanted to scream. Her life's plan means everything to her just like every other person in Arcadia. Turning 18 and finding out what you are to do for the rest of your life is how things are run and no one ever questions it because that is what bring peace to this small state. However the fact that she seems to all but fall apart when her life's plan isn't what she wants drives me nuts. She does some what redeem herself by trying to find answers and fight the decision. In the process she learns that she has not one but two destiny's to choose from and making it could destroy everything she knows or save it.
Liam is Kama's past and hopeful future. He is also an all around awesome guy that can't see his life without her and honestly doesn't want to even consider life without her. This guy seriously for once has me hooked on the good boy. I know crazy right?! However her was passionate, caring and didn't back down. He fights for Kama and isn't swayed by others thoughts and opinions of her. Even when it seems like the odds are against it and he should turn his back this boy just keeps on going! He is one book good boy that I can honestly say that I hope can get the girl because man he deserves it!
I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't find Torrent alluring. He is totally drool over tall, dark and handsome kind of guy. You know the one that your parents tell you to be careful of. I could see the attraction to him I just couldn't feel it myself. He was always holding something back from her and always seems like he has something to hide. Personally I think I was thrown when he spoke to Kama in her mind and the first thing out of her mouth wasn't "WTF?" I mean maybe minus the language but still she didn't even question it to start.
There is a love triangle and this one actually kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I am normally very VERY understanding about choosing between two awesome guys but this one kind of rubbed at me. I really enjoyed all things Kama except how quickly and easily she changed boys! I mean she was all about whoever was right in front of her. I don't expect her to choose off the hop but some amount of loyalty would be nice.
I will be starting book two very very soon and have high hopes that my irritation will be cleared up a little. The way this one ended made me feel like it might. I know that the triangle wont just go away but I hope it becomes easier.
The clarity of Gow's world building really shines in this book. There was not a moment that I didn't see where I was. The description of the field was amazing and I wanted to be there with Kama. With such a clean and polished society it was easy to forget that the world outside of Arcadia is battered, broken and war torn. The people are all compliant to say the least but that is really what it takes to be a part of what people see as a safe and stable world.
This is the kind of book that I would recommend to people that are lovers of dystopian books but more importantly are lovers of love triangles. I am eager to start the next book and see where everyone goes and who continues to fight. Beyond that I can only say that I enjoyed this one but it isn't my favorite Gow book but I hope that the series will turn out to be one of my favorites!
June 23, 2011
Desire introduces you to a strange new world where your whole life is planned out for you at age 18. Even if you want one thing for yourself whatever is planned out is what you must do...or else.
Desire follows the story of Kama. A young girl who is about to turn 18. Her life is perfect and she hopes that her life's plan will have her life following the path she's on now. She hopes that her plan will be just as she wishes just like her boyfriend's and her best friend's have. Everything was going exactly as it should be until she comes across a mysterious yound man who captures her attention with one glance, and is able to speak to her in her mind. All it took was one gently whisper in her head and a gorgeous face to go with it and Kama is thrown into a world she never expected.
When Kama receives her life's plan in the mail she's left in shock, it's nothing like she expected and her boyfriend Liam is no longer in the picture. Heartbroken and torn on what to do now Kama and Liam try to find a way to fix what is wrong and put Kama back on to the path she was meant to be. But is it what Kama truely wants. With an empty life's plan Kama doesn't know what to do. She knows she can't be with Liam now that he wasn't mentioned in her plan and the thought of that rips her apart. Her heart aches to be with him because that's all she's ever wanted, but her mind now wanders to the mysterious man with the power to speak to her from a distance.
As Kama delves deeper into the world she's lived in all her life she begins to question the truth behind Arcadia. Her eyes are opened to what happens behind the scenes, the truth about her family is revealed as well as what Liam's father has really been doing with Arcadia, and Kama must learn to accept the path she's been given because it's a gift, giving her the power to explore the truth behind every lie.
Desire was a new and interesting story in the YA genre. It has you wondering about the true nature of this so-called perfect world. Will Kama discover the truth about her life? Will her life's plan give her freedom or just cause more problems. Desire was mysterious and engaging with an ending that leaves you wanting more.
Desire follows the story of Kama. A young girl who is about to turn 18. Her life is perfect and she hopes that her life's plan will have her life following the path she's on now. She hopes that her plan will be just as she wishes just like her boyfriend's and her best friend's have. Everything was going exactly as it should be until she comes across a mysterious yound man who captures her attention with one glance, and is able to speak to her in her mind. All it took was one gently whisper in her head and a gorgeous face to go with it and Kama is thrown into a world she never expected.
When Kama receives her life's plan in the mail she's left in shock, it's nothing like she expected and her boyfriend Liam is no longer in the picture. Heartbroken and torn on what to do now Kama and Liam try to find a way to fix what is wrong and put Kama back on to the path she was meant to be. But is it what Kama truely wants. With an empty life's plan Kama doesn't know what to do. She knows she can't be with Liam now that he wasn't mentioned in her plan and the thought of that rips her apart. Her heart aches to be with him because that's all she's ever wanted, but her mind now wanders to the mysterious man with the power to speak to her from a distance.
As Kama delves deeper into the world she's lived in all her life she begins to question the truth behind Arcadia. Her eyes are opened to what happens behind the scenes, the truth about her family is revealed as well as what Liam's father has really been doing with Arcadia, and Kama must learn to accept the path she's been given because it's a gift, giving her the power to explore the truth behind every lie.
Desire was a new and interesting story in the YA genre. It has you wondering about the true nature of this so-called perfect world. Will Kama discover the truth about her life? Will her life's plan give her freedom or just cause more problems. Desire was mysterious and engaging with an ending that leaves you wanting more.
September 22, 2011
3 - 3.5 star
Kama lives in a dystopian, perfect world. At the age of 18 everyone receives their Life Plan and it's usually what they desire.
Kama meets someone that uncovers secrets about who she is.
Kama has to choose between two different destinies and two different guys.
At first I couldn't really get used to the way Arcadians speak. They're kind of cheesy and formal to each other. But, either I got used to it or it got better.
Now, for the love triangle. I went back and forth who she should be with, because they're both great characters that really love Kama and they both are so devoted to her.
Liam and Kamas story is so cute and "perfect" and I love what he ends up doing, that is true love.
And then, I love who Torrid is.
So, I'm STILL unsure who I think she should be with.
I really liked Kama, but, she kind of irratated me because she just accepts all these new, shocking, life changing events with barely a blink of the eye.
If someone were to tell me I could fly (they don't tell her she could fly, I'm just coming up with an example) I wouldn't believe them, no way!
And if they were to show me how to, I would be in awe and then I'd just fly and fly and fly and probably be so excited to fly, I wouldn't be able to get rid of that excitement and amazement for a while.
She just accepts one thing after another, but her mind is thinking about how great he looks and what'd it would be like to kiss him. Whaaaaat?! I just want to FLYYYYYYY!!!
Overall, the story was pretty good and interesting. I'll probably be reading the next. :)
Kama lives in a dystopian, perfect world. At the age of 18 everyone receives their Life Plan and it's usually what they desire.
Kama meets someone that uncovers secrets about who she is.
Kama has to choose between two different destinies and two different guys.
At first I couldn't really get used to the way Arcadians speak. They're kind of cheesy and formal to each other. But, either I got used to it or it got better.
Now, for the love triangle. I went back and forth who she should be with, because they're both great characters that really love Kama and they both are so devoted to her.
Liam and Kamas story is so cute and "perfect" and I love what he ends up doing, that is true love.
And then, I love who Torrid is.
So, I'm STILL unsure who I think she should be with.
I really liked Kama, but, she kind of irratated me because she just accepts all these new, shocking, life changing events with barely a blink of the eye.
If someone were to tell me I could fly (they don't tell her she could fly, I'm just coming up with an example) I wouldn't believe them, no way!
And if they were to show me how to, I would be in awe and then I'd just fly and fly and fly and probably be so excited to fly, I wouldn't be able to get rid of that excitement and amazement for a while.
She just accepts one thing after another, but her mind is thinking about how great he looks and what'd it would be like to kiss him. Whaaaaat?! I just want to FLYYYYYYY!!!
Overall, the story was pretty good and interesting. I'll probably be reading the next. :)
June 11, 2016
Kama lives in Arcadia about 1000 years in the future. When people turn 18, they are given a Life Plan. It will tell them who they will marry, what their job will be, etc. Kama hasn’t turned 18 yet, but she’s pretty confident it will include Liam Seer, her boyfriend in it. Liam and Kama’s friend, Sarah, live in the exclusive Diamond District, where the upper elite live, while Kama comes from the Amethyst District, where the middle-class live.
When Kama was younger, she had a crush on Liam and never believed he would notice her. They’ve been boyfriend and girlfriend for awhile. Liam and Sarah are planning Kama’s party when Kama see’s a guy watching her outside the restaurant. She leaves them to see what he wants, but when she gets there, a lone orchid is left behind.
Kama is intrigued but is quickly plagued with anxiousness to get her Life Plan and have her party. On the night of her party, Torrid, the guy that left the flower, talks to her when she’s alone outside.
When she finally gets her Life Plan, she’s livid, it’s so vague…and it doesn’t include Liam. Kama is livid and doesn’t know what she’s going to do. There are only a few people that have ever dared to defy what the Committee tells in people’s Life Plan and are never seen afterwards.
This is my first Kailin Gow Book, and it will not be my last. I loved this story. Right now, I don’t know if I like Liam or Torrid more. I was put on a rollercoaster throughout this book and couldn’t get enough. I haven’t felt this emotionally attached about a story for a while. If you’ve never read a Kailin Gow book, start with this one. This is just…wow.
When Kama was younger, she had a crush on Liam and never believed he would notice her. They’ve been boyfriend and girlfriend for awhile. Liam and Sarah are planning Kama’s party when Kama see’s a guy watching her outside the restaurant. She leaves them to see what he wants, but when she gets there, a lone orchid is left behind.
Kama is intrigued but is quickly plagued with anxiousness to get her Life Plan and have her party. On the night of her party, Torrid, the guy that left the flower, talks to her when she’s alone outside.
When she finally gets her Life Plan, she’s livid, it’s so vague…and it doesn’t include Liam. Kama is livid and doesn’t know what she’s going to do. There are only a few people that have ever dared to defy what the Committee tells in people’s Life Plan and are never seen afterwards.
This is my first Kailin Gow Book, and it will not be my last. I loved this story. Right now, I don’t know if I like Liam or Torrid more. I was put on a rollercoaster throughout this book and couldn’t get enough. I haven’t felt this emotionally attached about a story for a while. If you’ve never read a Kailin Gow book, start with this one. This is just…wow.
February 18, 2019
Good
It's for sure your teenage book, but I enjoyed it very much. I actually have read it twice now it's still pretty good.
It's for sure your teenage book, but I enjoyed it very much. I actually have read it twice now it's still pretty good.
April 22, 2012
This book was okay. I liked the story theme actually. Genies has never really been done before and it was something new for me to read. Plus it was a dystopian society setting one of my favorites. I would have liked the story I think if I didn't find the main character to be such a two timer. She loves her current boyfriend of four years Liam. They both think their Life Plan at eighteen will be to get married to one another. But when Kama's life plan isn't what she desired and it comes up blank Liam takes charge of the situation and decides to help get to the bottom of things. Liam thinks he can change the course of their futures so that they can be together. But then Torrid comes into the picture. He's from a different world on her dad's side and he's come to take her back. He helps her with her powers in order to spend some time with her even though he's really not supposed to. Kama and Torrid feel a desire towards one another and they both can't deny it. She loves Liam, but she wants to be with Torrid. Then a short time after they finally get together she admits to Torrid that she loves him and they were only together for like two days. I don't think Kama knows what she wants at all and is leading both these boys on that actually care about her. Liam gets the Life Plan's altered by his father so that they will be together. But Liam's father knows of Kama being a genie and wants to capture her. Torrid takes her to the other world before he can capture her in his lamp. I liked the story idea just didn't like the main character for what she did.
July 10, 2014
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
I have seen so many Kailin Gow books out there. This is the one series that intrigued me the most though. And that cover… just so gorgeous. So I splurged last year and bought the paperback. I had to find out what it was about this author that everyone loved. I discovered that it wasn’t as great as I expected.
First of all, it is not very well written. Grammatical mistakes aside, the writing was too simplistic and sometimes messy. There was an odd progression to the story, what Kama did or chose to do. She sees some strange, hot guy, Torrid, and suddenly she’s falling in love with him. It was like, forget my Life’s Plan with Liam, the guy she was convinced was the one for her. Then she discovers that her destiny isn’t supposed to be what she expected it to be, the one she used to believe growing up OR the one she wants to believe now. What to do?
Desire left little to be desired. It was not a good world building, and the characters didn’t have much depth to them. Falling in love in a snap along with the whole not allowed to be in love but we know we want to be together. It’s overdone enough as it is, but in this one it happened WAY too fast. I don’t think I’m going to bother seeing what happens next.
My Rating: It's Okay.
I have seen so many Kailin Gow books out there. This is the one series that intrigued me the most though. And that cover… just so gorgeous. So I splurged last year and bought the paperback. I had to find out what it was about this author that everyone loved. I discovered that it wasn’t as great as I expected.
First of all, it is not very well written. Grammatical mistakes aside, the writing was too simplistic and sometimes messy. There was an odd progression to the story, what Kama did or chose to do. She sees some strange, hot guy, Torrid, and suddenly she’s falling in love with him. It was like, forget my Life’s Plan with Liam, the guy she was convinced was the one for her. Then she discovers that her destiny isn’t supposed to be what she expected it to be, the one she used to believe growing up OR the one she wants to believe now. What to do?
Desire left little to be desired. It was not a good world building, and the characters didn’t have much depth to them. Falling in love in a snap along with the whole not allowed to be in love but we know we want to be together. It’s overdone enough as it is, but in this one it happened WAY too fast. I don’t think I’m going to bother seeing what happens next.
My Rating: It's Okay.
February 28, 2012
Kailin Gow amazes me with her stories. I love the Frost series and wanted to read something else by her. I love the characters that she brought to life in this book. Kama and Torrid are my new favorite book couple, well I'm not so sure that they are a couple but in my mind they should be. The story line captivated me from the first page. I liked that Kama's background was different from fairies, vampires, werewolves, etc. "The Magical Ones"...what an idea. I loved that about this book. I won't tell you what the magical ones are because that was the best part for me. Put a smile on my face because I hadn't read a book where that concept was the focus. Great job on that one Kailin Gow. Kailin Gow is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more of her work. She had me at the Frost Series, kept my attention with The Wolf Fey, and now the Desire series. I just want to devour every book she has written. What an awesome writer. Great detail, characters, and focus.
June 2, 2011
3.5-4 Stars
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened this book up,a typical dystopian book I suppose, and while I did get that I also got a love story with a slight paranormal aspect as well.
While there are editing errors throughout the book that are slightly distracting the sweet love story and life of Kama more than makes up for it. I am a sucker for a good love triangle and Gow seems to be the master at making them and she didn't disappoint. While I loved Liam, I felt myself rooting for Torrid as well.
I think this new series has a lot of potential. It is a fast easy read that will leave you wanting more and wanting to find out what happens next to Kama, Torrid, her mother, her mysterious father, Pim, The Catchers, The Magical Ones, Sarah and to Liam.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened this book up,a typical dystopian book I suppose, and while I did get that I also got a love story with a slight paranormal aspect as well.
While there are editing errors throughout the book that are slightly distracting the sweet love story and life of Kama more than makes up for it. I am a sucker for a good love triangle and Gow seems to be the master at making them and she didn't disappoint. While I loved Liam, I felt myself rooting for Torrid as well.
I think this new series has a lot of potential. It is a fast easy read that will leave you wanting more and wanting to find out what happens next to Kama, Torrid, her mother, her mysterious father, Pim, The Catchers, The Magical Ones, Sarah and to Liam.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/
December 30, 2015
I'm pretty confused by all the good reviews this book is getting. Seriously? I thought the writing was terrible, and the characters weren't much better. I think this was actually written by a 10-year-old. Things just happened out of nowhere, new concepts introduced, and you were just supposed to roll with it with NO backstory whatsoever. I cannot emphasize enough the fact that there wasn't any backstory on anything. Even the romance that took place - just kinda popped out of nowhere in one scene! Everything felt so casually thrown in that I couldn't enjoy it at all. "Hey, the book is still crappy, let's throw in some more popular plot elements!" Judging by how often this author releases new books, she's obviously just cranking them out for cash. This is not quality work. This doesn't deserve to be called a literary work.
July 27, 2012
What a great first book .
The first book in the Desire series. I can't wait to start the next book, I am so enchanted with this author and her way of creating new ideas... I have already started checking out her other series.
Kama is living a perfect and blessed life. As a citizen of Arcadia , at age 18 your "Life Plan " is shown to you. It details what kind of job you will have , if and who you will marry, as well as future social standing. Kama fully expects to marry Liam her long time boyfriend,go to college , the perfect life. Plans change dramatically with the appearance of a very handsome stranger Torrid.
The way this story changed really caught me off guard! Amazing ....
Nope , no spoilers here.:) Read it .
The first book in the Desire series. I can't wait to start the next book, I am so enchanted with this author and her way of creating new ideas... I have already started checking out her other series.
Kama is living a perfect and blessed life. As a citizen of Arcadia , at age 18 your "Life Plan " is shown to you. It details what kind of job you will have , if and who you will marry, as well as future social standing. Kama fully expects to marry Liam her long time boyfriend,go to college , the perfect life. Plans change dramatically with the appearance of a very handsome stranger Torrid.
The way this story changed really caught me off guard! Amazing ....
Nope , no spoilers here.:) Read it .
November 26, 2011
This book is amazing. I like almost everything it has in it.
The characters were well written, the idea and whole plot was fresh and exsciting. I had a connetction to this book.
What I didn't like was love triangle....AGAIN....I'm starting to think that Kailin Gow just can't write a book without it!
And what i didn't like the most was that this book is too short for such an awesome story like Desire....and I think that it's because Kailin Gow just wants to get more money!!! That's with all of her books that I've read.....and I said in my other reviews, I hate that....greed!
Anyhow, I enjoyed this book.
The characters were well written, the idea and whole plot was fresh and exsciting. I had a connetction to this book.
What I didn't like was love triangle....AGAIN....I'm starting to think that Kailin Gow just can't write a book without it!
And what i didn't like the most was that this book is too short for such an awesome story like Desire....and I think that it's because Kailin Gow just wants to get more money!!! That's with all of her books that I've read.....and I said in my other reviews, I hate that....greed!
Anyhow, I enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2012
There are a lot of mistakes in this book so far, just editing issues, but enough to be irritating. Pretty engaging story so far, but a touch too teen-angst-filled for me. I have high hopes that it will improve in the next few chapters.
This is older YA, high school, I'd say, and it's unfortunately following the recent trend of writing a book as a series that likely could have been one pretty good book with editing. I have no desire to read the rest of them.
This was basically an interesting short story.
This is older YA, high school, I'd say, and it's unfortunately following the recent trend of writing a book as a series that likely could have been one pretty good book with editing. I have no desire to read the rest of them.
This was basically an interesting short story.
June 27, 2012
While the premise is alright, the writing is a bit stagnant. Teenagers in this speak as though they are Victorian-era middle-aged adults, which is a bit hard to believe. The author goes from a pretty standard dystopian-style world to one which includes genies (aka magic ones aka djin). The transition didn't feel natural to me, and the fact that she uses 3 different words for one type of being can get a bit confusing.
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