Title: Intangible
Edition: eBook, 264 pages
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
Source: Received from author for review
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win an e-book copy of Intangible! Giveaway is OVER
The Summary
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Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.
Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.
My Opinion
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I was lucky to be contacted by J to review her wonderful book Intangible. I'm often hesitant to read self-published books due to the lack of editing that often happens. But the premise sounded really good, and I love a story with siblings who actually love each other. After finishing Intangible, I can add it to my "Good Books" list!
For me, it is all about the characters, and while their are many we meet throughout the relatively short book, each stands out. Sera and Luke are my favorites, 1) because they are the protagonists, 2) they're siblings who love each other, and 3) they are really well written! I love that they share this connection which each other, one that isn't just supernatural in nature but familial as well. My next favorite would be Marc. He is a great character because you can really see the conflict he goes through. At first you think he's just a villain, but the way his character is crafted, you learn there is much more to him. He also loves coffee A LOT just like me!
The world J crafted is very realistic, even with all the supernatural elements. I love that it is set in Vermont, a state that doesn't get a lot of love. Then there are all the references to coffee shops! I find coffee shops to be a great vehicle in stories: they can be meeting places, hang outs, a stop during transit; so many options! And of course, with the realistic side, there is great mix of the supernatural. And not just one supernatural creature is in this book, but vampires, elves, and gifted humans. There are also these nasty shadows, but that's all I'm saying there. A really fun, realistic, and dangerous world is found within the pages.
Overall, this was a good read! There is a hinting at the end to where the story is going in the next book, and I am really excited to read it! Please check out the short story Intuition, and my giveaway to win an ebook copy of Intangible (link above). You won't regret it!
Extras
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Don't forget to check out the short story Intuition, a prequel to Intangible!
It's free!
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 4/5
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 44/50: B+
Author Interview with J. Meyer
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What inspired the story of Intangible?
The idea of a girl who could heal with a touch of her hand was inspired by Reiki, a hands-on alternative healing method I'm very familiar with. And one night I was flipping through a superhero encyclopedia, marveling at all the cool powers they have, and I thought "What if there were teens cropping up all over the world with special abilities? That would be SO cool!"
Oh I'm not familiar with Reiki, but after reading the book, healing by touch is definitely very cool!
There is a great mix of supernatural creatures in Intangible. What made you bring in so many?
Well, I knew I wanted vampires in it because Sera heals a vampire and transforms it back to human. But I also didn't want this to be just another vampire book. So the idea grew and expanded to include all sorts of supernatural beings--since the Realm is home to them all. I love having that whole other world to imagine and play with.
Well I loved the mix of supernatural creatures for sure!
With all the mention of coffee in the book, are coffee shops one of your favorite places?
I love coffee shops. I love the cozy, warm feel they (almost) always have--the sweet and slightly bitter smell of all sorts of coffees and concoctions as well as the baked goods that often accompany them. There's something really homey, safe, and secure about a coffee shop no matter where you are in the world. And I find it's one place you can go by yourself without feeling conspicuously BY YOURSELF, you know? I've never been terribly comfortable going to a restaurant by myself, but totally fine going solo to a coffee shop.
Coffee is probably one of my favorite vices; I drink too much of it!
Do you have any plans on writing a second book?
Yes! I'm actually working on the second book right now and have all my fingers and toes crossed that it'll be out by the end of the year.
Awesome! I can't wait to read it!
Besides fantasy, what other genres would you be interested in writing?
I don't know, maybe contemporary, but I honestly don't know if I could pull it off. I love fantasy. I love bending the rules of real life and making things happen that really can't. I love imagining magic, love the endless possibilities of the supernatural. I believe all my book ideas at the moment are fantasy, so I'm not sure I will ever write in another genre . . . but never say never. ;-)
I would look forward to any genre you want to dabble in ; )
What are some of your favorite authors and books?
The Dreamdark series by Laini Taylor
The Attolia series by Megan Whalen Turner
Chime by Frannie Billingsley
This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn by Aidan Chambers
Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore
Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
The Magic Thief series by Sarah Prineas
Some of these I haven't read; I'll have to check them out.
Besides writing, what are some other things you do?
Spend time with my family--that's my favorite thing to do. I also bake (too much), sew (a little), and knit (not enough). I read a lot (almost exclusively YA lit) and love spending time outside going for walks, hikes, skipping rocks at the lake, and taking in the splendor of nature. (Also? I love putting things in parentheses.) (I know it's hard to tell.) ;-)
Thanks so much for the interview, J! I really appreciate it!
Thank YOU, Eli! It's been fun. :-)
J. Meyers grew up in Vermont and now lives in Central New York. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s chasing her four kids around, exploring the outdoors with them, relishing the few quiet moments she gets with her husband, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. Though she cannot actually see the future nor heal with a touch of her hand, she likes to think her children believe she can. Intangible is her first novel. Check out her website, add her on Twitter, and like her on Facebook!
Bits & Pieces by Jonathan Maberry - This is the 5th book in the Rot & Ruin series, which I ADORE! It fills in the gaps missing between Benny's adventures in the main books and what was happening in the world outside of his group. Gotta love zombies during Halloween, and this is the ultimate zombie series!
Slasher Girls & Monster Boys edited by April Genevieve Tucholke - Ever since I heard about this short story collection, I've been dying to read it (pun in no way intended lol). It has some kick-ass contributors to the collection and it is all about scary things. Perfect for Halloween, and I'll probably read this first since I only have until Saturday to finish!
Asylum by Madeleine Roux - Halloween isn't complete without a good "haunted" house-esque story. This has been on my shelf for a year, so I want to read it. I have heard mixed reviews, but it definitely looks creepy to me; of course if I had to stay in an old sanatorium for summer camp I would get the HECK out of there! 
Liar of Dreams by Libba Bray - I think this book will be terrifying! With the first book, The Diviners, Bray managed to cultivate a story so creepy that I could only read it during the day. So with the next book, I'm feeling this will be the case again. I might have to read a synopsis on like Wikipedia, since it has been sooooooo long since The Diviners came out, but I think it won't matter once I'm trusted back into the story.
J. Meyers grew up in Vermont and now lives in Central New York. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s chasing her four kids around, exploring the outdoors with them, relishing the few quiet moments she gets with her husband, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. Though she cannot actually see the future nor heal with a touch of her hand, she likes to think her children believe she can. Intangible is her first novel. Check out her website, add her on Twitter, and like her on Facebook!
