Friday, December 11, 2015

Review: Shade Me by Jennifer Brown

Title: Shade Me
Author: Jennifer Brown
Series: Book One in the Nikki Kill Series
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books (January 19, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
My Rating: 3.5-4 Stars


Book Description:
Nikki Kill does not see the world like everyone else. In her eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray. Thanks to a rare phenomenon called synesthesia, Nikki’s senses overlap, in a way that both comforts and overwhelms her.

Always an outsider, just one ‘D’ shy of flunking out, Nikki’s life is on the fast track to nowhere until the night a mysterious call lights her phone up bright orange—the color of emergencies. It’s the local hospital. They need Nikki to identify a Jane Doe who is barely hanging on to life after a horrible attack.

The victim is Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from Nikki’s school who Nikki hardly knows. One thing is clear: Someone wants Peyton dead. But why? And why was Nikki’s cell the only number in Peyton’s phone?

As she tries to decipher the strange kaleidoscope of clues, Nikki finds herself thrust into the dark, glittering world of the ultra-rich Hollis family, and drawn towards Peyton’s handsome, never-do-well older brother Dru. While Nikki’s colors seem to help her unravel the puzzle, what she can’t see is that she may be falling into a trap. The only truth she can be sure of is that death is a deep, pulsing crimson.

Shade Me is award-winning author Jennifer Brown’s first book in a thrilling suspense series about Nikki Kill. 








It is so nice when you find a YA book that is not only fun but has a totally new, totally fun concept behind it, not to mention an action fueled mystery.

Synesthesia was not new to me but in truth I didn't know a ton about it and this is the first time I can remember reading about it so that was a totally new experience for me and I loved it. 

There were so many good aspects to this story that were interesting and kept me turning the pages. The mystery wasn't totally unpredictable but it was a good one and still kept me guessing at times.

And while I didn't totally love Nikki, she was a bit abrupt, violent, and sometimes impulsive, I still couldn't help but like her. Even when she made some pretty stupid choices, it was hard not feeling for her. The girl has some trust issues and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear why.

I'm so glad this is going to be a series because I really am hoping they delve more into the mystery of her mom's murder in the next book, I just know so much ties into this story and I know they are some things that Nikki has yet to learn about her family.

Overall, this was a pretty solid start to what I think will be a pretty fun, different, and somewhat original series.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review*

51 comments:

  1. I agree it's awesome to have something unique, mainly in YA where we can find so many books!

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    1. Yes and this was definitely something different.

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  2. I'll look into this one, though it probably won't make it onto my Top 20 TBR. I already have 3 more of those waiting for me after I finish the current one! Thanks for the great review!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and when you do try it, I hope you enjoy it!

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  3. Great review Ali and i've never heard of it before. I'm off to google it right now!
    thanks

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  4. Ooh fun and new! I was looking at the list of books I have to read for next month and this was in it so I'm really excited to see you liked it. I didn't know it was a series though but I'm all for it if it's a well-written story.
    Lovely review, Ali!

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  5. Hmm. I like the concept of this one for sure Ali, but I'm a little wary of Nikki I think. I'm glad you could understand why she made some poor decisions, but I can't help but think I'll still be frustrated with her. I'm going to wait on this one until the next book is out, but fantastic review as always!

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  6. This one is coming up next week on my review list. I love YA books of this genre, so I hope that I enjoy it. Great review!

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  7. I've not read a YA thriller before but this one looks intriguing. Adding it to my TBR list.

    Simply Angela

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  8. Interesting - I don't think I've ever read a book about this phenomenon either. I have a hard time with unlikable main characters sometimes, though, so I'm not sure this one would be for me. I'll have to keep an eye out for more reviews.

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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  9. I hadn't heard of this one before but it sounds like something I would like! I love mysteries!

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    1. It was a good mystery if not a bit predictable at times.

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  10. I am always up for new and different. Happy weekend, Ali.

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  11. Flawed but engaging I see. However she has qualities that I don't like in my heroine so I'll pass. Happy weekend, Ali!

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    1. No worries, I don't think she is for everyone. ;)

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  12. What an interesting premises, I think I remember you sharing this book in one of your WoW posts. I'm wondering if the book actually dives into the quirks and perks of synesthesia without leaving any room for questions. Glad to hear you enjoyed it nonetheless :)

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  13. At least you found some redemption in the character even if it was only reasons she was like that. Hm... I'm curious to see how I would react to this character as well.

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    1. She did have redeeming qualities which is good and I have a feeling she will only get better.

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  14. This does sound different, I will be anxious to see how the next book is received.

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  15. It is so hard to find new concepts in YA! So glad you enjoyed this!

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  16. I have this to review so I hope I like this one a little more because I'm really excited! Glad you at least enjoyed it!

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  17. I've thought it would be cool to read about where someone had synesthesia for awhile now. Glad you enjoyed this overall!

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    1. It was really interesting to learn about for sure.

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  18. Oh yay! I had no idea this was going to be a series. I'm not sure that's necessarily a good thing (since I often shy away from series) but as you're saying with the ending, it will be nice to get more, I'm sure. Looking forward to reading this asap! :)

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  19. This one sounds very appealing to me with its mystery and the Synesthes aspect (new to me), and it sounds like Nikki, though not your favorite heroine, grew on you. I'm going to keep this on my tbr list.
    Hope you have a fantastic weekend, Ali!! :)

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  20. This sounds very interesting!! I love books that teach you something new. Love the sound of the mystery too.

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  21. I'm glad you got past Nikki's issues and managed to find something to like about her. I don't know if I could be as generous.

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    1. You never know. ;) She wasn't that unlikable honestly. just made some weird choices sometimes.

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  22. I definitely need to read this. I love anything new, different, and unique. Fantastic review! <3

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  23. Nikki sounds feisty, lol. I so need to read this.

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  24. I was so intrigued by the synopsis that I googled synesthesia. So it might not be exactly what she's written, but I like the idea of real science behind it.

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    1. Yeah not exactly but I love the concept and that it was something different for sure.

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  25. I had no idea Brown had a new series coming out. I usually expect a contemporary read from her, but I like how she is branching out to a new genre. I'm not really sure about the concept being that different from the actual science, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

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  26. I really want to try this because it sounds so different, I hope I end up liking it!

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