Clarity (Clarity #1)

I'm feeling rather conflicted about Clarity. It was an enjoyable read overall and I loved that it kept me guessing until the end, but there were a few things that really annoyed me.

First of all, Clarity. I understand the whole tough exterior/soft interior thing, but the "I-hate-you-I-love-you" thing with both guys was really annoying. I can see her side of it all, but I couldn't connect with it so it just made Clare seem all wishy-washy and annoying. She was also very conveniently dumb sometimes. I mean, there was a part towards the end where she was all "something's not right, but I can't figure it out" and it had to do with her powers! I mean, come on, her power is her thing, you know, she shouldn't be thrown off by something that is such a part of her.

I thought I had a problem with some little things here and there that just didn't seem to fit in with the story, but it is a mystery, after all, and everything did get cleared up nicely. That being said, there was a good amount of setup for the sequel and I'm quite looking forward to it. For all you cliffhanger haters out there, let me assure you that this one doesn't fall in that category. Like I said, everything wraps up nicely so it could be a standalone, but there's a good tease to leave you wanting to enter Clarity's small town of Eastport once again.

I quite loved the characters. Though I would absolutely hate having a mom who could read my thoughts, it made some very entertaining moments. Justin was really interesting too. I thought I was supposed to hate him, but then he was all gooey and sweet. I'm totally team Jason all the way :] Nate was a great sidekick/friend too and I'm really hoping for more of him in the sequel.

Final Thoughts: Though there were some things that annoyed me along the way, Clarity is definitely worth the read (especially since it's been optioned for a tv show!). It has a little paranormal with a mix of mystery and just a little dash of romance.

First of all, I have a small confession. You know that saying "Don't judge a book by its cover"? That totally doesn't adhere to me - at least, with real books. (Don't worry, guys, I don't stick stereotypes on new people I meet or any of that nonsense.) As a rule, I'm not fond of models on covers - they just look so...fake and unlike real teens that it's hard to attach myself to the storyline or the character inside, because that image is already stuck in my mind.

Clarity's cover is digitally created, which is just as bad because it's...just bad. At least to me. I currently have the book next to me, face down, because I can't stand the girl on the cover staring at me. Paranoid much? I don't think so.

The book covers...they always watch you. *cue creepy music*

Alright. Clarity is one of those reads I wish I had more good things to say about, because I was really looking forward to it. The first chapter starts out well enough. We meet Clarity "Clare" Fern. She, her brother and her mom are psychics by trade. Unlike most night crawlers with neon signs and crystal balls, however, they really do have special abilities. Mommy Fern can read minds; Perry can conjure up spirits; and the heroine herself can read the memories left behind on objects.

Convenient, right? Especially when a killer strikes, leaving a young tourist dead in a motel room with a lack of evidence and too many questions. To me, this was the part when the novel started to make its descent into "Kaye does not approve" territory. Perry is a total womanizer. His own sister makes it clear from the moment that he enters the novel. Unfortunately for him - and the reader - it isn't the last we hear of it. The woman who died was his last fling, and he's the number one suspect. The author tries to drum up sympathy for him throughout the plot, but really...I cannot tolerate a guy with a lack of morals. Call me old-fashioned, but isn't there still a guy out there who believes in monogamy and fidelity and all that good stuff?

Of course, there is also the (rather weak, in my opinion) love triangle tossed in as well - Clare's ex-boyfriend Justin who cheated on her and realized he can't live without her, so he wants her to take him back (gag) and the new detective's "smoldering" son who apparently attracts her with his constant mysterious "I like you, but I can't because you're a phony and...my past...I just...I can't" (chokes up manfully).

As you can see, I don't go easy on male characters in novels. YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT HIM, GIRLS. WAIT FOR THE ONE WHO HOLDS OPEN YOUR DOOR AND DOESN'T EYE THE WAITRESS OVER THE ENTREES. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!