Review - Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington

Title: Perception

Author: Kim Harrington

Series: 2nd (Clarity)

Pages: 288

Published:  March 1st 2012 by Scholastic

ISBN:  9780545230537

Source: Around The World Tours

Description:  Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.  Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.  But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?  One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

 I Give This ...

 

There's something about Clare that will keep me coming back for more.  I love her character.  I find her endearing, charming, and all around great person to read about.

While Clare might not like the spotlight the events of book one have put her under, I actually think it's helped her come out of her shell a little bit.  She seems to know who to trust overall, even though events lead to doubt those around her.  I love that she knows what type of people the popular girls are, but basks in the limelight just a little bit.  I think it helps see what a wonderful person she is.  I'm also very happy to see that she's made some friends outside of Justin and her brother.

I love this new popularity in YA mysteries.  It's always been one of my favorites genres, but something that doesn't get a lot of play in the young adult world.  I like the element of Clare's families abilities.  It's a different twist to the story.  It's not just good old fashioned detective work that gets the mystery solved.  I also enjoyed the Clare likes to help people with the problems to the point that it draws some extremely unwanted attention to herself.  I had it pegged who the culprit was, but I still enjoyed the buildup to get there.

One of my favorites parts of this story was the romance.  I like Justin, but I'm so proud of Clare for being so hesitant when he wants to get back together.  Although, I was surprised to learn the true circumstances on the night he cheated.   I don't think it changed my opinion of him very much though.  Probably because I love Gabriel.   I love that he doesn't push Clare into making a decision.  But, he is sure to tell exactly were she stands and what he wants.   I think Clare needed that push to make a decision.  

Great read and I can't wait for the next one!

Clarity (Clarity #1) by Kim Harrington

Title: Clarity

Author: Kim Harrington

Series: 1st in planned series

Pages: 256

Published: Available March 1, 2011 by Scholastic

ISBN: 9780545230506

Source: Book It Forward Tours

Description: When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

I Give This ...

 

I really had no expectations going into this book.  The cover intrigued me and the description sounded like it might have something new to offer.  I was so glad to get a chance to review it for Book It Forward Tours.

I really enjoyed Clare's fresh voice.  She's only 16, but I seriously had to remind myself of that constantly.  It's not that she acted older than she is, because there's is definitely some teenage moments.  It's all about her attitude and her sense of self.  She's had to deal with everyone else thinking her family are freaks.  It's made her a stronger person and it shows.  I love her witty comebacks.  Her family may be strange, but I actually really loved how each of them has their own talent.  It made each of their personalities unique and how they functioned together as a whole really interesting.

I also really enjoyed the who done it mystery.  It was really well played out.  I liked how the official investigation was different than the one going on behind the scenes.  It had that Nancy Drew mystery feel with the teenagers being the ones to figure it out.  Add in the paranormal elements, and it was just a lot of fun.  I had no idea who the real killer was until the end, so that's always a plus!  

My only problem (and it's such a tiny complaint)... I wish it was longer!  I didn't want it to end.  So, fantastic and fun debut for Kim Harrington.  I can't wait to read more!