20th Jun
Cicada
by Belle Whittington
Series: Cicada #1
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Tour
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating: 
Summertime for Blair Reynolds and her friends had always been carefree and fun... until the summer they happened upon something that was not human. As they band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human. Something unnatural. And their survival depends entirely upon their ability to keep a secret.
Welcome to my review stop on the AToMR Blog Tour for Cicada by Belle Whittington.
Cicada is the first book, in a new series by debut author Belle Whittington. This paranormal YA takes us to a small farming community in eastern Texas. Here the author offers to share a story, if we promise to keep it a secret. Filled with likeable characters and extraterrestrial beings this novel is sure to capture your attention. I found this to be a fun, quick, and original tale surrounded in mystery.
The tale opens in the last few days of school. This is a significant time for the characters. Some are graduating and some will be left behind. The summer may just turn out to be one they never forget, as strange buildings, sightings of unidentified aircraft and crop circles bring mystery to this small quaint town. Blair Reynolds our protagonist keeps having strange reoccurring dreams and an at times an overwhelming sense of foreboding. She senses something or someone is watching them and she might be right. This is the first in a new series and it offers up a dish of mystery, laced with humor and the power of friendship.
The characters in Whittington ’s novel are an eclectic group of kids. They are all good kids and each plan to take a different path after high school. Blair is the youngest of the group and doesn’t seem to have any friends her own age. She pals around with her outgoing brother, Andrew. Andrew seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and is protective of the others. Blair and Andrew live with their mom, who runs the local bakery. Two years ago they lost their dad and Andrew’s twin brother. How they lost them was shrouded in mystery. Everett, the bug boy and self-proclaimed nerd was my favorite character. He was so sweet and we got to see him grow throughout the novel. I pictured him as a young nerdy Clark Kent. Other friends rounded out their group making them interesting. Blair is going to be a senior and despite her never care, brave exterior, she is very young emotionally. We do see some growth in her and I came to care about her but never complete connected with her.
The world-building was both fascinating and frustrating. Whittington immediately drew me into the story with her opening, and I connected with most of characters. I loved the mystery surrounding things and the tale developed at a steady pace. I was even delighted by the romance that began as a friendship. What frustrated me were all the questions and lack of detail. The book hints at secrets, but gave none of them up. I really would have liked to have seen everything fleshed out and hopefully Firefly provides answers. Whittington’s writing style was wonderful and she gave the pages life. She delivers a clear message of the power of friendship and teamwork. The ending left me excited to read the next installment.
Cicada is a fine start to a new, original series, and fans of Paranormal YA should find it delightful. The novel itself is around two hundred pages and can easily be consumed in a single evening. The next book in this series
Firefly will be released sometime this year.
Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages
Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
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Michelle
I reviewed this book a few months back (maybe more) and I agree with the lack of answers. I remember liking the book but also being frustrated a few times throughout too. It certainly was interesting, thanks for the great review!
The Literary Darling
I am very interested in this book! I keep seeing it around and it looks like a great read! Not a believer though! LOL Great review!
Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf
This one definitely was very different and interesting but also frustrating…I couldn’t agree more!
Amanda Collins
This book.sounds so good, I am looking forward to reading it
Kristin
Great balanced review! I can tell from your review it’s worth the read!! Goin’ on the TBR…
Paige
Everett was my favorite character too! I can’t wait to find out what happens with him and Blair in the next book =)
~Paige @ Comfort Books
Blodeuedd
Oh no, questions and lack of detail..yes those things drive me insane
Sally
Ooh- thanks for the chance to win this- this one has been on my radar for a while now!
laura thomas
I really enjoyed your review. If I do not win this, I’ll be heading over to buy it. I am hooked.
Heidi
I have been seeing this cover around and was wondering. Sounds like a promising read despite the lack of detail and the lid on the secrets. Glad the ending was worth the ride. I totally want an electonic firefly in a jar!
GMR
Great review! Certainly sounds like an interesting read though I’m not certain on the crop circles and sitings bit. Haven’t read but one alien book and wasn’t that impressed. Hmm, will have to ponder. The cover is certainly striking though. Thanks for sharing!
Tami
Took me two days to read: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer. It was really, really good. I didn’t think I’d like it until I read your review. Thanks so much!
Linny
Nice review! Sorry, that you didn’t fully enjoy this book, but I always love the alien stuff haha. I might have to give it a go sometime. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
Carla B.
Wow! Thanks! I’ve been looking for this book since like forever. BTW, great review.
Belle
Many warm thanks to Kimba for her kind, heartfelt review and to all the lovely readers he have stopped by to read it and leave such wonderful comments!
~Belle
Mrs Q Book Addict
I love the cover of this one. I haven’t really seen many reviews of this one. Great review!
Anna
I hadn’t heard of something, thanks for the review! I think sometimes the struggle with series is to intrigue the reader by what’s still to come, but to also give each book a somewhat satisfying resolution.
Nick
I’ve seen this book around and I’m really interested in reading it. The characters in the book seem really interesting and it’s great that the world building is fascinating. I can understand why you would be frustrated by the lack of some answers. Great review, Kimberly ! 🙂
Celine
Ooo! I think I’ve heard of this book before but never actually got the chance to read it. It actually sounds really interesting!
Awesome review, Kimba! <3 Glad you enjoyed it!