Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception by Kim Harrington

publisher: Scholastic Point

release date: March 1st, 2012

hardcover, 288 pages

intended audience: Young adult

series: Clarity, book 2
(my review of book 1)

rating:



source: from publisher for honest review

description: When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

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.

Review: While normally I would post a spoiler warning for book 1, I didn't this time. The fun thing about this series is that I think each book stands strong on it's own. There is enough recapping in book two to not be lost if read alone. That said---don't skip out on either one!! These are such fast, fun mysteries and the characters are great to get to spend some time getting to know.

The small seaside town of Eastport and Clarity's family has been hit with more mystery---and this time it's threefold. A teenage musical prodigy has gone missing and the girl who knew her best has suddenly befriended Clare. A strange ghost has started hounding Clare's brother, Perry (real name, Periwinkle *giggle*). And Clare not only has the two most wanted guys in school waiting for her to decide between them, but now she finds herself being stalked by a creepy secret admirer. Perception gives more of the twists and turns that keep me guessing until the very end that I loved from Clarity. The thing that made it stand apart was that we get to see a bit more about Clare personally as she deals with her first taste of being accepted by her peers and the bit of celebrity status she's acquired from solving a murder mystery with her psychic powers. It really felt alot like a contemporary novel with just a hint of the paranormal thrown in, which actually worked really well for me. Clare is kind and strong-minded and really seems to think things through---well, except for one instance at the end, but I don't want to spoil anything! :D

Every bit as entertaining as it's predecessor, but this honestly didn't "wow" me until the last few chapters. They were pretty-edge-of-your seat exciting and the love story finally comes to a head. Phew---those poor guys, just choose one already, Clare! It finishes up perfectly---not sure if there will be a book 3, but it certainly doesn't need it. Though I wouldn't mind at least one more round with these characters!

Visit Kim Harrington's website here.

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