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    Haven
    Haven
    Haven
    Ebook324 pages4 hours

    Haven

    By Kristi Cook

    3.5/5

    ()

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    About this ebook

    A breathtaking paranormal romance about boarding school students with special powers is now in paperback.

    Violet McKenna thought she was crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder—but when her premonition came true, her life fell apart. Then she found a new school. At Winterhaven, Violet fits right in. All the students have special “gifts” like her own, and she quickly finds a close group of friends. But Violet’s attraction to an alluring boy becomes problematic when intense visions of his death start to haunt her. In her premonitions, the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself—and the unbelievable becomes reality. To Violet’s horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a crictical—and deadly—way.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
    Release dateFeb 22, 2011
    ISBN9781442407626
    Haven
    Author

    Kristi Cook

    Kristi Cook also publishes adult titles under the names Kristina Cook and Kristi Astor. Her YA novels include Haven, Mirage, Eternal, and Magnolia. Kristi lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at Kristi-Cook.com.

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    Reviews for Haven

    3.5/5

    166 ratings33 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This was such a good book. I loved everything about it.
    • 4/5
      What a great read it had everything, I'm so glad I read this book. If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on Novel Star, just submit your story to hardy@novelstar.top or joye@novelstar.top
    • 4/5
      The only reason I am giving this book 4 stars and not 5 is because there were just way too many similarities to most other vampire stories that I have read. Without giving away too much; Violet is a wonderful character and her visions are almost reminiscent of Alice (Twilight). The mind reading from Aidan brings in Edward. Don't get me wrong, I loved the story, and couldn't stop reading once I started. I was up till almost 4 in the morning just to finish it.
      The love story between Violet and Aidan, is just like every other vampire human love story, and that fact that at times he wants so much more but apparently has Iron Clad control (Edward) and refuses to let things go farther than he can handle. There were so many similarities between Haven and Twilight, Buffy, Evernight and even some Vampire Diaries thrown in there, I almost forgot that I was reading an entirely different story altogether. The similarities don't really take anything away from the story, but if you are wanting something new then this might not be the book for you.
      The gifts of the other students add another element to the story, and come in handy in more ways than one throughout the book. Violet's friends really stick by her and show what a true friend is, even in a world of "freaks" The ending leaves something to be desired, I wish there were more to read and I am really hoping for a sequel.
    • 3/5
      I liked Kristi Cook's debut novel Haven. Haven seemed to be a combination of a lot of elements that I really liked from other books. The MC Violet has a gift, although it doesn't seem like much of a gift to her since she has absolutely no control over how it affects her and while she just wants to fit in, her "gift" continues to make her stand out and not in a good way. When her step-mother decides to move to NY, Violet thinks that maybe things could be different. She feels drawn to Winterhaven, a private school, where she hopes she can finally find a place for herself. Turns out that Winterhaven is hiding some secrets as well, such as, all of the students there are "gifted" in one way or another, and some of the students just may not be what they seem at all. While Winterhaven's classes are just normal acadamia and don't really address the student's special abilities, Violet has a tutor that trys to help her gain some control over her gift, or at least learn how to utilize it more effectively. In the mean time, Violet is thrilled to find herself part of a lively group of girls and even drawing the attention of the most mysterious boy at school. Just as Violet thinks that she's finally found all that she's been hoping for, things seem to veer far off course and she finds herself part of some prophetic paranormal showdown and nothing is what she thought it was.

      I really enjoyed reading about the school. Winterhaven and the students were what fascinated me most about Haven. The different gifts and the ways in which they were used was really well thought out and intriguing. I thought that the characters were likable enough but could have had a bit more depth. I was a bit disappointed about Violet's love interest Aiden, but that is only because I didn't expect Haven to go in that direction and that wasn't really the kind of book I wanted to read. There was, of course, the immediate obsessive attraction, boy sees girl, boy can't stay away even though he tries to for her own sake. Those were the few eye-rolling elements for me. However, the plot was entertaining and kept me involved in the story.

      While I would not describe Haven as a fast-paced page turner, it moved along at a steady enough pace to prevent me from wanting to put the book down. I liked the characters but wanted to understand them a little more. The plot was interesting if not entirely original, there were some unusual twists here and there. Overall, I think this was a solid debut novel from Kristi Cook and I look forward to reading more from this author.
    • 2/5
      Wow was this sloooooow book. The heroine was extremely dull, her visions seemed quite useless. The story had a lot of potential, but didn't deliver. So many fun adventures could have been had, but instead we were bombarded with a not-so-exciting girls' obsession with a boy she barely knew (totally didn't buy the whole destiny thing - wasn't feeling it at all). I won't read the other books as I simply don't care what happens to any of the characters.
    • 4/5
      Very good
    • 5/5
      I first read this as one of two free reads on PulseIt a few years ago and have been searching for the sequel ever since. A truly enjoyable book that held me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I can't wait to reread it before reading the sequel and then the third book.
    • 3/5
      I liked Kristi Cook's debut novel Haven. Haven seemed to be a combination of a lot of elements that I really liked from other books. The MC Violet has a gift, although it doesn't seem like much of a gift to her since she has absolutely no control over how it affects her and while she just wants to fit in, her "gift" continues to make her stand out and not in a good way. When her step-mother decides to move to NY, Violet thinks that maybe things could be different. She feels drawn to Winterhaven, a private school, where she hopes she can finally find a place for herself. Turns out that Winterhaven is hiding some secrets as well, such as, all of the students there are "gifted" in one way or another, and some of the students just may not be what they seem at all. While Winterhaven's classes are just normal acadamia and don't really address the student's special abilities, Violet has a tutor that trys to help her gain some control over her gift, or at least learn how to utilize it more effectively. In the mean time, Violet is thrilled to find herself part of a lively group of girls and even drawing the attention of the most mysterious boy at school. Just as Violet thinks that she's finally found all that she's been hoping for, things seem to veer far off course and she finds herself part of some prophetic paranormal showdown and nothing is what she thought it was.

      I really enjoyed reading about the school. Winterhaven and the students were what fascinated me most about Haven. The different gifts and the ways in which they were used was really well thought out and intriguing. I thought that the characters were likable enough but could have had a bit more depth. I was a bit disappointed about Violet's love interest Aiden, but that is only because I didn't expect Haven to go in that direction and that wasn't really the kind of book I wanted to read. There was, of course, the immediate obsessive attraction, boy sees girl, boy can't stay away even though he tries to for her own sake. Those were the few eye-rolling elements for me. However, the plot was entertaining and kept me involved in the story.

      While I would not describe Haven as a fast-paced page turner, it moved along at a steady enough pace to prevent me from wanting to put the book down. I liked the characters but wanted to understand them a little more. The plot was interesting if not entirely original, there were some unusual twists here and there. Overall, I think this was a solid debut novel from Kristi Cook and I look forward to reading more from this author.
    • 4/5
      Library Summary: "Violet McKenna's life started falling apart when a premonition of her father's murder came true, but at a new school, Winterhaven, she finds friends with psychic gifts and an alluring boy whose destiny is entwined with hers in a critical--and deadly--way." I just finished reading this book and all I can say is...OMG!!!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!!!!Now for those of you that have read this book, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that this is a rip off of Twilight. But it is a much better love story than Twilight ever was. At least it is in my opinion. Not that I don't like Twilight. I recommend this to all those people who love Twilight.
    • 3/5
      This book has all the elements to be great, a troubled protagonist, a hot boy with dark secrets, and a villain with the plot to destroy. Everything was there and it was a good book, slow at first but gaining steady momentum. But there was just something thats kept from loving it. I think it may be underdeveloped characters. Violet and Aidan, along with Violets friends have a good base to start from but you don't get to know any of them in depth which kept me from really caring what happened to them either way. Everything was there but i was still left.......wanting. Im giving this book 3 stars out of 5.
    • 4/5
      A twilight knock-off but in some ways much better. My 1st read by this author and I was pretty impressed. I look forward to reading others and in continuing this series as well.
    • 5/5
      WOW! I don’t even know where to begin…I am one of those people that judges a book by its cover. The minute I saw the cover for Haven I was pulled right in and I just had to get my hands on a copy. When I was given the chance to read Haven by the author herself, I was ecstatic. It was simply one of those books that you just KNOW is going to be good.Well, it was good alright, in fact it was more then good! It was AMAZING! I loved everything about it! From the first page to the very end, I was glued to the words. I probably would have finished reading Haven in less than a day if it wasn't for work. The story started off one way, and completely took a turn into another. I actually found myself saying "oh snap!" out loud LOL. Didn't see that coming at all!Violet arrives at Winterhaven just expecting it to be like any other school. She quickly makes new friends and falls right into place. Not long after her arrival she captures the attention of Aidan Grey. Aidan is a student at Winterhaven who doesn’t really converse much with anyone. He’s a mystery to everyone and this makes him even more intriguing. I quickly fell in love with Aidan and Violet's relationship. The way their feelings developed made me want to fall in love all over again. I found myself in awe throughout most of the story. I feel like I am going to keep repeating myself about how much I loved their relationship. Aidan was just perfect in every single way.I highly recommend you read Haven by Kristi Cook. From the writing to the characters, and the CRAZY ending, it’s one big emotional roller coaster. And I mean this in a good way. I loved it and I don’t know how many times I can say I LOVED HAVEN! A Definite Must Read!
    • 4/5
      I liked this one. It was very much as it is advertised: X-men meets Twilight. The idea may not be original but it is executed in an interesting way none the less and I found it much better than other books of the same idea. I liked the characters and while Aidan's character is a bit aloof, I liked him better than I thought. I wasn't just interested in the romance of the story but the actual plot and thought it was so much fun! It reminded me a lot of Buffy and that's a good thing! Good book, can't wait for the sequel!
    • 4/5
      Dear readers of YA fiction, I'm so happy to let you know that "Haven" is great fun to read and relax with! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can recommend it without reservation to both tweens and teens, as well as YAs. Of course, those of us who like to enjoy a soft read into the realms of the psychic and paranormal will love it, too. Violet, the darling primary character, is a girl not too full of herself or too involved in her ability to forsee the future through dreams/visions. In fact, her ability scares her and makes her a sort of outcast at school. She's just an ordinary girl; however, being an orphan also leaves her in the extraordinary position of needing friends and someone to care about her. When her step-mother gives her a choice of boarding schools, Violet is drawn inexplicably to Winterhaven. Arriving at her new school, Violent finds there's something odd about it and the students and faculty... She's not quite sure she "fits" here, either. This alone makes her a bit vulnerable, but when she meets Aidan, a gorgeous and mysterious boy in a couple of her classes, she's smitten...so is he. Thus begins Violet's adjustment to Winterhaven, and its adjustment to her! Kristi Cook is the perfect writer for this genre. She carefully balances the fanciful, the dark, mysterious ebbs and flows of the paranormal, and love interests of the many. Teens and tweens will find her book all they need to set them daydreaming! Characters are fully drawn with quite thoroughly decided relationships to each other. Each one has specific "skills," personalities, connections that are well defined, and can stand alone. In that they are interesting in and of themselves, it makes for a wonderful cast for Kristi's second novel in this series. Aidan will take your breath away. Ms Cook leaves no stone unturned to make him the vampire of your dreams. Golden haired, glistening-slivertoned eyes, a hunk if we've ever read of one! He's sensitive and manly at the same time. Oh, give me room to fall...I'm falling!! I'll take one, please... This is a book that's perfect for a quiet weekend. Why not this weekend? Both you and your special girl(s) will love it. Just don't leave it laying around before you've finished it.
    • 3/5
      This book felt like a combination of other young adult novels; it was a mix of Twilight and The Sookie Stackhouse Series. It could have definitely had a stronger plot and more developed characters. It wasn't what I expected, with a slow plot and an abrupt ending. I guess if there's a sequel I will try it, but I wasn't too impressed with this book.
    • 4/5
      While this book drags at some parts and I think the characters were a bit underdeveloped, I really enjoyed the story and the twists that went along with it. I hope that there is a sequel and we get to find out if a cure was ever found and whether Aiden and Violet get to spend their lives together quietly. Not a book that I would recommend for the beach or a long trip as I had to take quite a few breaks in it because I felt bogged down by the pace.
    • 2/5
      I feel like Haven had the potential to be very awesome, but a good portion of it was just too familiar for me to completely enjoy the book. I've come to expect at least a certain degree of predictability in YA, but I also look forward to seeing how authors can make familiar tropes seem fresh in their story. Unfortunately, Haven had my undivided attention for quite some time. It was easy to find myself comparing certain storylines and characters to some I've previously encountered in other works. The relationship between Violet and Aidan, while reminiscent of Edward and Bella (one of my favorite couples), didn't quite click for me in the same way. Their relationship felt rushed, and yet I failed to feel any real urgency or heat between the two. The twist in their relationship would have been interesting...had it not played a major role on a certain TV show months before. Plus, the attempt of explanation for it felt weak. It was difficult to warm up to the characters on their own, too. The Aidan effect failed to dazzle me and Violet felt very immature; I never got a real sense of growth from her. The Sabbat storyline was a turning point, but it was only introduced halfway through the book and, even then, not fully explored. I guess there's always a sequel?The ending felt abrupt. The "big bad" was also only introduced towards the end, but there was a buildup to his arrival so I expected an epic showdown. It was all over within a page or so - I actually looked back to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped over some pages in between. Very anti-climatic. There were parts of the book that I did enjoy - I did, after all, speed through it pretty quickly - and I'm curious enough to maybe pick up future sequels but, ultimately, the execution of Haven just didn't work for me
    • 4/5
      After the death of her father, Violet's stepmother informs her that she is going to boarding school. With a new high powered job, Patsy feels that it's the best thing for Violet. Given several choices, Violet is drawn to Winterhave in upstate New York.Winterhave is rather posh, and rather gothic, and Violet senses from the first day, that there is something rather odd about it as well. But she feels at home immediately. Upon meeting her new roommate, Cece, she feels that her life is going to change for the better.On teh first day of calsses, she hmeets Aiden Gray - the dark, brooding, and incredibly hot, aiden Gray. Aiden has the power to make all the girls at Winterhave weak in the kneeds just by being in their presence..including Violet. But there is something different about the way he stears at her from across the classroom. There is something different about all the students at Winterhaven. Violet begins to feel that she isn't as much of a freak as her old classmates thought, and that her gifts are not a curse. But will these gifts make her life, and those of her friends, more dangerious? Can she learn to control them to save her Winterhaven friends from an unknown foe?No racy contentFst pacedWell developed plot and charactersNot too much detail - gets right into the story - and sets a plausable sceneSuspensful and exciting!
    • 5/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you like paranormal romances, you'll find this to be a solid read. It isn't my absolute favorite, but the plot was really interesting, the characters were fabulous, and the writing was pretty darn good. I have none of my semi-usual negative comments this genre tends to attract. The main character is a strong female who never became stupid simply to advance the plot. The love story seems genuine and the characters are fully fleshed out. The novel is meant to be the first of three, but it has a satisfying ending and won't make you crazy that you have to wait for the next one. The book has a beginning, middle, and end, which ties up the plot and yet leaves room for more story to be told. And yes, it is a vampire(ish) novel, but it's not just a vampire novel, so I don't know why everyone is complaining that it is a Twilight clone. I found minimal similarities between this and Twilight. If you don't like to read books with a vampire in it, then maybe you shouldn't read them... Just saying.My only qualm that I see others have picked up on, is that the cover art has literally nothing to do with the story. The characters never talk about, think about, or touch books or butterflies ... so I'm not really sure why they are on the cover. But definitely, this book was pretty great.
    • 4/5
      Warning: Spoilers followApparently my capacity for books with vampires in them is infinite! I was willing to bet that I wouldn't enjoy Haven, because I thought I'd had my fill of vampire-mortal Twilight knock offs, but I was wrong. Here's why I liked it: I liked the "gifts" possessed by her friends, and liked the idea of an X-men like kind of school where those who are different can be accepted. It's a universal theme, and what's not to like. I liked that even within this haven, there was still a scorned group, the shifters, and that Violet did something about that when the opportunity arose. I liked the reaction of her friends when Violet first starts seeing Aidan; their curiosity and their teasing because it seemed completely natural. Gifted or not, budding love inspires the same reactions. I also liked that later on in the book, there was an explanation for why they Violet was so instantly attracted to Aiden. Some reviewers have criticized the speed with which they fall for each other, but it is explained once you know more details of a Sabbat, and I liked that too.I liked the source of the conflict; that someone, Julius, would be threatened by someone and act on it, without even checking out the details to find out if a cure really would be a threat to him. The science geek in me even liked the idea of vampirism being a parasitic disease. So, even though there were multiple similarities to many other vampire romance in a school novels I've read, Evernight comes to mind first, I still enjoyed reading this one, and am willing to be that the YA readers at my school do as well. I'm betting that once it is borrowed, I won't see if back on the shelf until the end of the year.The thing I didn't like at all was the cover. Usually, I can look at the cover after I've read a book and discern why certain features have been chosen, but in this case, I'm completely baffled. There is NO significance or reference in Haven to a butterfly resting on a closed book. On the back of the cover, there is, what looks like, a huge moth, which again has NOTHING to do with the book. I'm seriously annoyed by the choices on the cover. I don't give "book jacket" assignments to my students, but if I did, and one of them handed in the Haven cover, it would be an epic failure.
    • 1/5
      Apparently all YA books now are all the same thing. A girl starts in a new school, normally a boarding school, where she meets some new friends, she will feel accepted, she is not a freak anymore, and she will fall in love with the hottest guy in the school, who is also in love with her, but he is always keeping secrets because he wants to protect her. In less than a paragraph I just told you what this book is about. My first impression was good. I liked the way the author starts the story about Violet. Even though this part remembered me Fallen by Lauren Kate. I also liked the part when she discovers what is the main purpose of the school, something that also made me remember Dark Mirror by P.J. Putney, where the main character also has a "gift". Later comes the hottest guy, who is a combination of DanielFromFallen-EdwardFromTwillight. Like you see, this book is a big mix of different books. But hey, until here, I was happy with the story.What made me change my mind? Well... Too many cliches. After two hundred pages reading about Violet, who is worried why her two days boyfriend don't tell her what is going on, I just got bored. I can accept some similarities, but not a whole book full of them. Also, no development. Any. The story is about all the time how she met him, how she feels about him, why is he keeping secrets from her, and their amazing connection.Their romance, even though all the story is about it, it's weak. Not convincing. They meet and the fall immediately. No realistic, not even romantic. And later, the story turns in something completely different. SPOILER The main character Aidan is a vampire. OMFG! C'mon guys! The story looked really good, and now is catastrophic. Everything was good in a school of kids with special abilities. It was a good idea! What the hell is a vampire doing there? I thought for a moment that I had changed the book without noticing! That I was reading a different story or a really bad joke. I'm so disappointed. END OF SPOILERIn my opinion, this book doesn't even deserve a rating. I'm giving it just one star, because of the effort of the author, because it is not easy to write a book or create a story. 1/5
    • 4/5
      At first I thought that the premonition plot had been used way too much the same way but then I read more of it and became hooked. Because it's a SCHOOL of people with different powers ("We don't like to use that word"), I felt it was a different take on the overused storyline. I loved this book.
    • 4/5
      ** spoiler alert ** ...I loved the cover! It is truly aesthetically pleasing to any book reader. It's the reason I picked up the book. The book itself, was disappointing. I'd just like to say now that the book has nothing what-so-ever to do with the cover. I was hoping for something more and I had high expectations from everyone else's reviews. Sadly I thought it was too much like Twilight. Strange hot guy, girl who's "special", and the first meeting where they "connect". I was so disapointed when I found out I had read half the book to read another vamp. book. Their conversations were lacking and the book had dialogue I, nor any of my friends would say. Aidan and Violet's relationship included studying, a few dates and kisses. Even when Aidan keeps leaving and ignoring her, they fall in love. It felt as if it was more lust than love. She even ditches her friends for Aidan. ...I did like some parts of the book. It's a more different twist on vampires and psychic gifts. I liked the plot, but I wished Cook would have embellished it a bit more. Over all, I'd give it a 3.5 and recommend the book for vamp. fans. Just get it from your library, if you're not sure.
    • 4/5
      Loved this book and all of its characters especially Aidan and Violet...
    • 5/5
      What a fun book. I love a book that I really like all the characters from the first time they enter the book. Violet is fun, she is a great character and has always felt out-of-place in her own skin and around others because of the visions that hit her when she least expects it. So not only does she zone out but she can frequently see when bad things are going to happen to those around her. And this is bad enough but when she tries to tell people they never believe her. So Violet feels very out-of-place until she sees the brochure for Winterhaven. It calls to her and when she starts at the school she quickly finds out why. At Winterhaven, Violet is not alone. Everyone there has a special ability and finally Violet feels like she is at home. With a great roommate, who is a lot of fun herself, CeeCee and several other girls that quickly befriend her, she is part of a group and happy for the first time in a long time.Add into the mix a handsome, mysterious boy who seems to have eyes only for her (even though he spends a lot of time in the chemistry lab) and Violet is just about in Heaven. Then the visions start and things get a little weird. But I won't give any more away - you have to read it.Fun characters, a plot that sucks you in and great storytelling make Haven one of my favorite YA books this year. It comes out today so I suggest you get a hold of this one. I am hoping there will be more in the series. The book ties itself up well but it also lends itself to a series. I was impressed with this book - it's light fun yet serious at times too. It's a very enjoyable read, that I would read again in a heartbeat - I loved being immersed in the world of Winterhaven and the students and teachers there.
    • 4/5
      I find it really interesting when a book, even though it falls into the category of paranormal genres, the characters in it are still very much tangible and can be easily to relate with. And if you’re looking for a book just like that, look no further because Haven is the book for you!Haven took me by surprise. At first, I honestly thought I wouldn't enjoy this book but apparently I was wrong. What really draws me into reading this book was the premise; I simply love the idea of a boarding school for “gifted” teenagers and it’s not just a boarding school for a certain supernatural ability, every possible teenager with supernatural abilities are present. And also I like how tangible the scenes are, Kristi Cook's powerful writing has brought this fascinating and intriguing world of Violet into life. I can't wait to read more from her.As for the characters, I enjoyed Violet as a protagonist. I think she’s a very interesting girl and everyone can totally relate to her. She has the strength of character and she’s very human as well despite the fact that she can see the future and that she’s another ‘thing’ that I’m not going to mention because I’m not going to ruin the story for you. I like her friends too, especially Cece, (I personally like her powers among other characters) I like how she really cares and stick with Violet all the way. Aidan, on the other hand, is…Oh.My.God. So, Aidan. He’s the kind of character where when you first read him you know there’s something really interesting about him that you have no choice but to go and figure it out. His relationship with Violet was also one of the things I really like. I thought it has substance and very genuine.I also find it very interesting how Kristi relates vampirism to a blood-borne disease, although, I’m not really sure how the process of vampirism goes, however, the way Kristi Cook relates the two makes a lot of sense that in between reading, I was actually searching about Malaria. Haha. I think that’s really, really awesome.I just have one small issue on this one; I thought the action scenes were a little too short. I was expecting that it would be more protracted considering the fact that the story was surrounded with teenagers with amazing supernatural abilities.Nevertheless, Haven is great and surprising read. I’m giving this book 4 out of 5 stars because I had so much fun hanging out with Violet and her gang! I recommend this to all Twilight, Vampire Diaries and X-Men fanatics! You’re all going to enjoy this book!
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of All Things Urban FantasyI hate this cover. And not because it’s dull, plain, and uninspiring (I still have no idea why there’s a giant butterfly on the front). I hate it because it completely turned me off of this book so that I almost didn’t read it. And then I would have missed out on a story that is deeply romantic and tragic in a way that pierces your heart and makes you long for the impossible. HAVEN doesn’t really break new grown with it’s plot, in fact it borrows heavily from Buffy, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, TWILIGHT, FALLEN, and to a lesser degree HARRY POTTER and X-Men. But it does combine some of the best parts of those stories to create a book that plucks at your heartstrings, carries you along a dark romance, forces you to chase after a dangerous mystery, and holds you hostage until the very end. What HAVEN doesn’t borrow are the clichés that litter this genre. We are spared the vicious beautiful clique at the boarding school where Violet transfers. She doesn’t get a long with everyone, but there aren’t any psycho cheerleaders who get off on torturing people. Better still, Violet isn’t some wimpy waif who needs to be coddled into using her abilities. And her love interest, Aiden…it’s impossible to say what I liked so much about him without giving away anything, but the way his maturity is explained so perfectly sidesteps something that always bothers me in YA fiction that I actually let out a sigh of relief. Bad cover art can’t really be blamed on the author, and I hope readers will look past it and experience the story and characters inside because Paranormal YA doesn’t get much better than HAVEN. Mystery, romance, and friendship tied up in a neat paranormal package. On her website, Kristi says that HAVEN is the first in a planned trilogy. They can’t come soon enough.Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
    • 5/5
      This was similar in some ways to another series out there. On that note I must say, we as readers read a lot of books that are similar to others out there. I loved the idea that Violet has always felt different because she has a secret she could tell to no one. Once she gets to Winterhaven School she immediately realizes she’s not alone. Everyone else has these same secrets and she fits right in. That is until she meets Aidan Gray. She is immediately drawn to him and yet at the same time she knows he holds an even bigger secret. The character were realistic enough. The supporting characters were believable and charming and added the extra spice to the story. This was a very quick and easy read. It has all of the elements to grab you and hold you from the beginning. Any teen or adult who loves the young adult paranormal genre will enjoy this. This is Kristi’s debut novel so we need to keep an eye on her to see what she gives us next.
    • 4/5
      I have to say that I did enjoy this read. There were parts where it reminded me of some other popular paranormal book(s) that I won't name, but if you read it and you've read the other(s) – I'm sure you can distinguish from there. However, this didn't deter from the read at any point because, let's be honest, you're always going to be able to find similarities between books.Haven was a fairly quick read for me. I don't think that it was so much page volume as much as that the story did draw me in. Violet is a wonderful protagonist that was very easy to relate to and actually like – which is a gift in itself. There are so many stories where the main character is whiny, spoiled and just not likable … I'm glad that's not the case with this one because it makes the story that much harder to read. AND, another bonus – her friends were just as likable. I think this is the first read I've read this year where I haven't had some kind of “bad friend” complaint about the secondary characters. Definite kudos there. The love interest was just as swoon-worthy as you can imagine, though I think the chemistry could have been shown a little more to make the romance more believable. I need reasons to believe that an attraction is there, I don't just like being told that it's there and just accept it.The plot and storyline were great. Kristi did a good job of putting cliches together in her own original story and I definitely respect her for that. Her writing was clear, smooth, and overall just easy to read. There was just enough description and action to make it a wonderful read. The climax, I think, was the shortcoming of the book. I would have liked a little more action in that part of the story, but it was enough to quench. After reading Haven, I was left with some questions. I don't know if the author meant to do that or if it was something that was just skipped over, but the questions I have aren't anything that I'll lose sleep over – just common curiosity.Overall, Haven was a good read that will grab your attention and keep you turning the pages. The plot's good and the characters are even better. I'd recommend this for any of my paranormal romance lovers that like young adult novels.
    • 5/5
      What I like most about this book was how easily it flowed. I enjoyed the writing, the plot, and most of all the characters. Violet is joining a new school in which she feel inexplicably drawn to. She also carries a deep secret she has been holding her whole life. With one day on campus, she meets Aiden who has seem to not only catch her eye but she has captured his heart as well. I loved Violet. She is a character who I can relate to right away. She is strong, beautiful, and took everything in about the school in stride. Violet didn't have a very good life and I was proud of how she was able to move on without anything holding her back. Her reaction to the big secret was one I did enjoy seeing.Aiden was the hot mysterious guy I could just not get enough of. He loved Violet and did anything and everything for her. He put his life at risk with protecting her and the experiments he is doing.The ironic twist of the book is a very good surprise. Ms. Cook definitely added some spice to the book with the secret. It added just enough pretense in the book to the buildup and the ending is great. I will admit it did break my heart a little and even made me cry. Nonetheless, Violet is strong and went on to want her destiny called her to.If you like a new school with some deep secrets read this book. The love between Aiden and Violet will leave you speechless and breathless. Ms. Cook made this book not only enjoyable but easy to read and get into. The debut was absolutely fabulous!

    Book preview

    Haven - Kristi Cook

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