Need by Carrie Jones

Title: Need
Author: Carrie Jones
Series: Need #1 
Source: Personal copy
Format: Paperback 
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Paranormal
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now. She couldn't be more wrong.

Sudden passing of a love one could do numbers of things to people’s minds. The untimely demise of her stepfather had left Zara deeply depressed, relatively numb and what freak her most is that, she begins to feel like everywhere she goes, someone is there – watching her every moves. Zara’s emotional status causes great concern to her mother, who eventually decides that she would be safer under the care of Grandma Betty in Maine.

But Zara thinks that she knows better and believes that there is nothing this dreary, awkward, cold town could do to help her. Little does she know that a grandma’s love, some eccentric, quirky friends and a hot boy could put some colours to her monotonous life. Things are all right until the stalker starts ruining everything again, convincing Zara that he is more than a product of her imagination. Who is this “stalker” really is? And what is his connection to Zara and her past?

Couple of comparison has been made between this book and Twilight and as I read the first few chapters, I can clearly see why. However, as Need starts picking up its tempo, it begins to separate itself from the other series and set up its very own niche. Truthfully, I am not entirely crazy about this book but the few surprises still make it a good read. One thing that is really unique about Need is Jones’ creativity in relating certain type of phobias with every single chapter in it. The style of writing is very simple, making Need one light, quick read. Another factor that makes me like Need is its characters, which are normal despite the whole circumstances they are all in. The qualities that each character have are clearly portrayed make it easy to distinguish their purposes and roles in the book.

However – to me – Need does come with couple of issues. Its straightforwardness and lack of complexities cause it to be somewhat predictable, which spoil the fun of reading a little bit. By looking at those creepy plotlines used by the author, this book does seem like it has a lot of potential but the overly simplistic discoveries and solutions at the end of the book is really not satisfying. Plus, the way Zara accepts who the stalker really is and how he relates to her are also implausible. I wish that there is a little more depth in this sense and the creepy elements are consistent right to the end, but alas, that didn’t happen.

All in all, despite some of the problems I have with the book, I know I’ll be reading the next chapter since I need to know how the series ends. I believe that those who love paranormal and want to find something to read other than those vampires’ ones will enjoy this book.

Favourite Quote: The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage

16 comments:

  1. I am from the CEP.

    I felt the same way about Need. It was a quick, slightly creepy read, and at the time, that was exactly what I was looking for. I didn't like Captivate as much, but I do want to read the next book.

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  2. When I saw this book in Borders, I found myself drawn to it because of all the phobias that I could learn about. I haven't bought it though cos I'm on a personal book-buying ban.

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  3. I like the phobias too...it was a fun, quirky read...but I didn't like Captivate as much.

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  4. I've had this book on my TBR for awhile now and keep meaning to get to it. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
    Here from CEP

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  5. Fabulous review!

    Hmm, I'm not sure if I'd like this book. It's a popular one, but when you mentioned those flaws I'm a bit hesitant to pick it up! We'll see.

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  6. I love that quote, great review. I want to try this one even though it is out of my norm. I hadn't heard comparisons to Twilight though, I didn't try those.

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  7. I love how you included the final verdict. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal, so I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review! :)

    Btw here from the CEP.

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  8. ohh,,And here I am thinking and planning to buy the series once i end my book buying ban. =( bummer. but interesting though when you said it's quite predictable.i'll try to read once i'm ready to read it. lol

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  9. I agree with so many of your points about Need. I am still curious to read Captivate, but it isn't at the top of my TBR list.

    P.S. I noticed that you are reading Poison Study. I love that book & hope you are enjoying it too! :)

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  10. I love your verdict system graphics!

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  11. Agree with this review, especially in that it started off feeling like Twilight but improved once it found its groove. I want to read Captivate and see if that stepping-away continues.

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  12. Great review! I haven't read this one yet, though I'm hoping to soon.

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  13. I loved the characters in this one, especially the Grandma! Awesome review :)

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  14. Hiya :)
    Great review, sounds like a book I'd like to read

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