Clarity (Clarity Series #1)

review taken from One Book At A Time

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!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

I thought i knew who it was the whole time! i was so suprised by

I thought i knew who it was the whole time! i was so suprised by the outcome, i really didnt see it coming. It had so many clues that led to so many people, it was confuzing. i loved all the twists in plot and creepiness. really good!

Clarity "Clare" Fern is a psychic, just like her telep

Clarity "Clare" Fern is a psychic, just like her telepathic mother Starla and medium brother Perry. When a murder takes place at King's Courtyard, a cheap motel in Eastport (her living area), Clarity is determined to find out the truth, more so because her brother is the last person to see the victim alive. What starts out as a seemingly-simple task becomes more deadly when the murder count increases.

Although this book has something to do with paranormal abilities, I didn't find it hard to accept as the author didn't write long, boasting explanations about the Ferns' special powers. Instead, she simply tells you about how their powers work in general, without any hullabaloo. The author's writing style is one that will "lure" you into the fictional world she created without any resistance. I also appreciate her quirky sense of humour, which you will come across more than once in this book.

Clare is a great heroine and a clever teen detective. She has a strong sense of family loyalty, and she's willing to do anything to prove her brother's innocence in the murder. She's undoubtedly my favourite character in this book, though she may be headstrong and "blind" at times. Justin, her ex, is a real good guy who loves Clare with all his heart. They broke up because of Justin's accidental betrayal, but I would really love to see them get back together again.

CLARITY's plot is well-planned, the story is fast-paced and you'll be thrown into a situation where everybody is a suspect. That's the one thing I love most about a murder mystery novel. The author handles with the story with such adeptness and sends me away smiling, satisfied with how the story ends.

CLARITY is a guaranteed page-turner, you won't want to stop reading until you've finished the book. Set in a lively tourist town, made up with complex, interesting characters, and spiced up with crime and mystery, Kim Harrington's debut will capture your heart.

For me, CLARITY is the perfect summer read. What about you?

I'll be honest in saying that Clarity was a book I couldn't wait

I'll be honest in saying that Clarity was a book I couldn't wait to get my hands on and quickly created my own hype around it based on the premise alone! I had a widget on my blog counting down the days until its release and purposely avoided reviews of it, so I wouldn't accidentally read a spoiler. Although Clarity wasn't perfect, it was an immensely enjoyable book!

Clare is such a strong, smart & sassy protagonist that even when she's being reckless or stubborn, you can't hep but like her. She's also very easy to relate to, in spite of her psychic powers, since all she really wants is to be accepted and understood for who she is.

The dynamic between Clare, her brother Perry, and their mother is a tight and honest one, due to the way they've been treated by the town because of their abilities. They also share a family business and rely heavily on each other to keep it going. Although they don't always get along, there's a nice, fun banter to their relationship which shows off just how much the deeply care for one another.

Before reading Clarity I thought the supernatural/psychic side of the story would be the main focus. However, its the murder-mystery of who killed the teenage tourist that actually propels much of the novel forward. I found this to be very refreshing, since the mystery is very well crafted and features quite a few twists. I admit to believing I had unraveled the mystery rather early, only to realize I didn't at all.

Now you can't have a mystery novel without a bunch of supporting characters. Most noteworthy are: Justin, Clare's charming ex and the mayor's son, who's still totally hung up on her. The new police detective who shows up in town shortly before the murder and his son Gabriel, a brooding young man with his own secret. And lastly Nate, Perry's best friend and junior reporter, who's always looking for the next big scoop. You'll have a hard time figuring out everyone's agenda, as well as who to route for in the Justin/Clare/Gabriel department.

The novel has a beautiful rhythm to it and weaves the character development perfectly with the murder mystery. When the killer is finally revealed, you'll be glad to know that every plot thread is neatly tied up, leaving no loose ends or giant wholes in the story.

One of my only complaints with the novel is that Clare doesn't have any friends. I understand that Clare's ability might frighten or put some people off , but to not give her any friends seems both cruel and unbelievable. I just couldn't buy that not one single person wouldn't want to be her friend, I mean she basically has a super power. This point is further irritating by the fact that her brother Perry, who also has psychic powers, still has a best friend. I also wish their could've been more backstory on the Fern family's abilities but the ending of the novel suggests a sequel, so we may get some of that info soon.

Recommended to fans of paranormal or mystery novels, Clarity is a perfect balance of the two genres and a nice fit for anyone looking for a quick read with an extremely likable heroine.

Fun and suspenseful

A perfect mix of mystery, love, and supernatural. I didn't have it all figured out before the character did which is refreshing.

humor, suspense and a surprise ending

Sixteen-year-old Clarity "Clare" Fern is used to getting weird looks from neighbors, being teased and even downright bullied by the other kids in town. It's all part and parcel with being "gifted."

Clare's a psychic, her brother Periwinkle "Perry" Fern is a medium. Their mother is a telepath. In the small town Eastport on Cape Cod the Fern's ply their trade with readings to entertain visitors. Tourists love them. Townies, not so much.

Clare is expected a typical summer in Eastport tied to the family house helping her mother with readings during the busy tourist season. Things get a bit more complicated when a girl is found murdered at the local motel.

Clare doesn't want to get involved, especially not when her ex-boyfriend asks her to. Unfortunately when her brother becomes the prime suspect, saying no isn't an option.

Working with Gabriel, the new detective's hot son, Clare delves into the secrets and fears of the dead girl's past. But the more Clare learns about the dead girl, the more evidence starts points to Perry in Clarity (2011) by Kim Harrington.

Clarity is Harrington's first novel.

This book really does have it all including humor, suspense and a surprise ending (not to mention an opening for more books about Clare--yay!). Mysteries are not the hot thing in young adult literature right now so it was exciting to find this one. Yes, conclusions were drawn prematurely but the plot still finished with a shocking twist.

Harrington strikes a good balance here between mystery conventions and character development, not too mention her beautiful descriptions of Eastport that will make readers eager to plan their own Cape Cod vacation. Clarity truly is a delectable read combining a traditional mystery plot with just a pinch of romance and a strong does of the supernatural to make a refreshing, totally unexpected story.

Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough, Hourglass by Myra McEntire, The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Wonderful Quick Read!

If I could see glimpses of the past, believe me when I say that I would be working with the new detective’s smoldering son to solve a murder case! Clarity Fern has always had a very indifferent out look on her “gift”. But, when the chance to solve a murder and save her brother arises, she will do everything in her power to prove he is innocent. Teaming up with her ex-boyfriend is not high up on her list of things to do. However, the chance to clear her brother’s name and to work with the smoking hot son of the new detective proves to be an irresistible combination!

What first strikes me while reading Clarity is how quickly I am introduced to Clare. Almost immediately I KNOW her. She acts tough and uses her words to push others away, but deep down she’s just a little girl who wants to feel safe and loved. Her big brother (Perry) is her world. She even lies for him. In fact, I can’t think of anything she wouldn’t do for him. He is her rock. A huge part of this book is about understanding the relationship between Clare and Perry. Without grasping this relationship, decisions they both make would be impossible to comprehend. I definitely sense Clare’s family loyalty from the fact that, while she can forgive her brother almost anything, no one else better even think about crossing her.

Clare obviously has a complicated history before I am introduced to her. I can tell she has an estranged relationship with Justin, her ex., but I don’t know exactly what happened. I think Harrington weaves in the background information very well. She doesn’t just start off the book with a 15 page preface that details what happened BM (Before Murder) but, by the end of the story, I understand Clare’s past. This book does have a love triangle and, unlike the last few stories I have read with these, it pulls it off well. I really dislike when an author writes a love triangle where one of the two guys NEVER has a chance. This situation isn’t like that; I STILL don’t know whom she’s going to choose!

I love how this book is written. It is a quick read, but I don’t feel like the story line is rushed at all. Yes, it ends with some unanswered questions, but it doesn’t stop on a complete cliffhanger! Clarity captures and holds my attention. This book is amazing, and I cannot wait to see where the second book takes Clare!

The Cover:

This cover is so beautiful! I don’t know if the image shows just how intricate the design work is, but if not: ZOOM IN. Her hair has some very strategically placed swirls that double as waves in her hair. With the ocean and seagulls in the background and the sun directly behind her, the backdrop for the girl is breathtaking. Add in a set of piercing eyes, that I believe can see my secrets, and we have a fantastic paranormal/ fantasy cover

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars: I loved it!

To see more of my reviews visit Epiloguereview at blogspot

Good review

I have read this book and it was amazing! There are some parts in it that I must recomend that you be in the older then 13 to read it because of strong sexual suggestion. But other then that it had a good plot and alot of funny parts in it.

Euthenticly,
Yisa Sohma

From a bookworms perspective...

Im a teen about to be 14 and i am VERY picky about what i read. If i dont like a book i stop reading it right when i realize the ending. This book keeps you guessing even through the slow parts, i always felt the need to pick it up and read iteven through a part that i thought was lame. This novel definitly will keep me waiting to see who Clarity ends up with... it was so similer to school now and yet diffrent enough so that it wasnt an everyday read i highly recomend it fir my age group of teens!

<3

Loved this book couldnt put it down

Awesome!

I really didn¿t know what to expect when I picked this book up. I had read so many great views of the book; I was just excited to finally have a chance to read it. I really enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading more from this author!

I really like the main character, Clarity. She¿s different, but she doesn¿t let that bother her much. I love strong heroines, and she¿s definitely a kick-butt character. I loved her! The two love interests in the book are Clarity¿s ex-boyfriend Justine, and the new town sheriff¿s son, Gabriel. I am usually really good at picking a ¿team¿, but I love both of these boys. It would be really hard to choose between them.

I can honestly say I didn¿t see the end coming. The author had me second guessing myself so many times throughout the book. In the end, I didn¿t have it figured out. I love a book that keeps me guessing! I was absolutely absorbed in the story. The writing was simple and suspenseful. This was a very quick read, I pretty much read it in one sitting.

Overall, I loved this book. It was great, and I¿m kicking myself for waiting so long to have read it. I was beyond thrilled to find out it is going to be a series. I can¿t wait to read Perception!

Review on Literary Exploration

I think I first saw this book awhile back on a Goodreads giveaway or something. It sounded interesting enough, so I entered, and of course I didn't get it. But then I found it at Borders during the closeout sale so here we are. At first glance, I'm not big on the cover. It's too digital and fake, the girl isn't that good looking, and it doesn't tell you much about the story. I got past it. I enjoyed this book enough, it was really fast-paced and I read it in less than 24 hours, which is always fun, but it didn't make me think, it didn't make me question anything, it was just sort of a good read.

There are A LOT of characters to keep track of which got sort of hectic at times. There's Clarity, the main character (who is like Ben from the Touch series) she can see what's happened in a person's life by touching their objects. Her brother is Perry, who talks to dead people. Her mom can read minds. Her ex-boyfriend Justin is a skeeze, and I don't know why everyone in the book liked him so much. Her new hottie mchottie interest is Gabriel, seriously Gabriel even SOUNDS hotter than Justin, anyways, he's "bad news" because he's the new detective's son. Then there's Nate, Perry's best friend, and on and on and on. Yeah there are a lot of people to keep track of.

I don't really like when there are so many characters because it makes it really hard to focus on building a really deep set of intricate characters. Instead you end up with a million shallow characters who you don't really get close to. Either way, in 242 pages, how much character building can you really do?

The plot is pretty interesting, a tourist girl is murdered so Justin enlists Clarity (Clare for short) to touch things and help find out what happened to this girl. Oh yeah, Justin is the mayor's son.... Throughout her search plenty of weird things happen, more people die, yadda yadda, nothing we haven't heard of before. The end was a bit of a shocker, but I had sort of guessed who the killer was ahead of time so it wasn't a big "OMG" moment like I would have liked. There are just so many characters you sort of know it's going to be one of them. You can tell I'm really hung up on this too-many-characters thing huh? The ending was also pretty happy, another one of those "YA books have to have optimistic endings" decisions I guess.

Overall, the book was good enough, I enjoyed reading it, but I probably wouldn't read it again. It was quick, fun, intriguing, with the right amount of sexy, and I'd recommend it to anyone who just wants a fun read. Something "fluffy" :)

A unique favorite

I absolutely loved this book!! It has a strong, funny, fabulous main character, suspense, hot boys, and a fantastic plot that will keep your eyes glued to each page.

We start off with Clarity "Clare" Fern and her family, who are psychics. They live in a town along the ocean and using their "powers" have become their job. Her mother can read peoples thoughts, her brother can speak to spirits, and Clare can touch a persons object and see the past. When a tourist is murdered and her brother becomes a main suspect, Clare's ex-boyfriend Justin asks her to help solve the case. She accepts and with the help of the yummy new detective's son, Gabriel, plus Justin they begin to piece the clues together. But things aren't always what they seem, even if you are a psychic.

I loved this book! I loved the characters! And I loved the plot! It was fantastic. Clare is such a strong person and I was so intrigued by her ability. I can see where it DEFINITELY can cause problems though. Gabriel... Phew you sexy boy. How could you not want to work along side him? He has demons of his own to overcome but he was a great character. I loved Clare's family as well, they are always there for her, as she is for them. Finally, Justin. I loved him!!! I think Clare made a right decision, and truthfully I don't know if I'd be able to forgive him either, but I still love him! Justin is good looking, caring, protective, and seems like a down right good guy. Yes he made a mistake, a huge one, but everyone makes mistakes and you have to learn to forgive them. Gabriel is hot but I'm all team Justin. :)

This book will have you guessing until the very end. The plot moves along fabulously and it's a sexy murder mystery that I'm sure you will love! I cannot wait until the next book!! 10 stars out of 5!

Great book!

As soon as I started this book I knew I was in trouble. I loved a good book filled with drama along with a good mysterious, solve the puzzle story. This book is just that.

The characters of this book Wow'ed me. I loved that not only were they well develop, but love it even more when learn and grow in front of your eyes. As the reader, I felt in-tune with the characters following them along solving the mystery of the murders. Ms. Harrington did a great job in creating a good story line as well as a great mystery. I can't tell you how much I enjoy figuring out who the killer is. It's like playing my favorite game of Clue!!

The plot line of this book had some great drama in it as well. I like that the murders revolved around the family so closely. This "special" family doesn't hide who they are but embraces it. I like the feel of the family. They are one. They trust each other. Ms. Harrington wrote a great family aspect to the book, as always being there for each other no matter what. Simply fantastic!

The love interest in this book had me excited! I love a good love triangle (as long as it is done right). The reason I enjoyed this love triangle is cause right from the beginning you learn about betrayals and the love that still stands there. I stand by Clarity and her decision. Though I can see how difficult it can be. Ms. Harrington didn't write up a love with no problems, inst-love or whatnot. She wrote about a real relationship with real problems. I adore this cause anyone can relate to it.

A wonderful work of literature, Ms Harrington's book is a book I should've picked up sooner. The book contain great elements such a suspense, a murder mystery, and a love that may or may no be over. I can't wait to read the next adventure of Clarity and her family!

Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

What do you get when you combine a family with psychic abilities, a small tourist town, and an unsolved murder? Add a little romance to the mix and you have Clarity, a captivating debut novel by Kim Harrington.

Clare Fern is biding her time until she can go away to college. Raised in a family of psychics, she has always been the outcast at school and relied on her brother and his friend for company. Things seemed to change when she dated the mayor's son, but when that relationship ended, so did her respite from the teasing. But this summer, things might change. When a tourist is found murdered over the July 4 weekend, the town's new detective is expected to solve the case. But Clare's ex-boyfriend Justin knows what she can do and wants to enlist her help. Clare soon finds herself not only having to work with Justin but also with Gabriel, the detective's attractive son, to try and solve the murder. But as they get deeper into their investigation, the stakes get higher, and soon nobody is safe. Will Clare be able to see the investigation through in one piece...and with her heart intact?

Clarity was a great blend of mystery and paranormal elements. As much as I enjoyed watching the Fern family use their psychic abilities, I really loved following Clare, Justin, and Gabriel as they worked to solve the murder. The story was fast-paced with one surprise after another; I started reading it one morning and didn't put it down until a couple of hours later when I finished it. The chain of suspects as well as the unexpected events during the investigation kept me guessing who the murderer was right along with Clare. In addition, everything from the setting to Clare's emotions were very vivid. It was easy to identify with her, from her desire to protect those she loved to her internal struggle about how to balance the feelings that never quite disappeared for Justin with her growing attraction to Gabriel. The book continued to be a roller coaster (in a good way) until the end.

I wish that this book had been longer, because I definitely wanted more. I have to admit that the ending seemed a bit rushed and the explanation was not completely believable. However, I did enjoy the role that one of the smaller characters played in the outcome. Also, even though the murder was solved, things were left open between Clare, Justin, and Gabriel. I'm curious to see what Clare decides to do in Perception, the sequel.

Clarity has a world and cast of characters that it's easy to fall in love with. This was a fabulous debut novel, and I can't wait for the next book!

Amazing

I read it and litterally could not put it down! Absolutely amazing! Highly recommend!!

Must read

I was lent this book by a friend who went to her book signing and I enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down.
I would have to say it was well written and kept you on the edge of the truth. Can't wait for more. well done Kim Harrington!

A Enjoyable Debut

Clarity is a great debut novel that will have you drawn in right from the beginning. Filled with mystery, a great strong snarky female lead and plenty of boys, Clarity is filled with fun.

The best thing about Clarity is the characters. All the characters are AWESOME!! Clare is definitely one of my favorite characters EVER. She is so full of spunk. Clare is such a strong character and she has to be being from a family of "freaks" and bullied about it at school. Clare can really hold her own against everyone else. And she is full of snark. I LOVE SNARK! I would have been fine just reading a story about Clare's everyday life even if nothing happened because she is just entertaining. Clare had me laughing out loud at times too. She's pretty kick-ass. I really loved Clare's brother Perry too. While Perry has his flaws and is a player, he still has this loveable characteristic. Clare and Perry's relationship was spot on too. They truly felt like brother and sister, you could feel the love between them and the need to protect each other, and I loved that.

While Clare and her family has special abilities, the supernatural aspect from their abilities did not dominate the story. I really liked that abilities was not the center of the story. Instead, the characters and the relationship between the characters was what I felt was center of the story. Also the mystery WAS GREAT! I literally did not know who the murderer was. I would suspect it to be one person but find out it wasn't. I thought the murderer was like four different people and in the end I WAS WRONG! I had no clue who the murderer was. That's great a feat to completely blind side the read with who the killer is. I really liked that.

I really loved how Kim wrapped up this book. The ending wrapped up everything nice, but still left things open enough for the next book. Especially with Clare's boy situation. I really cannot decide if I want Clare with Justin or Gabriel. They both have their own flaws and own charms so I cannot pick!

Overall, Clarity was a great fun read. I loved Clare, she was such a strong, confidant, spunky character. She is definitely one of my favorite characters of this year. I cannot wait to read the next book because it is sure to be AWESOME!!

Can't wait to read more!

I loved this story and the characters in it. I anxiously await more from this author.

Awweeesoommeeee+bOooook

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