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Although they've only just met, Aimee and Alan have a history together. They've been in each other's dreams. They're bound by something they can't quite name. Something that rattles the windows, haunts the waters . . . and threatens to tear them apart before they get a chance to find out what their connection means.
The bestselling author of the Need series teams up with newcomer Steven E. Wedel to bring you your newest obsession.
In a tight-knit Maine town, the loss of a fishing boat at sea affects the entire community; for Courtney, a local teen whose father was on board, her hope for his safe return becomes a dangerous obsession that leads her to make a sinister pact with evil consequences.
Narrated in alternating chapters by Courtney's best friend, Aimee, and cousin, Alan, the tale relegates Courtney to the backseat in order to explore Alan and Aimee's fantastical roles and their burgeoning relationship. Since childhood, Aimee has been ashamed of her prophetic dreams and ability to heal, which she links to her mother, who mysteriously died when she was young. Similarly, Alan, who has just moved from Oklahoma to Maine to help Courtney and her mother, also enjoys a mystical heritage that stems from his father's Native American roots. Together this powerful pair struggles to release Courtney from her obsession, which clearly arises from more than emotional turmoil. How can they leverage their powers to defeat the River Man and ensure that the friendly and warm pre-obsession Courtney is restored? The River Man is a powerful opponent; the alternating voices effectively ratchet up the tension as the teens explore the mystery and strategize their approach.
This modern-day Faustian tale is well balanced, with teenage romance, racial tension, humor and threads of realistic family dynamics to keep readers engaged.(Suspense. 12 & up)
CARRIE JONES loves Great Pyrenees dogs, occasionally wears mismatched socks, and never drinks coffee. In addition to penning the Need series, Carrie is the award-winning author of numerous books, including most recently the picture book Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender, and also coedited the anthology Dear Bully, about YA authors' experiences with bullying. Carrie grew up in Bedford, NH, and now lives in Bar Harbor, Maine.
STEVEN WEDEL is a high school English teacher, and lives with his wife and children in Oklahoma. He has written adult fantasy novels; this is his first book for young adults.
www.stevenewedel.com
Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2012
I want a review that is not 10 paragraphs long! Hehehe i never read it yet hehe
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I might have loved this book, really loved it, if it wasn't for the love story.
After Obsession is written by two authors and the story is told from two perspective - Alan and Aimee. Aimee has visions, she sees the future and it's never pretty. Alan, half Native American, is labeled a Spirit Warrior by his spirit guide and is in touch with the spiritual aspects of his Native American heritage. Aimee's view is written in the odd numbered chapters while Alan's view picks up in the even numbered chapter.
In the beginning, it was a little disorienting switching between views, however, both characters are so differently written that it was easy to slip into a rhythm and figure out who is who without needing to know which chapter you were reading. While Aimee was a fun character, I liked reading Alan's perspective, mostly because he went into things I haven't read much off - his Native American heritage.
The possession story itself, while not completely scary, was still suspenseful enough to leave me biting my nails as I turned the page (but, I'm a bit of a scaredy cat, so I might not be the best judge of these things). Courtney is being possessed by an evil spirit, however, I can't say that I cared too much about what happened to Courtney, and I wish this was different. I might have rooted for her some more, if there was more story around why Courtney did and believed as she did.
The biggest issue I had with this story was Blake. Or more precisely Aimee's relationship with Blake. Blake was a great source of conflict for Alan, however, every thing he did to Alan could have happened without him being to be Aimee's boyfriend. Aimee's excuse for breaking up with Blake - though a good excuse - seemed convenient. Her entire relationship with him seemed unnecessary. Along the same lines, the relationship that developed between Alan and Aimee seemed convenient and rushed. I couldn't believe in their sudden connection to each other, so whenever the romantic story line came up I couldn't help but feel a bit cheated, as though it was just there to be there.
The love story aside, After Obsession was a quick and fun read and will be good for those who enjoy a little bit of suspense.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.awesome love story
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 13, 2012
Really good book there were parts that really creep me out!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 24, 2012
I liked this book a lot! It was really good, all about forging friemdships in the midst of fighting an unknown spirit thing out of their little town. A wonderful story with friendship, love, and a little horror, this was a fantastic book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 14, 2012
I started reading it and I was into the first few chapters when I thought this is just stupid. The characters may seem to have depth but none actually have it. The relationship between Aimee and Blake is just awkward and has the worst breakup scene ever. Courtney is a horrible best friend and I'm asking why would you even want her as a friend. I'm sorry also that I didn't know barging into someone's room without knocking such taboo.
I don't recommend this book at all.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 19, 2013
I believe this is an awesome book. I do truly recommend this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.These two authors work great together!!
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Annabell
As of late, I have been stuck in a rut of bland storyline books with generic characters and predictable plot twists to the point of complete boredom. The idea of playing with a stack of bottle caps became far more intriguing. Then a little horror-paranormal gem caught my eye at the book store and after what seems like weeks of humdrum plots, I found one that brought back some of the magic I loved about books. After Obsession is a book with a fast paced plot and likeable as well as relatable characters.The story is told from two separate perspectives, Alan Parson and Aimee Avery. Alan is forced to Maine because his mother wants to be around to help his sister who lost her husband. Courtney, Alan’s cousin and Aimee’s best friend, isn’t too happy to have her cousin invading her life since they don’t really know much about each other and she still refuses to believe her father is dead, still determined to believe her father is just lost at sea and will be found. To make things worse, the town doesn’t have a football team and Alan was a football star back in Oklahoma City. He begins to think his mother made a huge mistake until he meets Aimee and starts to feel that maybe things won’t be so bad after all. But soon enough, Alan and Aimee realize they are the only two normal acting people in a town where everyone’s dark side is coming out full force. Alan and Aimee set out to discover the truth about the town and what really happened to Courtney’s dad.Most of the plot to After Obsession is very predictable from beginning to end but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it immensely. I really liked that the book was told from the perspective of opposite sex characters. It was a lot of fun being able to see the way guys think and act around girls they like. Both Aimee and Alan had distinct enough voices where you could find a connection with how they felt. The plot was really the best character. The chapters were short and never felt like they dragged. The book is fast paced and written with light touches even in dark themes.
I really like the idea behind the demon having so much power to actually possess an entire town of people. It was a fantastic twist to the plot and created an authentic scary story. I also like the link the demon has to Aimee as well as Courtney. The suspense in the plot was palpable and strong. The characters were pretty well written but weren’t as well rounded or developed as strongly as the story behind the plot. I would have liked to see more broadened characters. Also, the romance between Aimee and Alan was sweet but not as built up as I would have liked. I wasn’t able to fully be emotionally invested in them.
I also really enjoyed the connection the story made with ancient myths of American Indian culture. I loved that Alan was Navajo and not made to be just the generic blue–eyed-blonde-hair-golden-boy-character.
Fans of Carrie Jones’ Need Series will be thoroughly satisfied and for those who don’t know author Steven Wedel (i.e. me! hehe) will find a new voice who works great long side Jones (Jones wrote Aimee’s character while Wedel wrote Alan’s character). After Obsession is one of those books you will find yourself willingly staying awake to finish and feeling so happy you did.
This review and more at openbooksociety dot com
Anonymous
Posted May 9, 2012
I looooved this book...but thought the ending was a little weak
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 6, 2012
Omg i loved this book it was amazing i recommend this
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2012
Three words captivating........ scary............. and sexy. Truly magnificent!
While it wasn't awful, it wasn't really what I'd been hoping for at all. I felt disappointed and kind of annoyed upon finishing. And my rating is definitely generous. I do, however, want to make on thing clear: I liked this book! It just wasn't my absolute favorite.
Truth to be told, Aimee was kind of annoying. She has these ridiculous prejudices that make no sense. She's also kind of a hypocrite. I thought at first that she might be a strong heroine, but she seemed to get progressively weaker as the story went on, to no real avail. I didn't hate her, really--I simply don't have strong feelings about her at all. She was vapid and irritating--but harmless. Kind of like baby cousins. And, as aforementioned, I hated her stupid prejudices.
And here's the character I liked even less. For one thing, I couldn't even picture him as even vaguely handsome, no matter how hard I tried. I thought he was really self-centered. He also kind of sounds like an idiot. At one point in the novel he thinks of Aimee: "Her mouth is sexy when she chews." Okay, a few things wrong here. 1) No one thinks that. 2) When is the last time you've found someone's chewing mouth sexy? (Also, this is totally in direct contrast with something she Jones writes in Need about it being awkward to watch someone you like chew. I mean, come on, you cannot have it both ways. Make up your mind.) Just…no. I thought he was one of the most boring characters I've ever come across. I've since rethought that--he might just be the most boring character.
He was probably the only character I felt any sort of connection to. Still, he wasn't exactly extremely likable or anything. Still, I cared what happened to him more than anyone else in the entire book. I consider this sad.
And Courtney? Stereotypical high school girl much? I mean, come on, Carrie Jones! I have some major problems with the romance.
First off, Aimee's breakup with Blake was completely unbelievable and had no base whatsoever. I felt like it was done simply because Aimee had to get with Alan somehow and Blake was in the way. It didn't ring true to me at all, and it was one of the reasons this book annoyed me from the beginning.
I didn't feel anything at all. I doesn't ring true with me and I cannot fathom their relationship.
I'm not a huge fan of Jones' writing in her Need series, but I was hoping to see a different style here. Unfortunately, I didn't really see that. There is another author listed, but I could barely see his writing obviously, if at all. Another problem with Jones' writing is that she has all these ideas she tries far too hard to get across. In After Obsession, she majorly tries to push these racism issues, which completely detracts from the already questionable plot and writing, making the book, unfortunately, even worse. I thought this was such a shame.
The ending was stupid. I hate saying something so negative, but it was. It didn't make a whole lot of sense and too many strings were left untied. I wish that some things had been made clearer--I was left confused and had to go back to clarify a few too many things that should, if the book was better-written, been obvious.
As soon as Alan arrives in town, he knows something isn't right even if he can't quite place what. He knows from his dreams with his spirit animal that it involves a dark force. And a girl with bright red hair.
Aimee's friends call her Red because of her hair. She notices Alan right away, even with her boyfriend, it's hard not to when he's so tall and good looking. And he's also the guy she's been seeing in her creepy vision-dreams for the past few weeks.
Their connection is immediate, but Alan and Aimee have a lot to do before they can think about anything as simple as a relationship. Courtney-Alan's cousin and Aimee's best friend-has been acting strangely. Like, something else is controlling her strange.
There are four stages to any possession: Invitation. Infestation. Obsession. You can probably guess what comes after. Aimee and Alan have to save Courtney before that, and together they might just manage it. They kind of have to, because after obsession there is no turning back. For anyone in After Obsession (2011) by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel.
After Obsession was written in collaboration with alternation chapters where Jones wrote Aimee's narration while Wedel wrote Alan's.
Aside from a catchy title, After Obsession has a clever premise that is straightforward and wastes no time getting to the crux of the story. Aimee and Alan are clever narrators with their chemistry and unique abilities.
Jones and Wedel play fast and loose with supernatural elements here generally to good effect. Aimee has visions and can heal people (which no one at all seems to find odd). Alan is half Navajo and has a spirit guide and is a spirit warrior (and also apparently completely embraces a culture he knows little about outside of Internet research because his father was Navajo even though he never met his father and doesn't even know his father's name for certain).
If you can get past those issues, After Obsession is a fun, breezy read with suspense, excitement and romance.
After Obsession is currently a standalone novel, which is fine except for the end of the book when things start happening really fast and a lot of plot threads are not fully explained or resolved. With so much left up in the air After Obsession felt more like a first installment than a complete novel albeit an entertaining read either way.
Possible Pairings: Swoon by Nina Malkin, Fury by Elizabeth Miles, The Game of Triumphs by Laura Powell, Misfit by Jon Skovron, Between by Jessica Warman
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher at BEA 2011
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Geo_Spin
Posted December 28, 2011
I Also Recommend:
Carrie's writing skills have really improved since she wrote Need. I didn't care for that one, but this one was pretty darn good! Dark and haunting - it definitely had the creep factor. It was a quick read and went smoothly. The descriptions were great but not too lengthy, I was able to get a good picture in my head without getting bored. I think this would make a great movie!
I liked that it switched back and forth between Aimee and Alan. It gave me a good idea of what they were both thinking and feeling and I was able to get to know them both instead of just focusing on one character. It made their emotions more personal.
I loved Alan. L-O-V-E-D. Why aren't there guys like that in the real world? He was hot, like smokin' drool-worthy HAWT (hint: I pictured him as Taylor Lautner), but still had a sensitive side and was thoughtful, and yes, chivalrous! Sigh, commence mental swooning. Between books and Disney, it's no wonder our expectations are set so high, right ladies?
To see this review and others, please visit geobobspinelli[dot]blogspot[dot]com
1960nurse
Posted November 26, 2011
I Also Recommend:
I liked the book for a few reasons 1) I like paranormal romance 2) like the native american aspect of it 3) It's a stand alone book which has a satisfying ending. I didn't love it, but it was a good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.After Obsession is a really interesting paranormal project, and it is fun to see two different perspectives from two different authors. I didn't really know or pay attention to that when I went into the book, but found out after, and that made it even more attractive to me.
I liked the two main characters, Aimee was a great mix of strong and brave, rightfully fearful, and a hint of vulnerability. Her family was also a hoot--I really enjoyed Gramps and Benji's camaraderie, grumpiness and their affection for Aimee.
It was fun to be in Alan's head too. There is an undeniable sense of maleness and that's something that I don't see contrasted to the feminine that often. I also really appreciate the different ethnicity and the fact that he didn't try to hide it. I do have an issue with his mom though. I think that the protectiveness and love that I know is there from some of her comments is sharply contrasted by her disdain of the Navajo culture he tries to embrace. I also wish that the ending could have been more fleshed out because it seemed almost anticlimatic.
Overall though, I enjoyed this one and would read a follow up novel if it were released.
Amiee meets her best friend's cousin when he has to unexpectedly move from Oklahoma to Maine. She can't deny her attraction to his long hair and beautiful features wrapped in a tall, muscular package.
The secrets that she has been keeping start to emerge the longer she knows Alan and the closer she gets to him, she discovers he has secrets of her own and no longer feels like she is the only one.
Her best friend, and Alan's cousin, Courtney is experiencing some life altering characteristics as she is trying to deal with her father's disappearance in the water. She would do anything for him to be found so that she can spend more time with him.
Courtney's desire to find her father throws Alan and Amiee into a huge mission that neither one is sure they will survive. This story envelopes you into their lives and traits.
I highly recommend this to YA Paranormal lovers worldwide.
I hate to say it, but I think I need to step away from Carrie Jone's books for awhile. I just haven't enjoyed anything I've read as much as I want to. It leaves me feeling really disappointed. I actually really liked several elements in this book, but the overall plot just wasn't for me.
I think I had the hardest time connecting with the characters. They were forgettable. Their instant love connections didn't really work for me either. I did like that they seemed to have the dreams in common. It was an interesting and different way to connect them. I also liked the way they interacted with each other and their families. Seems to be the first paranormal type book were the couple aren't hiding from their families. In fact, the both of relatively normal home lives even though they are both minus a parent.
One thing I really did enjoy was how the Native American culture and traditions were woven into the story. It reminded me of another book I've read that is very similar. I enjoyed how the "monster" in the river feeds off of emotions. It can effect those around him and it's interesting to see how others react to it. I also enjoyed the rituals described that Alan goes through.
I hate that I didn't like this more. I'm not sure if it's how the story was put together or the characters that through me off. It was just average for me.
I had really been looking forward to this book for a long time. It sounded really good, and the cover is beautiful. Carrie Jones is also a fantastic writer. It's a story about friendship, love, and sacrifice. About facing your fears, doing what is right, and learning to be true to yourself. Let me just say, this book was fantastic! I love the dual perspective this story is written in. It lets you get much more of the story and keeps you pulled in right from the beginning. It is beautifully done and flows flawlessly from Alan's point of view to Aimee's. The characters seem very realistic and it's nice to be able to get inside both of their heads and really get a feel for them. It was interesting to read them falling for each other from their own perspectives. How they are so scared of the possession and evil in town, and they are putting protecting their family and friend's before their feelings for each other. Or tying to anyways. They need each other to get rid of this evil spirit that has haunted the town for a very long time. They will need to use both Aimee's healing power and Alan's ability to get rid of the evil spirit with the help of his spirit guide. I could not put this book down. It was spooky, touching, and funny at times. A great read for teens and adults. Go out and get this book you won't regret it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.OMG! I loved this book! I picked up this book as soon as I got it and read it in under a few hours. The book is really gripping. I really adored how the authors grabbed me from the very first page!!
The plot line of this book is what I enjoyed the most. I loved that the authors amazed me with a great plot that had so much in it. The elements used in the book made me so excited that I knew that I could not put down the book. What I like the most is how the authors used paranormal elements along with Indian traditions. What shocked me most about this book is the possession. I literally got goosebumps while reading this book. I was taken back by the amazing descriptions of the plot as well as the characters.
The characters of this book were not only unique but so strong. I love the voice in the book! Both characters Amiee and Alan, were well developed as well as flawed. I like that the reader gets to go along on the adventure with them in defeating the darkness. The readers learns so much with the characters that it keeps the reader entertain till the very last page. I adored that even the minor characters has more insight of what is really going on than what I thought. I was really surprised to learn how it all began at the end!
The love interest in this book held me tightly! I loved seeing Amiee and Alan love grow for each other. The authors did not rush the love, but let it progress with the plot line and readers. Well done! This is what I like to see in books! Not a insta-love! But let me tell you ladies, Alan will have you swooning from the minute he is introduced!
This is one amazing book! I loved reading every moment of it. I can definitely say that I am now obsession with these authors! A dark, pleasurable, unstoppable read, After Obsession is a book you want your hands on! Go now and get it!
Overview
Although they've only just met, Aimee and Alan have a history together. They've been in each other's dreams. They're bound by something they can't quite name. Something that rattles the windows, haunts the waters . . . and threatens to tear them apart before they get a chance to find out what their connection means.
The bestselling author of the Need series teams up with newcomer Steven E. Wedel to bring you your newest obsession.