After Obsession

Not Too Scary to Handle

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.

Great

I looooved this book...but thought the ending was a little weak

Great

Omg i loved this book it was amazing i recommend this

Omg

Three words captivating........ scary............. and sexy. Truly magnificent!

While it wasn't awful, it wasn't really what I'd been hoping for

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.

A fun, breezy read with suspense, excitement and romance.

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.

Creeptastic!

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

Liked this book

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.

Review from Blkosiner's Book Blog

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.

Spectacular Story!

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.

Review: After Obsession

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.

A Fantastic Read!!!

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.

Great book!

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!

creepy

The concept of this novel is really interesting to me. I haven't read a lot of books about demon possession because it fascinates and terrifies me at the same time. I also must admit that the cover of this novel really intrigued me also.


I love that this story is told from two different points of view. The first point of view is told by Aimee. She is a smart, fun loving girl with a special gift. She has the gift of precognition. She sees things in her dreams that end up coming true. She dreams of Alan before she even meets him and knows that they have to work together. Alan has just moved to town with his mother to help his cousin deal with the death of her father. He is part Navajo. He has a special gift also. He dreams of Aimee and he knows that she needs his help. Together they must try to stop the demonic spirit that is infecting the town and is trying to possess Courtney, Alan's cousin and Aimee's best friend.


Aimee and Alan are great characters. They both have to find a way to defeat an unknown evil. I like that they both are afraid but they would do anything to save Courtney. Alan and Aimee share a mutual attraction toward each other that grows over the course of the novel. I like how the authors wrote Courtney. You can see the progression of her gradual downfall. I couldn't dislike Courtney for her actions because I completely could understand her motivation. I liked seeing the internal struggle she was having.


I thought the story line in this book was pretty good. It was dark and eerie at times. I really enjoyed the Native American folklore that was incorporated throughout the novel. I think it brings an interesting motif to the story line. Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel did a great job building the suspense. There are times I got chills from the descriptions. I also enjoyed the characters relationships with each other. Aimee's family and Courtney's family are both dealing with the loss of a parent. I think the way the families reacted with each other is really realistic. I also liked the bit about the Cheeto.


Overall I liked this book. I read the whole book in one sitting. The story line kept me interested from start to finish. I think they could have turned up the creepy factor a bit. However it was still a good book. If you're into a paranormal thriller with a splash of romance, I recommend this book.

BookHounds

The story is told by Aimee and Alan in alternating chapters and each provide a unique voice which is made all the better by the two authors lending their talents to the story. You can easily guess which author writes the male/female perspective. Aimee starts to notice her friend, Courtney is acting strange. Things really get weird when Courtney's cousin, Alan and his mother moves in with her family to help ends meet after her father dies.. Alan is searching for his American Indian roots and discovers he has a connection with the supernatural. Aimee has a few gifts of her own, but only when Aimee and Alan meet do they began to put the pieces together in order to help Courtney and whatever is haunting her. Using his Native American ties, Alan finds the source of Courtney's problem with Aimee's help. Courtney, in her quest to reconnect with her father does something that has repercussions for the whole village. Along the way, they both discover that the love in their hearts can conquer all.

I really enjoyed how the authors brought to life this seriously creepy tale based on folklore and demonic possession. I am a huge fan of Carrie's Need series, so this one is a natural for me. I was really impressed with Steven Wedel and the charming voice he gives to Alan. The alternating chapters and the collaborations between the authors just really worked for me since there is cohesive story telling through out, but each major character having a unique voice. I am really trying to keep my comments spoiler free and it is very hard! At parts, I felt like this was a Disney story gone wrong since there are so many dead or missing parents, but when you get into the story - that is the way it needs to be for it to work. Demonic possession is a nice change from the normal Young Adult vampire/werewolf stories that abound and the Native American folktale that provides the basis for the story.

Live To Read

This is a terrific blend of male and female point of views. The authors clearly worked very well together, their distinct styles are clear without overpowering one of the other.

Aimee is one of the main characters. She is sweet, compassionate, somewhat sarcastic, and protective. Her friend and Alan's cousin, Courtney, is slowly being taken over by an "evil" by the name of "River Man." Aimee begins the novel with a sarcastic flair that will endear the reader to her, she's surprisingly fun to read about. A lot happens to Aimee in the beginning of the book. She thinks she is contacted by her dead mother on several occasions, she breaks up with her longtime boyfriend, she meets her love interest, and she realizes that her friend, Courtney, is in serious danger.

Alan is her counterpart. When he meets Aimee there is an instant attraction. He is part Navajo and adheres to many customs, making the novel that much more interesting to the reader. Alan is protective, charismatic, kind, determined, and funny. Aimee and Alan's relationship will grow during the novel, it is believable and the reader will enjoy following it. Alan is one of those characters that a reader will love. He isn't afraid to fight for what he believes in or go out of his way to help a friend.



This book is a must-read, very enjoyable for any young adult/teen/adult. The events are super fast-paced and the ending is exhilarating and exciting. The secondary characters are just as awesome to get to know.

3.5 Stars

I don't know what better way I can put this but just to come out and say that After Obsession was just OKAY. I don't hate it, but I also don't "really" like it. There wasn't that certain "something" that can make me say I really enjoyed the read. After Obsession was not engaging but was still an amusing story.
It's told in two separate point of views. One of Aimee, the female protagonist who has dreams of the past and of certain moments of the future that comes true. Aimee also possesses that ability to heal other people when they're hurt, a trait that she inherited by her deceased mother. The other point of view (POV) is of Alan, a football jock whose also Aimee's best friend's cousin who is half Navajo and has the ability to have vision quest with his totem cougar, Onawa.

When I first started reading After Obsession, it was hard to understand what was going on. I felt like everything was all over the place, but it got better once I hit around the fourth chapter. It switches back and forth from Aimee to Alan, but at times I catch myself reading Alan when I thought it was Aimee. They both seem to have the same voice, so there was a bit of confusion.
The concept of the whole story is intriguing but it was just predictable and bland for me. I really like how pure Aimee is, but I was caught off guard on how easily she moved on after breaking up with Blake considering she knew what was causing him to act the way he was. So, it's basically an "I like this, BUT I didn't like that" love hate kind of read. I will still recommend it, but I can't stay that it will be on my list of Must Reads. 3.5 Stars. I liked it.

Carrie Jones goes spooky!

Aimee begins noticing that her best friend Courtney is acting weirdly around the same time Courtney's cousin Alan comes to town. In fact, it's not just Courtney who's acting oddly. Aimee's boyfriend Blake is suddenly rude and angry at everything, a change that conveniently works in Aimee's favor, since the chemistry between her and Alan is sending sparks flying. As the creepy occurrences stack up (dark shadows in the shape of a man, knives spinning upright on their own) Aimee and Alan decide they need to fight whatever horrible thing is terrorizing their town and friends. But fighting an ancient evil is not going to be easy.

This book was spooky! I got the chills in a number of places, like I was watching some classic teen horror movie from the '90s. While I was careful to read this during daylight hours, I totally soaked up the romance between Aimee and Alan. When we first learn that Alan is into Indian Gods, I got nervous that he was going to be much too nerdy for me to like. But that was totally not the case, when he turned out to be super manly and romantic! I loved Carrie Jones' previous trilogy (Need, Captive, and Entice), which surprised me with it's addictive story line and generally cool characters. This book seems to be stand-alone, and while it didn't carry quite the same intrigue for me, it was still a great read.

Highly Recommended

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's such realistic settings and characters. Great story.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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