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!

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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Great Book!

I'm 13 and I thought this was a great book. I also bought the sequel and It was very good too!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Amazin

Definately a must read!! I read it in a day! Couldnt put it down! People of all ages would enjoy!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I cannot even begin to explain how much I enjoyed reading Clarit

I cannot even begin to explain how much I enjoyed reading Clarity.

I’ve always been a huge fanatic with murder mysteries. I absolutely adore Agatha Christie’s and Arthur Conan Doyle’s murder mysteries (my favorites are And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express, and The Hound of the Baskervilles), and so once I found out that Clarity was a paranormal murder mystery, I immediately added it to my to-read list. Immediately. And I was not in any way disappointed. In fact, Clarity surpassed my expectations.

I adore the main character and protagonist, Clare. Though she isn’t exactly psychic – in the beginning of the book, she explains that no one can predict the future – by touching objects, she can find out things about it: who last touched it, what that person was feeling at the time, etc. She and her telepathic mother and her brother Perry, who can talk to ghosts, entertain tourists with their powers for a living. Though their appointments get quite exciting sometimes (take the first clients they have in the book), it’s generally a boring lifestyle for Clare. So when she’s offered the job of using her powers to help the investigation of the murder of a tourist named Tori, she accepts.

Then when she learns that her brother, who likes to “play” with the girls who come to their tourist-attractive town called Cape Cod, was the last person to see Tori, things get complicated. Not to mention that she has to work with both Justin, her ex-boyfriend and son of the town’s mayor, and Gabriel, the hot son of the new detective in town. Talk about tension.

Clare is definitely a fantastic protagonist. Though I wouldn’t label her as “kick-butt,” she definitely can take care of herself, being the determined person she is. And I especially loved her indecision over which boy to choose: Justin or Gabriel? I’d say that I’m Team Gabriel (not only because he’s incredibly hot, obviously, though that might be a large part) probably because I think that although sweet at times, Justin is just irritating.

And the plot of this book? I’ve got one word for you: OHMYGOSHAWESOME. This book literally had me flipping its pages, desperate to find out who the murderer was . . . and the answers to those other mysteries. And though some of them weren’t all that surprising, I was definitely taken back by a few.

The only thing I wasn’t satisfied with was that ending (romance-wise, that is). I’m still wondering where those last pages of the book are, Kim!

Clarity is simply phenomenal. Such a fast-paced book completely shrouded with mystery and full of romantic tension should definitely get more attention than it already has. A must for any paranormal reader, especially those who want something just a little bit different from vampires and werewolves!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Amazing

I thought it wouldnt be too good but i gave it a try. It turns oit it wasAMAZING!!!! It had u too the very end. Not only w as it about this girl with "un norml abilieties" but also aboit mystery case. Although i wont give out who the killer was, i defiantly didnt suspect tht pern. I had me right sown to the very end

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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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!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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The first thing I had issue with was the main character.  Many t

The first thing I had issue with was the main character.  Many things felt inauthentic and cliche.  The second was the fact that all these kids somehow had access to jobs no one should have in high school.  I mean, a teenage detective, mayor, and psychic — not exactly believable.  And the fact that the parents ‘didn’t want to be involved’ in the investigation made it that much more unbelievable.  The other issue I had was the story didn’t have enough ‘meat’ to it.

However, the mystery of the story was interesting.  It wasn’t obvious who the murderer was, and Harrington kept you guessing until the very end.  Ultimately, I think this is a book for a younger YA reader.

I would consider reading book two, IF I could find it at the library.

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Awsome

This book is a good book cause iove mistarys so i love this book

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Sooo cool!!!!!!!!!!!

Loved clare-gabriel relationship how romantic and i liked how perry and clare take care of each other such a good bro! U will be crazy enough by not liking this and sequel :) @jenniferwinget

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BEST BOOK

This book is the third best book ever!!!! Kim, make a movie!!!! I bet it would be a really good movie. I wuld pay lots to see this movie! :)

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Crazy if you dont love it

Such a good book cant wait to read the next one. For the really good books they should have 10 rateing stars because this one deserves 10

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Clarity

I got this book free for a prize at the library for reading some pretty good mystery books. So when i got this one i was uncertain about reding it. It said on the bottom that this book wasnt even on sale yet so this was like a before-store thing. I decided to give it a try. And im so glad i did! Now i have read it at least five times and my friends are reading it too. This book has some bad words and unappropriate things but otherwise, a great book to read during the summer or over the weekend.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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<3

Loved this book couldnt put it down

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