Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Sixteen-year-old Kali D'Angelo has always known she's different. Sure, she goes to high school and even attends pep rallies. But every other day, Kali becomes something else, hunting and killing demons, hellhounds and other supernatural creatures. On those days, she is indestructible.
When a supernatural creat leaves the mark of death on a popular cheerleader, Kali knows she is the only one who can save her. There is only one problem. Today, Kali is only human.
Supernatural Hunter + Popular Cheerleader + one social outcast = one unique team of teenagers. I mean bonding over a Chupacabra bite? Is there really any other way to form a lasting bond? Seriously! Love it! It's interesting to see how these character's develop and interact with each other. To see how their relationships with each other unfold.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There is action right from the very first chapter. Throughout the novel, we see the main character, Kali D'Angelo battle many supernatural creatures. Jennifer Lynn Barnes' descriptions of each battle are vivid and action packed, with a different twist throughout the book, and secrets to be revealed, the readers will be left guessing until the very end. And so
much excitement, it will make your head spin! Plus add in the effect of a countdown timer, and you can literally feel your heart pounding.
There was one point in the story where I was reading all nice and quiet,and then all of sudden "BAM!" something major is revealed, and I literallywhispered (pretty loudly I might add) "WHAT???!?!!" You'll have to read it to know what I'm talking about, but when you get to that part, you are totally going to say "what??!?!?" too!
There were a lot of humorous lines and scenes throughout the book, which I felt made the characters feel more real. Although Kali is seen as a tough, no holds barred, show no fear, come and get me type of girl, Barnes portrays another side of her that will catch readers off guard and love the character even more. You can't help but feel sad for Kali, seeing her struggle with trying to get her father to notice her, her desire to live a normal life but having to accept who she really is, or what she really is.
My favorite part in the book is how the author builds up to Kali's change. Barnes carries it out making the reader hang on to her every word. She makes you feel how Kali is feeling, hear what she hear, experience the changes going on throughout her body. And the hunting scenes.. Wow! Everything is described in amazing detail. Her clever one liners were classic. There were times where I felt like I was literally inside Kali's head as she plans her next
attack, like how she is going to survive a horde of zombies (zoink!)
And then there is the mysterious Zev. Yes, I have a crush on him. I couldn't help it. I won't
give away the secret why, but all I have to say is *sigh*. There are points throughout the beginning of the book where Zev is downright creepy, but I loved it! (yes, yes...weird) For example, the scene in the care with Eddie! (gasped and sighed at the same time! - read it, you'll see why) But once you get past the creepiness, Zev is so sweet. And the way Barnes allows the reader very brief glimpses through Zev's eyes was eerily addicting. It was just enough of a tease to keep the reader's attention. And the secret about Zev! (Yowzah!) I gasped out loud. For real! The story just got a whole lot more intriguing for me at that point.
This book made me laugh out loud at times, and it made me teary eyed at certain parts. The only negative I have about the book is that the word "preternatural" was used way too much throughout the book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves supernatural stories.
Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Vampire Academy, Strange Angels, or enjoys heroines that kick butt, will love this book.
I am hoping that there will be a follow up bo
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book wasn't quite what I expected--but in a good way. I thought from the blurb and the other reviews that it would be a bit more Buffy-esque than it was, and really didn't expect the conspiracy drama that it turned out to be. So--maybe Buffy meets the teen version of X-Files? I read it quickly--partly because my NetGalley copy was due to expire soon, but mostly because I just didn't want to put it down. Barnes quickly draws readers into the world she created for this one; you almost believe that Darwin really did make crucial discoveries about preternaturals out there on the HMS Beagle. It's a real girl-power book that does a nice job of blending fantasy and science fiction into one readable package. It's a book about friends, family, and sacrifice in a world where the supernatural is a part of daily life and hellhounds (so wrong!) are a protected species...or at least they are for a while. Barnes definitely left room for a sequel, but the ending isn't screaming for one, which was a nice change. It was especially amusing that in this world, werewolves aren't even believed to exist; but then, neither are vampires or psychics, two entities which may or may not factor into the plot of this novel. ;-)
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.Different kind of book to read. The slaying of Preternatural creatures done by the main character, Kali, reminded me somewhat of Supernatural (the WB series about two brothers who slay supernatural creatures.) The book has plenty of gory, violent scenes while Kali is hunting and fighting the hellhounds that have been put on the endangered list. She hunts all sorts of preternatural creatures but the focus seems to be on the hellhounds.
The hellhounds, dragons, griffins and other creatures are accepted as everyday, not quite so normal, creatures in Kali's world. Strangely enough, psychic abilities, as exhibited by Kali's friend Skylar are scoffed at and dismissed.
Many inconsistencies in this book. First of all, Chimera (the big bad conglomerate creating more creatures) want Kali as a specimen to study but they don't think twice about attempting to kill her and dump her body. Secondly, Kali spends a lot of time explaining to us that she cannot be killed or feel pain while she is in her 'superhuman' mode however, she is fighting a basilisk (snake) and has to be careful not to look into it's eyes as they are fatal to her. Fatal, meaning it can kill her. hmmm Also, on the pain front, at one point in the book she is faced with a manticore. It's screaming voice causes excruciating pain and makes her ears bleed..
OK, enough about that. I really liked her buddies. Bethany and Sklyar. These two stole the show. Their constant arguing and bickering was fun to read. There is also a somewhat warped romance for Kali, his name is Zev and he's, well...I'll let you just read the book and figure out what he is for yourself.
I look forward the the next book. The cliffhanger at the end was almost surely left to provide an opening for book two.
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.Icecream18JA
Posted Fri May 18 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Fans of Barnes’s other series, Raised By Wolves, will enjoy this novel. Strong female characters and a fast paced plot make this book difficult to put down. Kali is human, sort of. Every other day Kali becomes a hunter. She kills paranormal creatures and is almost invincible. Trying to fly under the radar is a necessity because of who, or what, she is. This changes one day when she see a death sign on Bethany, the most popular girl at her high school. Saving the girl will mean Kali will have to risk her life on a day when she is not invincible. Kali must fight to sunrise as a human.
Part of the reason I love this book so much is because of Kali. She is all business and determined. Kali questions her humanity and purpose in the world, giving her an appeal and drive. Supporting characters Skylar and Bethany have their own characteristics that make them memorable and engaging. Skylar, a pixie like psychic, guides Kali and Bethany, is tough and loyal. Both girls join Kali on her adventure in this novel. Every Other Day seems perfect for teen readers who enjoy excitement and the paranormal. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
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.Kali is a grounded, female character that has resigned to her uncommon life and the inevitable isolation that comes with it. Despite her predatory skills and strength, she is vulnerable, which softens her character, making her incredibly likable. She can kick-butt, but experiences all the same teen-angst insecurities that 'normal' kids go through. This characterization detail keeps her planted in the here and now even when the supernatural threatens to take this science-fiction, paranormal mystery to strange, unimaginable places. Every Other Day is a great example of how to cement the abstract into reality making it credible. Joss Whedon did this with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I see similarities or possible influences in this particular story. Buffy fans will enjoy Jennifer Lynn Barnes characters and style. I know I did! I have no idea of any of the conceptual ideas are scientifically viable, but due to the writing delivery, it certainly was believable. I could give over to the story and sink into the world of Kali and her friends. The ending leaves the reader wanting more and I'm looking forward to the sequel. This is a great young adult book that puts an inspiring tweak on some overdone paranormal concepts and creatures.
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 Wed Mar 06 00:00:00 EST 2013
So awesome! Only 29 reviews? Needs more!! Like 1,000!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Feb 26 00:00:00 EST 2013
This book was a great read. I couldnt put it down. I love that its different from all of the usual vampire/werewolf kind of books out today. It was heartwarming and funny then edgy and wild then heartwrenching and sad. I would definitely recomend it to any YA reader.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. Argh!! Rip my heart out!
Before I say anything… I have to note similarities I saw between the three books I’ve read by Barnes because, for me, this is huge. Like, read-everything-by-Barnes huge. She doesn’t hold back on emotional pain or soften bloody blows. She’s willing to go deep, past assumptive boundaries. Her characters don’t suffer from stubbed toes, if you catch my drift. Rather, there is real abandonment issues, psychological twists to reality, gory moments that are burnt on memories… both the character’s and the reader’s. This depth adds a dose of reality to her writing that feels eerie. Which in turn adds the sense of real danger. I’m hugely relieved over who survives – if some of the characters I’ve fallen in love with do, actually, survive. This is true of Every Other Day, Raised by Wolves & Trial by Fire. And why haven't I read Taken by Storm, yet? Allow me to fix that problem ASAP!
As for my opinion of this book…
Wow! I couldn’t put it down. When my family demanded to eat, or I had to sleep (the horror!) I couldn’t stop thinking about this book. At one point I hid on the patio while pretending to do yard work to keep reading. Lol. When I couldn’t avoid it a second longer, I attacked the weeds as if I was Kali attacking the zombies, I was in the middle of the scene where she gets mobbed. It felt really good. Those weeds didn’t stand a chance!
What I loved:
This entire story takes place in 48 hours, counted down in Kali’s mind, which is insanely urgent. How appropriate the cover is!!! A bloody hourglass. Absolutely perfect.
I didn’t know what Kali was – if you haven’t read this, do not spoil it!!! It’s a thrill to discover what she is and how she became that with her. Even if you suspect, like I did – like any one of us would! – you want to discover it at Kali’s pace, to embrace Barnes’ unique story.
I love the psychological aspect of all the relationships. Kali’s dad is not just a side-character to bump elbow with occasionally, their relationship effects Kali’s view of herself, her denial, her self-loathing. The more we learn of her dad, the more we understand about Kali and the more she is able to accept herself. How delicious is that?!
Kali and Bethany have the oddest relationship. The “no one” vs. “Miss Popular”. Only Beth wears her I’m-cool attitude like a cloaking device to hide her own pain, a skill she learned from her mom surviving with her dad, who is also making bad choices for survival purposes. My favorite scene between these two unlikely friends is right at the end when Beth gives Kali a nudge towards coping with pain and forgiveness. Seriously… my heart still aches!!
Skylar is another friend with so many levels. I can’t even holler how much I love her enough. She has four older brothers whom she ranks in order of preference. She brings Kali home with her and there’s this moment when Kali sees the handprints of the kids in the cement driveaway as a barrier more real than any brick wall. It sorta said something like, “beyond this line lives a happy family, kids who grew up with their mom and dad loving them.” *Woosh* It just knocked the breath out of Kali and it still leaves me gasping.
There’s more. Each of Skylar’s brothers have personality and flaws. Each of their relationships with Skylar effects Kali.
Then there’s Kali’s mom, whose most powerful presence is in Kali’s memory from when she was three. The way she is introduced gave me this split response to her, half fear-hate and half lingering-ache.
Oh, and we must mention Zev. I think he created one of the most exciting aspects in this story because he unraveled who and what she is, providing conscience and non-human opinion while still maintaining his own bucket-load of problems. Lol. At one point Kali is carrying on a conversation with him inside her head and trying to hide her thoughts from him WHILE concealing Zev from her new friends, who she is not sure she can trust. Lol. Just add a hint of romantic draw and a whole lot of mystery and I was completely hooked!!
The world is unique, the monsters are believable, the pacing is fantastic, the action is realistic (in a What-the? Sort of way) this story is so fun, I can see me wanting to reread it. Soon. If I had a complaint – and this is scrambling for something to balance my ravings – I would note that Kali (rather like Bryn in the Wolves series) gets her thoughts rolling in a repetitive circle that makes me want to skip a line here –n- there since I am eager to see what’s happening next, outside of her inner turmoil.
And Kali? OMG I love her. She is decisive and fearless, a rescuer of the oppressed, a victim twice over, completely alone and ready to love. She frightens me a little when I think of having her over for tea, but I would stand by her fiercely all day long. Or behind her, anyway. Go, Kali!!
My Rating: 5 - Love it!! I realize I am putting this book up on a pedestal, but pacing is a big deal for me and the countdown plus all the unpredictable twists make this book really great read. I need to own this book and reread it, I enjoyed it that much.
ReenaJacobs
Posted Sat Jul 14 00:00:00 EDT 2012
One thing I have to say about Every Other Day, the story line was unique to me. If anything, that alone kept me in the story. The novel is set in an alternate reality where paranormal elements (zombies, hellhounds, dragons, etc) were discovered by Darwin way back when. Not only are the paranormal creatures a part of the world, but they’re also protected as endangered species. Too bad for them, Kali is a natural born hunter during her “non-human” cycle. The bulk of the story follows Kali, the main character, during a 48-72 hour time span. All the while, Kali’s internal clock provides a countdown until her next cycle. For the most part, this was an okay read. Like I said, the story was unique. Early on, I was a bit confused about the Darwin theory, but eventually it was explained. Other parts were a bit predictable, but my biggest gripe was Kali’s near invincibility. On her “non-human” days she was like Spider-man in the areas of strength and reflexes and Wolverine when it came to rejuvenation, but she felt no pain and was A LOT harder to incapacitate. Meanwhile, all she had to do was lay low on her human days and voila! she was back in action. As such, it lacked any real stakes. Normally I like to talk about side characters, and there were quite a few with varying importance in the story. However, the relationships Kali seemed to form with them seemed rather shallow, making it difficult to care for anyone in particular. I give the story an A+ for uniqueness, but the execution could have been better. If a sequel does happen, it’s a story I may or may not seek depending on mood. Overall, 3/3.5 out of 5 stars. I received this work from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2012
For those twenty somethings out there who enjoy a fresh YA book to get away this one will definitely satisfy. Fresh story with an a likeable protagonist who catches your heart despite her dual nature. I really enjoyed it. Buy it for a relaxing weekend night read.
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.Anonymous
Posted Sun Jun 03 00:00:00 EDT 2012
A must read for any age.
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.Nickyrian
Posted Sat Apr 07 00:00:00 EDT 2012
When I was reading this book, I thought I was watching Resident Evil and Fringe (my favorites). The combination of science and preternatural made the story so great. Yes, it was not original, but the author laid out the story pretty well. She kept the suspense until the end, and left the readers hanging in the air. Gah!!! Now, I have to wait until next year to find out more about Reid, the Lonely Ones (Zev and Kali), and the rest of the casts. I smell romance in the air. I hope the author will continue to develop it on the next installment. If you love science and action, this is one of the good books to read. Happy reading!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Mar 30 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Gr. 6-8
Every Other Day is an action-packed fantasy novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire book. Every page leaves you wanting more, and Jane Lynn Barnes has you asking yourself what will happen next. Barnes’s writing style is fluent and filled with humor, and her language is advanced.
I suggest this book for readers in their preteen or teenage years, because the book has some moderate violence yet it is not too graphic. Every Other Day is more suited for female readers, because the cover is decorated in roses, the main character is female, and the author is female. Although the plot is action-packed, I do not think that male readers would particularly enjoy this book.
The major characters are well built, although I think that the Barnes stayed on certain character traits for too long, because Kali is always fighting for the spot as the leader, and Zev is a bit emotionless and you never really get to know him. The minor characters don’t seem very well built, as Bethany is always acting like a snob, Skylar is always happy and cheerful and Elliot doesn’t seem have a personality.
When reading Every Other Day you don’t see any exact theme or meaning, but at the end of the book, the theme became clear for me. Throughout the book, Kali is constantly searching for her meaning, her self. In the end, she finally knows who she is, and accepts who she is. The book is wrapped around finding who you are.
Although the plot takes a while to build up, and at first you may want to put the book down and find another, I promise you if you just keep pushing on, you will find yourself caught in Kali’s strange and confusing world. The end is a tad bit confusing, but it leaves you expecting a sequel.
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (2011)
After reading and loving Barnes' Trial by Fire I decided to pick up Barnes' latest (standalone) book even though the mechanics of Kali's day-to-day change gave me pause. My expectations were probably too high and too reliant on comparisons to Barnes Raised by Wolves series.
Kali's shift every other day between human and more than human was a great premise and made for an interesting premise. No one writes tough, action-ready heroines better than Barnes. That said, having Kali transform every other day into a super hunter made it really hard to connect with her character even as I wanted to sympathize with her feelings of being torn in two by the constant changing.
The pieces just didn't come together as well as I wanted them to between slow pacing in the beginning and an ending that felt unsatisfying. While the alternate history Barnes created is genius, the characters and story did not stand up to the Raised by Wolves standard. This book does still have all of the pieces for a great action-filled, girl power-ed story. It will appeal strongly to fans of ¿Buffy¿, adventure, and Barnes' signature mix of sharp-tongued heroines and action.
This is my first book by Jennifer Barnes, and I was really drawn in by her writing style. This is a refreshing idea--being fully human one day and then paranormal the next! She executed this idea very well, and I also liked that in an parallel universe where paranormal creatures were discovered by Darwin, it is even more strange to not know what exactly she is.
The main character is strong, and selfless, so much its admiral and painful all at the same time. She'd distanced herself from people for so long, but when she tries to save a classmate and gets stuck along the ride with her, along with letting in a social pariah of the school, she realizes just how much she can lose. I enjoyed watching these relationships develop, and I think I was in almost as much pain as Kali at an unfortunate turn that broke my heart.
Skylar is a great secondary character and she made me think of Luna in the Harry Potter series. This innocence and wisdom you can't help but love. And oh her brothers, lol. They appear from everywhere and it was fun how they advanced the plot.
I was very suprised about some of the plot twists, including Zev, Kali's mother, and the story behind her father. The writing is suspenseful and I loved where the story took me.
The ending tied up things pretty well, but I'd still love to read a sequel and find out more about what happens to Kali.
Anonymous
Posted Sat Mar 10 00:00:00 EST 2012
From MLPF Blog: I liked it. Its a different paranormal YA read with an interesting twist on vampires. When I first came across the meaning of " every other day " I was like: " shes human every other day? Thats stupid " but then, I realized that being human every other day has its advantages even if it is QUITE convenient for her to be on a human day every time they test her for abnormalities in DNA. I had one major problem with this book, why was that person exterminated so early in the series? I mean, come on! Their character was so promising. And why was their expression blissful when they died? Their life could not have been that bad. Oh well. Ill give this novel 4 stars.
MichelleWitte
Posted Tue Feb 21 00:00:00 EST 2012
¿¿¿¿½*
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Chalk another one up on the list of Books that Hooked Me by the First Page. Actually, this one hooked me by the first line. Let me show you why:
"The decision to make hellhounds an endangered species was beyond asinine . . . "
I'll stop there for a moment. (Don't worry, you'll get more in a minute.) In those few words, I knew this book was going to be awesome. A world just like ours, but where all of the creatures from your nightmares are real. Then humans, being the odd creatures we are, decided that every species should be preserved—including those that will rip you to shreds and munch on your spleen while you try to "protect" it. Case in point:
(still within the first paragraph) "[These were the same people] that thought you could train a horde of zombies just as easily as Pavlov's dogs.
"'When I ring the bell, you will cease tearing the flesh from my bones.'
"Yeah, right."
So whose fault is it that humankind are the supposed protectors but really just prey to the paranormal world? Darwin. Yup, that Darwin. Charles and his Beagle stumbled upon not only evolution, but paranormal life as well. The implications of a world like this, where a single moment altered history to the point where the modern era is almost the same, yet completely different, is fascinating. Even more so when the author does a good job of fleshing out the world and the compounding impacts such a change would have upon it, which Barnes does fairly well.
I won't tell you about the plot (which you can find by reading the flap copy) or the creatures (which would get a bit spoilery) that, by itself, isn't what drew me in. Really, it was the way in which Barnes takes traditional notions of werewolves and zombies and vampires (yes, even sparklepires), et al., and twists them in such a way that their paranormal existence kinda makes sense, especially within the variables of this alternate world. Maybe that's why I enjoyed Every Other Day so much: the mythos is almost logical, which is rare for paranormal stories.
Even more important, she takes that one tiny little moment in history and explores the resonance over time and how people and governments change and cope with this new world.
This probably seems like a rather odd review to not even mention the plot or characters, but honestly, you'll find that in just about every other review. Instead, I've discussed the parts of this book that made me read it so quickly, and also want to dive immediately into the next book.
*A note on the rating: While I loved the world-building, some parts of the story fell a little flat for me. So though I really enjoyed the book overall, it didn't quite feel like a 5-star. Here's to hoping that improves in the next book of the series.
**Also, a note on the cover: Gorgeous doesn't do it justice. While the main image might not give a clue as to what the story's about, who cares? It's pretty to stare at.
If you like that cover, take a peek at The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison, another title from the same publisher (Egmont). Wouldn't they look so pretty sitting together on a shelf?
Wow! This was really different! I wasn't too sure about how the every-other-day thing would play out, but it was actually very interesting how she was forced to slip from one life to the other on such a regular basis. There is never a dull moment for someone who spends one day as a puny human and the next as a supernatural hunter. I was surprised by some of the loyal friends she makes along the way and even a possible love interest from a place I never would've imagined! There are several twists to keep you on your toes & plenty of action on every page! I will be looking forward to more of this story!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2012
Cool
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I was really looking forward to this book, after devouring the author's Raised by Wolves duo. The premise of preternatural beings made me realize I hadn't read any other teen books with those type of characters. But this book just didn't hit me the way I'd expected.
Kali is a human one day, a hunter of hellhounds and other beasts the next. She has kept her change secret from everyone but that changes when she sees a girl at school who is marked for death. A mean cheerleader and the school outcast are drawn into Kali’s world. The snarkiness of the cheerleader was spot-on; the outcast’s offer of friendship made think about all those teens just aching to belong, for someone to reach out a hand. And there is a boy who Kali just can’t figure out (and neither could I).
The language used when describing the physical change Kali goes through made me shiver as if I were watching it happen. One bit of the storyline which didn’t ring true was the fact that in the beginning, Kali was being hunted and then left for dead, but we later learn that the laboratory company who is trying to genetically modify people and preternatural beings wants her alive for research. So why did it want to kill her earlier? I also felt the writing went a bit flat toward the end, leaving me not caring what happened to any of the characters.
Overview
Sixteen-year-old Kali D'Angelo has always known she's different. Sure, she goes to high school and even attends pep rallies. But every other day, Kali becomes something else, hunting and killing demons, hellhounds and other supernatural creatures. On those days, she is indestructible.
When a supernatural creat leaves the mark of death on a popular cheerleader, Kali knows she is the only one who can save her. There is only one problem. Today, ...