About The Book
Shade Me by Jennifer Brown
Series: Nikki Kill #1
Release Date: January 19th 2016
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genres: Young-Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
My Rating:
Nikki Kill does not see the world like everyone else. In her eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray. Thanks to a rare phenomenon called synesthesia, Nikki’s senses overlap, in a way that both comforts and overwhelms her.
Always an outsider, just one ‘D’ shy of flunking out, Nikki’s life is on the fast track to nowhere until the night a mysterious call lights her phone up bright orange—the color of emergencies. It’s the local hospital. They need Nikki to identify a Jane Doe who is barely hanging on to life after a horrible attack.
The victim is Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from Nikki’s school who Nikki hardly knows. One thing is clear: Someone wants Peyton dead. But why? And why was Nikki’s cell the only number in Peyton’s phone?
As she tries to decipher the strange kaleidoscope of clues, Nikki finds herself thrust into the dark, glittering world of the ultra-rich Hollis family, and drawn towards Peyton’s handsome, never-do-well older brother Dru. While Nikki’s colors seem to help her unravel the puzzle, what she can’t see is that she may be falling into a trap. The only truth she can be sure of is that death is a deep, pulsing crimson.
Shade Me is award-winning author Jennifer Brown’s first book in a thrilling suspense series about Nikki Kill.
Review
I think fans of Romily Bernard’s Find Me series will love this young-adult mystery. As I’m a fan of the aforementioned series, I have to say this one lacked a little of the well thought out actions of the MC. Nikki Kill sometimes did things that made little sense, but she was nothing if not entertaining. This felt very much like the movie Brick, only with a female lead. Uncovering the mystery surrounding Peyton’s violent attack kept me reading. Albeit, it took me almost 2 weeks to get through this chunk of a story.
I’m not familiar with synesthesia, so to actually read about this was fascinating. The way Nikki viewed the world around her was interesting. I think that aspect made this mystery even more unique. And the girl can fight! Not just fight, but kick butt. She’s into MMA, so that was very cool of the author to add that to her character. I wasn’t gasping at every clue that shined light on the big mystery, but I liked how it all came together. I had this nagging feeling in the back of my mind about what was going on, but it seemed rather far fetched, so I dismissed it. And I was somewhat right!
I didn’t like the way Nikki had about 3 different guys at her disposal. It’s like, she snaps her fingers, and they’re there. She was too fast. At times, nothing seemed to happen, which slowed the pace of the story. Overall, I liked this one and would definitely be open to reading the next book.
About The Author
Giveaway
Enter to win 1 of 3 signed hardcovers of Shade Me. US Only.
I found the conclusion disappointing. I thought Nikki was cool but a slacker. I mean it was a pretty cool book just wasn’t my favorite. Glad you enjoyed it though!
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This book sounds craaaaaaaazy, definitely not something I want to touch! (Sorry! lol) I’ve seen many bloggers show interest in it, which is great! I dislike the three guys thing. D: But it sounds like an intriguing book! Lovely review. 🙂
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
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I’m not really a fan of thrillers but the synesthesia aspect of it sounds really cool. I know a little about synesthesia so I’m interested to see how much information there is in this book. It sounds like the mystery aspect of it wasn’t underwhelming…so I might give this a go. Maybe. I don’t know 😀
Thanks for visiting Happy Indulgence!
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I have this one so it is only a matter of time before I read it. I don’t like it when main characters sometimes do things irrationally and it is hard to understand where they are coming from or how they are reasoning their actions. I am familiar with synesthesia though which is something that intrigues me in general. My best friend even has it, so it was the key thing that drew me to this book!
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I haven’t heard of that either I think but def an interesting premise to build a story on. Sorry to hear about the juggling of three guys, that could be troublesome
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I love YA thrillers too! Although I don’t think Nikki and I will get along so I’ll pass up on this. Thanks for the honest review, Lekeisha!
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This actually sounds very intriguing….and even though I am not a fan of fast heroines….other aspects of her characters sound fun and unique.
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I’ve just come across your blog from another… Hi! 🙂 I have this one my kindle to read and it’s my first Jennifer Brown book so I can’t wait to dig. It has had some mixed reviews I admit, but I will read this in time. Great review. 🙂
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Great review! I want to read this one. It sounds very unique and fascinating! 🙂
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Sorry that you weren’t able to enjoy this book more Lekeisha, it does remind me of the book Ultraviolet and that was a book that I loved, but I don’t like the idea of Nikki having three guys at her disposal either. Thank you for your honest review!
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I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed things about this one but I’m definitely intrigued and I think I want to meet this character!
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I started this awhile ago but it just wasn’t for me – I ended up DNFing it around 100 pages or so. I really couldn’t like the main character and the plot line wasn’t very captivating. But I loved the synesthesia idea – but I’m glad you liked this one! 🙂
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I liked this one, definitely different. I really hope the next book goes more into her mom and family.
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Thanks for participating.
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Hmm…
I don’t know about this one now yet, Lekeisha. I was intrigued by the synesthesia but the main character sounds really difficult at times. And the 3 guys at her disposal thing? UGH.
I’ll have to think about it more for sure.
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Great review! I haven’t read anything by Jennifer Brown before. I really like the idea of a tough fighter female main character. The fact that it took you a couple of weeks to get through this book worries me though. I would probably give this one a try.
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Great review, Lekeisha! I’ve been debating on whether or not I want to read this one for months… Still undecided at this point!
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I don’t think I know about synesthesia either and I love to have a good mystery so thanks for the discovery!
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Oh, this sounds like a good mystery by a new to me author. I hadn’t heard of that phenomenon, either. But I’m curious about the story. Nice review, Lekeisha.
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