Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Title: Whisper
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis
Pages: 288
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: April 27, 2010

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears a frightening whisper from Jessica's own mind, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.
"I wish..."
"I could use a..."
"I want..."
Joy has the ability to hear 'whispers'. She can hear people deepest desires. She uses her talent to benefit people, unlike her sister, who uses her ability to make people's lives harder and miserable. But when Joy starts hearing darker 'whispers', and when her sister runs away, her whole world goes into a tailspin. Will her life ever go back to normal?

Absorbing, riveting, and dark, Whisper will attract readers into its suspense-ridden world wherein a different, darker side of people is exposed. With intensity and an obscure, sinister semblance lingering throughout the novel, readers will be introduced to a different mindset in which hearing people's deep, secret desires are normal happenings. This psychologically-draining urban fantasy unflinchingly delves into the human's dark, inner nature and ultimately divulges what happens if it overtakes a person's sense of humanity.

Always with good intentions and a desire to live a normal life, Joy is a strong protagonist that is thrust into being able to 'hear' people's 'whispers'. Her narration is an intertwining of perspectives, both as a teenager, and a listening outsider. Wracked to the core with raging inner battles, disturbing problems, and worries about her estranged sister, Joy is forced to mature and grow up quickly. Her cheerful, bright, and well-loved personality contrasts the grim, sometimes morbid events that she has to deal with, contriving a young woman torn between two identities.

At first glance, Jessica is grumpy, tainted, and spiteful. But as readers start to familiarize themselves with Jessica, they will ultimately recognize her as a hurt, angry, and sensitive teenager aching to escape the preconceived stereotype that her friends, and even most of her family have put her into. She is discerned as the 'darker, evil' sister while Joy is perceived as 'happier, uplifting' sister. The little, broken glimpses of her softer, delicate side, shown through Joy's eyes towards the end leave a touch of hope and permeate a lighter sense of affection into the novel.

Forgiveness, friendship, and jealousy are all steadfast themes throughout the novel but are shown in unoriginal and somewhat predictable ways. But the redeeming aspect of Whisper is the concept of 'whispers' and how it is seamlessly fused with the real world. The 'whispers' really explored the ugly truth about the shady side of human nature. Through 'whispers', Kitanidis is able to expose the different vulnerabilities, insecurities, and desires that people might not even be aware of.

With dark themes, and concrete character development, Phoebe Kitanidis is the author to watch. Although the plot is confusing, Whisper is filled with gripping, compensating aspects that readers will immediately devour. Whisper's supernatural allure, with its up-to-date contemporary setting, is a stand-out amongst today's YA urban fantasies. (B)

The Bottom Line: A balance of imagination and reality.

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 5/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 5/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)
my signature

96 comments:

Unknown June 17, 2010 at 8:15 PM  

OHHH...I love this review...I am excited to get the chance to pick this up and SOON....

Unknown June 17, 2010 at 11:05 PM  

This sounds like a great book I don't think I could walk around all day hearing whispers. Great review!

Amber Skye June 17, 2010 at 11:05 PM  

This one looks really good. You awesome review got me evenmore excited :)

The Sweet Bonjour June 17, 2010 at 11:05 PM  

Fantastic Review!! I've heard very mixed things but I may give this a go x

Erika June 17, 2010 at 11:11 PM  

AMAZING book review, reggie :) beautifully written, insightful, and honest! whisper sounds like a refreshing take on paranormal YA

Lena1xoxo June 17, 2010 at 11:13 PM  

Awesome review. The ending score kind of scares me, lol.

Kathy Martin June 17, 2010 at 11:18 PM  

Thanks for your review. I have been wondering about this book. You have convinced me to give it a try.

Kim June 17, 2010 at 11:28 PM  

This sounds really good. Thanks for the review. :)

Cate June 17, 2010 at 11:28 PM  

I've heard lots of good things about this one- it's definitely going on my TBR pile. Great review!

Unknown June 18, 2010 at 12:14 AM  

I've had this one on my TBR list for a while, I think the concept of the "whispers" sounds pretty interesting. I'm hoping I can get to read it soon. Love your review! =)

Unknown June 18, 2010 at 12:21 AM  

This book sounds really good. I was on the fence about it, but now it is definitely on my wishlist. Thank you!

Lale June 18, 2010 at 12:33 AM  

I love the cover, and I really like the sisters clashing concept- I'm incredibly different to my own sister! And the happy/grim contrast kind of reminds me of those crazy twins on the American Dragon show. (The sister mentioned is nine.) Looking forward to reading it!

Mariah June 18, 2010 at 12:38 AM  

I am in the middle of this book so it is good to know that it might get better!

The Library Lurker June 18, 2010 at 12:43 AM  

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews of this book, but you just convinced me to give it a shot! I'll be on the lookout for it now!

Mandy June 18, 2010 at 1:07 AM  

I've been wanting to read this one for ever, it's a shame it only got a b, but if you still enjoyed it, then I still want to pick it up (:

Natalie June 18, 2010 at 1:16 AM  

I've been reading a lot of mixed reviews on this one. I've always been intrigued by the idea of sisters with powers who use them in different ways though! I think I'll end up reading it eventually. Thanks for the review! :)

Fi-chan June 18, 2010 at 1:20 AM  

This is on my wish list already! :D I love the cover, and I'm really curious how things will turn out. I don't mind predictable, cause' the writing is what matters most. :D

iffath June 18, 2010 at 1:38 AM  

Love you review! Looking forward to this now! :)

bookaholic June 18, 2010 at 1:38 AM  

This sounds awesome! I kinda feel nice that Joy is a strong protagonist. Love them!

Jen Hen June 18, 2010 at 1:46 AM  

Great review. I think I may check out this book!

Linna June 18, 2010 at 2:30 AM  

I've been hearing so much awesome stuff about how great this book is- and I'm always up for a premise like that.

Maria June 18, 2010 at 2:33 AM  

Another great, in-depth review! Love the concept for this book :)

Anonymous,  June 18, 2010 at 3:29 AM  

You are an incredible reviewer. I love what you said about certain themes being explores consistently throughout the book in unoriginal ways.

Dani June 18, 2010 at 3:39 AM  

Great Review! I want to buy it! Of course it isn´t in my country... :(

Melissa @ Mel's Books and Info June 18, 2010 at 3:52 AM  

I really enjoyed this book. I am glad you liked it too!

Izabela Souto June 18, 2010 at 3:53 AM  

After read that, I can't wait to read the book

God's gal June 18, 2010 at 3:55 AM  

I like this review a lot! I'm already itching to find the book, thanks to your recommendation.
And you loved it giving it 9/10. Though I want to ask, why a '6' for originality?

Jade

Speech Delay Mamma June 18, 2010 at 4:21 AM  

I so want to read it. Its on my list for my next pile of books. Great review!

Speech Delay Mamma June 18, 2010 at 4:23 AM  

This is definitely on list for my next lot of books to buy. Can't wait to read it. Great review!

Aimee June 18, 2010 at 5:34 AM  

Oh this book looks great! Thanks for the review!

misskallie2000 June 18, 2010 at 5:59 AM  

Great review but I do not want to have the ability to hear what people are thinking. I think I would go nuts for sure..lol I have added Whisper to my wish list.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Harmony B. June 18, 2010 at 6:04 AM  

Sounds like a really good book!

Mary not so Contrary June 18, 2010 at 6:57 AM  

As always GREAT review Reggie!! I love the way you score books. Makes it easier to know where a book will fall in my TBR pile. Thanks for the review and being honest in your thoughts!

Debbie's World of Books June 18, 2010 at 7:02 AM  

Great review! I've been wanting to read this one and just missed Phoebe at a book signing last night :( Luckily a friend offered to get me the book and have it signed. Can't wait to read it.

CeeCee June 18, 2010 at 7:51 AM  

The idea of whispers is really interesting. Love the cover.
Your review like always well thought out without giving too much away.
Have to say not a huge fan of the name joy-especially when a character spreads joy and happiness that is probably a weird quirk though.

Seahn

Meliam June 18, 2010 at 8:46 AM  

Nice review! This book sounds really interesting! It's in my huge TBR pile. Can't wait to read it!

Kaylyn June 18, 2010 at 8:57 AM  

I feel bad for not giving this book a chance! Maybe I'll give it another try because of this review.

Donna June 18, 2010 at 10:08 AM  

Phoebe Kitanidis is new to me, and Whisper looks like a interesting read. Sometimes the predictable is the familiar that you need for a book. Thanks for the review.

linz June 18, 2010 at 10:39 AM  

I've had this on my Wish List. I think it's time to get it. Great review!

Jenn (Books At Midnight) June 18, 2010 at 10:59 AM  

Great review! Ho ho, I love seeing harsh reality, so these "whispers" are sounding pretty tempting. I don't think I'll be buying this immediately, but I'll keep it in mind, thanks! :)

Allie June 18, 2010 at 11:31 AM  

Your review is the first ive heard of this book, and it actually seems interesting, i may look into it ;)
and im sure you wont mind, so im linking your blog onto mine http://read-eat-live.blogspot.com/

Miranda Hardy June 18, 2010 at 12:01 PM  

This is one I will need to put on my reading list!

Kelly Peres June 18, 2010 at 12:11 PM  

Awesome review this book I have seen it some where but have never looked into actually purchasing it but after your review its in my shopping cart on Amazon!! Thanks lol

Thanks

Nicole June 18, 2010 at 1:18 PM  

Thanks for the great review... I love your grading system and really appreciate your honesty!

Ladytink_534 June 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM  

I've seen variations of this plot a lot lately (wonder if the popularity of True Blood has anything to do with that...?)! It still sounds like an interesting book though.

Ladytink_534 June 18, 2010 at 2:15 PM  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cielo Azul June 18, 2010 at 2:57 PM  

I am very interested in this book and her review is fantastic.
I love review!!
I hope read book very soon.

Greetings from Mexico

~Yelania~

Khelsea @ Once upon a review June 18, 2010 at 8:41 PM  

I agree, the cover is a 10! What a well-done review! Definetly will make people want to pick up a copy of Whisper.

Anonymous,  June 19, 2010 at 12:39 AM  

This sounds like my kind of read. Plus the cover looks great. Thanks for the review!

titania86 June 19, 2010 at 3:07 AM  

I had seen this book around the blogosphere and in book stores, but I never really looked at what it was about. It sounds really interesting and is joining the ranks on my reading list. I love darker YA books. Great review!

Anonymous,  June 19, 2010 at 4:55 AM  

This doesn't sound like the book for me. Thanks for the review though!

Amy June 19, 2010 at 8:36 AM  

Wow, what a review! I don't think I would have picked up this book (even though it does have an amazing cover) without the more thorough information from a great review! I think I have another book to add to my TBR pile!

Jennifer R June 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM  

I haven't heard of this book before, but now methinks it's going on my vacation reading list. I've always found mind reading to be an intriguing concept, but I haven't seen it done really well yet.

Unknown June 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM  

Great review! The book sounds interesting. Does it have a HEA ending?

Ammietia (a girl you once knew) June 20, 2010 at 6:31 AM  

I wasn't sure about this one, but now that I've read your review, I might just pick it up.

Thanks for your review :)

Sa Toya June 20, 2010 at 10:06 PM  

:D Been reading as many Whispers reviews I can- I really want to get it!

Enbrethiliel June 20, 2010 at 10:17 PM  

+JMJ+

I hadn't heard of this book until I read your review. It's not something I would normally choose to read because I've been bothered by the "good sister"/"bad sister" dynamic ever since my Sweet Valley reading days. (Francine Pascal deserves the ire of twins everywhere!) But anyway, I'm glad to hear that Kitanidis takes this theme deeper than its usual treatment.

Anonymous,  June 21, 2010 at 8:14 AM  

I LOVED this book... Great review :)

Andria June 21, 2010 at 1:04 PM  

I can't wait to read this! Great review! I like how you have all the parts broken down for a final grade!

-Ria xo June 22, 2010 at 2:30 AM  

I've never heard of this book- but after your praising review, I might look into it, and I agree. The cover is amazing :)
-Ria

andrea b June 22, 2010 at 4:25 AM  

I like the idea of 'whispers' and the sisters sharing abilities but using them in such a different way... I also like the cover, maybe I'll pick it up some day :)

Anonymous,  June 22, 2010 at 5:54 AM  

hmmm... don't want to read this. if someone gives it to me as a present, then I will but otherwise? no.

Anyways, great review and I love how detailed you are.

Badass Bookie June 22, 2010 at 5:27 PM  

I haven't heard anything about this one but it sound alright. My kind of book ;P You sold me! I reading it.

Anonymous,  June 22, 2010 at 11:43 PM  

I really want to read this book. I've heard so much about it! Glad you liked it!

Vanessa Di Gregorio June 23, 2010 at 1:10 AM  

Great review! I've been thinking of picking up this book after I heard about it, but I wasn't sure what to think. I love the idea of it being psychologically heavy.

Katie June 23, 2010 at 12:03 PM  

This looks good. Thanks for the awesome review. Im gonna go and pick this up now. :)

Raíla June 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM  

Only God knows how crazy I am about this book! And I'm so glad you at least liked it. I loved every little part of it and I am so looking forward for a sequel. <3

Marg @ Clockwork Reverie June 23, 2010 at 11:41 PM  

Thanks for the review! I like how you break it down and critique multiple facets of book. I've been on the fence about reading this book, so your thoughts on it are helpful.

Biki June 24, 2010 at 12:43 AM  

Hmm, interesting points given. I'll look for this. Thanks a bunch! :)

Anonymous,  June 24, 2010 at 6:47 AM  

This is a great review! I hadn't yet heard about this book, but now I can't wait to get my hands on it!

writer girl June 25, 2010 at 1:56 AM  

thanks for the review, sounds interesting!

Emma Kate "Coops" @ Whats Cracking Coops June 25, 2010 at 6:12 PM  

I have this book on my TBR list. It looks interesting and thanks for the great review! I should really get around to giving it a try. And that cover is fabulous :D

Flo June 26, 2010 at 2:03 AM  

okay, i know this is gonna be a lame comment but i SO want to read this book! i've read so many positive reviews about it and people saying they really enjoyed it...good review BTW, made me want to read it even more

Anonymous,  June 26, 2010 at 3:57 PM  

Hello!

I have been dropping by this blog from time to time, but it has only struck me now - how do you manage to comment on the plot, characters, setting, etcetera, without giving too much away? (I agree with Sassy CC on that!)I always give out a lot in my book reviews! Great blog, and one last thing:
Keep writing!

Precious June 30, 2010 at 12:27 AM  

As always, great review Reggie! I loved Whisper too! :) Phoebe did a great job with this one.

Aik July 1, 2010 at 8:04 PM  

Even though you gave it a B rating, I'd still like to read this book! Thanks for your thoughtful review!

Dwayne July 2, 2010 at 6:09 PM  

This is slightly spooky, but is an original representation of a misunderstood individual. Great review, as always.

Jo July 2, 2010 at 8:24 PM  

What an amazing sounding book! I must get myself a copy! Thanks for the great review!

Ellz July 3, 2010 at 11:23 AM  

Great review. You did a great job describing the heroine. She really grows on you. I liked this one too.

estsilva July 3, 2010 at 1:53 PM  

Ok, now I want to read this book...
I love the cover, and your review is making me want to read it even more...

Orchid July 3, 2010 at 9:40 PM  

Wow! Whisper sounds like a really good book, I'm going to have to look into getting a copy. Nice review. :)

Kasumi July 5, 2010 at 1:28 AM  

It has an interesting sinopsis but... only a B and 5 points in the endind?
It´s a pity...
:(

Eden July 5, 2010 at 11:11 AM  

This sounds really interesting. Thx for bringing it to my attention!

Mariana Dal Chico July 6, 2010 at 7:20 AM  

Loved the review!
I'm very anxious to read this book, but 5 point to Endind....

sixparty July 9, 2010 at 2:07 AM  

This sounds great! I can't wait to read it. I wanna be able to hear people's "Whispers" too! Haha!

Ashley July 9, 2010 at 6:31 AM  

Not a bad rating! This sounds like my kind of book; and I loveeee that pretty cover. :)

Rebecca T. July 10, 2010 at 9:48 PM  

That sounds like it would be an intense book! I'll definitely have to check it out!

*sigh* I need to stop reading book reviews *screams as TBR pile collapses on top of her* :D

Alyssa Kirk July 12, 2010 at 12:04 PM  

I'm reading Whisper this week. Great review and can't wait to compare thoughts!

~Alyssa
Teens Read & Write

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog July 13, 2010 at 1:06 AM  

I love a book with great characters! Thanks for the review!

Myrna Foster July 13, 2010 at 2:06 AM  

Thanks for the review! This book sounds fascinating.

brendajean July 13, 2010 at 4:38 AM  

I loved your review- but I won't read it when I'm home alone :)

elliespen July 13, 2010 at 8:23 AM  

I hadn't heard of this book yet, but I think I may need to check it out. I'm always interested in how different authors portray the idea of hearing the thoughts of others.

Michelle July 13, 2010 at 10:25 PM  

This book sounds really good. And, I like the cover of the book. I am going to add it to my everending list of books to read.

Blueicegal ♥ July 14, 2010 at 5:51 AM  

gah!! i want this book so bad it looks amazing, fab review!

Anonymous,  July 15, 2010 at 7:02 AM  

Great/thorough review. I love how honest you are in highlighting the positive and negative points of a book :)really useful for readers.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly Book Reviews July 21, 2010 at 8:59 PM  

Awesome review! I really want to read this book. and your review makes me what to read it more.

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