OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unseen (Breaking Free #1)" by Jessica Rae and Kaleen Elizabeth.]

Unseen is written by Jessica Rae and Kaleen Elizabeth. It is the first installment of the Breaking Free Series and it was published in January 2015. Although this novel is about two high school students, it is not appropriate for young readers due to language and sexual content. This is a Romance Novel and I give this book 2 out of 4 stars.

Cruz has been home-schooled his entire life. His parents need to prepare him for college, so they make him attend his last year in high school. Photography is his passion. From the first day of school he hides behind his camera lens and watches everyone from a far distance. He thought he was invisible to everyone, but Ellie proved him wrong. Ellie has always been the heart of the school. People think she is all about partying and causing trouble, but that is what she chooses to show them. She goes to school every day putting on this mask and hides behind it. No one truly sees her, expect Cruz. The moment he fixed his camera lens on her, everything changed.

This novel has pros and cons. The pros are the message and the preface. I guess the book's message is derived from its name. The whole idea of the story is to deeply see others and not judge them by their looks or their actions. Even though it’s a well-known concept, I still admire its simplicity. I was surprised by how much I actually liked the opening chapter. The story started with great humor and this made me want to proceed with the book. While there was nothing mysterious or ingenious about the plot, I still enjoyed most of it.

However, I can't downplay the severity of this book's cons. There were too many typos and they distracted me endlessly. The authors didn’t give enough background of the protagonists to help me relate to them. The pace of the story was too fast. I didn’t have time to warm up to the love story. I had a massive problem with the author's writing style. It was too informal and unclear. There were times when I couldn’t fully comprehend who was saying what.

I'm usually resilient when it comes to annoying characters. I accept them as long as there's a crucial reason for their attitude. Nevertheless, Ellie's character was extremely aggravating right from the start and I didn't accept her reasons. The authors had enough room to develop Ellie's character through the plot. I expected her to mature through the story, and yet she didn’t. This really irritated me.

There is a special part I always wait for in all the romance novels; the fight. I love the feelings it brings out of me. I love knowing the reasons for the break ups and the make ups. I know that if I felt intense emotions through this special phase, then the author has good writing skills. This novel did have a fight, but unfortunately, I didn't feel anything in this part.

All in all, I highly advise the authors to provide the readers with more detailed backgrounds on the protagonists, and to proofread the story again. I think this can be a good story if the authors are willing to rewrite it gain and maybe stretch it out a bit. Since this is a fairly quick read because of its short length, I think it may appeal to readers looking for a short and a simple romance novel.

******
Unseen (Breaking Free #1)
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Like Hendmosaad89's review? Post a comment saying so!

I liked your review! It makes it clear the ways this novel needs to improve, and I think the authors can do it if they're up to the task. The story does seem to have potential. I like the idea of hiding behind a camera and only letting yourself see the people around you through the lens.

Thank you. I appreciate it.
Yes that is what caught my attention in the blurb. I liked its idea and thought that it could be relatable in a way. And as you said it does have potential, it just needs a little boast:)