Official Review: Forgotten by the Shn by Celeste Eismann

[Julie Petitbon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Forgotten by the Shn" by Celeste Eismann.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Forgotten by the Sun by Celeste Eismann is a young adult paranormal romance. Amika Fernandez, a high school student, is captivated by the new boy in her class. Rhayne Welkins is tall, dark, and mysterious. From the moment she sees him, Amika knows that he is nothing like the other boys at school. Amika and Rayne feel an instant connection. As they grow closer, she learns why he seems so different. He is a vampire. When Amika has disturbing dreams that include Rayne, she is hesitant to tell him. She is sure that her dreams relate to his mysterious past. Amika is determined to find out what her dreams mean. However, as she falls in love with Rhayne, she learns how dangerous being part of his world really is.

One aspect of the book that is intriguing is the introduction to the “outside worlds.” These consist of four different worlds that are home to a variety of supernatural beings like vampires, werewolves, and demons. However, this part of the novel is very underdeveloped. The brief introduction to these worlds is a missed opportunity to put a unique spin on a typical vampire romance. Though I suspect the worlds will be important and further explored in the sequel, this story focuses more on the characters and their developing relationships.

This is a character-driven book. Though the novel focuses on the relationship between Amika and Rhayne, the other characters are just as vividly constructed as the main couple. The author cleverly uses dialogue and interactions to create dynamic characters. From the start of the book, when Amika is hurriedly trying to get to school on time with her two best friends, the personalities are defined.

Unfortunately, though the characters are well-developed, they are also stereotypical of the genre. For example, the protagonist falls in love with a brooding vampire. He is an older vampire, yet he still acts like a teenager. Amika has a clueless best friend, and she hates the snobby cheerleader who vies for the vampire’s attention. There is also a sneaky class clown and a mother that is absent most of the time. I wish that the characters had personalities that were less predictable and more unique.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. In addition to the previously mentioned concerns, the book contains many grammatical issues. Sentence fragments, missing quotation marks, and spelling errors are just a few of the grammatical problems. There is also inconsistent formatting throughout the book. Another round of proofreading and editing is needed.

The book will appeal to teens and young adults who like the typical vampire love story. I would not recommend the book to young readers because it includes violent and graphic scenes.

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Forgotten by the Shn
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Like Julie Petitbon's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kdstrack]

You gave a very fair review of this book. The "outside world" introduction and lack of development is mysterious. Thanks for your interesting review!

[Rachel Lea]

I like that the author took the time to develop her characters, but the plot of the book itself doesn't sound all that original or intriguing to me. (It sounds a lot like Twilight, to be honest...) The many grammar errors are unfortunate as well. Thank you for your fair and thorough review!

[Wyland]

Too bad about the stereotyped characters. Thanks for the review.

[kandscreeley]

The different worlds are the most interesting part of the book. It's too bad they aren't developed further; that would really help the book stand out, especially with all the stereotypical characters. I don't think I'll be reading this one, but I do appreciate your review.

[Julie Petitbon]

You gave a very fair review of this book. The "outside world" introduction and lack of development is mysterious. Thanks for your interesting review!

Thank you! I agree- the introduction to the other worlds is mysterious.

[Julie Petitbon]

I like that the author took the time to develop her characters, but the plot of the book itself doesn't sound all that original or intriguing to me. (It sounds a lot like Twilight, to be honest...) The many grammar errors are unfortunate as well. Thank you for your fair and thorough review!

I agree. The book very much resembles Twilight. The only thing missing is the love triangle. Thanks for responding!

[Julie Petitbon]

The different worlds are the most interesting part of the book. It's too bad they aren't developed further; that would really help the book stand out, especially with all the stereotypical characters. I don't think I'll be reading this one, but I do appreciate your review.

Thanks for your response! I think developing those worlds would have made the book stand out as well. As it stands, it is not overly unique or developed.

[Nisha Ward]

I wish this was a better book, but it sounds too much like a mix of Twilight and the Vampire Diaries for my tastes. Thanks for the review!

[Kelyn]

I like the 'outside worlds' concept. Too bad the author did not follow through and develop it better. Maybe in the next book. I almost instantly thought of Bella, in Twilight. The book sounds almost like a re-do of that one. I'll pass for now. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Julie Petitbon]

I almost instantly thought of Bella, in Twilight. The book sounds almost like a re-do of that one.

That is exactly what I thought as I read it- just take out the love triangle. There were a few too many scenes and characters that mimicked Twilight.

[Julie Petitbon]

I wish this was a better book, but it sounds too much like a mix of Twilight and the Vampire Diaries for my tastes. Thanks for the review!

I agree. I think if the author focused a bit more on the aspects that weren't like Twilight, it would be a stronger piece. Thanks for responding!