Review ~ Visions (The Secret Watchers #1) by Lauren Klever

Visions (The Secret Watchers #1)

by Lauren Klever

Published September 26th 2012

Publisher ~ BookBaby

351 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure

Average Rating: 4.57 / 5.00  

My Rating: 4.00 / 5.00

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~ Synopsis ~

Welcome to the world of Owen Ryer and The Secret Watchers. What would you do if you suddenly discovered that you could not only sense dark energy but individuals with evil in their hearts? What if you were given hints about horrible things that had already happened and you had no choice but to fix them? What if these things you were driven to do were not only dangerous but had to be concealed? Who could you trust with this perilous secret? How would you handle homework and chores when you felt like the weight of the world rested on your shoulders? Owen feels he has no choice... What would you do? Would you have the courage to try?
  

In Visions (The Secret Watchers, Book One) fourteen-year-old Owen Ryer hates school and his life in general, but dreams that there must be something more... until he is irrevocably drawn to a watch in an old pawnshop that unlocks his amazing and unexpected gift. Now it’s a race to see if Owen can master his special ability before the dark watchers destroy or turn him to the side of evil and chaos.
  

You will experience Owen’s confusion, frustration and compassion as he discovers that it is demanding enough just to be a teenager, let alone have a secret as big as the one he is burdened with. Who should he trust? Who can help him? Typically watchers work alone but Owen is the next generation - should he be the one to challenge the rules? 

Everyone needs a hero and sometimes the best ones are the unintentional ones. Owen is that kind of guy as he searches for purpose, acceptance and morality. He isn’t perfect, he doesn’t always do things right, but he has the greater good at heart – always.
  

You are invited to follow Owen as he journeys through the darkest walk he has ever taken; where he captures glimpses of the underbelly of society, a place he never knew existed and didn’t want to see. After you read Visions, will you be looking under your bed and double checking your closet? Please enter the Secret Watchers universe if you dare but beware – you may be sucked right into the good versus evil suspense of jaw-clenching action and never want to leave.

~ My Thoughts ~

I received a copy of this book for an honest review through a read and review group on Goodreads.

This book was better than I expected. I loved getting to know the main characters, especially Owen. He's a great hero to root for, and you can't help but like him. After being drawn to a watch in a pawnshop owned by his friend's uncle, Owen's special ability unlocks. He can sense people's evil intentions and sets out to stop these people from acting on their thoughts.

Owen has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he's only fourteen. Not only does he have to worry about the issues that go along with being a teenager, but he also must keep his ability secret, train to develop and control his ability, deal with his parents' marriage falling apart, and on top of all of this, he has a crush on his friend, Lucie. No wonder he feels like he has so much weight on his shoulders!

Though Owen has this special ability, he stays grounded and doesn't let it go to his head, which I truly appreciated. He's responsible, helpful, and a great son and big brother. He seems older than his actual age--with the responsibilities he has as well as what you'll find out when you read the book, you'll be able to see why he seems older.

I gave this book four stars instead of five because the ending was so abrupt. Gah the ending! Talk about a cliffhanger, lol! I kept looking for more, thinking this couldn't possibly be the end, but alas, it was over. I really need to know what happens next! Like right now. :)

~ Purchase Links ~

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~ About the Author ~

Born in Portland, Oregon, Lauren Klever is an author and a teacher. Her two books in the Secret Watchers series include Visons and Whispers and are both available. 

She hated being told what to write in school and is happy she can write what she wants to now. Some of her influences include J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyers, Anthony Horowitz, and Rick Riordan.

   "It’s my wish that you, the reader, have at least half as much fun and connection to these characters as I have as I wrote them! These books are for my family, friends, students and mentors. Big hugs for you all! We can be better – together! Relax, enjoy and dream big! Only you know what your tomorrows can hold!"

~ Lauren Klever (Quoted from Goodreads)

~ Author Links ~

Goodreads    Website   Twitter  

 Author Facebook Fan Page  

The Secret Watchers Facebook Page