Fri, August 3, 2012
Touched by Cyn Balog Review
Touched
By Cyn Balog
Publication date: Aug. 14, 2012
Delacorte Press, 320 pages
Source: Publisher, via NetGalley
Nick Cross always listens to the voice in his head. Because if he doesn’t? Things can go really, really wrong. Like the day he decided to go off script and saved a girl from being run over . . . and let another one drown. Trying to change the future doesn’t work.
But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something’s about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets a girl named Taryn and finds out about the Book of Touch. Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there’s no way to stop things from happening. Or is there?
In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he’s about to discover–or the choice he will be forced to make.
— Goodreads.com description
I was pretty pumped about the premise of Touched by Cyn Balog, explaining to a friend that it was unlike anything I’d ever heard of before. Then she goes, “Oh, you mean the main character’s like Alice Cullen?” Okay, dang, yeah sort of. Touché.
But Nick is different – he’s the only person who has the power to change the future he sees ahead. That means any little change he makes means – poof – that future is gone, immediately replaced by a new one. He never lives a moment of his life in spontaneity…and if he dares to, well, then he’s constantly mourning the would-be future he has to give up as a result.
It’s a sad and unique story, and you’ll want to read through till the end in the faint hope that somehow Nick will have a happy ending.
But, for me, there wasn’t much else keeping me engaged. I truly enjoyed the concept but never fully connected to Nick on an emotional level. For a late teen, he seemed too immature and distant. Perhaps he’s spent so much time trapped in his own mind that he’s not a super developed person, but it just left me wanting. And, yes, I know, who am I right now, but it was a little too focused on the romance! Sorry, but it’s true! It was instalove – and while that makes sense for this story, I just wanted it to be more about the mystery.
A good read, but not a favorite.
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About Me
I read. A lot. Mostly whatever YA novels the library has on hold for me that week. Sometimes grown-up books if my book club makes me.
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Starry NightsBy Daisy Whitney
Magical elements are a cool twist so far in this book from an author who you can tell REALLY loves art.
scarlett said:
sorry it wasn’t what you were hoping for. Thanks for the review!
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
Elin said:
Love the cover, thanks for you review:)
Elin recently posted..3 new tv series – 2012!
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
Magan @ Rather Be Reading said:
Did you read A Need So Beautiful? Touched sounds a lot like that book in that she can’t refuse to be sent somewhere to help out. She tries to make it stop and bad things happen. (I haven’t read the sequel, but did really enjoy the first book.) Anyway, maybe if you liked the premise of this book, you’d enjoy A Need So Beautiful.
Magan @ Rather Be Reading recently posted..Estelle: Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
April Books & Wine said:
I did read one book by Balog and liked it but was not blown away, plus was not able to connect to the characters. I think I would feel the same about Touched.
That stated, I did laugh a little at the Alice Cullen comment.
April Books & Wine recently posted..Secret Society Girl Diana Peterfreund Book Review
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
Katie said:
I’m probably going to skip this one. Not connecting with the main character and instant love are two of my biggest pet peeves. Thanks for the review!
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
Lori said:
I hate when you like the story but don’t connect with the characters.
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Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books said:
Aww, that’s a little sad that you didn’t like it more. Connecting to the main character is very important to me, so I’m not too sure about this one.
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books recently posted..Spirits Rising – Krista D. Ball (150 Words)
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012
Gabbi said:
Loved this book! I would love if you would check out the maximum ride series! It’s fantastic! PLease consider it!
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Posted on: Fri, August 3, 2012