Want to check out what the books are all about and read a little for free? Simply click on the titles in orange... or find their reviews below.
For Split Decision, for Jigsaw Girl, Future Imperfect, Cursed, The Boy Who Rescues Pigeons, Family: Life or The Owners Volume 1: Alone
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REVIEWS for THE BOY WHO RESCUES PIGEONS
5 Stars "What a lovely, well-written story. Very good book - I couldn’t put it down! What I would call a ‘feel good’ story with relatable characters. Everyone needs a Molly Hickling as a friend!"
5 Stars "Fantastic read. This is my second completed book by Carmen now and it was another brilliant read!
It took a little longer than I'd expected for said pigeon to be introduced however the back story and build up was certainly necessary! I thoroughly enjoyed, I really found the end part of the book quite an emotional roller coaster but I loved how it was all wrapped up. Wonderful work Carmen!
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REVIEWS for CURSED
5 Stars "Just finished this book last night. Was intrigued to read this as I have read nearly all Carmen's other books. Was not disappointed. Loved the characters and the storyline. Don't want to give anything away. So enjoy the read.. x"
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REVIEWS for FUTURE IMPERFECT
5 STARS - "Kept me on the edge of my seat.
Wow another amazing imaginative book from Carmen Capuano. I couldn't wait to get to bed each night to read the next chapter or 3. Very hard to put it down. Fantastic characters and storyline.. what will happen in the next book? Can't wait."
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REVIEWS for JIGSAW GIRL:
Here are some more reviews for my books on Amazon.com, Amazon.co or a multitude of other sites! (scroll to near the bottom for more Owners reviews or to see the videos)
With thanks to the esteemed Gary Longden, Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2014-15.
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For Ascension:
"Such an innovative and imaginative read. I freaking adore this book." Amazon.com
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"4 and a half stars
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I found it both page-turning and thought-provoking, which played on my emotions. I enjoy dystopian novels and in Ascension Carmen Capuano has written a worthy heroine in Jessica, as she delves into her own abilities and unearths some sordid truths about the society she lives in.
Written in the first person POV, the narrative has an immediacy about it that pulled me into the story, as Jessica gives her all to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of the man who fathered Sarah’s unborn child. The consequences for an unmarried woman giving birth in the dystopian society of
Ascension have grave and life changing implications for both mother and baby, implications which are especially brutal for the mother.
It has a number of themes which have resonance for me – the control of society through the rule of doctrine and law; the treatment and control of women in a patriarchal society, particularly their sexual freedoms (or rather lack of); whether we are born good or evil and whether we have any choice in what we become. We are also left to ponder whether or not we should tolerate some evil is to exist for the greater good to prevail.
The main character’s ability to sense the colour of people’s souls is key to the plot. Jessica has hitherto kept this a secret, but in order to help her friend Sarah, she will have to learn to use and exploit it to its full potential, a potential she has yet to explore. This could put her at grave risk as her path exposes truths about the society she lives in.
I won’t reveal anything about the intricacies of the plot as it would spoil the read, but I will say that I enjoyed it immensely. It will appeal to readers of dystopian novels, particularly those who enjoy coming of age stories.
Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review."
My thanks to the reviewer, Tina Williams.
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About Split Decision :
"5* A 'must-read'.
Read this book over two nights. Well written, the characters drew me in - sent me back to my teenage years - the insecurities of growing up! It made uncomfortable reading in parts, simply because it was realistic and gritty. Will definitely read more books written by this author 5*"
- Mrs M.Y. Roberts.
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What they say:
"This is the second book I have read by Carmen and this one is about Natalie and how she has to make a split decision that could be an important point in her life. Written well and I wanted to see if Natalie made the right or wrong decision. The conversations were true to form.
I was given an advanced reading copy of this book for an honest review."
Kindle Edition:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-Decision-Carmen-Capuano-ebook
echoesinanemptyroom.com
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"Split Decision is one of the most enticing books I have ever read. I couldn't wait to immerse myself in it every night. An absolutely brilliant book! Thoroughly recommended!"
"Loved 'Split Decision' by Carmen Capuano. Started it before I went to bed and did not stop till I had finished it!" Mrs Doreen Stoneham.
"What can I say... I could not put Split Decision down. From the moment I began reading it to the end it held my attention 100%. I was totally engrossed in the book. The Characters were amazing and I felt so emotional at times when reading that I felt I was Natalie. Your storytelling was sheer brilliance. Would love to see this televised as an English drama. It was the perfect book for me to take on holiday."
Confess I'm not a teen reader but there's enough of interest here to make me think Carmen Capuano can write and one day she'll pen a great novel. Till then this is enjoyable fare and might just turn into a favourite series for my daughter to enjoy." - Andrew.
On the Owners III -
"Like Owners II a big improvement on Owners I.
Continuing the story of Dan Ryan from Owners II and pretty well, what I said positive about that applies here to. A good read for any teenager but I am a sucker for disaster survival stories." - Andrew.
On the Owners IV
"Excellent continuation of the series.
More of Jack Ryan's story from Owners II and III. Excellent continuation of the series." - Andrew.
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Here is a review which has just been sent to me. It is from a Year 8 school teacher who read one of my books.
"The Owners, Volume I is a page turner of a read. The structure of the novel being a double narrative perspective leap-frogging chapter by chapter, really hooks the reader.
I thought it was beautifully written with wonderful use of imagery. For example, 'The drone of an insect outside served to shatter the silence, its drum a seeming answer to the staccato drumbeat of his heart'. The musical term 'staccato' conveyed to the reader how fast the boy's heart was throbbing with fright.
This is a novel ideal for the young adult readership, as there were elements of peril interspersed with loving relationships and concepts of what makes us human. I thought there were many thought provoking elements such as making us think about our own relationships with our own pets. There is also the added feature of the mystery about the Eyons, who are they? Who controls them? And why? These questions leave the reader wanting to read the second volume, which is an excellent hook into the forthcoming series.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend the book to my students, although there were a few 'typos' which need to be edited out. Having said that, I was so engrossed with the plot and turn of phrase that the 'typos' did not get in the way."
Mrs Sterenberg. Aston Fields Middle School.
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Here's a review just in from a gentleman called Peter Gagen.
"Recently, at a local village gala in Droitwich Spa, I had the good fortune to meet Carmen Capuano. Carmen is a self publishing new author who was selling her books from her stall. Intrigued, I purchased a book - The Owner Volume one.
I was so taken. I have already read book two on my Kindle and could not resist contacting Carmen to get book three.
The Owner Volume one is the first in a Si-Fi series that starts an adventure that will keep you turning the pages. It's short chapters make for an easy enthralling read. You will want to know about what happens next. Believe me you won't want to put it down.
The story is set in a strange future and follows San and Loni as they move away from their comfortable lives in a 'kept' future. Lives that are very different from ours. It's alive with the discoveries they make, along the journey they take. The story will end with you wanting to know more and get the next in the series. It has me!
(you will have to read the book to understand what 'kept' means - no spoilers here!)"
Thank you so much Peter!
What they say:
Here is what another reader had to say: "I could not put your book down last night and ended up finishing the novel and going to bed really late! Certainly it is the best yet in my opinion."
Thanks Sheila from Edgbaston!
Here is the link to another review http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/netmums-chat-clubs-795/netmums-book-club-reading-group-159/973572-owners-volume-i-alone-carmen-capuano.html#post9648361
And here is the review itself.
The Owners, Volume I : Alone by Carmen Capuano
Here is a review which came through to my Facebook account, from a lovely lady called Lisa Dean.
" I have really enjoyed the first two books of this series. The characters are interesting and as a reader I really care about their journey. The story lines are interesting and you can imagine being in the world they inhabit. My daughter (aged 13) and father (aged 73) have both enjoyed the books and we look forward as a family to reading the next one so we can discuss it together."
Ok, here is another review of my first book, warts and all.
One thing I will state openly is that book 1 did go to print with typos and I have been pulled up about this before...I am sorry about that and have endeavoured to learn from my mistakes and the reprinted versions which are now available should contain no typos. But the bit I am focusing on is where he says that for all that, he loved it! So I guess I must be doing something right...
So here it is.
...
I’ll start with this: on a technical level, this book is utterly horrendous. From the very beginning it is filled with misplaced commas, excessive exclamation marks and ropy formatting. Various words are capitalized which probably shouldn’t be, most notably “Pet” and “Eyon”. In general, this book gave me the impression of an author with much raw talent but with little care for the editing process.
And yet, for much of the time reading it, I absolutely loved it.
The book’s concept is certainly a novel one. In Alone, humanity is dominated a race of avian humanoids called eyons. The creatures frequently take in human children to live as pets and servants; Loni and San, the book’s protagonists, are two such pets. Their owners, like most other eyons, spend most of their lives hooked up to mysterious “work machines” and are consequently oblivious to the world around them. Loni, however, is different in that she spends most of her time with her owner’s hatchling, who she calls Little. When Little’s work machine arrive, the two flee in order to keep Little from becoming like the others. San, meanwhile, leaves without prompting in order to discover the truth behind humanity’s place in the world.
Chapters alternate between Loni’s and San’s perspectives, with the final chapter incorporating both points of view at once. Of the two, I must admit that I preferred Loni’s sections by a fairly long way. I could genuinely feel the bond between Loni and Little as I read about them, making them very easy to emphasize with. There is a real sense of progression in Loni’s chapters, as both she and Little learn about the world around them and vow to change it for the better. San’s chapters were hardly bad, but their events felt quite random at times and I didn’t feel that he developed as much as he could have done.
My only major criticism of this book is the ending, which leaves almost all of the book’s plot threads open and seems intended solely to set up a series. This is compounded by the fact that all other “Owners” books have been prequels so far, which leaves me to wonder if the author will ever go back to Loni, Little and San. I really hope that she does, as it would be a shame to end their tale where it currently is. Here’s hoping it happens.
Found on http://
Another review:-
"Just wanted to follow up our conversation from yesterday and tell you how much I enjoyed the 1st book in The Owners series. It surprised me and kept me interested throughout. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. You are left desperately wanting to know how this bizarre owner/pet situation came to be... what the heck are the adult Eyons up to ....and how can the situation be resolved if at all!! Can't wait to read the next and find out more."
So what more can I say? If you haven't yet read The Owners series how are you going to be able to discuss it with friends?
Don't be left in the dark - get your copy today!
The Owners Vol. 1 ALONE February 3, 2013
By Nanakulikane
Format:Paperback
For me this is the Animal Farm, 1984, Atlas Shrugged book of the 21st Century. What has been put together here is a new vision of what could be from a totally different angle than what you and I had to read in High School English. I was fascinated by this world that was all too possible, that this very talented author has created, takes it that one step further, like going from black and white TV to HD color in one fell swoop. I am not going to tell you one thing about the two lead characters, other than the mind blowing reality of who they are slowly forms in your mind, but is never truly revealed until the end of this book, which incidentally, is only the start of their journey. I can't wait to review the second one, this is that good. We have a real winner here folks, a definite must buy, will be on your shelf for a lifetime and your kids as well, turning into compulsory reading in school if they have the traditional schools around that long. I give it a 4,999. The only reason it isn't a 5.0 is because of a few typo's, so in reality 5.0. WOW !!
enjoyable because of the dimensional layering of subtext and lack of reliance on more traditional fantasy / sci-fi tropes., June 6, 2013
Gaele "We read to know, we are not alone ~ C.S. Lewis"
This review is from: The Owners, Volume 1: Alone (Kindle Edition)
Fast paced and gripping, while vastly divergent from my normal fare, this story held my interest and kept me reading. The ambitious storyline tackled world-building and characters with equal success, providing references that were easy to relate to even as the plot seeks to carry you to places unknown.
For a debut novel, this book provided several high points: Capuano is a good storyteller with the ability to present her characters in a manner that instantly provides empathy or scorn. I'm still undecided if the alien language used, and depicted phonetically worked for me or simply made those passages more difficult to read. While it was cleverly presented, I'm not a huge fan, and much of my understanding of conversations was directly derived from the other context of the story.
There were a few moments where the underlying moral dilemmas presented by the action felt a bit heavy-handed, but the scope for further thought about the underlying question of what it means to be human, or have humanity are threaded into the tapestry of the plot, providing plenty of options for questions without the author's overreach to provide simple one-dimensional answers. To her credit, Capuano manages to bring questions that young and old have pondered for ages, and provide enough information that everyone will draw their own conclusions in the many shades of grey within a moral choice.
This is a really good start to a series: enjoyable because of the dimensional layering of subtext and lack of reliance on more traditional fantasy / sci-fi tropes.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for inclusion in children read week at I am Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
With thanks to the esteemed Gary Longden, Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2014-15.
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For Ascension:
"Such an innovative and imaginative read. I freaking adore this book." Amazon.com
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"4 and a half stars
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I found it both page-turning and thought-provoking, which played on my emotions. I enjoy dystopian novels and in Ascension Carmen Capuano has written a worthy heroine in Jessica, as she delves into her own abilities and unearths some sordid truths about the society she lives in.
Written in the first person POV, the narrative has an immediacy about it that pulled me into the story, as Jessica gives her all to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of the man who fathered Sarah’s unborn child. The consequences for an unmarried woman giving birth in the dystopian society of
Ascension have grave and life changing implications for both mother and baby, implications which are especially brutal for the mother.
It has a number of themes which have resonance for me – the control of society through the rule of doctrine and law; the treatment and control of women in a patriarchal society, particularly their sexual freedoms (or rather lack of); whether we are born good or evil and whether we have any choice in what we become. We are also left to ponder whether or not we should tolerate some evil is to exist for the greater good to prevail.
The main character’s ability to sense the colour of people’s souls is key to the plot. Jessica has hitherto kept this a secret, but in order to help her friend Sarah, she will have to learn to use and exploit it to its full potential, a potential she has yet to explore. This could put her at grave risk as her path exposes truths about the society she lives in.
I won’t reveal anything about the intricacies of the plot as it would spoil the read, but I will say that I enjoyed it immensely. It will appeal to readers of dystopian novels, particularly those who enjoy coming of age stories.
Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review."
My thanks to the reviewer, Tina Williams.
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"Dystopian fiction is on the rise and here is a new recommendation for you. If you liked Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', then you'll be sure to like Carmen Capuano's new novel 'Ascension'.
Here's what I liked... I liked the characters, I empathised with the protagonist Jessica Stone who can incidentally see whether people are good or evil by the colour of their breath. This mystical element felt like a 'breath of fresh air' (excuse the bad pun) to the now well-known genre of dystopia. Carmen kept each chapter ending in suspense, usually she revealed an answer that led to a million more questions. I thought it was suspenseful and interesting - just what you want for an enjoyable read.
What I also really liked was the way Carmen approached religion. The ultra-religious concept where the government backs up their oppressive policies with biblical quotes seems not to far-fetched in the current political climate, and is seen in a lot of dystopian fictions. What I particularly liked was the fact that Carmen didn't attack religion, it wasn't the root of the problem, it was just exploited to become a problem.
The religion might fall but it didn't make them 'Godless' - I really liked the way Carmen wrote about religion, I thought it was very reflective and well done.
The plot was interesting. Jessica Stone is pulled into action when her friend, an unmarried woman called Sarah falls pregnant and is therefore doomed to a life of misery. There was an element of predictability about it but there were also a number of twists that kept it exciting. What I really wanted to know was how 'Ascension' as a religion in the novel took hold, how did it come into prominence and when is the novel set? This wasn't a major issue though, it wasn't necessary for the plot I just would like to have known.
I would recommend 'Ascension', especially if you have enjoyed other dystopian novels. I haven't read any of Carmen's other novels but they're available on Amazon and I'm sure that I'll be taking a look. Take a read and enjoy!"
http://theclumsywordshaker.blogspot.co.uk/…/…/ascension.html
Here's what I liked... I liked the characters, I empathised with the protagonist Jessica Stone who can incidentally see whether people are good or evil by the colour of their breath. This mystical element felt like a 'breath of fresh air' (excuse the bad pun) to the now well-known genre of dystopia. Carmen kept each chapter ending in suspense, usually she revealed an answer that led to a million more questions. I thought it was suspenseful and interesting - just what you want for an enjoyable read.
What I also really liked was the way Carmen approached religion. The ultra-religious concept where the government backs up their oppressive policies with biblical quotes seems not to far-fetched in the current political climate, and is seen in a lot of dystopian fictions. What I particularly liked was the fact that Carmen didn't attack religion, it wasn't the root of the problem, it was just exploited to become a problem.
The religion might fall but it didn't make them 'Godless' - I really liked the way Carmen wrote about religion, I thought it was very reflective and well done.
The plot was interesting. Jessica Stone is pulled into action when her friend, an unmarried woman called Sarah falls pregnant and is therefore doomed to a life of misery. There was an element of predictability about it but there were also a number of twists that kept it exciting. What I really wanted to know was how 'Ascension' as a religion in the novel took hold, how did it come into prominence and when is the novel set? This wasn't a major issue though, it wasn't necessary for the plot I just would like to have known.
I would recommend 'Ascension', especially if you have enjoyed other dystopian novels. I haven't read any of Carmen's other novels but they're available on Amazon and I'm sure that I'll be taking a look. Take a read and enjoy!"
http://theclumsywordshaker.blogspot.co.uk/…/…/ascension.html
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About Split Decision :
"5 Stars : Brilliant and Brutal Coming-Of-Age Story
Split Decision, essentially a coming-of-age novel, is both brilliant and brutal – brilliant in its execution and brutal in the sensitive subject matter it explores. The decision Natalie makes impacts on many and she is not the same person at the end of the story as she is at the beginning… It is the second book that I have read by the author Carmen Capuano, the first being Ascension, a dystopian thriller. Although the subject matter is completely different, I found the story just as engaging and thought- provoking.
The plot begins in a shoe shop where best friends, teenagers Natalie and Stacey are shopping. The new pair of shoes which Natalie purchases – in a style which is way out of character for the sensible teenager, can be viewed as a metaphor for both her step into adulthood and what subsequently occurs. Natalie is soon called upon to make a split second choice and her decision heralds a chain of unexpected and shocking events.
The author does an excellent job of depicting the trials and tribulations of the teenage years and how they effect existing and new relationships: a time of burgeoning sexuality, when we strive to forge our own identity, sometimes putting us in conflict with our families who find it difficult to come to terms with their offspring entering adulthood. The balance between protecting their children whilst allowing them the freedom to grow is often a difficult one and I felt that the author touched on this in a sensitive fashion. I certainly identified with Stacey and Natalie from memories of my own teenage years and recognised how easily events could take the path they did.
The characters, the young people and the adults, were all very believable and the author is to be congratulated on using the events to illustrate their personal growth and changing family dynamics. The plot is cleverly and expertly written and certainly had me guessing and questioning my own preconceptions and prejudices."
Tina Williams - FB A Reader's Review.
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"I have just finished reading your book, began and finished in one night! Incredibly hooking story and very well written, definitely hope you write more! Thank you for such a great read!" Tiffany.
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"Gripping story.
5 Stars This had my head spinning.
"I went in not knowing what to expect, but boy was this an edge of your seat ride!!! It was one of those great one's you don't realize how great till the end! Carmen does a brilliant job with character building as well as keeping it intriguing till the end. Well done!" M. Krugel. Amazon.com
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I recently read Carmen Capuano's new book 'Split Decision', this is the second of Carmen's books that I have read; the first being 'Ascension' (and you can read that review here: http://bit.ly/2iQK17G). To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect from Split Decision, particularly, as a Young Adult novel, it was so different from the dystopian chaos of Ascension. Nevertheless, overall I really enjoyed it, and couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
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[Amazon.com] 4 stars
"Intriguing from beginning to end.
______________________________________________________Split Decision, essentially a coming-of-age novel, is both brilliant and brutal – brilliant in its execution and brutal in the sensitive subject matter it explores. The decision Natalie makes impacts on many and she is not the same person at the end of the story as she is at the beginning… It is the second book that I have read by the author Carmen Capuano, the first being Ascension, a dystopian thriller. Although the subject matter is completely different, I found the story just as engaging and thought- provoking.
The plot begins in a shoe shop where best friends, teenagers Natalie and Stacey are shopping. The new pair of shoes which Natalie purchases – in a style which is way out of character for the sensible teenager, can be viewed as a metaphor for both her step into adulthood and what subsequently occurs. Natalie is soon called upon to make a split second choice and her decision heralds a chain of unexpected and shocking events.
The author does an excellent job of depicting the trials and tribulations of the teenage years and how they effect existing and new relationships: a time of burgeoning sexuality, when we strive to forge our own identity, sometimes putting us in conflict with our families who find it difficult to come to terms with their offspring entering adulthood. The balance between protecting their children whilst allowing them the freedom to grow is often a difficult one and I felt that the author touched on this in a sensitive fashion. I certainly identified with Stacey and Natalie from memories of my own teenage years and recognised how easily events could take the path they did.
The characters, the young people and the adults, were all very believable and the author is to be congratulated on using the events to illustrate their personal growth and changing family dynamics. The plot is cleverly and expertly written and certainly had me guessing and questioning my own preconceptions and prejudices."
Tina Williams - FB A Reader's Review.
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"I have just finished reading your book, began and finished in one night! Incredibly hooking story and very well written, definitely hope you write more! Thank you for such a great read!" Tiffany.
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"Gripping story.
I have just finished reading this. WOW! Had to sit and read the last few chapters in one go, so gripping, such a different story from the usual, well done." Amazon.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Stars This had my head spinning.
"I went in not knowing what to expect, but boy was this an edge of your seat ride!!! It was one of those great one's you don't realize how great till the end! Carmen does a brilliant job with character building as well as keeping it intriguing till the end. Well done!" M. Krugel. Amazon.com
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I recently read Carmen Capuano's new book 'Split Decision', this is the second of Carmen's books that I have read; the first being 'Ascension' (and you can read that review here: http://bit.ly/2iQK17G). To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect from Split Decision, particularly, as a Young Adult novel, it was so different from the dystopian chaos of Ascension. Nevertheless, overall I really enjoyed it, and couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
The plot of this story I thought I'd guessed, but as I read on, I realised that I wasn't such a good detective as I had thought. The key part of this book is the split element. At chapter six the book splits into two halves telling two parallel stories: one on a date with Rhys, the other on a date with Nathan, and how the two pan out - it reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Sliding Doors'. I would love to go on and talk more about the twists and turns of the book but I find I cannot do that without spoilers!
I think one of the most important things about any book is the characters, whether you warm to them and whether they feel properly three dimensional and not just words on a page. As far as characters go in this book, I thought they were written well. The main character, Natalie, had a strong voice and personality, and I felt she developed a lot over the book whilst remaining true to character. The male characters is difficult for me to review without spoilers, as it is not until nearly the end where you get told which date is which. Cleverly Carmen kept it unclear throughout which guy was which, by playing with what you, as the reader, thought you knew about them, and how you thought each guy would act. What I would have liked to have known at the end perhaps, is why she made the decision that she did. In this book, which also reminded me of the film 'Taken', there were clear good characters, and bad characters, and whilst I am fully aware that eighteen year olds can be villainous, I think they could have done with having a couple of the 'bad' characters being a little older than teenagers. I did however like the drama, the high stakes and I think what is done best with the book is how at the end of each chapter you're left wanting to know more.
I thought this book was super readable; it kept a really good pace, and kept the mystery and drama throughout. There were some cliche moments, but they were also sweet and I could imagine a sixteen year old doing and saying those things. It was a clever book that played with what the reader thinks they know, the important word there being thinks. It was such an interesting premise the split chapters and it was very enjoyable to read!
[Amazon.com] 4 stars
"Intriguing from beginning to end.
I went into this book kind of blind not fully understanding what it was actually about until I dived in. At times I became utterly confused as to what was going on but once it all merged it just clicked.
Natalie is a typical 15 year old girl who lives a very sheltered life.
She has a good family and a best friend so what more can Nat want in life? While out shopping her destines collide and something she never thought possible was asked of her. Two boys who are total opposites of each other ask her out at the same time and on the same day. One boy she grew up with and one known to everyone as a trouble maker for his appearance alone. Natalie makes her decision and that sets her and her best friends life on a path of heartache and trauma yet filled with finding love and oneself in an unlikely person.
I will admit I was unsure of this book. When the chapters started dividing into sub chapters It threw me and I didn’t know if I would be able to finish it. I persevered and discovered a heart wrenching book with a delicate subject underneath. I was intrigued and once the book picked up I didn’t want to stop. The words used at times and the descriptions of normal things at times were a bit hard to follow. All in all it’s a very interesting read that I think people should try."
Natalie is a typical 15 year old girl who lives a very sheltered life.
She has a good family and a best friend so what more can Nat want in life? While out shopping her destines collide and something she never thought possible was asked of her. Two boys who are total opposites of each other ask her out at the same time and on the same day. One boy she grew up with and one known to everyone as a trouble maker for his appearance alone. Natalie makes her decision and that sets her and her best friends life on a path of heartache and trauma yet filled with finding love and oneself in an unlikely person.
I will admit I was unsure of this book. When the chapters started dividing into sub chapters It threw me and I didn’t know if I would be able to finish it. I persevered and discovered a heart wrenching book with a delicate subject underneath. I was intrigued and once the book picked up I didn’t want to stop. The words used at times and the descriptions of normal things at times were a bit hard to follow. All in all it’s a very interesting read that I think people should try."
"5* A 'must-read'.
Read this book over two nights. Well written, the characters drew me in - sent me back to my teenage years - the insecurities of growing up! It made uncomfortable reading in parts, simply because it was realistic and gritty. Will definitely read more books written by this author 5*"
- Mrs M.Y. Roberts.
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What they say:
How was Natalie to know that the decision she was about to make between two potential dates, would forever be a pivotal point in her life? That it would mark the time where childhood innocence ended? How could she even imagine that the wrong decision would send her life spiralling into the stuff of nightmares from where she might not come out alive? Life takes a cruel twist of fate when Natalie, a completely average [almost] 16 year old, is forced to make a split-second decision... a decision that will change her future and forever alter her perception of trust, love and the realities of life.
What we say - review by Nikki Mason:
I have to say that this is one of the darkest young adult books I’ve ever reviewed. That’s not necessarily a criticism, but there were times when I felt like a little relief was needed. Having said that, the intensity and increasing sense of danger and horror were both incredible.
Natalie is a very privileged, innocent fifteen-year-old. While shopping with her best friend she is asked out on two dates and must make the choice of which one to accept. Only, she doesn’t know quite how significant that choice will be, a choice that could strip away her cosy life forever.
Natalie is a great character and it’s so interesting to follow her progress throughout one important evening in two separate scenarios. The story splits into two “what ifs” once she has picked her date so readers can see the consequences of either decision, and boy, are there some consequences! It’s a clever format and very intricately plotted but in both evenings the fear and violence never feel far away. It’s a challenging and often uncomfortable read and not for the faint-hearted but well worth a look if you’re after some true grit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"This is the second book I have read by Carmen and this one is about Natalie and how she has to make a split decision that could be an important point in her life. Written well and I wanted to see if Natalie made the right or wrong decision. The conversations were true to form.
I was given an advanced reading copy of this book for an honest review."
Kindle Edition:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-Decision-Carmen-Capuano-ebook
echoesinanemptyroom.com
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"Split Decision is one of the most enticing books I have ever read. I couldn't wait to immerse myself in it every night. An absolutely brilliant book! Thoroughly recommended!"
Zena Weeks, Special Projects Manager, England Athletics.
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"Loved 'Split Decision' by Carmen Capuano. Started it before I went to bed and did not stop till I had finished it!" Mrs Doreen Stoneham.
Many thanks Mrs Stoneham.
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"Snappy dialogue and excellent writing- worth trying!"
I have just read "Split Decision" by Carmen Capuano and I loved it. I found it difficult to put the book down as I was totally captivated with the story.
The clever parallels between the two dates made for compulsive reading and instigated thoughts of morality and the general quandary of knowing how to deal with life effectively.
...
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"Snappy dialogue and excellent writing- worth trying!"
Looking at this because I like Carmen's 'The Owners' series. Not sure whether it'll appeal to make readers as much as female but she can write and her dialogue is spot on - she makes her conversations sound real and for that reason I'll persevere. The only reservation is about pricing - even for a 400' page novel £11 plus is going to deter many potential readers." - Andrew.
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I have just read "Split Decision" by Carmen Capuano and I loved it. I found it difficult to put the book down as I was totally captivated with the story.
The clever parallels between the two dates made for compulsive reading and instigated thoughts of morality and the general quandary of knowing how to deal with life effectively.
...
I am a big fan of Carmen's writing and feel, like Natalie, she matured through the course of the story. The progression from "The Owners" series to "Split Decision" is seeming less and both are compelling. L. Kersse. - Thank you so much!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------"What can I say... I could not put Split Decision down. From the moment I began reading it to the end it held my attention 100%. I was totally engrossed in the book. The Characters were amazing and I felt so emotional at times when reading that I felt I was Natalie. Your storytelling was sheer brilliance. Would love to see this televised as an English drama. It was the perfect book for me to take on holiday."
Catherine Phelan
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Now that the negative is out of the way I will say that once the story gained momentum and we were thrown into the drama and chaos of that one night, I really started to like the story. Happening in real time almost, it became thrilling, dangerous, heart-breaking and gained the depth and entertainment factor that the story sorely lacked in the beginning.
About The Owners, Volume I
"Pretty good for a first novel - and my daughter liked it a lot. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**** Split Decision by Carmen Capuano ****
3* review from Nicole @ EBR
Although I read through Split Decision by Carmen Capuano fairly quickly, I still found that it was quite a difficult book to sit down and review, because although there were many interesting points to this story, it was also a complicated and confusing one until everything came together at the end.
I will say that it deals with a very sensitive topic and I felt that not enough was discussed or expounded upon in regards to the aftermath and the emotional ramifications of that traumatic event for the character. Until all these events and moments come together and you have that clarification on what is going on, the story was a little monotonous in the first few chapters as we establish the friendship between the two girls and the "sliding doors" moment when her fate was decided with her decisions.
I was unsure at times of who the book's main demographic would be, what the target audience was. The characters are so young but the incidents and issues are very much of a mature nature, at times it read like a cautionary YA novel for teenagers, but other times it felt more developed and grown up. The other problem I experienced was the setting. I wasn't sure where this story takes place as the dialogue switches between American and British colloquialisms, there are American characters, Greek characters and I'm assuming English? I like to have everything around me fully established, whether it be the geographical setting, or the characters heritage.
Now that the negative is out of the way I will say that once the story gained momentum and we were thrown into the drama and chaos of that one night, I really started to like the story. Happening in real time almost, it became thrilling, dangerous, heart-breaking and gained the depth and entertainment factor that the story sorely lacked in the beginning.
I really enjoyed the male characters in Split Decision, we have two very different people, with two very different outlooks in life, two men completely dissimilar in moral values and I liked how the bad was highlighted and distinguished from the good and sweet. The dialogue too seemed to become something 'more',
'But most of all what I see is the indifference people show to each other." He raised his beer to his lips and took a long swallow. I waited for him to continue but he didn't seem inclined to.
"You can't save the world." It was a lame response and I knew it but there was nothing else I could say.
"No I can't save the world. But I can save those I care about." His eyes blazed with passion. There was a hidden depth to his words that I wasn't ready to probe.'
Over all it was a good read, it's just getting past those first few chapters inside a giggly teenage girls overly dramatic head that might prove difficult for some but trust me when you do read on it will be worth it. The story picks up speed and added drama and the characters seem to develop over the ensuing chapters too.
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About The Owners, Volume I
Confess I'm not a teen reader but there's enough of interest here to make me think Carmen Capuano can write and one day she'll pen a great novel. Till then this is enjoyable fare and might just turn into a favourite series for my daughter to enjoy." - Andrew.
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"Read it! Couldn't put it down." - Peter Teale.
Thank you guys!
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About the Owners Volume II
"Teenagers should love this.
Like the ideas and the way she reinvents the future disaster story. Also better edited than the first in her Owners series so it doesn't suffer from to the same extent from incorrectly typos." - Andrew.
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About the Owners Volume II
"Teenagers should love this.
Like the ideas and the way she reinvents the future disaster story. Also better edited than the first in her Owners series so it doesn't suffer from to the same extent from incorrectly typos." - Andrew.
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On the Owners III -
"Like Owners II a big improvement on Owners I.
Continuing the story of Dan Ryan from Owners II and pretty well, what I said positive about that applies here to. A good read for any teenager but I am a sucker for disaster survival stories." - Andrew.
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"Excellent continuation of the series.
More of Jack Ryan's story from Owners II and III. Excellent continuation of the series." - Andrew.
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Here is a review which has just been sent to me. It is from a Year 8 school teacher who read one of my books.
"The Owners, Volume I is a page turner of a read. The structure of the novel being a double narrative perspective leap-frogging chapter by chapter, really hooks the reader.
I thought it was beautifully written with wonderful use of imagery. For example, 'The drone of an insect outside served to shatter the silence, its drum a seeming answer to the staccato drumbeat of his heart'. The musical term 'staccato' conveyed to the reader how fast the boy's heart was throbbing with fright.
This is a novel ideal for the young adult readership, as there were elements of peril interspersed with loving relationships and concepts of what makes us human. I thought there were many thought provoking elements such as making us think about our own relationships with our own pets. There is also the added feature of the mystery about the Eyons, who are they? Who controls them? And why? These questions leave the reader wanting to read the second volume, which is an excellent hook into the forthcoming series.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend the book to my students, although there were a few 'typos' which need to be edited out. Having said that, I was so engrossed with the plot and turn of phrase that the 'typos' did not get in the way."
Mrs Sterenberg. Aston Fields Middle School.
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Here's a review just in from a gentleman called Peter Gagen.
"Recently, at a local village gala in Droitwich Spa, I had the good fortune to meet Carmen Capuano. Carmen is a self publishing new author who was selling her books from her stall. Intrigued, I purchased a book - The Owner Volume one.
I was so taken. I have already read book two on my Kindle and could not resist contacting Carmen to get book three.
The Owner Volume one is the first in a Si-Fi series that starts an adventure that will keep you turning the pages. It's short chapters make for an easy enthralling read. You will want to know about what happens next. Believe me you won't want to put it down.
The story is set in a strange future and follows San and Loni as they move away from their comfortable lives in a 'kept' future. Lives that are very different from ours. It's alive with the discoveries they make, along the journey they take. The story will end with you wanting to know more and get the next in the series. It has me!
(you will have to read the book to understand what 'kept' means - no spoilers here!)"
Thank you so much Peter!
What they say:
How was Natalie to know that the decision she was about to make between two potential dates, would forever be a pivotal point in her life? That it would mark the time where childhood innocence ended? How could she even imagine that the wrong decision would send her life spiralling into the stuff of nightmares from where she might not come out alive? Life takes a cruel twist of fate when Natalie, a completely average [almost] 16 year old, is forced to make a split-second decision... a decision that will change her future and forever alter her perception of trust, love and the realities of life.
What we say - review by Nikki Mason:
I have to say that this is one of the darkest young adult books I’ve ever reviewed. That’s not necessarily a criticism, but there were times when I felt like a little relief was needed. Having said that, the intensity and increasing sense of danger and horror were both incredible.
Natalie is a very privileged, innocent fifteen-year-old. While shopping with her best friend she is asked out on two dates and must make the choice of which one to accept. Only, she doesn’t know quite how significant that choice will be, a choice that could strip away her cosy life forever.
Natalie is a great character and it’s so interesting to follow her progress throughout one important evening in two separate scenarios. The story splits into two “what ifs” once she has picked her date so readers can see the consequences of either decision, and boy, are there some consequences! It’s a clever format and very intricately plotted but in both evenings the fear and violence never feel far away. It’s a challenging and often uncomfortable read and not for the faint-hearted but well worth a look if you’re after some true grit.
Here is what another reader had to say: "I could not put your book down last night and ended up finishing the novel and going to bed really late! Certainly it is the best yet in my opinion."
Thanks Sheila from Edgbaston!
Here is the link to another review http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/netmums-chat-clubs-795/netmums-book-club-reading-group-159/973572-owners-volume-i-alone-carmen-capuano.html#post9648361
And here is the review itself.
The Owners, Volume I : Alone by Carmen Capuano
The Owners, Volume I : Alone was recommended to me by a friend. I bought it thinking that it was not my usual type of book as it is classed as sci-fi.
However, once I started to read it, I found that it was really about the characters and how they get through the problems in their life and I really connected with it. Even if sci-fi is not your usual thing, I would recommend this book. It is character driven and just enough different to keep you engrossed and keep you turning the pages.
Here is a review which came through to my Facebook account, from a lovely lady called Lisa Dean.
" I have really enjoyed the first two books of this series. The characters are interesting and as a reader I really care about their journey. The story lines are interesting and you can imagine being in the world they inhabit. My daughter (aged 13) and father (aged 73) have both enjoyed the books and we look forward as a family to reading the next one so we can discuss it together."
Ok, here is another review of my first book, warts and all.
One thing I will state openly is that book 1 did go to print with typos and I have been pulled up about this before...I am sorry about that and have endeavoured to learn from my mistakes and the reprinted versions which are now available should contain no typos. But the bit I am focusing on is where he says that for all that, he loved it! So I guess I must be doing something right...
So here it is.
...
I’ll start with this: on a technical level, this book is utterly horrendous. From the very beginning it is filled with misplaced commas, excessive exclamation marks and ropy formatting. Various words are capitalized which probably shouldn’t be, most notably “Pet” and “Eyon”. In general, this book gave me the impression of an author with much raw talent but with little care for the editing process.
And yet, for much of the time reading it, I absolutely loved it.
The book’s concept is certainly a novel one. In Alone, humanity is dominated a race of avian humanoids called eyons. The creatures frequently take in human children to live as pets and servants; Loni and San, the book’s protagonists, are two such pets. Their owners, like most other eyons, spend most of their lives hooked up to mysterious “work machines” and are consequently oblivious to the world around them. Loni, however, is different in that she spends most of her time with her owner’s hatchling, who she calls Little. When Little’s work machine arrive, the two flee in order to keep Little from becoming like the others. San, meanwhile, leaves without prompting in order to discover the truth behind humanity’s place in the world.
Chapters alternate between Loni’s and San’s perspectives, with the final chapter incorporating both points of view at once. Of the two, I must admit that I preferred Loni’s sections by a fairly long way. I could genuinely feel the bond between Loni and Little as I read about them, making them very easy to emphasize with. There is a real sense of progression in Loni’s chapters, as both she and Little learn about the world around them and vow to change it for the better. San’s chapters were hardly bad, but their events felt quite random at times and I didn’t feel that he developed as much as he could have done.
My only major criticism of this book is the ending, which leaves almost all of the book’s plot threads open and seems intended solely to set up a series. This is compounded by the fact that all other “Owners” books have been prequels so far, which leaves me to wonder if the author will ever go back to Loni, Little and San. I really hope that she does, as it would be a shame to end their tale where it currently is. Here’s hoping it happens.
Found on http://
Another review:-
"Just wanted to follow up our conversation from yesterday and tell you how much I enjoyed the 1st book in The Owners series. It surprised me and kept me interested throughout. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. You are left desperately wanting to know how this bizarre owner/pet situation came to be... what the heck are the adult Eyons up to ....and how can the situation be resolved if at all!! Can't wait to read the next and find out more."
So what more can I say? If you haven't yet read The Owners series how are you going to be able to discuss it with friends?
Don't be left in the dark - get your copy today!
The Owners Vol. 1 ALONE February 3, 2013
By Nanakulikane
Format:Paperback
For me this is the Animal Farm, 1984, Atlas Shrugged book of the 21st Century. What has been put together here is a new vision of what could be from a totally different angle than what you and I had to read in High School English. I was fascinated by this world that was all too possible, that this very talented author has created, takes it that one step further, like going from black and white TV to HD color in one fell swoop. I am not going to tell you one thing about the two lead characters, other than the mind blowing reality of who they are slowly forms in your mind, but is never truly revealed until the end of this book, which incidentally, is only the start of their journey. I can't wait to review the second one, this is that good. We have a real winner here folks, a definite must buy, will be on your shelf for a lifetime and your kids as well, turning into compulsory reading in school if they have the traditional schools around that long. I give it a 4,999. The only reason it isn't a 5.0 is because of a few typo's, so in reality 5.0. WOW !!
enjoyable because of the dimensional layering of subtext and lack of reliance on more traditional fantasy / sci-fi tropes., June 6, 2013
Gaele "We read to know, we are not alone ~ C.S. Lewis"
This review is from: The Owners, Volume 1: Alone (Kindle Edition)
Fast paced and gripping, while vastly divergent from my normal fare, this story held my interest and kept me reading. The ambitious storyline tackled world-building and characters with equal success, providing references that were easy to relate to even as the plot seeks to carry you to places unknown.
For a debut novel, this book provided several high points: Capuano is a good storyteller with the ability to present her characters in a manner that instantly provides empathy or scorn. I'm still undecided if the alien language used, and depicted phonetically worked for me or simply made those passages more difficult to read. While it was cleverly presented, I'm not a huge fan, and much of my understanding of conversations was directly derived from the other context of the story.
There were a few moments where the underlying moral dilemmas presented by the action felt a bit heavy-handed, but the scope for further thought about the underlying question of what it means to be human, or have humanity are threaded into the tapestry of the plot, providing plenty of options for questions without the author's overreach to provide simple one-dimensional answers. To her credit, Capuano manages to bring questions that young and old have pondered for ages, and provide enough information that everyone will draw their own conclusions in the many shades of grey within a moral choice.
This is a really good start to a series: enjoyable because of the dimensional layering of subtext and lack of reliance on more traditional fantasy / sci-fi tropes.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for inclusion in children read week at I am Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
