Perception

I really enjoyed this story, and I couldn't put it down when I started reading it.

This book looks right up my alley! I truly loved every moment of it. 5 stars!

Perception by Faith Johnson is a young adult novel that delves into the tumultuous life of Amanda Thompson, a high school freshman grappling with personal betrayals and the discovery of a formidable magical ability. The narrative adeptly intertwines themes of friendship, adversity, and self-discovery, offering readers a compelling journey through Amanda's challenges. The character development is a standout feature, with Amanda's evolution from a beleaguered teenager to someone confronting her newfound powers portrayed with depth and authenticity. The introduction of Rodrigo Mendoza, a complex and unpredictable character, adds an intriguing dynamic to the story, enriching the plot with tension and unpredictability. Johnson's writing is engaging, effectively capturing the emotional landscape of adolescence while seamlessly integrating elements of fantasy. The pacing maintains reader interest, and the plot twists contribute to a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

I really enjoyed this book; it gives a fresh take on high school drama with some cool magical twists. Amanda Thompson's life is pretty rough at Eastland High. I felt for her when her boyfriend ditched her for her enemy during homecoming and how she constantly faces bullying. Watching Amanda go through all her struggles is tough. Just when things can’t get worse, she discovers these wild magical powers that complicate everything. Then there's Rodrigo Mendoza, the mysterious new guy who seems dangerous but might actually help her. I wish there was a bit more action at the end, but I’d totally recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy mixed with high school drama!

As a retired woman with a passion for reading, Perception by Faith Johnson swept me back to the intense emotions of youth, but with an exciting magical twist. Amanda Thompson’s journey through heartbreak, friendship struggles, and the discovery of a dangerous power kept me turning pages long into the night. The way the story delves into the pressures of high school while weaving in this dark, intriguing magic is brilliantly done. Rodrigo Mendoza’s rebellious character adds just the right edge to the story. If you're looking for a fast-paced read with depth and a bit of magic, this one’s a winner!

This is a very well written book. The character development was solid. I found I could relate with Amanda. The author does a good job of establishing that she’s a good kid in a hard situation. Her ambition makes it hard to fit into a school of delinquents. And there’s something not right with her mentally and physically she doesn’t understand. The mystery of the book is established with Amanda overhearing discussion between her parents and her grandmother. To add to the mystery, there’s a new guy at school with interesting abilities. I felt pulled in by these mysteries. All that was fine with the book, but I felt like there was too much buildup for the ending. The book was more about this girl’s feelings than about some big paranormal climax. I guess I was just hoping for more of a crises toward the end. Overall, I’d still recommend this book for young adults. I’d say it’s a good coming of age read.

I really enjoyed this book. The way the writer effortlessly weaves magical elements into an enthralling story is truly remarkable, crafting a vibrant and spellbinding world that really engaged me. The writing is eloquent and sophisticated, drawing me deep into this thrilling narrative. I am looking forward to check out more books from this talented writer.