Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton Review

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Title: Some Quiet Place
Author: Kelsey Sutton (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: July 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 350
Source: Publisher

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions...she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one - Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?
Once a normal child, Elizabeth now possesses a very unique gift. Rather than feeling the emotions that people experience from day to day life, she can see them. Carefully guarded though, Elizabeth has always managed to ward off these emotions by keeping them at arm's length. But these emotions are tangible and, as is the case with Fear, they can be relentless. Something wants to know the truth about Elizabeth though, and she's not as safe as she might think. Will she discover the truth about her past in time, or will her past come back to haunt her?

There are very few books that enter the YA market today that truly capture me with the sheer originality of their premise, but Some Quiet Place was definitely one of those few. Author, Kelsey Sutton, has crafted a haunting debut novel in which a girl is lost in the deadly throes of an unimaginable power and emotions are every bit as tangible as you and I. With a deft hand, evocative prose and overflowing originality, Some Quiet Place carves a spot for itself in the YA market, promising readers a powerful journey of self-discovery and rich, heartfelt emotion.

I have to say, I was completely blown away (and, admittedly, somewhat confused) by the premise of Some Quiet Place. Elizabeth sees emotions as personified beings that meddle and tinker with people's lives. Rather than just feelings, the emotions within the story are actual entities, which took me a while to wrap my head around, though I loved the concept. I thought I'd have a very difficult time getting into Elizabeth's head because of her inability to feel, but we're provided a well-rounded, deep and highly accessible character, mostly through her, often times, painful interactions with others, as well as her stark and honest voice. I also really loved how emotions were actually portrayed in the novel. They skulk around in the shadows, only intervening when they want to be felt, and it's both a complex and fascinating idea to ponder. I really, really loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Fear. It wasn't so cut-and-dried as many paranormal romances that I've seen before. Naturally, the two characters have significant hurdles to overcome simply to relate with one another properly. Their interactions are complex and profound, and Fear is an unlikely, but extremely swoon-worthy, love interest. On the flip side though, I was a bit disappointed that Some Quiet Place presented a love triangle, too. Personally, I thought the relationships already established presented enough of a challenge to Elizabeth as it was, and it seemed like a touch of an afterthought to pacify some of the YA romance crowd. I also felt that there was so much put into the illustrative prose and fantastic primary characters that the secondary characters felt like mere stereotypes of what they represented. 

Overall though, I really enjoyed the originality that Some Quiet Place brings to the YA market. This book can easily stand alone, which is a treat, however, I think it would also serve as a strong stepping stone to a great series. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. 

35 comments:

  1. There's something so eerie about this book. Elizabeth's gift isn't new to me, but the way it was presented in the book sounds unique. It's sad to hear that the love triangle was presented for the sake of it, though. It annoys me when that happens.

    - Ellie at The Selkie Reads Stories

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    1. You've read books with her gift before? I'd love to know which ones, if you don't mind...I found it really refreshing, and I'd love to see more!

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  2. I've read a few mixed reviews of this. Some said that the main character being emotionless makes the book annoying.
    I'm glad you liked this idea and enjoyed the book!! The premise does sound very original.
    Great review!! I'm an old follower :D

    Sapir @ Diary of a Wimpy Teen Girl 

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    1. There definitely were mixed reviews for this, but it worked for me, despite the triangle. It's very introspective, so you have to interject your own emotion, if that makes sense :)

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  3. Love the premise of this one - sounds very cool! I like it when Paranormal romance steps out of that tried and tested comfort zone. Doesn't often happen, but when it does, I like to check it out! :)

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    1. It's definitely a good read, Leanna! I hope you like it!

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  4. I too like how different this book sounds to the many paranormal books already out there. I think I was initially put off by this book from a lot of the negative reviews, but the prose in this book sounds utterly wonderful. I am quite disappointed that this features yet again a love triangle, but the fact that this didn't put you off from giving this book a four star rating, tells me this book is still worth a try. Beautiful review once again Melissa :)

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    1. This one for sure pushes the bounds, Jasprit, and I think you'd like that aspect. But yes, the triangle is the bane of my existence haha either way though - Kelsey is an amazing writer!

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  5. I'm so hesitant about paranormal books these days, but this ones looks so pretty! I'm happy to hear that you liked it.

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    1. Paranormal is mostly a miss for me these days, Lori, but this one actually worked. I think you'd like it!

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  6. Hi Melissa,

    The cover looks pretty and haunting at the same time. The plot sounds wonderful. However, I'm not partial to love triangles. Thanks for the review!

    -Dannielle

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    1. The cover is crazy, eh?! I think you'd like it, Dannielle...it's just different enough!

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  7. I've been so captivated by this cover since I first saw it a long time ago and the premise, while a bit confusing, still interests me. I do think I want to pick it up sometime because I'm curious about Fear. I didn't realize there was a triangle but to be honest, if a triangle is well-done I don't mind them. Can't tell if this one is well done, though. I still can't get over the cover. So interesting and pretty. This is a great review, Melissa.

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    1. Thanks, Ashleley :) in terms of triangles, it wasn't bad - I just always feel that a triangle naturally pulls you to one side by forgoing some of the details on the second character we'd otherwise want. That's what frustrates me most about them...

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  8. Ahhhhh! So excited for this one Melissa! Like you, the premise instantly intrigued me and I couldn't add it to my list fast enough. I'm glad to know that despite being emotionless Elizabeth is still an easily accessible character, as that was definitely a concern of mine. This is a beautiful review (as usual) and I just can't wait to read this one for myself!

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    1. I hope you love it, too, Jenny! I thought it was really well done, and Gretchen sets one heck of a scene with her fantastic writing!

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  9. You caught my interest at "evocative prose and overflowing originality" - I can't remember the last book that made me feel that way, so I'm very intrigued by this book now. Too bad there's a love triangle, but I do like the sound that swoon-worthy love interest :)

    Great review!

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    1. Thanks, Lea. I swear I can't avoid triangles...anywhere haha

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  10. I've been very curious about this one, especially because of the gorgeous cover! It just sounds very different and maybe a bit strange, but that's not a bad thing. I look forward to reading it!

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    1. Isn't the cover stunning? There were totally elements of this book that were...odd...but it worked because it was totally original :)

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  11. I know I've heard of this one before but I never looked into it too much, but it sounds unique and really intriguing. I'll have to check it out for sure! Great review, Melissa! :)

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    1. Thank you, Keertana! I know some people had issue with it, but I thought it was pretty dang well done! :)

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  12. Holy crap, she sees feelings? Like people? That's definitely super unique! I haven't heard of this one, but your review alone makes me want to get my hands on a copy right away. The main character has a relationship with a feeling... God, it definitely sounds difficult to wrap your brain around! Thanks for the fantastic review, Melissa! :) I'm happy to hear you liked it.

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    1. Right?! It's a totally strange concept, and it takes some getting used to, but I loved it!

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  13. I'm really glad you enjoyed this one! I agree, Elizabeth is a little hard to connect with at first, but the premise is totally genius! I definitely loved Fear the most he was puhretty hot guy ;D I think I liked Some Quiet Place a little less than you did, but I'm really happy you enjoyed this book, I've been seeing absolutely fantastic review for it!

    Fantastic review :)

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    1. Thanks, Eileen! Yeah, I can see why some people had a hard time with this story, but I love Kelsey's writing, and it was interesting enough to capture my attention throughout :)

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  14. You had me at originality because I feel the same as you, that it's hard to find truly original premises in YA these days. And does that premise ever sound like a cool one!! I just love that concept! Definitely could do without the love triangle though. Anyways, this was the first review I've read for this one so thanks for turning me on to it, Melissa! Nicely reviewed.

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    1. Thank you, Aylee! The triangle was a bit tedious for me bc I thought it was already complex enough having a relationship with an emotion, but it was really well done.

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  15. This was one of my WOW's. I loved the cover and then to have FEAR be personified. I'm glad to know it's so great. Unfortunately, I have it written down to be released in July and that's where it is on my reading schedule so I've got a while until I can read it. But I'm so glad it's good. I can't even guess who is in the love triangle but you'd think being in love with Fear would be difficult enough, definitely. No more drama needed. And too bad about the secondary characters. Maybe if there is a second book those things will be addressed. Still after reading your review, I'm excited to read this one. Great review!

    Heather

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    1. Thanks, Heather! I think you might just like this one...it's totally original and interesting!

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  16. Thanks, Aman! The book was really a ton better than I even anticipated, so I hope you enjoy it in the future, too!

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  17. I really, really want to read this book! This is the best review I have read of it.

    I love the concept of emotions being entities. I bet it's hard to get into at first.

    Great review!:D

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  18. Not the triangle! :P

    Still, you loved the romance and I admit, I'm curious about Fear. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it and now I know I do.

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  19. It makes me very excited that this does sound like a very unique, fresh book offering in the market! I don't read a lot of paranormal books, but when I do, I like the ones that are different. That's definitely enough reason for me to consider reading this one!

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  20. this does sound great! the cover always creeped me out a little, so I don't think I ever really knew what it was about!

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