CAPTIVATE by Carrie Jones

I was very disappointed by this book. I really enjoyed NEED, the first in the series. But this book fell short for many reasons for me. I read an advance reading copy, which had many grammatical, structural and spelling errors. I can only hope that whomever edits the book has caught these glaring issues and had the author fix them.

Early in the book, Zara is in the presence of her real father and calls him "Dad." But later in the book she calls him "Dad" and the character contemplates to herself that this is the first times she's called him that, which isn't true. There is also a moment where Zara, Nick, Devyn and Issie are in Issie's car with Nick driving. They had pulled over on the side of the road so Nick could confront Zara about something she's done and didn't tell him. After they sort of clear the air, they all say let's go home, but don't say which home. You assume to Zara's since most things happen there. Then the book says they "pull into "his" driveway." Which his, Nick or Devyns, and how can it be Devyn's as its a big story point that Zara has never been to his house? Which, although there's an explanation about the reason, it's really lame. Then the story proceeds with Nick putting the keys in his pockets. On the next page, as they continue to talk five lines later, they are now "drive along." I was so confused as to what they were doing and where they were going, I had to reread it to figure out if I had missed something. I hadn't missed anything.

There are also a few other things that happen that just don't make the story flow well. Without giving away story points, as the book isn't on the shelves yet, I can't and won't say what happens. But I will say that the story takes a decidedly different turn from the first book with an explanation as to what's happened to the Pixies that they locked in the house, where they go from there and what happens to some of the characters. I find that they move on quickly from major emotional upheaval and time doesn't flow well. One minute they are fighting pixies and concerned for the plight of one friend, the next they are planning to go to a party. Zara tries to call for help and everyone hangs up on her because they are doing something else and she's not upset with any of them for what happens from them not taking her calls.

Like I said, I really enjoyed the first book. So much that I've recommended it to a few places with which I work. But I can't recommend the second book as it is.

This is my first review pointing out all the reasons I don't like something with no real positive side. Once the book is out, I may come back to add specifics. I just don't want to blow it for anyone who wants to read it no matter what.

Sorry!