GUEST REVIEW: Altered by Laura Burks

All eighteen-year-old Jenna wants to do is have a slow paced and predictable summer in the small town of New Roads with her grandfather. But on Friday the thirteenth, the unpredictable occurs when she mysteriously hears a voice leading her to a buried book. Jenna is unaware that a secret curse lies within and she's just unleashed its hold.

As writings appear in the book strangely matching her vivid dreams, Jenna's curious nature takes over pulling her deeper into the mystery and the connection to her family. What she didn't expect to find was a forbidden love and a choice to save a life.

Will Jenna's choice remain a secret? Or did the secret choose her?

Review:

This is the story of Jenna, a girl from Orlando who visits her grandfather for the summer in Louisiana.  One day she hears her name being called but no one is around.  This starts her on an adventure/journey that involves love, lies, curses and secrets.  Jenna discovers a hidden book with blank pages and meets Jess.  Jess is the most handsome boy she has ever seen but he is also very vague and mysterious.  She opens the book in the hopes of finding answers but is left with more questions as words start to appear.  How Jess is involved with the book becomes apparent.  Jess and Jenna become closer but at the same time the secrets between them make their feelings for each other conflicted.  As you read, you wonder if Jess and Jenna will find love and have a happy ending.

I loved the way the characters are portrayed.  Jenna is a sweet, caring girl who is willing to give herself to help others.  She has a great relationship with her grandfather.  Jess is handsome and mysterious yet gentle.  He was addicting to Jenna and I found him to be the same way.  I kept looking forward to the parts he was in.

This is Laura’s first book and I would love to see more from her.  I loved it and could not put it down.  The story held your interest and was easy to read.  It contains a lot of action, romance and adventure.  A sequel to this would be great too- I would love to see what the future holds for Jess and Jenna.  A definite must read!!

5 Stars!!

Reviewed by Virginia Tesi Carey for YA Book Addict

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