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The story and the characters definitely kept me reading.

I purchased this book on a whim--I love to read the work of local authors and jumped at the chance to help support a local up-and-coming when I saw this book at a bookstore near my office, in Seattle. I read every day on my way to and from work on public transit, and sometimes, while reading this book, I'd almost forget where I was! Once, I almost missed my stop!

The story is compelling, the scenery and set-building very full without dragging down the pace of the story. Jessica often notices the weather and its effects on her surroundings, but then, living in this part of the country, it’s hard not to notice, and the weather plays as big a role in this story as it does in the real lives of those of us living in the Pacific Northwest.

There were a few issues with word choice and repetition of descriptions that lent itself to the writing feeling just a little bit amateur, but the fact that those issues didn't detract from the story on the whole is testament to great world building and wonderful character development. I wanted to know more about Alex (Why is he so quick to fall in love with Jessica? Why did he spend so much time traveling/what was he running from? Why was he so willing to offer up his own salvation?) but I have a feeling that more of him and his background may be coming in the next book. I am also hoping that the next book helps make the ending of Branded feel less clipped short.