First off, this book is being added to my list of annoyingly inaccurate covers. Yes, it is a nice cover, if Lindsey weren't a young Korean girl. Why would the publisher choose to not represent the character as written? Multiculturalism should be a selling point, not something thrown in to say they're doing it, only to back off during the marketing.

The book itself is interesting. I didn't realize it was the fourth book in a series until I started reading, and there are multiple references to previous events, but I didn't feel completely lost, which is a credit to the author.Things flowed and there was enough background information scattered throughout to make sense of what was happening. I think if I had read the previous three books in the series I would have felt a stronger connection with the characters and a more emotional reaction to some of the events that unfold.

What made this book hard to read was that Lindsey was all over the place. Lindsey is not an easy character to follow. One moment she's giving details about the horrific death of her parents and then the next she's standing at the door day dreaming about a hot guy. But don't worry because within the first fourth of the book, you'll hear it again and again. Her thoughts are completely random and it makes it hard to know what is really happening. There's even one point where Lindsay has just gone through a test and is getting ready to describe her terrifying ordeal when she starts thinking about going sledding down a hill and then acknowledges she doesn't know why she's thinking of that! It makes me think the author needed to up the word count and decided to add in random descriptions.

The ending confused me a bit and I wasn't quite sure why at the end Lindsey still felt the way she did. I won't say about what because I don't want to spoil the ending, but it really drove me nuts. I was fine with the events, I just didn't get Lindsey's thought process.

One thing I will say for Arthur is that she is not afraid to take risks and make her readers furious. As a new reader I was shocked by some of the things that happened to characters that were probably central ones in the previous books, but it worked here. This was a solid book, and although not a complete stand alone it was enjoyable. I would recommend reading the Mystyx series in order and even though I have yet to read them I'd say it would be worth the time. ( )

I'm super excited about this series. This series I have been following from the very beginning and have love it. While I enjoyed this book, I felt like there is something missing. I think its cause I wasn't able to really connect to Lindsey as well as I could with the other mystyx group. Still, the book is good. If you haven't read the series I suggest you do. Ms. Arthur writes about teens with a real life, with a hint of something paranormal.

In this book, the reader meet Lindsey. After moving again, Lindsey is immediately thrown in a world of chaos. I liked Lindsey. She wasn't stuck up or mean. She really just wanted some stability. I don't think I connected well with this character cause I couldn't grasp her connection with the other mystyx characters. It was like she was just thrown in the mix. It took a few chapters before I could find myself understanding Lindsey and where she came from. Lindsey is fierce and strong. She catches on fast and becomes one of the group before you know it. I really like how Ms. Arthur brought some interesting characters from the first book I thought were gone! I gasp once the secret was out and thought "WOAH!"

This story doesn't only cover Lindsey's story but also covers what is going on with the other mystyx characters. I miss my other books friends and it was good to see them fighting against evil all together. Once again, more questions were raised as others were answered. You can tell in this book that the enemy is getting stronger and ready to attack. Not just a small attack but a full on final battle. Each character has face their demon and the final showdown is coming! I can't wait to read how it is all going to end!!!

Mesmeriz is a good book! Filled with lots of battles, death, and adding a new mystyx to the group, the group is getting stronger. With the forces combine and done with the petty fighting, the mystyx group is ready! EEEEP! ( )

Review: Mesmerize by Artist Arthur
4 STARS
It's hard to rate this book, because this is the first book of the series that I have read so it was a little confusing to me at times. I believe this is the 4th of the mystyx series.
The Mystyx were created by Styx and given powers before they were born. Their are four of them we know about.
Lindsey Yi is Korean American. Who was in a train wreck a year ago that killed her parents. She lives now with her guardian in what people believe is a haunted house. She can read minds of those around her except when she or they are wearing black. This story is about her and being tested as well.
Krystal is a medium. Jake has the only active power he moves things with his mind. Sasha can travel outside her body. They are only juniors in high school.
They are supposed to stop Charon from comming to this realm and keep him in hades. They all need to controll their powers and work together somehow.
It was interesting and if I had read other books probably would care more for the characters.
Their are a lot of Deaths around the four teenagers. Lots of new kids in the school.
Would recommend that you read the first 3 books first to enjoy the story better.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/31/2012 PUB Harlequin KimaniTRU ( )