When I first started this book I thought it was going to be just okay...after all it was a YA book...how intriguing can it be? Then the clues started coming and Jocelyn and Noah started solving them and looking for the next one...all the while running for their lives... and revisiting their childhood nightmare in Seale House. Overall...an interesting plot...good characters...a touch of the paranormal. The ending was lacking though and a let down after all that had led up to it. Still 4 star worthy. ( )

Children have the awesome ability to bounce back from trauma at a young age. Unlike adults, children are like clay that can be molded and sculpted so the cracks that exist are less defined. With time, trauma is often forgotten or the mind protects itself by creating a barrier. Thus, allowing the child to have an honest chance at a normal future. Although life does not always get better as they age, the mind itself is an amazing mechanism that demonstrates its genius. This book is an example of how a young girl named Jocelyn and her brother Noah survive childhood neglect, abuse, and foster care. It is told through the eyes of Jocelyn, as she has just reached the age of eighteen. One ordinary day she receives a letter from her brother, who she believes has recently perished in a car accident, leaving clues to his whereabouts. This letter takes her on a journey that will force her to reconnect with her past and rekindle old friendships. It will also lead Jocelyn to her possible death and to a secret that she never could imagine in her wildest dreams.

I found this book to be a delightful read. I was very surprised with the ending and I loved that! It is not every day that I can say that in a review, but I am happy when I can. I liked the characters and honestly thought I knew where this book was headed, but I was way off. The story is a good mix of suspense and action. It does not have a lot of romance, but the way it is written makes it blend well. This book can be enjoyed by both young adults and adults. I see no problem here with tweens either. I highly recommend the book and am positive that it will be enjoyed. Great job author. ( )

In the middle of a reading slump, I received a copy of The Vanishing Game for review. This is one of those books that reignites exactly what I love about reading. It reminded me why I love books so much, why I love getting to know new characters, unravel new mysteries. Within the first 50 pages I was creeped out so bad I had to sleep with the light on. The writing was spot on, tightly wound, and really intelligent. I loved that the author didn't feel the need to dumb things down for her intended teen audience: the readers were left with the clues and the mysteries to figure out for themselves.

One of the best parts of this novel is its interactivity. You can go to the author's website, KateKaeMyers.com and download all of Jack's clues and try to figure them out with Noah and Jocelyn.
I loved Jocelyn, speaking of. She wasn't your typical petite, flat as a board, plain Jane female protagonist. She was pretty and she knew it. She was also wicked smart, fiercely loyal, and came from a dark past that she wouldn't let get the better of her. Jocelyn was one of those main characters that you'd relate to and want to root for.

Noah, the love interest, and the third of a trio (Jocelyn, her brother Jack, and Noah) who formed a close bond in the Seale foster home. I loved that he was totally weird, weirder than most people can handle, but he was still portrayed in a positive light. He spent his adolescence trying to convince his peers that he was either a vampire or a ninja or something else outrageous. He would dress in capes and costumes. Like I said, totally weird. Growing up, he didn't lose his sense of self, but instead retained his dorky computer geek skills and gained a pretty hot body from years of martial arts. Noah was essential in figuring out all the clues that Jack left behind, and what's better than an unreasonably smart love interest?

The twist at the end of the book was mind-blowing. If I didn't have to pass on the book, I would have turned it right back around and reread it. I just couldn't believe it! I did not see the ending coming, and it really made me second guess everything I had just read.

The only thing that didn't really work for me in the book was the paranormal element. It was never fully explained, and was only there when it was convenient. I wish there were more answers about the strange powers Seale House seemed to have. That's my only qualm.


If you love mysteries, I definitely recommend The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers. When you read it, don't forget to check out the authors website, KateKaeMyers.com to download your own version of the clues to unravel with Jocelyn and Noah! ( )

I always root for an author who takes a risk, rather than relying on safe and familiar tropes, and The Vanishing Game is a refreshingly different addition to the YA suspense genre. If you love to be surprised, you should definitely add The Vanishing Game to your TBR -- but beware of spoilers!

Full review here: http://jenryland.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-finished-reading-vanishing-game.html

In the middle of a reading slump, I received a copy of The Vanishing Game for review. This is one of those books that reignites exactly what I love about reading. It reminded me why I love books so much, why I love getting to know new characters, unravel new mysteries. Within the first 50 pages I was creeped out so bad I had to sleep with the light on. The writing was spot on, tightly wound, and really intelligent. I loved that the author didn't feel the need to dumb things down for her intended teen audience: the readers were left with the clues and the mysteries to figure out for themselves.

One of the best parts of this novel is its interactivity. You can go to the author's website, KateKaeMyers.com and download all of Jack's clues and try to figure them out with Noah and Jocelyn.
I loved Jocelyn, speaking of. She wasn't your typical petite, flat as a board, plain Jane female protagonist. She was pretty and she knew it. She was also wicked smart, fiercely loyal, and came from a dark past that she wouldn't let get the better of her. Jocelyn was one of those main characters that you'd relate to and want to root for.

Noah, the love interest, and the third of a trio (Jocelyn, her brother Jack, and Noah) who formed a close bond in the Seale foster home. I loved that he was totally weird, weirder than most people can handle, but he was still portrayed in a positive light. He spent his adolescence trying to convince his peers that he was either a vampire or a ninja or something else outrageous. He would dress in capes and costumes. Like I said, totally weird. Growing up, he didn't lose his sense of self, but instead retained his dorky computer geek skills and gained a pretty hot body from years of martial arts. Noah was essential in figuring out all the clues that Jack left behind, and what's better than an unreasonably smart love interest?

The twist at the end of the book was mind-blowing. If I didn't have to pass on the book, I would have turned it right back around and reread it. I just couldn't believe it! I did not see the ending coming, and it really made me second guess everything I had just read.

The only thing that didn't really work for me in the book was the paranormal element. It was never fully explained, and was only there when it was convenient. I wish there were more answers about the strange powers Seale House seemed to have. That's my only qualm.


If you love mysteries, I definitely recommend The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers. When you read it, don't forget to check out the authors website, KateKaeMyers.com to download your own version of the clues to unravel with Jocelyn and Noah! ( )