One night in the town of Hell, Ariel's best friend goes missing. Those around her believe Jenna ran away, but when Ariel is tormented by nightmares and paranormal activity, she realizes Jenna's disappearance was part of a bigger mystery. Ariel's obsession with haunted houses and horror movies makes her the perfect detective.
Books in The Gravity Series:
#1 Gravity
But to complicate matters, a handsome newcomer named Henry Rhodes plagues her with unwanted attention. Though he doesn't believe in the supernatural events, she enlists his help and that of quirky nerd Theo. What is making the lights at school flicker? And why did Ariel dream of the old abandoned Dexter orphanage? When Ariel finally discovers the truth, it's much worse than she ever feared.
Books in The Gravity Series:
#1 Gravity
#2 Uncertainty
#3 Luminosity (Coming 11/24/12)
#4 Velocity (Coming 11/24/12)
Product Details
Would you like to give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By lovestodive
Format:Kindle Edition
Ariel Donovan has just celebrated her 15th birthday, and come fall is going to be a sophomore at the local high school in Hell, Michigan. By all accounts, this should be the time of her life. No longer the scared freshman, she and her best friend Jenna been looking forward to the beginning of the school year. All that changed when one night, after an argument, Jenna walked out the door of Ariel's home in a huff, never to be seen again.
To make matters worse Ariel comes from a not so normal family. Her parents insist that she calls them Claire and Hugh. Hugh is an artist and owns the local art gallery. Claire is always totally put together and works in the corporate world. Her mother's sister, Aunt Corinne believes in spirits, crystals and the occult. Ariel reluctantly begins the first day at school full of trepidation, only to overhear the class mean girls discussing the hunky new boy in school, and how he is off limits. Later she meets said hunky boy, Henry Rhodes, who is full of wit and charm and flirts outrageously with her. Next day, she meets another new kid, Goth/artist chick Theo Weaver who happens to be her next door neighbor. As if life couldn't get any more complicated, Ariel begins having strange dreams of Jenna and hearing weird noises in her room that no one else hears. Ariel, Henry, Theo and class clown Alex Perkins embark on a journey to discover exactly what is going on and find things aren't always as they seem in their little town of Hell.
Ms. Boyd has written a book full of teenage angst mixed in with some really strange/scary happenings. Ariel is as well balanced as she is able to be, considering her upbringing, and fights an internal battle with her guilt over Jenna's disappearance. Henry is just a cute as can be; full of humor and wit, we suspect he might be hiding something though. Theo and Alex give us some fun moments with their give and take and both turn out to be great friends for Ariel. We meet a few of the teachers and get some creepy vibes from the principle that make you want to go take a shower. There are some great scary moments and a good mystery going on, all mixed in with every day high school life.
While I enjoyed this book, I have to admit about a fourth of the way through, I had to look up the blurb because I just couldn't figure out what it was about. I'm still not sure how to describe it, except to say it's a mixture of ghost story/teenage life/paranormal happenings/mystery. This book is slightly dark, with truly scary moments that are relieved with some cute interaction between Ariel and Henry and some funny moments when the gang get together. I was a little aggravated with Ariel's parents. It seemed like they couldn't make up their minds if they wanted to be strict or new age, and were alternately either smothering or ignoring Ariel.
This book would appeal to all age groups, the teenage/young adult will enjoy it for the look into Ariel's life, the paranormal reader will enjoy the mystery/strange happenings. There is some violence; there are mean girls after all, but nothing graphic. There is a sweet romance blooming between Ariel and Henry but is exactly as it should be for teenagers of their age. While there is a definite ending, there is also a set up for a sequel, which I for one can't wait to read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery mixed in with some good spooky, strange happenings wrapped up in a teenage coming of age package.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
To make matters worse Ariel comes from a not so normal family. Her parents insist that she calls them Claire and Hugh. Hugh is an artist and owns the local art gallery. Claire is always totally put together and works in the corporate world. Her mother's sister, Aunt Corinne believes in spirits, crystals and the occult. Ariel reluctantly begins the first day at school full of trepidation, only to overhear the class mean girls discussing the hunky new boy in school, and how he is off limits. Later she meets said hunky boy, Henry Rhodes, who is full of wit and charm and flirts outrageously with her. Next day, she meets another new kid, Goth/artist chick Theo Weaver who happens to be her next door neighbor. As if life couldn't get any more complicated, Ariel begins having strange dreams of Jenna and hearing weird noises in her room that no one else hears. Ariel, Henry, Theo and class clown Alex Perkins embark on a journey to discover exactly what is going on and find things aren't always as they seem in their little town of Hell.
Ms. Boyd has written a book full of teenage angst mixed in with some really strange/scary happenings. Ariel is as well balanced as she is able to be, considering her upbringing, and fights an internal battle with her guilt over Jenna's disappearance. Henry is just a cute as can be; full of humor and wit, we suspect he might be hiding something though. Theo and Alex give us some fun moments with their give and take and both turn out to be great friends for Ariel. We meet a few of the teachers and get some creepy vibes from the principle that make you want to go take a shower. There are some great scary moments and a good mystery going on, all mixed in with every day high school life.
While I enjoyed this book, I have to admit about a fourth of the way through, I had to look up the blurb because I just couldn't figure out what it was about. I'm still not sure how to describe it, except to say it's a mixture of ghost story/teenage life/paranormal happenings/mystery. This book is slightly dark, with truly scary moments that are relieved with some cute interaction between Ariel and Henry and some funny moments when the gang get together. I was a little aggravated with Ariel's parents. It seemed like they couldn't make up their minds if they wanted to be strict or new age, and were alternately either smothering or ignoring Ariel.
This book would appeal to all age groups, the teenage/young adult will enjoy it for the look into Ariel's life, the paranormal reader will enjoy the mystery/strange happenings. There is some violence; there are mean girls after all, but nothing graphic. There is a sweet romance blooming between Ariel and Henry but is exactly as it should be for teenagers of their age. While there is a definite ending, there is also a set up for a sequel, which I for one can't wait to read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery mixed in with some good spooky, strange happenings wrapped up in a teenage coming of age package.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
RECEIVED FROM: Library Thing for Review
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Ariel Donovan is a completely normal fifteen year old girl living in the town of Hell, Michigan. Well she's normal if you discount the fact that she calls her parents by their first names. And you don't mention that her best friend has been missing for three months and without Jenna she's a social zero. Also if we're calling her normal we probably shouldn't mention that she might be seeing ghost and there appears to be something sinister going on beneath the surface of the small town of Hell. Okay so she's probably not all that normal, but who needs normal when you live in Hell right? Ariel is the girl who's been left behind in their close friendship, the one with all the questions that no one else is asking. But will she find the answers before it's too late?
I'll start this review by telling you that mature part of me is telling me that I'm not being fair in my rating of this book. Logically I know it's a four star novel, well written with strong character development and good pacing. But have you ever read a book where you got to the end and just though wtf? You found yourself so angry you wanted to call up the author and ask her that exact question? Emotionally however I can't give it higher than a three stars because I finished this book and I'm just plain MAD. That leaves something to be said about my maturity as a reviewer, but at least I'm admitting that I'm letting my anger at the ending dictate my final rating for the book.
Each scene within this novel is described so completely it's like you're there living it and the characters as so multifaceted that at times they're confusing, just as real people are. Do you remember those people in high school, especially the teenage boys where you'd think you know them and then they'd do something that left you going huh? Afterward you'd go on and on to your friends about how boys made no sense whatsoever and it's no wonder that most of the girls had higher grades because boys clearly weren't born with brains. While as an adult I can claim a slightly better understanding of the opposite sex than I could as a teen, this book brought me right back to that adolescent phase where boys and their actions just made you go huh? By making them not completely make sense at points she makes her characters seem completely real.
The book overall is hard to describe, it's like Veronica Mars meets Ghost Whisper with a hint of something else thrown into the mix, maybe some Charmed, I'm not really sure what that extra element is that makes this story so original.
One of the things I loved about Ariel is that it's not just stated that she's fifteen, followed by her being whisked away into some surreal world. She's living the life of a fifteen year old complete with over protective, though strange parents. The books is filled with paranormal elements which Ariel has to deal with or at least attempt to comprehend, but she's also dealing with teenage crushes, hot and cold boys, teacher boredom and embarrassment. She attends classes, gets sent to the principal's office, and deals with teenage rejection from the popular crowd who like in every school seem to get away with everything. By being a part of all these mundane portions of her life she's more real as a character because real teenagers have to go to school and suffer through classes they'd rather not take and agonize over the one subject in school that doesn't make sense.
While there were a few things that seemed off to me which is why I state that it was more deserving four stars than three, like calling parents by first names and other little things I couldn't comprehend like that. The main thing that upset me about the book was being left with more questions than answers. Is Ariel really seeing ghosts? What was it about the necklace? What's really happening with the town and how is Henry involved? What does her family seem to know that she doesn't? And the ending while I guess enlightening in some ways is more frustrating than anything else because it looks like everything has gone wrong, nothing has gone right and no one is getting answers. Additionally, the villain revealed in the novel was completely unexpected and there was no foreshadowing whatsoever that he might be guilty or involved in anything so that was kind of a major huh moment for me. I hope to god this is part of a series because if that is then end of Ariel's story I'm thinking this writer might be kind of sadistic. To get the reader so involved and weaving the world and characters so intricately to end in the manner she did seems all sorts of wrong to me. Overall I'm hesitant about recommending it. On one hand it's extremely well written and an engaging story. On the other since I didn't get hardly any answers but was left instead with a ton of questions and a burning anger I have a hard time recommending someone else step on an emotional roller coaster ride only to be left stuck at the top of the drop at the end wondering if the writer will let them down. I will say this, if there is a sequel to this novel I'd like to preorder it because I am highly involved with the characters she's presented to me. As a standalone title I couldn't recommend it only because of the things I've stated above, but if this novel opens a new series I highly recommend jumping on for the ride because I can guarantee she will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Ariel Donovan is a completely normal fifteen year old girl living in the town of Hell, Michigan. Well she's normal if you discount the fact that she calls her parents by their first names. And you don't mention that her best friend has been missing for three months and without Jenna she's a social zero. Also if we're calling her normal we probably shouldn't mention that she might be seeing ghost and there appears to be something sinister going on beneath the surface of the small town of Hell. Okay so she's probably not all that normal, but who needs normal when you live in Hell right? Ariel is the girl who's been left behind in their close friendship, the one with all the questions that no one else is asking. But will she find the answers before it's too late?
I'll start this review by telling you that mature part of me is telling me that I'm not being fair in my rating of this book. Logically I know it's a four star novel, well written with strong character development and good pacing. But have you ever read a book where you got to the end and just though wtf? You found yourself so angry you wanted to call up the author and ask her that exact question? Emotionally however I can't give it higher than a three stars because I finished this book and I'm just plain MAD. That leaves something to be said about my maturity as a reviewer, but at least I'm admitting that I'm letting my anger at the ending dictate my final rating for the book.
Each scene within this novel is described so completely it's like you're there living it and the characters as so multifaceted that at times they're confusing, just as real people are. Do you remember those people in high school, especially the teenage boys where you'd think you know them and then they'd do something that left you going huh? Afterward you'd go on and on to your friends about how boys made no sense whatsoever and it's no wonder that most of the girls had higher grades because boys clearly weren't born with brains. While as an adult I can claim a slightly better understanding of the opposite sex than I could as a teen, this book brought me right back to that adolescent phase where boys and their actions just made you go huh? By making them not completely make sense at points she makes her characters seem completely real.
The book overall is hard to describe, it's like Veronica Mars meets Ghost Whisper with a hint of something else thrown into the mix, maybe some Charmed, I'm not really sure what that extra element is that makes this story so original.
One of the things I loved about Ariel is that it's not just stated that she's fifteen, followed by her being whisked away into some surreal world. She's living the life of a fifteen year old complete with over protective, though strange parents. The books is filled with paranormal elements which Ariel has to deal with or at least attempt to comprehend, but she's also dealing with teenage crushes, hot and cold boys, teacher boredom and embarrassment. She attends classes, gets sent to the principal's office, and deals with teenage rejection from the popular crowd who like in every school seem to get away with everything. By being a part of all these mundane portions of her life she's more real as a character because real teenagers have to go to school and suffer through classes they'd rather not take and agonize over the one subject in school that doesn't make sense.
While there were a few things that seemed off to me which is why I state that it was more deserving four stars than three, like calling parents by first names and other little things I couldn't comprehend like that. The main thing that upset me about the book was being left with more questions than answers. Is Ariel really seeing ghosts? What was it about the necklace? What's really happening with the town and how is Henry involved? What does her family seem to know that she doesn't? And the ending while I guess enlightening in some ways is more frustrating than anything else because it looks like everything has gone wrong, nothing has gone right and no one is getting answers. Additionally, the villain revealed in the novel was completely unexpected and there was no foreshadowing whatsoever that he might be guilty or involved in anything so that was kind of a major huh moment for me. I hope to god this is part of a series because if that is then end of Ariel's story I'm thinking this writer might be kind of sadistic. To get the reader so involved and weaving the world and characters so intricately to end in the manner she did seems all sorts of wrong to me. Overall I'm hesitant about recommending it. On one hand it's extremely well written and an engaging story. On the other since I didn't get hardly any answers but was left instead with a ton of questions and a burning anger I have a hard time recommending someone else step on an emotional roller coaster ride only to be left stuck at the top of the drop at the end wondering if the writer will let them down. I will say this, if there is a sequel to this novel I'd like to preorder it because I am highly involved with the characters she's presented to me. As a standalone title I couldn't recommend it only because of the things I've stated above, but if this novel opens a new series I highly recommend jumping on for the ride because I can guarantee she will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By sorandra
Format:Kindle Edition
Fifteen year old Ariel Donovan's best friend, Jenna, has disappeared. Confused, concerned, and feeling horribly abandoned, Ariel's summer vacation has stretched in a miserable period of isolation and depression. No one, including Ariel, knows what happened to Jenna -- she had stormed out of Ariel's bedroom one night, never to return. Ariel's parents are increasingly overprotective, fearing that Ariel may be snatched up, too, and Ariel feels as though the entire town holds her responsible for Jenna's disappearance. Distraught by the absence of her friend and her loss of autonomy, Ariel views her approaching sophomore year with dread.
As the school year begins, Ariel is vulnerable -- friendless and at the bottom of the hierarchy. The children of the wealthy elite run the school, relentlessly bullying any who get in their way. Even the school principle shows favoritism towards the popular, especially the beautiful Lainey, the reigning "Mean Girls" queen of their high school. Ariel is shunned by her entire class, even the girls in her old clique, and is now defenseless against Lainey without her former defender, Jenna. When Lainey claims handsome new student Henry as her own, Ariel becomes an even bigger target of Lainey's as Henry begins showing interest in both girls.
While the story is initially slow-paced, Boyd uses that time to naturally develop her characters and storyline. She shows excellent characterization: Ariel is genuine and very self-aware, painfully self-conscious of her low station in the school ranks. Her romance with friendly, mysterious Henry comes off as natural and not forced, unlike most young-adult novels (so refreshing!). The other characters of the school are realistic, even while remaining stereotypical: jokester Alex can be tolerable when he lets down his guard, beautiful Lainey will stop at nothing to get her way and Ariel honestly does not want to get in Lainey's way.
"Gravity" quickly begins gripping and addicting. It is a fascinating mystery story, albeit very complicated. This book finished on a high note, and I am left anxious for the second installment. Hopefully the second book will wrap up all of the unanswered questions left by the first. I definitely recommend!!
(Disclaimer: The author provided me with a free copy of this ebook.)
As the school year begins, Ariel is vulnerable -- friendless and at the bottom of the hierarchy. The children of the wealthy elite run the school, relentlessly bullying any who get in their way. Even the school principle shows favoritism towards the popular, especially the beautiful Lainey, the reigning "Mean Girls" queen of their high school. Ariel is shunned by her entire class, even the girls in her old clique, and is now defenseless against Lainey without her former defender, Jenna. When Lainey claims handsome new student Henry as her own, Ariel becomes an even bigger target of Lainey's as Henry begins showing interest in both girls.
While the story is initially slow-paced, Boyd uses that time to naturally develop her characters and storyline. She shows excellent characterization: Ariel is genuine and very self-aware, painfully self-conscious of her low station in the school ranks. Her romance with friendly, mysterious Henry comes off as natural and not forced, unlike most young-adult novels (so refreshing!). The other characters of the school are realistic, even while remaining stereotypical: jokester Alex can be tolerable when he lets down his guard, beautiful Lainey will stop at nothing to get her way and Ariel honestly does not want to get in Lainey's way.
"Gravity" quickly begins gripping and addicting. It is a fascinating mystery story, albeit very complicated. This book finished on a high note, and I am left anxious for the second installment. Hopefully the second book will wrap up all of the unanswered questions left by the first. I definitely recommend!!
(Disclaimer: The author provided me with a free copy of this ebook.)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
On the edge of your seat exciting
I couldn't stop reading. It was really good. Can't wait to read book 2. I want to see if she gets more answers.
Published 3 days ago by Constance Ray
5.0 out of 5 stars
So far...
I'm hooked. I stayed up till three(ish) in the morning to finish the book. On a weeknight. Bought the next in the series earlier today and am looking forward to starting it this... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Teranne
5.0 out of 5 stars
It is such a perfect book
This book has exactly what I am looking for in a book and is so twisted and GREAT. I recommend this book to many people.
Published 14 days ago by cici
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ow wow
I liked it a lot I really felt into the book like really . I loved the fear the romance the cleverness that this book expressed and how it evenly gave out the darkness and... Read more
Published 18 days ago by Anyway I love coffee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
This book is really really fantastic. I love this book so much. This author is amazing. I hope that she will write some more books.
Published 19 days ago by KCooney2120
4.0 out of 5 stars
Creepy
Things are bound to be beyond strange in a town called Hell. Beyond the normal difficulties of high school, Ariel has to deal with hearing voices and seeing ghosts. Read more
Published 29 days ago by K.Dunst
3.0 out of 5 stars
OMG!
I love this book , but I hate the way it ended! How could Henry do that to her! I don't even think I can read this anymore. I'm too p'oed! I don't like Henry anymore, he sucks! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Destiny Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved it!
What a awesome writer! I literally could not put this book down and immediately started the second one. I am now waiting for kindle version! Read more
Published 1 month ago by minny goodthings
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't wait for #4.
The first time in a long time I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. Can't wait for the 4th one.
Published 1 month ago by Kim H. Hurst
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
The story was interesting but a bit drawn out. So much could have been cut out. Not sure if I want to muck my way through book 2. Different story line though
Published 1 month ago by CJW
Book Extras from the Shelfari Community
(What's this?)To add, correct, or read more Book Extras for Gravity , visit Shelfari, an Amazon.com company.
More About the Author
Abigail Boyd began writing stories as a kid on dark and stormy nights. She was born and still lives in Michigan with her husband and the haunting cries of three rambunctious children. Her influences include Stephen King, Veronica Mars, and lots of processed sugar. She wishes that time had a pause button.
Gravity is the first book in the four part Gravity Series. The second book, Uncertainty, is out now, and the last two books will be released on November 24th, 2012. For more information, feel free to contact me or visit me online.
To learn more about Abbey and her books:
http://abigailboyd.blogspot.com
http://www.boydbooks.com
Gravity is the first book in the four part Gravity Series. The second book, Uncertainty, is out now, and the last two books will be released on November 24th, 2012. For more information, feel free to contact me or visit me online.
To learn more about Abbey and her books:
http://abigailboyd.blogspot.com
http://www.boydbooks.com
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customers Who Highlighted This Item Also Highlighted
- Significance (A Significance Novel)
$4.99 - Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves)
$1.49 - Eternal Eden (Eden Trilogy, Book One)
$0.00 - Collide (A Collide Novel)
$3.99 - Smokeless Fire (Fire Spirits #1)
$0.99 - Moon Spell (The Tale of Lunarmorte #1)
$1.14 - Grey Eyes (Book One, The Forever Trilogy)
$0.00 - The Fallen Star (Fallen Star Series Book 1)
$0.00 - Devour (The Devoured Series)
$3.99 - Prince of Wolves (The Grey Wolves Series)
$0.00
