Title: Origins
Author: Kristen Middleton
First published May 28, 2012
238 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781477561171 (ISBN10: 147756117X)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
High school senior Cassandra Wild’s life was already full of challenges with her mother’s hectic daycare and her crush on her charismatic martial arts instructor, Bryce. But her world is turned upside down when a deadly virus breaks out that turns the dead into walking corpses.
Cassie must quickly learn how to navigate this new reality where survival is key and the living must constantly run from the undead. With danger lurking around every corner, Cassie must rely on her wits and newfound courage to stay alive in a world overrun by the undead.
About the Author
Kristen Middleton, an accomplished author, has gained popularity for her work in the New York Times and USA Today. Hailing from the Midwest, she not only enjoys writing but also takes pleasure in connecting with her readers.
Under the pen name Cassie Alexandra, Kristen has authored a series of gritty biker books. In addition to her writing, she is also actively involved in raising funds for locating missing and exploited children.
She is eager to help fellow authors succeed by sharing her knowledge of the self-publishing industry and is always ready to volunteer her time and resources. Kristen has a fondness for children, suspenseful movies, and enjoys watching Shameless and The Walking Dead.
She loves to travel, savor Moscato wine, Chianti Grill, Savoy Pizza, and relishes the idea of making new friends. Kristen Middleton considers Minnesota as her home and lives by her favorite quote by Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Editoral Review
In Kristen Middleton’s novel, Origins, we are thrust into a world of supernatural beings and teenage angst. Published in 2012, this novel falls within the paranormal romance genre and has gained a following among young adult readers.
The author has written over 40 books and is known for her ability to capture the hearts of her readers with characters that come to life and vivid depictions of the worlds she creates.
The story follows a teenage girl, Katrina, who discovers that she is not entirely human.
As she tries to navigate her new reality, she meets a cast of characters, including her father and a young man named Ethan. Together, they must work to uncover the truth about Katrina’s past and the origins of her supernatural abilities.
Set in the small town of Shadow Cove, the novel creates a captivating world filled with intrigue and danger. One of the strengths of the novel is its pacing.
The story moves quickly, with twists and turns that keep readers engaged throughout. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and believable motivations.
Middleton manages to balance the supernatural elements of the story without overshadowing the emotional journey of the characters.
However, the novel falls short in its lack of originality.
The themes explored in the novel are not particularly groundbreaking and may feel familiar to readers of the paranormal romance genre. Additionally, some of the plot points feel forced, with certain revelations occurring too conveniently for the sake of advancing the story.
Despite these shortcomings, Origins is an enjoyable read for those who enjoy the paranormal romance genre. Middleton’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the story accessible to readers of all ages.
The novel also touches on themes of family, identity, and acceptance in ways that are relatable to a wide range of readers. Overall, Origins is recommended for fans of the paranormal romance genre who are looking for an engaging read.
The novel earns a score of 3 out of 5 stars, based on its pacing, character development, and themes. While it may not be the most original novel in its genre, Middleton’s strengths as a storyteller shine through and make it a worthwhile addition to any reader’s bookshelf.
