Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Bloomsbury USA Childrens (2012), Hardcover, 368 pages
Description
Seventeen-year-old Jocelyn follows clues apparently from her dead twin, Jack, in and around Seale House, the terrifying foster home where they once lived, and with help from childhood friend Noah she begins to uncover the truth about Jack's death and the company that employed him and Noah.
User reviews
LibraryThing member summerskris
What stands out the most is the plot of the story. It is mind-engrossing, suspenseful, and so confounding that you will either stay up all night to finish it or you will put it aside only to pick it up again at a later time. Just when you think you have a grasp on the mystery, Myers throws
The writing is simple and concise. This works well for a story that rides on the plot as much as this book. You hardly notice the lack of ornamentation with a story as engrossing as The Vanishing Game. I got so into the story that my heart rate accelerated, and I sought sunlight and company every time Myers brought me near the Seale House along with the characters. That being said, if you're looking for romance, however, this isn't the book for you. As much as I love the characters, the story focuses on the bizarre events taking place in the Seale House.
I did not see the ending come. In fact, I'm still not sure if I have the whole picture straight in my mind, though it definitely wowed me. I'm tempted to reread the book now that I have a better understanding of what's happening. It'll be interesting to see how I look at happenings with the knowledge that I have now. This is a really good mystery/thriller read, and I would definitely recommend reading it!
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something else at you. I had a fun time trying to solve the riddles along with Jocelyn.The writing is simple and concise. This works well for a story that rides on the plot as much as this book. You hardly notice the lack of ornamentation with a story as engrossing as The Vanishing Game. I got so into the story that my heart rate accelerated, and I sought sunlight and company every time Myers brought me near the Seale House along with the characters. That being said, if you're looking for romance, however, this isn't the book for you. As much as I love the characters, the story focuses on the bizarre events taking place in the Seale House.
I did not see the ending come. In fact, I'm still not sure if I have the whole picture straight in my mind, though it definitely wowed me. I'm tempted to reread the book now that I have a better understanding of what's happening. It'll be interesting to see how I look at happenings with the knowledge that I have now. This is a really good mystery/thriller read, and I would definitely recommend reading it!
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LibraryThing member TValeros
3.5 - 4 STARS
The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers has me geeking out!
It's a fun, creepy, touching, and riveting story that will touch your heart!
First off I want to say that although the ending was quaint, light and a bit cliche it was a fitting closure to ease the heartache of all the loss and
Kate Kae Myers has wonderfully crafted a mystery that has you baffled in solving the puzzles, astonished on the hard hitting issues of relationships, and taken by the cohesive interwoven stories of each character.
At first, I was spooked out within the first 30 pages that I had to stop and continue in the morning. It plunges straight through to the plot so it will be confusing at first, but once you reach to around the third or fourth chapter you'll be wanting to pay close attention. I thought I could figure out the puzzles right along with Jocelyn and Noah, but if they weren't there giving the answers I would have gotten frustrated, cried and gave up =) Kate Kae Myers really has you on your toes with solving the mysteries, it was fun! The writing is all right and wasn't difficult, but it is the complexity of the story itself that will have you engaged. I can't pick out one character I loved the most because each one I felt a connection to. I felt empathy for the whole foster system and its kids with their struggle and past that they had to endure and experience. It makes me want to be a foster parent, or help out in some way. And it also makes me want to have a twin brother of my own! =) The Vanishing Game is a must read to anyone who has a heart!
A GREAT 2012 MUST READ DEBUT!
The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers has me geeking out!
It's a fun, creepy, touching, and riveting story that will touch your heart!
First off I want to say that although the ending was quaint, light and a bit cliche it was a fitting closure to ease the heartache of all the loss and
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hurdles that Jocelyn and Noah had to over come. Also, the bits that led to the conclusion more than makes up for the ending. Kate Kae Myers has wonderfully crafted a mystery that has you baffled in solving the puzzles, astonished on the hard hitting issues of relationships, and taken by the cohesive interwoven stories of each character.
At first, I was spooked out within the first 30 pages that I had to stop and continue in the morning. It plunges straight through to the plot so it will be confusing at first, but once you reach to around the third or fourth chapter you'll be wanting to pay close attention. I thought I could figure out the puzzles right along with Jocelyn and Noah, but if they weren't there giving the answers I would have gotten frustrated, cried and gave up =) Kate Kae Myers really has you on your toes with solving the mysteries, it was fun! The writing is all right and wasn't difficult, but it is the complexity of the story itself that will have you engaged. I can't pick out one character I loved the most because each one I felt a connection to. I felt empathy for the whole foster system and its kids with their struggle and past that they had to endure and experience. It makes me want to be a foster parent, or help out in some way. And it also makes me want to have a twin brother of my own! =) The Vanishing Game is a must read to anyone who has a heart!
A GREAT 2012 MUST READ DEBUT!
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LibraryThing member hrose2931
This is the only book I've ever read that actually terrified me and sent chills up my spine. It only had one part that did that to me, but it was sufficiently creepy to have me pull the covers up and wish my husband wasn't on a business trip while I was reading it! It happens in Seale House, the
So desperate, that she goes in there at dusk when some goth kids are in the house lighting a fire on the floor and sitting on some of the ancient furniture that wasn't totally burnt down.
Jocelyn and Jack were twins and sent to live at Seale House when they ran away from home. Their mother was a lousy excuse for a human being much less a mother. From the outside Seale House looks like salvation. From the inside, it's pure hell. But Jocelyn and Jack learn how to navigate it with Noah's help.
All of the foster kids look out for one another, except for one, Corner Kid. That's all I'll say about him, but Myers has a way of writing, creepy, broken characters like no one I've read before and I have read about a lot of broken characters. These kids are messed up from families that have abandoned or abused them and Seale house is not going to heal them. So, Noah, taking charge of everything, kind of runs the house and Jack and Jocelyn help, Jocelyn mothering when needed, the three standing up to and straightening out those kids that don't know the rules of foster kids.
The story is told through Jocelyn's sense of desperation about finding her brother. She's only 17 and has been told 2 weeks ago that her brother died. She's gotten a letter from "Jason December" and only three people knew that name. Her brother, her and Noah. So she goes back to where Seale house is and finds Noah. There are flashbacks to the time the three were at Seale House together and then it goes back to present day. The present day telling of the story is laced with danger as someone is out to kill either Noah or Jocelyn or both of them. And they are searching all over the town for clues to what Jack, Jocelyn's brother is trying to tell them.
It's a pretty good story. I definitely did not see the last quarter of the story coming. Not at all. I didn't understand the weirdness that always seemed to follow Jocelyn. That was well written. But some of the explanations didn't add up. Like how Jack knew what was about to happen. Maybe I'm not smart enough to figure all that out. And how Jocelyn got better at the end without help. People like that need help. Lots.
I think it belittled people who have that "situation," to make it sound so easy to get over.
The story dragged in places. I was actually bored with bits of it, but I never could put it down, because that thing that terrified me, kept making me read and I just had to find out what it was. In the end, I was a bit disappointed with the explanation. But it still scared me. Still does.
Myer writes a good mystery with lots of clues and good descriptions. Some of them were used more than once which made me notice, the sky was cloaked in gray clouds like a shawl, something to that effect but the shawl metaphor was used more than once. It was good that's why I noticed. I got as tired as the characters of running around looking for clues, but just when I thought "Come on" something dramatic happened that piqued my interest again. And always, there was that monster that I had to get resolved so I could sleep.
Seale House and what happens in the present day story.
The ending is not tied up in a nice little bow. I guess the negatives would be that it dragged a little and was maybe a little too long.
It's a clean read, maybe a bit of language but nothing other than that.
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foster home that Jocelyn grew up in when she was younger. But it's been burnt down partially. It' not known by whom, but it's still accessible because Jocelyn is in the cellar of this creepy house when this part happens. Personally after the descriptions of what went on in that house and the cellar and how afraid she still is of it, I wouldn't set foot anywhere near there, but she's looking for a message from her brother and she's desperate to find it.So desperate, that she goes in there at dusk when some goth kids are in the house lighting a fire on the floor and sitting on some of the ancient furniture that wasn't totally burnt down.
Jocelyn and Jack were twins and sent to live at Seale House when they ran away from home. Their mother was a lousy excuse for a human being much less a mother. From the outside Seale House looks like salvation. From the inside, it's pure hell. But Jocelyn and Jack learn how to navigate it with Noah's help.
All of the foster kids look out for one another, except for one, Corner Kid. That's all I'll say about him, but Myers has a way of writing, creepy, broken characters like no one I've read before and I have read about a lot of broken characters. These kids are messed up from families that have abandoned or abused them and Seale house is not going to heal them. So, Noah, taking charge of everything, kind of runs the house and Jack and Jocelyn help, Jocelyn mothering when needed, the three standing up to and straightening out those kids that don't know the rules of foster kids.
The story is told through Jocelyn's sense of desperation about finding her brother. She's only 17 and has been told 2 weeks ago that her brother died. She's gotten a letter from "Jason December" and only three people knew that name. Her brother, her and Noah. So she goes back to where Seale house is and finds Noah. There are flashbacks to the time the three were at Seale House together and then it goes back to present day. The present day telling of the story is laced with danger as someone is out to kill either Noah or Jocelyn or both of them. And they are searching all over the town for clues to what Jack, Jocelyn's brother is trying to tell them.
It's a pretty good story. I definitely did not see the last quarter of the story coming. Not at all. I didn't understand the weirdness that always seemed to follow Jocelyn. That was well written. But some of the explanations didn't add up. Like how Jack knew what was about to happen. Maybe I'm not smart enough to figure all that out. And how Jocelyn got better at the end without help. People like that need help. Lots.
I think it belittled people who have that "situation," to make it sound so easy to get over.
The story dragged in places. I was actually bored with bits of it, but I never could put it down, because that thing that terrified me, kept making me read and I just had to find out what it was. In the end, I was a bit disappointed with the explanation. But it still scared me. Still does.
Myer writes a good mystery with lots of clues and good descriptions. Some of them were used more than once which made me notice, the sky was cloaked in gray clouds like a shawl, something to that effect but the shawl metaphor was used more than once. It was good that's why I noticed. I got as tired as the characters of running around looking for clues, but just when I thought "Come on" something dramatic happened that piqued my interest again. And always, there was that monster that I had to get resolved so I could sleep.
Seale House and what happens in the present day story.
The ending is not tied up in a nice little bow. I guess the negatives would be that it dragged a little and was maybe a little too long.
It's a clean read, maybe a bit of language but nothing other than that.
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LibraryThing member Krista23
I thought this book had interesting appeal because of the way that Jocelyn has to follow clues left behind by her brother. The clues each leading her to a different place from her past, a past that she'd rather not remember.
Each clue is different, some are riddles, some are paper folding to show
What I honestly did not expect from the book was how dark it got. The twins ended up having to go into foster care at a young age. Unfortunately they ended up in a really bad home until they could get a family to move in with or adopt them.
As Jocelyn solves each clue her life gets put in danger several times. She is a very strong female lead, even though when she meets up with Noah, a boy from her past she realizes that she needs help. Although not at first, it really takes her to go through alot before she accepts his help. They travel a lot figuring out the clues and it seems that every step they take, danger is always a couple steps ahead.
The author really puts her main character through a lot. I had no clue how the story was going to end and some points you could see the direction, but I enjoyed the twist at the end and it did take me off guard.
The story is told from a present day perspective and flashbacks of when the children were young and the experiences that they had while living in that home. It gets pretty dark and sad in places. I really enjoyed this story.
Each clue is different, some are riddles, some are paper folding to show
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certain words and others are purely clues based off her memories of the games they played as they were children. What I honestly did not expect from the book was how dark it got. The twins ended up having to go into foster care at a young age. Unfortunately they ended up in a really bad home until they could get a family to move in with or adopt them.
As Jocelyn solves each clue her life gets put in danger several times. She is a very strong female lead, even though when she meets up with Noah, a boy from her past she realizes that she needs help. Although not at first, it really takes her to go through alot before she accepts his help. They travel a lot figuring out the clues and it seems that every step they take, danger is always a couple steps ahead.
The author really puts her main character through a lot. I had no clue how the story was going to end and some points you could see the direction, but I enjoyed the twist at the end and it did take me off guard.
The story is told from a present day perspective and flashbacks of when the children were young and the experiences that they had while living in that home. It gets pretty dark and sad in places. I really enjoyed this story.
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LibraryThing member PrettyDeadlyReviews
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
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!
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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!
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LibraryThing member PrettyDeadly
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
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!
Show More
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!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Jennifer35k
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
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
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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. Show Less
Awards
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2013)
Physical description
368 p.
ISBN
1599906945 / 9781599906942