I received this book for an early review without realizing it was the in the middle of the series. I went ahead and read it anyway. There were bits of things that were confusing, but for the most part i had no issues following along. it takes place along the Mississippi river and has some interesting takes on folklore. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I think others might enjoy it, but I would recommend reading the others first. I found that I wasn't that invested in the characters. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. I received the ARC from the Library Thing giveaways in exchange for an honest review. I've always loved stories that include mythology or folklore spins aspects to them and this entire series is rooted in them, adding a wonderful tidbits of other cultures that make me want to look up the etymology and true stories they come from. I'm the type of person who doesn't like to read books out of order or at all if I haven't read the books that are supposed to come before them. While "Lost in Nowhere" is written well enough that it may be able to be read as a standalone for some, I'm glad I took the time to read it's prequels prior to reading "Lost in Nowhere." I feel like I would have felt like I was missing out on information I wouldn't have had otherwise and I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. Each has left me wanting to know what happens next for the characters. ( )

I have not read the first two books in the series, and while it is clear when reading this book that there are other books in the series, not reading them does not cause any issues. In other words, this one can be picked up on its own.

Jeni stays clear of the Mississippi River, knowing that a spirit connected to the river can cause issues for her, but a family event makes this impossible. Accustom to seeing ghosts, she isn't shocked when Marielle, a ghost from long before, appears. Touched by the story Marielle shows her through dreams, Jeni finally decides to help her but finds herself transported back in time and placed in Marielle's body. Now, she needs to find a way to help Marielle or suffer the consequences.

This was a lovely read and does draw in with it's unique twist. Jeni has come to accept her abilities and, thanks to her concern for the ghost, hard not to like and root for. The zap through time is also well done...something I wasn't sure would work. But it does. Very well. There is a bit of confusion whenever Jeni comes back, but then, it's no wonder that Jeni would be confused. So, it comes across naturally.

The writing is well done and flows, while drawing in. There is enough tension to keep the pace quick while still allowing enough depth to draw into the characters. One of the side characters does come across a little inconstant in her reactions, but then, it could be part of her personality since one doesn't really know much about her...nor does the reader have to. Even the romance works and doesn't go along the usual swoony thread but shows more of a realistic side.

This is an engaging read with a wonderful historical twist. ( )

Review: Lost in Nowhere by Barbara Pietron.

This is an Earlier Reviewers book I got the chance to read. I wished I had a chance to read one of the two books before this one because it took me time to get interested in this book. I thought the author did well with her writing. I enjoyed the characters and once I got into it the more the story flowed.

The book continues with Jeni and Ice getting in trouble in the spirit world. This was a time travel historic read from the past to the future. The story was well organized to where the reader kept track of time and place. In this book I thought Jeni had accepted her spiritual ability just by reading some of the back information from the other books. The story continues with Jeni who thinks she can change the past after being advised of interfering with time. It was an interesting story following Jeni quest getting lost in nowhere… ( )

Disclosure: I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers group on LibraryThing. I have not read the first two books of the series.

I’ve read a lot of teen fiction, as a teen and as an adult. This book is great. It’s a historically based supernatural fiction piece, with a touch of romance. It’s well written, with on level and slightly above vocabulary that, as a teacher, I very much appreciated.

When I received this book, I read that it was targeted for the 12-16 age group. As a parent, I wouldn’t be comfortable having my 12 year old reading about the main characters plan to have sex. I’m also a little confused as to how old Ice is, as he’s dating Jeni, a high school girl. Their relationship seems a bit predatory to me, despite his being a perfect gentleman. The romance aspect seemed to prime the reader to graduate into more mainstream romance novels à la Danielle Steele, later on.

The storytelling seemed to be respectful of native cultures, though as a non-Native person, I couldn’t say for sure.

Overall, an excellent read for older teens. ( )