Casey Bryce

“Cassie’s Secret” brings to life what is a fantasy for many: going back to high school and experiencing the life of one of the most popular, charismatic students instead of the usual indignities and insecurities of adolescence.

When Norman, a successful businessman, runs into an old classmates working at a store, he’s shocked—Cassie used to be the most beautiful, sought-after girl in school and her future seemed bright. He’s even more shocked when she agrees to go with him—and to bed. Something eerie happens, though, and the two switch bodies and flash back to the past—high school, to be exact. Norman gets to experience what it feels like to be adored—and decides he wants to stay Cassie, while Cassie struggles with being the despised nerd. Even if they can figure out how to switch back, will Norman be willing to give up his new life?

“Cassie’s Secret” is a good blend of humor and drama, balancing the absurdity of suddenly being a different gender with the issues that come along with it. I liked how being Cassie gave Norman more of a perspective on the popular kids, and how she had problems he couldn’t realize (for instance, her tumultuous relationship with Rachael); I do wish I could have seen more of Cassie being Norman and whatever realizations it must have given her. I felt the excitement of the New Cassie over how much better life was, and sympathized with the New Norman for being stuck—the author does an excellent job of structuring the story to bring out those emotions.

Overall, “Cassie’s Secret” is well-written and a really fun read, with a magical twist—I would recommend it to readers who like a touch of fantasy in their fiction, especially when it leads to such an enjoyable plot (and the ending, which has a choose-your-own-adventure feel, is a nice and memorable touch—and maybe even teaches you a little about yourself).… (mais)

Have you ever had such a bad day that you wished you had a completely different life or you were someone else? Or, maybe, it would have been better if you didn’t exist at all. To Keil it happens every day. Rejected by his family and continuously bullied at school, he is so sick of his life that one night he makes a wish and then suddenly disappears. This is how Casey Bryce’s novel, “Miyu’s Wish”, begins. But, if you want to know how it was possible for Keil to disappear and what happened to him, you’ll have to be patient, because this novel is full of mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists.

After Keil’s disappearance we meet Miyu, a cute and cheerful teenager who is just starting the eighth grade. Even though she is loved by everyone and it is easy for her to make friends, Miyu still finds it difficult to adapt to this new environment. And the dreams that keep tormenting her every night won’t help at all. There is this mysterious boy who haunts her and tells her he wants his life back. But why would Miyu have anything to do with his stolen life? She is popular, she loves every minute of her life, and she is sure everything she is experiencing belongs to her. Or does it?

“Miyu’s Wish” is not only a Fantasy novel that combines myth, drama, mystery and romance in such a compelling way that readers will find it impossible to put it down. It is a novel about the struggles many teenagers have to go through every day. It is a story about self-doubt, fear of not being enough, the despair of not being accepted for who you are. It is the tale of a boy who wanted to be someone else and was ready to give up what he thought was a horrible life without thinking about the consequences. Casey Bryce has written a book many teenagers with relate to.

“Miyu’s Wish” will take you by surprise from the very first pages. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the dialogue is truly genuine, managing to emphasize the communication barrier between teenagers and adults. Even though it is a novel aimed at young adults, it will be greatly enjoyed by readers of all ages.

On December 26-28, the book will be only $0.99, so be sure to grab a copy.

Find it on Amazon.… (mais)