Goose Reads 2023! (Closed)

Week 48 - Touch: Saving Ai

Week Forty-Eight - November 26th - December 2nd

Title: Touch: Saving Ai

Author: JaxCreation

Genre: Paranormal

Number of Chapters: 11

Completed? Yes

Link (Added as an in-line comment):

Blurb:

Evelyn White was born with a gift - or rather, a curse: the first time she touches someone, she sees when and how that person dies. Meeting new people is sickening. Walking through a crowd is hell. Not to mention that when she opens her big mouth to tell people what's going to happen to them, most treat her like she's crazy - even after she saves their lives. 

But meddling with the future has consequences, and Death is not all there is to fear. As Evelyn races to find a way to save the new transfer student from being murdered, a voice starts whispering in her ear. Someone or something lurks in the shadows. Watching. Waiting. Trying to get close using mind games and tricks.

It knows about her powers. It knows she can change Fate - and it's not alone.

Goose's Thoughts:

It's Week 48, the end of the reading challenge is nigh, and this week we are stepping into the world of the paranormal and someone with the unique ability to see how people die!

Evelyn is a very interesting character to follow throughout this story and I loved that we got to see the inside of her mind and the struggles she goes through because of the ability she has. The pain and guilt she feels when she can't save people is so real and vivid that they lead off the page. I loved the inclusion of the guilt along with the blame she places on herself when she fails to save someone she thought she could help. The depth it adds to her character is incredible. 

Partnered with Evelyn throughout this story is Ryo, an annoying yet strangely endearing character that I loved so much. They make such an interesting pair with Ryo trying to get to know Evelyn but her pushing him away because of this ability. He has some really sweet moments and there was a brief part where I was screaming at the screen (no spoilers here). Honestly, I really grew to love him and he had such an interesting arc in only a few chapters.

Jax builds up the tension so well across each chapter of the story. I love how we are shown the stakes early on which establishes such a high level of tension. That tension is then built on throughout the chapter. My favourite moments have to be the ones involving the countdown which are interspersed throughout the narrative and really increase the pressure and tension. I could feel my heartbeat rising as I was reading which is a sure sign of well written tension within the story. 

I loved the paranormal aspects of this story aside from the ability Evelyn has. There were so many small details like the ice-cold feeling and this mysterious voice that really build on the paranormal feelings within the story.  Jax did a masterful job at building on the mystery surrounding these smaller details and using them to push the main narrative forward whilst keeping the cause a secret. It really keeps the reader interested and wanting to find out just what's causing them. 

If you're looking for a short paranormal story with one of the most interesting abilities I've read, then this is the story for you. Evelyn is such an interesting main character and I loved reading her internal conflict and struggles throughout the story. There is also so much tension within this story despite how short it is that will have you on the edge of your seat from the word go. 

Thank you for writing such an amazing story, Jax!

-Goose