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Bryan W. Alaspa
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Sapphire: A Paranormal Romance Kindle Edition

by Bryan Alaspa (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
***A YOUNG ADULT GHOST TALE ROMANCE***

-- A Guffawing Dog Publishing Release
-- Latest novel from author, Bryan W. Alaspa
-- Approximately 100k words in length

--------------------

Jimmy Parker is a typical high school student. Unpopular with the girls and picked on by the boys, he’s just trying to survive long enough to escape the tiny Pennsylvanian town of Knorr. With Jimmy and his friend, George, heading to the school dance, they expect nothing but the usual ritual humiliation from their peers. But when a girl in a brilliant blue dress enters their lives at the side of a lonely old bridge…everything changes.

Her name is Sapphire, and she is the most alluring girl that Jimmy has ever met. Yet, there is something strange about her; something different. Why has he never seen her at school? Why does she only want to meet up near the bridge? And why does everybody keep warning Jimmy to stay away from her?

Before long, Jimmy is plunged into a decades-old mystery. The town of Knorr has many secrets; some held by powerful men. Men that would do anything to keep them from getting out. Something dark happened one night in Knorr, and now Jimmy is a part of it whether he likes it or not.

And Sapphire holds the key to understanding it all.

Jimmy discovers that his bond with the mysterious girl creates a unique power between them. A power that bridges time, space, and even dimensions. It is the one thing that could save them both.

Because sometimes the most powerful force on Earth is love.
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    August 31, 2013
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

People who enjoyed Twilight should be reading this book! - Iain Rob Wright, author of Ravage and The Final Winter.

From the Inside Flap

Jimmy Parker is a typical high school student. Unpopular with the girls and picked on by the boys, he's just trying to survive long enough to escape the tiny Pennsylvanian town of Knorr. With Jimmy and his friend, George, heading to the school dance, they expect nothing but the usual ritual humiliation from their peers. But when a girl in a brilliant blue dress enters their lives at the side of a lonely old bridge...everything changes.

Her name is Sapphire, and she is the most alluring girl that Jimmy has ever met. Yet, there is something strange about her; something different. Why has he never seen her at school? Why does she only want to meet up near the bridge? And why does everybody keep warning Jimmy to stay away from her?

Before long, Jimmy is plunged into a decades-old mystery. The town of Knorr has many secrets; some held by powerful men. Men that would do anything to keep them from getting out. Something dark happened one night in Knorr, and now Jimmy is a part of it whether he likes it or not.

And Sapphire holds the key to understanding it all.

Jimmy discovers that his bond with the mysterious girl creates a unique power between them. A power that bridges time, space, and even dimensions. It is the one thing that could save them both.

Because sometimes the most powerful force on Earth is love.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00EX73K5I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Guffawing Dog Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 31, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

About the author

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Bryan W. Alaspa

Bryan W. Alaspa

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Bryan W. Alaspa is a Chicago born and bred author of both fiction and non-fiction works. He has been writing since he sat down at his mother's electric typewriter back in the third grade and pounded out his first three-page short story. He spent time studying journalism and other forms of writing. He turned to writing as his full-time career in 2006 when he began writing freelance, online and began writing novels and books.

He is the author dozens of books in both fiction and non-fiction and numerous short stories and articles.

Mr. Alaspa writes true crime, history, horror, thrillers, mysteries, detective stories and tales about the supernatural.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
32 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's suspenseful plot, with one review highlighting how it combines ghost stories with a murder mystery. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, character development, and writing quality.

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12 customers mention "Suspense"10 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful elements of the book, with one customer highlighting how the ghost hunters and murder mystery genres are combined, while another notes how the two storylines are skillfully interwoven.

"...There is more action throughout and this novel is first and foremost, a mystery- which is evident from the beginning, versus Twilight where it is..." Read more

"...I never did catch why Jimmy was connected to Sapphire, but again, a good story...." Read more

"...I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural gener or mystery or even just love stories this story satisfies so many..." Read more

"...by surprise (in a good way), and overall it was woven together and ended well. -Debbie" Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning that the author keeps the action moving throughout.

"...mystery in here, plus the paranormal, plus romance so all in all, a good read...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the work of this author and would love to read a book 2 if one is ever released...." Read more

"...This was a nice take on the ever popular ' hitchhiker/ girl by a bridge' ghost story that most of us have heard...." Read more

"...Very worthwhile time spent reading. Loved the characters and wonder what the future holds in store for Jimmy...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...of Alaspa's writing: One open mind, a bit of patience, an appreciation for characters, and a love of mystery. Mix thoroughly and keep reading...." Read more

"...Very worthwhile time spent reading. Loved the characters and wonder what the future holds in store for Jimmy...." Read more

"But a little out there with their story line! I liked the characters but would loved to have seen some more fight in them." Read more

"I read this in a matter of hours...it held me in awe. Great characters, amazingly written. I enjoyed the ending! ." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...some comments about the author and the tools he used to write two really excellent books...." Read more

"...the second of Alaspa's books I've read, and definitely the better written of the two...." Read more

"A superb, well written story with a 50 year timeline...." Read more

"...Great characters, amazingly written. I enjoyed the ending! ." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Marlo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cleverly done, Mr. Alaspa. Cleverly done.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It is rare these days to see someone write or create something that is truly original, but I believe Mr. Alaspa actually pulled it off. Twice. I see what you did here Mr. Alaspa, and it's clever.

    This is technically a review for Sapphire, but I'm going to include some comments about Alaspa's book preceding this one, The Dead Phone, as well as some comments about the author and the tools he used to write two really excellent books. After all, he craftily intertwined the two stories, so why shouldn't I?

    Though it is certainly not required to read The Dead Phone in order to completely understand Sapphire, I would recommend doing so. The two main (human) characters in The Dead Phone do play heavily supporting roles in Sapphire- but because they aren't the main characters, you will not get to know these two very enjoyable folks as you would if you read The Dead Phone. Sapphire is more enjoyable if you get to to know them first, so do.

    By no means is Sapphire a sequel to The Dead Phone- the best term to use for the duo is "Double Feature." However, with characters, setting, genre and time frame in common, there is definitely a continuity to both books that lightly weaves them together and actually converts the setting- Knorr, Pennsylvania- into the grandest character of them all. That's what Alaspa has done here that is so original- create two works that share these characteristics and yet, two entirely different plots- but not so much that one depends completely upon the other in order to be enjoyed and understood.

    As for Sapphire itself, it started a little slow but picked up quickly and just kept gaining momentum from there, to the point that I couldn't put it down for the last 50 pages. As I mentioned before, Alaspa describes the setting of his stories so well that the setting itself becomes a character, as does the plot- the characters drive the action completely. As a fan of character driven novels (a la JK Rowling), Bryan Alaspa's writing is appealing indeed. I wouldn't liken this story or the way it plays out as much to Twilight as others have done- it is far more mature in content and quicker to develop and resolve. There is more action throughout and this novel is first and foremost, a mystery- which is evident from the beginning, versus Twilight where it is basically understood what the story is about upon reading the jacket cover. Sapphire is best described as murder mystery meets supernatural meets love story meets the human condition that takes place amongst desperate people- and then, just when it seems that each of those genres are in tidy little boxes- wrong. They all intertwine in unimaginable ways. Is this novel fantastical? Oh yes, but by the time the truly bizarre goes down it is understood that the prevailing character- the setting- allows for it all and goes so far as to justify all the weirdness in the reader's mind.

    To recap: The recipe for enjoyment of Alaspa's writing: One open mind, a bit of patience, an appreciation for characters, and a love of mystery. Mix thoroughly and keep reading. Enjoy.

    Mr. Alaspa, any time you want to take me back to Knorr, I'm in. I can't wait to see what comes out of there next.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A ghost, a mystery, and some romance
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    3.5 Stars

    This was definitely a little different from what I was expecting...and I did start to wonder if we were going to cross from a mystery to a bit of horror ala Dean Koontz, but we stopped just short of that. There was definitely a mystery in here, plus the paranormal, plus romance so all in all, a good read. I can say the paranormal aspect was a bit far-fetched, but given all of the other books I've read in that genre, I guess I can't make that big a deal of it.

    Jimmy is a high school student who meets a girl at the side of the rode on his way to a dance. Sapphire is not regular girl. After spending the evening with her, Jimmy falls in love. Yeah, a little bit of a stretch, but OK I can roll with it. Being with Sapphire brings out a more confident side of Jimmy...or perhaps the more appropriate word is "reckless". After stabbing one of the jocks at the dance, Jimmy finds himself outside of the school getting ready for a beat down. Surprisingly, he isn't the only one that walks away from that wounded, and the real trouble begins. That altercation results in a whole lot of people taking an interest in Jimmy, and his new girlfriend, and not all of it is simple curiousity. From here on out, Jimmy will discover, with the help of his best friend George that not everything is black and white. Sapphire is actually a ghost that can manifest completely through her connection to Jimmy, and that she died mysteriously. With the help of his few friends, Jimmy will discover the truth behind Sapphire's disappearance. He'll face loss, betrayal, and even death. At the end, I felt really sorry for him because although he solved the mystery, he lost the girl and winds up even more alone. I never did catch why Jimmy was connected to Sapphire, but again, a good story. I did figure out who was the person responsible for her death midway through the book, but exactly how it all tied together didn't come until the end.

    I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who liked paranormal mystery books. It isn't perfect by any means, but still a decent read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Patricia Ballas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moving
    Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A true love story that breaks all the rules of time an reality. Will love survive when traveling between the supernatural world and the world of the living? Will a 50 year old tragedy finally come out and the truth be told or is Sapphire and Jimmys love just doomed ? I really enjoyed the work of this author and would love to read a book 2 if one is ever released. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural gener or mystery or even just love stories this story satisfies so many different tastes that I believe everyone would enjoy it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Yappy Acres
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cute Twist on an Old Story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second of Alaspa's books I've read, and definitely the better written of the two. I'm a sucker for young adult and paranormal stories ( I read to relax before going to bed, so I don't want heavy reading, just a light story to take my mind of reality for awhile and help my brain shut down).

    This was a nice take on the ever popular ' hitchhiker/ girl by a bridge' ghost story that most of us have heard.

    At least one review thought the sex was overdone in the book for a teen. Maybe they were never a teenager (haha) but as a former teenager and mother to a teenager (with another one behind in a few years, lol), I thought it was pretty standard fare and nothing that I wouldn't let my kids read at that age. Of course there's not going to be any consequences.... the heroine is a ghost. ;) Perhaps it was the same person (I'm not sure) who thought Jimmy was very disrespectful to his mother. Again, perhaps they were never a teenager or had teenagers. LOL Again, I think pretty typical behavior and presented decently.
    .
    There were a few scenes that took me by surprise (in a good way), and overall it was woven together and ended well.

    -Debbie
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • welshkat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant ghostie novel.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Good characters, slightly predictable but didn't care about that as the storyline was great. Would recommend this as a easy, non-complicated ghost story with a good ending.
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  • Rebbie Reviews
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Sapphire is a paranormal romance, set in the town of Knorr, a place where strange things abound. Our story opens by letting us get to know Jimmy, a young boy living with his Mother. Jimmy is not a popular kid, so we also get to know his one friend, George.

    As the story goes on we meet the other characters and Mr Alaspa has given us time to get to know them.

    The only thing I found was that this book was quite slow, I only got really interested in the second half when things really start to kick off. Once things did start to happen I enjoyed it, it's just that it took some time to get there.

    If you're thinking of reading this book I'd say do, but if you're not so in to Romance and you're reading it more for the Paranormal aspect like me, you'll probably struggle with the first half. That's not to say it's not a good book, it's just not really my thing.

    The only problem I found really, is that when you get halfway through and find the interesting bit, the spelling falters and there are a few errors. Some you may not notice and some you might.

    The book itself only goes to about 89%, the rest is a taster of another book called Vicious. This is commonly done now and gives you an idea of what else an author has up his/her sleeve.
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