By tjfarrell – Having recently met the author in a writing class, I learned she had just completed her first novel. I told her I would like to see it and she handed it to me the next day. I began reading it that weekend and every time I tried to put it down, I was “pulled” to pick it up and continue reading. The point of view switch between the two main characters and the sinister foreshadowing kept me engaged and agitated to keep reading. Agitated because I cared about the characters and wanted them to be OK. This is an excellent story, with sensory detail, suspense and unexpected twists and turns. I cannot wait for the sequel. Highly recommend!
By Djparola – In the beginning, I was afraid this was going to be for the younger crowd. Not a member of that group, I was pleasantly surprised at how captivated I became with this book. Ms. Bannister’s character descriptions were exceptional. I felt like I knew them and found that I really cared what happened next. The story was unpredictable right to the end. A great read and one that I would highly recommend.
By Lindsay Hartwell – I started reading this book and immediately got caught up in the struggle of the main characters. I was excited to have a new novel to take me through the rest of my summer vacation, but I wound up reading the entire work in one sitting! I was completely engrossed in the struggle of the characters. The empathy and understanding evoked by the author is compelling. The ending is just superb. I cannot wait to read the sequel. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys being completely engrossed in a good read. I found myself lost for several hours, back on a college campus in this dynamic love story with a twist. An extremely well written first novel from this author!
By Stephen Allen- “Pulled” is a novel about an obsessive romance which takes place on a college campus during a “silent” production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Naya and Etash, in the main roles, are destined to be together, but neither one is willing to admit it at the beginning, and both are frightened of their obsessive attraction. The book may remind you of some of the novels of Scott Spencer (“Endless Love” and “Waking the Dead”), who explored the same theme. Ms. Bannister’s novel is more dialogue than description, but as a result of that, it moves at a fast pace and contains some truly original scenes. While it will appeal mostly to the young, it’s a book which can be enjoyed by anyone.
By Kristen Sola – So, it usually takes me weeks to read a book. I’ll read a few pages here and a few there. This one truly “pulled” me in. I couldn’t put it down, I finished it in two days! I thought it was a great story and very well written. I felt immediately connected to the characters and couldn’t wait to find out more about them. I LOVED the ending – and am looking forward to reading more by Danielle Bannister.
By Tanya Pomelow – This story is awesome. I found myself “pulled” to it until I completely devoured it. These characters are very complex, and the story line will keep you guessing until the end. The book is from the point of view of Etash & Naya, and it is easy to fall into this story, to find yourself aching for them, rooting for them. I really enjoyed this book, and was very sad when I finished it. I can’t wait to see if there will be a sequel:) Danielle Bannister is an up and coming author, and I truely believe she will go far. By Heather Fournier What a great story! “Pulled” is both well written and original. I couldn’t put it down. There are some books where the plot can be figured out by a few chapters in…this one kept me guessing all the way through the last page! Looking forward to reading more of Danielle Bannister’s work in the future!
By Carissa Kauwell – “Pulled” is a great first novel by Maine author Danielle Bannister. The story immediately “pulls” you in with its intrigue and mystery, wanting to figure out the back story of the two main characters, Naya and Etash. I enjoyed the way the author told the story through both of their points of view. It lent a richness to the novel, allowing the reader to get a full understanding of what was happening. The swapping back and forth of perspectives was done seamlessly, making for easy transitions while reading. What I loved most about the book was the ending. Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil it for you. I tend to be a difficult reader for authors to please when it comes to satisfying me with the conclusion of a story. But, Ms. Bannister surpassed my expectations with the final chapters of “Pulled”. Most importantly, it left me looking forward to her next book, the sequel to “Pulled”.
By “Fic Junkie” I’d say this is a must read, but what does that mean to you? I enjoyed it, but will you? Maybe my review will help you to decide. This book appears to be the only one written by this author. I have to point out that while she may lack in experience, I find that she makes up for it in content. Upon first glance it appears to be a guilty pleasure type of book, (I believe my husband called it a chick flick in book form) but I found it to be rich and robust in ways I did not expect. The story is told in 2 parts, like two people working on a puzzle; some pieces missing until the end when we can see it all as a whole. At times, it is the title itself that tugs at us, as it does the main characters, to discover what being “pulled” actually means. “Pulled” draws readers in with its emotional portrayal of relate-able characters and at the heart of the plot, something that pulls you in and keeps you riveted. Naya is the mainspring that makes “Pulled” tick: her history, her suffering, her triumphs, and even her poor choices. And while the parallel between Romeo and Juliet is an apt one, I’d add that it reveals a love that is too perfect to last. As I finished the last paragraph I was heartbroken and elated at the same time. I’m hoping that there is a sequel in the works. “Pulled” is a well crafted story; the writing style clean and precise. This makes it an easy read, quickly devoured in a weekend. Although it is listed as Young adult, I’m not sure that’s a correct label. I would suggest that it be labeled ages 18+ Ms.Bannister, this gets an A+ in my book!
By Sarah Morris – I loved this book! “Pulled” kept me entertained from the first page to the last…including the Epilogue! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two main characters and learning about their irresistible and unique connection. This book was different than any other book I have ever read and I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to turn out. It truly was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next Danielle Bannister book! Would definitely recommend this book to others!
By Amy Miles- If you love books about soul mates and love overcoming all obstacles then I highly recommend reading Pulled. The imagery is fantastic, the characters so real you begin rooting for them from page 1. I downloaded Danielle’s book last night and finished it in less than 24 hours, which is really saying something for a busy mom.
Pulled is Danielle Bannister’s debut novel, and a darn good one at that. Thanks so much Danielle. Let me know when your sequel is ready! I’ll be waiting.
Danielle Bannister captures the theme of star-crossed lovers in “Pulled”, but with a shocking and unexpected twist. The reader is instantly pulled into the story by the inexplicable connection between Naya and Etash. Like two magnets of equal yet opposite polarities, they fight their attraction until it overwhelms them. The author allows the reader into their intimacy in such a way that we feel the pull vicariously ourselves. But a terrible secret threatens not only their love but their lives. The richly detailed world and “real” characters created by the author envelop you in their story and you care deeply for them from the moment you start reading. In the end, we are left desperately wanting more….to continue with these two beautiful souls on their next journey. I can’t wait for Danielle’s next book!