Reviews

Editorial Reviews

“Author Alleece Balts debuts with The Crowd, an uplifting novel for the YA reader. A blend of hard, humorous, and heartfelt moments, it delivers a story worth reading and characters worth loving.” – Hallie, Book by Book

“I literally cheered when I saw there was a sequel at the end.” – Lindsey, Books for Christian Girls 

“It was one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read…and I. Can. Not. WAIT for the next book! I hugely recommend The Crowd.” – Elodie, Readable Mélange

“In Alleece Balts’ debut novel, the topic of bullying is handled honestly and realistically, but it’s not left to be just another story about teen angst. It’s one of those books that takes you by surprise more than once.” – Carrie, Reading Is My SuperPower

“A sweet, clean story. If you’re looking for a lighter read that still explores issues like bullying…check out The Crowd.” – Kasey, The Story Sanctuary

“Alleece Balts has written her debut novel, and it absolutely resonates contemporary realistic issues that many young people deal with in today’s American culture — friendship, fitting in, bullying, standing out as a leader, feeling alone, love, and loss.”    – Cleve, Seeking With All Your Heart

“The Crowd by Alleece Balts is a simply fantastic novel. That is the only word to describe this book: fantastic. I was, as the blurb says, immersed from the very first page. I loved it to death, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!” – Kellyn, Reveries Reviews

What Readers Are Saying

“I love to read and I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book more. The plot was exceptional and Ella, the main character, was fantastic. Amidst all the plot twists, I couldn’t put the book down, wondering what would happen next! I can hardly wait for the sequels. Great job and great read. I would highly recommend this book!!”

“The perfect school, the perfect friend, the perfect guy…but are all what they seem? The Crowd is a novel of dreams, bitter disappointments, broken pasts, hopeful love, and the weight of forgiveness, as one girl trying to do what’s right finds out if she alone is enough to make a difference.”

“I would recommend this book to my closest friends and family. The story is beautifully written allowing readers to imagine the world described by the author. The characters draw you in and don’t let you go to the very last punctuation mark. Readers will relate to the characters with their struggles to belong while striving to be the person they want to be.”

“The book was relatable, intelligent, emotional and surprising. Following a young woman navigate the common and not-so-common situations that young people face with such strength and conviction is refreshing in today’s world. I’m so glad a book is available for young readers!”

“I couldn’t put it down and read it in merely four days. I was invested in the characters, and several times I found myself smiling and/or laughing out loud at some of the interactions that took place between them…on the bus…in public…completely unaware of anything except the story I was reading. There is something very enjoyable about the way Alleece crafts her words and sentences to paint the story and characters…it’s both poetic and easy to read. I don’t know what else I could say that could be better except that I can’t wait to read more from this author!”

“Finishing it in 2 days from start to finish, I stayed up late just to finish it. One bullied girl, a whole school of bullies (and victims), one popular guy, and one guy with a bad reputation and dark path. Twisted events, dark secrets, and unknown motives. This story touches on the tough topics in life.”

“When I began reading The Crowd, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had heard bits and pieces about the story line, but I was not prepared for the twists and turns that are a part of this book! Ella is a wonderful main character and I found myself caring so much about her life, her relationships with others, and her school experiences. This book was an easy and enjoyable read. I found that I read it very quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen! I am very excited to see what the author comes up with for the sequel to The Crowd.”

“This book is wonderful! It was easy to read and I couldn’t put it down. The main character is so relatable and easy to connect with. From charming Southern phrases to quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt, this book is well rounded. Though meant for young adults, I believe anyone could curl up with this book and find it enjoyable. Personally, I can’t wait for more books by this author.”

“I found this a refreshing read for teenagers who want something other than the doom and gloom books so often offered to their age group. The characters face (sometimes successfully and sometimes not) both every day and life changing struggles, which are found in other books, but this is told with an approach that is insightful, honest, and hopeful.”

“If you have ever been the new kid on the block, desperately wanting to fit in and be accepted, you will enjoy this book. Although the story seemed a little slow in the beginning, I soon found myself totally engaged and unable to put it down. The main character, Ella, has her faults, which makes her relatable. The two lead males are very different individuals and you’re anxious to see if they are all they seem. Add in a surprise twist at the end that you won’t see coming and you have one enjoyable story.”

“The beautifully crafted narrative of Ella’s journey will capture you from the first page. Alongside characters who will delight, disgust, and annoy you by turns, you will experience all of Ella’s joy, confusion, heartbreak, and courage as she navigates the shark-infested waters of being 17. I can’t wait for the rest of the series from this talented author!”

See all the Amazon 5-star reviews here!