I should have read this one a long time ago.
Despite the breathtaking cover, I had no idea what to expect of this book, and had only skimmed the myriad of five and four-star reviews before cracking the spine (not literally, Karen, calm down).
I admit, I expected a bit more creep factor, and a little more of the paranormal. I didn't expect a kick ass romance storyline, or a male character that would cause my heart to flip.
Author Michelle Hodkin does teen romance exceptionally well. The dialogue is crisp, heated, and in many cases, swoon-worthy. Noah Shaw IS swoon-worthy.
The first chapter drew me in. Mara Dyer awakes from a three-day coma, her best friends are dead, and she has no recollection of what happened. Her parents aren't helping her understand. And the only solution to her misery seems to be for her family to pack up and move.
While the mystery of what happened - and Mara's role in the accident - is certainly compelling, I was more interested in Mara and Noah's developing relationship. There's an edge to it that I think more closely parallels youth relationships of today, and Hodkin took some liberties I appreciate - no fluff here.
It is this tight writing style, and absence of "fake" that kept me turning pages (not to mention Noah), but I can't claim absolute satisfaction by the end. I wanted there to be "more" - more creepy, more of an "a-ha!" moment. And instead of being thrilled by the knowledge that the sequel is forthcoming, I kind of wanted it all wrapped up in this book.
Not that it couldn't be series...I just thought there were a few too many loose ends, and I'm not sure I'll be racing to the book store for the sequel. (Walking, definitely.)
Of course, my opinion is subjective and you may feel differently. Have you read it? I'd love to know what you thought.
Happy New Year!
- Dawn
The Book In My Bag Today: Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi
what is the second book called?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - sorry :-( I don't actually know what the second book is called. The end of UNBECOMING just says: End of Volume 1. Did you read this one?
ReplyDeleteRead it and loved it, agreed wanting more resolved then was actually done in this book but I on the other hand will be racing to the book store to get volume 2!
ReplyDeleteMeredith - chances are strong I'll get it, too. Maybe not race...but definitely speed walk :-)
DeleteI loved this book. And I personally cannot wait for the second book.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I love when books grip us like that. Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Deletei loved this book i couldn't sstop reading it literally, i read for eight hours straight until i finished it. i can't wait for the second book!! p.s. i'm in love with Noah Shaw
ReplyDeleteYup, Noah is yummy!
DeleteMmmhmmm! Me too! :)
Deletei recommend this book to all girls who like romance, drama, and mystery. i loved this book, and can't wait for the second one
ReplyDelete5 stars from me!!!
That's high praise! I agree - it's full of romance, drama and mystery.
DeleteI will definitely be racing to get the second book :)
ReplyDeleteShelly - you seem to be fine company!
DeleteI love this book, I can't believe I'm going to have to wait sooooo long to read the next one! Noah is defiantely the type of guy i would want!
ReplyDeleteI loved the book, but I think you're right, there are too many lose ends. I think it will be difficult when the next book comes out to try and remember everything that we need to know for the novel to make scenes. I also felt that at times the novel was stretched out a little too much just to prove the fact that Mara seemed crazy. I think I too will be "walking" to get the next book.
ReplyDeletewhen DOES the next book come out?
ReplyDeleteoctober of 2012
DeleteLove the book. Next title is the evolution of mara dyer. I will be speedin to the book store for the new book and will probably sit and read the whole thing on my off day again. (I couldn't put the first book down either)
ReplyDeletewhoever says this book has loose ends is SO WRONG! this book is suppose to draw u into reading more and more and that is EXACTLY what it did to me and to others (so it seems) . . . i cant wait for the second book to come out and i wont just be speeding or speed walking to get it i will so be sprinting to get it into my hands and start reading every little bit of it NONSTOP WHOOOHOO
ReplyDeleteI loved part one now where is number two!!!!!???????
ReplyDeleteI heard the second book was going to be called The Evolution Of Mara Dyer.
ReplyDeleteI really loved the begging of the book. I loved how the first chapter captures you in Mara's amnesia. I started to read this book at B&N nd decided to buy it because i couldnt put it down. But then i got home and got almost to the end and was sad and confused about the "special" powers Mara and Noah had. this so called supernatural power threw off the whole flow of the book for me. i loved the fact that Mara was going crazy and was on anti-psychotics. i loved this whole aspect of psycology, i loved Noah he sounded cute and annoying nd lets just admit it thats how we like our guys. Hodkin did a very good job with characterization and dialogue. So witty!! The ending was confusing with the trial and these sudden powers nd lets not forget the "not-so-dead-tried-to-reap-me" boyfriend who pops up at the end. the only reason i'll pick up the second book is to simply find out why Jude is stalking Mara, if Jude is alive is Clair alive? If Jude is alive does he have special powers too just like Mara and Noah and if so is that why he took an interest in her? i think this book would have been much more simpler if Mara Dyer was just plain crazy. too me thats far more interesting.
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