Kim Deister
Written on Feb 3, 2011
The chemistry between the characters absolutely made the book. Whether a main character or a supporting one, they were all so well-developed that you felt as if you knew each of them as real people. They were entirely believable, regardless of how the story made you feel about them. They all had entirely different personalities and their own thoughts and issues. They were not at all "cookie cutter" characters, which definately added to the interest of the story. Alice was a typical teenager, a little self-absorbed and passive in her own life, but she clearly had a good heart and was very relatable as a person. Milo, her younger brother, was definately the grounding force in her life and the sub-plot concerning his own struggles added an interesting twist to the plot. Jack and Peter were such different people in the story, but they were both equally interesting as people. I liked Hocking's way with dialogue and humor, and her ability to bring the characters to life. You can have the most well-developed characters in your head, but if the writing doesn't support them, they fall flat. There was nothing flat about this novel! I felt for the characters, all of them, and that drew me in as much as anything else. I definately had unanswered questions at the end, but I wasn't left wanting. It wasn't at all abrupt, appropriate as a lead-in for the next in the series, which I can't wait to start!
Just a note, the cover art is simply stunning. I am a sucker for a great cover!