The Becoming of Noah Shaw (The Shaw Confessions, #1)

by Michelle Hodkin

[kimbacaffeinate]

If you loved the way, the Mara Dyer trilogy ended and are in a happy place this series may upset that peace. I've come to learn that when it comes to Mara Dyer, nothing is ever at it seems. For me, there were a few threads and questions like that ominous prophecy regarding Mara and Noah left unanswered so, I had to dive in.

I listened to the first series on audio, narrated by Christy Romano, so I didn't even hesitate to go that root this time. The Dyer trilogy was told from Mara's perspective and brief perspectives of Noah. The Becoming of Noah Shaw is narrated by new to me narrator, Joe Jameson. While I appreciated his accent for Noah, I loathed his voice for Mara, and it was jarring to hear these characters with a different voice after becoming used to Romano's interpretation. I was like, who are these people? I understand why the publishers went with a male narrator, but for the listener's sake, I wish they had kept Romano.  

The Becoming of Noah Shaw addresses many questions, delves into Noah's Dad, gives us Noah's perspective and shares some rather enlighting and freakish things about Mara. Creepy characters, threats, and danger for them all kept me listening. Threads left unexplored in the first trilogy are addressed, but new questions arise, and we see the flashbacks of events from the first trilogy. We knew Mara was an unreliable narrator but wowzers. I did not see that coming. I will leave you to discover them.

Noah is a complex character with not only baggage but a gift that often feels more like a curse. He's depressed and unsure, and Mara is his anchor. We all know Mara is the anti-hero and Noah will be tested. The story offers a mystery as something is happening to gifted ones. As always Hodkin hooked me, and despite not being thrilled with the narration, I need to know more. Noah has his father's files now, and I just want to sit down and read them all...

For fans of the series, I think you will either love The Becoming of Noah Shaw or hate it. Hodkin can weave a tale and I am curious to see where she takes us. I just hope I survive. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer