Reviewed by Amber (The Literary Phoenix) on
This book was difficult for me. There was a lot of dialogue - too much, for my tastes - and you could see the ending coming from a mile away. That's something I don't like in my books. I am investing significantly more time into them than I am into a movie - I want surprises! Sorensen didn't even try to surprise you. She all but told you the twist three or four times before making it happen.
Also, the co-conspirators, the sub characters... hated them! This is odd for me because usually I find the minor characters make the book. Not this time.
On to the good - I liked Gemma. Being typically against the protagonist, this was off for me... I liked her. I wanted not to, but I failed. Maybe because when I was her age I was listening to emo bands and yes, I was even driving a Mitsubishi Mirage! So I felt like I could relate. Also, she felt real. Not too deep, not too idealized, and despite what some other people have said, I didn't find her whiny. She does mope a bit after a supporting character, Alex (I don't like him; did I mention?), but it's hard to find a YA book these days without a love triangle.
Oh, and for those of you who love them, be forewarned - about halfway through, I was certain there was going to be a love triangle, and then delightfully, there was not. I was pleased. You may not be.
The plot. It was different. Not entirely original, but different, and different is refreshing. Sorensen gets points for that.
Overall, I couldn't decide to rate it low for all its frustrating aspects (and even a few glaring errors), or high because despite my greatest efforts, I was hooked. So I've rated it comfortably in the middle. I got it for free off Amazon and to be honest, I don't think that I'm going to pick up the sequel, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 3 June, 2014: Finished reading
- 3 June, 2014: Reviewed