"Maybe I would make a rotten superhero. Because I really was incapable of just riding off into the sunset." (Jessica Mastriani)
Missing You takes place three years after Sanctuary. After working for the US Government and using her powers to help find people during the war, Jessica becomes a shell of her former self. She's plagued by nightmares and has lost her 'Lightning Girl' powers. She heads off to New York to start her life over and move on. However, when Rob, Jess's ex-boyfriend, shows up on her doorstep and asks for her help, she's forced to confront the past.
Jessica Mastriani is an awesome main character. She's smart, sassy and spunky. I appreciate Jess's character development during those three years between Sanctuary and Missing You and we see how Jess's involvement in the war has affected her and her outlook on life. One of the huge changes in Jess's life is her views on physical violence. After experiencing so much of violence and trauma, she's less inclined to throw a punch or deal with situations using violence and force. This doesn't mean that Jess is weak. It just shows that a character can be a strong and fierce badass without throwing a punch to prove their point.
Rob has always been such a caring and lovable guy and in Missing You, I grew to like him even more. Rob cares so much about Jess and respects her and her family's wishes. Rob literally does everything in his life with Jess in mind. He bought a house and owns a business so that he could prove to Jess and her family that he's worthy of her.
The focus of Missing You is romance and the plot leans towards the predictable side. However, Meg Cabot tackles serious issues in a comical manner and the plot is entertaining. I enjoyed witnessing all the drama and mystery unfold and the way that Jess tackles the situation proves that she's a strong and fierce woman who isn't afraid to deal with things head-on.
It's also nice to see what's going on in the Mastriani family lives. Jess parents have always been present in the Vanished/1-800-Where-R-You series and it's interesting to read about the different approaches they have when it comes to dealing with their children. I'm also happy to see that Douglas is in a good place in Missing You. I grew to like Ruth in Missing You and even though Karen Sue Hanky receives the treatment that she deserves, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Missing You is a fantastic conclusion to the Vanished/1-800-Where-R-You series.
"I've learned there are more effective ways of solving problems than ramming your fist into your adversary's face." (Jessica Mastriani)