The Returned

I received an advance copy this book for free in a GoodReads FirstReads giveaway.

I'm slightly torn about this book. The story line idea behind this book is a great idea. Also, I love how the author switched chapters with telling the story from the view of the “True Living” and the “Returned”. I also loved the ending with respect to the emotional issues of Jacob's parents. Those are the good things I can say about this book.

That being said... I never really completely got into the story. The writing style just doesn't flow well, and I felt there could have been better description of events and personalities. But that could be because I really enjoy classical style writers who tend to sometimes be overly descriptive. Another problem I had was that there was no true resolution of the government's involvement in controlling the Returned, and there was no resolution of the purpose of the Returned.

This may be the first time I have ever felt this way but... I believe this book would translate very well into a movie. Mostly because a movie would add to what is already there.

I hope that the sequel will complete the story. If that ends up being the case, I would be completely satisfied with this story.

Read more reviews at Great Minds Read Alike.