Unspoken

Sarah Rees Brennan never fails to amaze me. This book is yet another instant favorite. I love these characters and the little town in England. There was so much to discover in this world and I loved learning every part. The story unfolded at a perfect pace with just the right amount of mystery and intrigue. I'm still in shock with how it ended and I'm beyond looking forward to the next installment, even though I know it will take me a while to actually pick it up.

The main character, Kami, was so interesting to read and learn about in this book. She wasn't a quiet, scared, or boring female lead. She had strong intentions for her family and friends. She was the type of girl that would sneak into buildings to get stories for her school newspaper.

When you learn about Kami having someone in her mind, it is really interesting because Jared seems so sweet. The reader doesn't know much about his past in the beginning. I really enjoyed this book because of the connection that Jared and Kami had in their minds. When Kami finally meets Jared, he is completely different than I imagined but once you heard that there was a new kid named Jared in town; I knew it was him.

This story has lots of twists and turns between the two main characters and also with the story they are trying to crack together. When the reader learns about his family, it makes sense. I really enjoyed this book but the end leaves you with a raging cliff hanger! I know the second one is out so I will probably pick that up sometime soon. I must know what happens with Kami and Jared!

This is the first book I ever read for a book club and I think that was the reason for my initial excitement. After discussing it, I've decided to lowered the ranking from 3.5 to 3.

I was engaged in the story throughout the whole book, which is why I practically finished it in one sitting, but, as we dicussed in the book club, there were still certain issues with it.

The characters were more like caricatures, especially Angela, and I didn't see any development in them whatsover. Many of Kami's reactions and her treatment to the side characters, Holly and Ash, left a bad taste in my mouth. I appriciate that she was confronted about it by other characters at least.

I did like the humour and I haven't read anything like it as regards the supernatural aspect so I quite enjoy that too.

The ending was a bit flat for me and Jared's reaction to the final outcome made me really mad. All in all, I enjoy it but had a few issues with it. I might pick up the second book later, just to see what happens next.

She tore a page from her notebooks and wrote her parents a message: “Dear Mum and Dad, I hope you don't read this, but if you do, you should know that I haven't been kidnapped or abducted by aliens. I had to run an errand that can't wait. I'll be home before dark. Kami.”

It didn't take me long at all to absolutely adore Kami. There's so many things about her that I just love. She's strong and capable, but she admits when she needs help. She isn't afraid of admitting she can't do it alone. She's driven, but not to the degree she runs roughshod over everyone else.

She knows self-defense and does have a tendency to ‘leap before she looks.' She isn't the most beautiful girl around but is best friends with said girl. And she has an awesome sense of humor. Kami Glass is like a perfect cross between Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars.

“Your soul is like the souls of a thousand monkeys on crack, all smushed together.”

This book is a mystery - and I will warn you, it's not a tame one. In fact, I almost put the book down early on when animal mutilation cropped up. If I'd liked Kami any less, I probably would have because I am a seriously soft touch when it comes to animals. So, if you're like me at all, be warned. Beyond that, the book isn't afraid to show gore and violence, but it doesn't dwell on them.

The structure of the story actually reminds me of this anime show I've seen. (Persona 4 the Animation, for the curious.) Everything starts off normal, this is just a small sleepy little town, the kids go to school and everything is perfectly normal. Then everything isn't so normal. This book has a definite element of the supernatural to it, and I think I love it even more for that.

While the plot is pretty wonderful, the characters are where it's all at.

“What do you mean, the police were suspicious because you weren't wearing enough clothes? Where were your clothes?”

Besides Kami, we've got her best friend Angela. Angela is the type of person I always love. To quote her she ‘hates people.' She's lazy and snarky and absolutely gorgeous. Holly is their new friend and she is super pretty but doesn't have any girlfriends because she is super pretty. It's a sad commentary that that is totally realistic, but these girls are great!

They have each others backs and while there might be a little envy, they are friends and as soon as that thought crops up it is quickly quashed. As soon as any of these girls is messed with, the other two would be there to rescue her. Although, that's not to say she'd need it, because these girls are no shrinking violets.

Then there's the two guys, Jared and Ash. I honestly like both of them, even though they are both more than a little screwed up in the head. (I think that's the Lynburn factor.) However, they do fill out the group perfectly and it's an absolute joy to see how these five very different people react to each other.

And that group is what I love about this book so much. The way these five people interact with each other and the humor they each bring with them. And this is an author that certainly knows the stress relieving benefits of a good joke at the proper time.

“I've been scared all my life. I've thought I might be crazy all my life, and you did it to me.”

(Originally posted on my blog: pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com)