3/5 stars
Egmont, 2011
304 pages
YA Contemporary Paranormal
Source: Library
When I was at the library, I was mostly looking for 2012 YA releases that I had missed but something about this book called to me even though I don't remember much buzz about it. Something about the concept just seemed so creepy and, although different from my usual reading fare, compelling.
When mousy Miranda Vaile arrives at Olive's school, everyone knows two things about her. 1. She's an orphan and 2. because she killed her parents. Yet as weeks pass, Olive notices that plain Miranda is looking like more while popular Katie is looking less. Research suggests to Olive that Miranda might be a shapeshifter but after "the incident," who would believe what Olive says?
Doesn't that sound deliciously creepy? The idea of shapeshifters is a fascinating one to me although I don't feel like it's one that is explored much in YA literature. Plus Olive's unreliability leaves you wondering if Miranda is a shapeshifter or if Olive just needs her medication adjusted.
The beginning of the book certainly lived up to that promise but the ending left me very disappointed. I don't want to give any specific spoilers but I wanted a big blow-up and instead the ending was more lukewarm with dangling threads. It is this dissatisfaction which led to my rating. Actually the whole of part two was pretty disappointing to me.
But part one had some interesting threads. Olive used to be Katie's best friend but she has since been relegated to the social outskirts. Her attempts to forge a new life, to find her real self are interesting especially how some of the points (like her love for the band Luxe) come into play in part two. Beyond Olive, there is her new best friend Ami, who I really liked, newish cute boy Lachlan (not sure about that name), and Olive's cute little brother Toby (I am a sucker for younger brothers lately it seems).
Overall: I found the ending of this book so opposite what I wanted that I find it coloring my entire reading experience into a negative one. I do not recommend this book.
Other Opinions:
Amaterasu Reads
Dark Faerie Tales
The Reading Addict
Aw, it's a shame the ending ended up disappointing you so much. Anything having to do with shapeshifters is something I'm immediately interested in, but I think I'll be looking elsewhere for my ideal shapeshifter YA novel, considering your reaction to the ending. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI found the whole idea of shapeshifters so unique but was really let down with how this all played out.
DeleteSounds so interesting! I love shape shifter stories especially when they might be trying to steal someones identity. But I hate when it fizzles out to a disappointing ending.
ReplyDeleteThe first part had such promise but then...poof! I wanted a lot more.
DeleteAw, sorry this one wasn't for you. I love the idea of identity theft, though. I haven't read many shapeshifter books -- maybe I'll have to start!
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
I can't think of many shapeshifter stories either although it's a concept that fascinates me.
DeleteI think the book was undecided about being paranormal or not. I know it's fiction and all but at least Bailey could have other people acknowledge that Miranda looked just like Katie. I liked who Olive's best friend turned to be, though; this was a much better concept.
ReplyDeleteI loved Olive's BF-I think she was part of the reason the first half was so strong but the revelations of the second were weak.
DeleteIt's too bad the ending is such a disappointment! I hate when a book is going along beautifully and I'm really enjoying it, and then I reach the last few chapters and everything starts to unravel. So frustrating. I do love the unreliable narrator aspect though, that's always something I enjoy, and I'm glad the first half was at least successful!
ReplyDeleteIt was very sad :( I wish I could recommend this book wholeheartedly but it just didn't work for me.
DeleteThat sucks! It looks so deliciously creepy, but then for you to say the ending was so opposite of what you wanted that it ruined the entire book...huh. It sounds like the premise was good, but it just fell flat, am I right? Oh, and I think the reason that shapeshifters are so underdone in YA is because of all the adult romances with them. No one wants to get into that! ;P
ReplyDeleteLoves,
Megan@The Book Babe
I might need to check out some adult romances to get my fix then-I love the idea of reading about shapeshifters!
DeleteBummer that the ending was disappointing to you, because the concept is definitely intriguing! Your review makes me want to read the book to see if I have the same reaction.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your thoughts on this so I hope you do decide to check it out!
DeleteToo bad. The cover is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think the cover does a good job of teasing the multiple identities part; I just felt let down by the second half.
DeleteAww, that sucks that the ending was so disappointing. The plot does sound deliciously creepy, like something I would like. Glad to have read your review so I won't waste my time on something so unsatisfying. Thanks for your honesty! :-)
ReplyDeleteI thought the first half was really good, which made the unsatisfying second half all the worse :(
DeleteAwe, it sounded like it would be good. Sorry it wasn't as good as you wanted it to be, Don't you hate that. :(
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I hate that so much-it left me frustrated and disappointed!
DeleteThanks for sharing your honest thoughts on this book. It doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy either.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I definitely wouldn't have recommended this to you. Reading all these comments is bringing back my feelings of sadness over how the ending let me down :(
Delete