Tuesday, September 17, 2013

ARC Review: Chasing Shadows

Chasing Shadows by Swati Avasthi
Graphics by Craig Phillips
4/5 stars
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013
305 pages
YA Contemporary
Scheduled to release September 24

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book by its novel approach which incorporates graphic novel drawings into the text because one character starts to visualize life as such. These pictures really brought the text to life and made me more sympathetic to her situation so I applaud the creators for that decision. I also found the pictures helped me to get through the darker moments of the narration because this story has some very difficult emotional moments.

The book opens with Corey, Holly, and Savitri freerunning around Chicago. Their joy is shattered when a lone gunman opens fire on twins Holly and Corey in their car as Savitri watches in horror from ahead. Corey heroically drapes himself over Holly, sacrificing his own life but leaving the two friends behind to cope as best they can. Savitri decides she will be the best friend she can be even if that means following along behind Holly's crazy path. Holly, for her part, believes she can bring Corey back by serving up his murderer. The lengths she takes to do so seriously fray their friendship and both of their families.

My description here doesn't really do the book justice with its many themes and layers as well as the sheer emotional punch it packed. Though I didn't mention it above, my favorite aspect was Savitri's Hindu heritage, which plays a huge role in Holly's imaginings and the drawings. She is named for an important legend and I loved getting to hear the story of that. It fueled my love for Hindu legends, developed after taking a course in school.

The book alternated between the narration of the two girls. Holly begins and I really struggled as she likes to Capitalize Random Words and I didn't understand that about her. When the narration switches, Savitri observes this about her and immediately it helped bring Holly into perspective. In general, I preferred Savitri's more calm narration because Holly's impulsiveness is quite different from my own personality. Additionally Savitri continues to be more balanced as Holly grows increasingly erratic and determined to track down the killer. This was thrilling to observe but it was difficult to be in Holly's head. The pace of the book is pretty fast and once I glommed onto Savitri, I was hooked.

I don't want to get too in-depth about the plot because I want to leave some surprises for you but overall I really enjoyed this book. Its complex female characters, its decision to add graphic novel touches, and its incorporation of Hindu mythology among other well-done writing and characterization made this one a winner!

Other Opinions:
Haven't seen too many yet-hopefully more to come as the release date approaches!

24 comments:

  1. I'm still on the fence about this one but after reading your review I think I'd like reading about Savitri and the Hindu legend behind her name, etc.

    I will admit that I am not a fan of the cover and I hope it will go through a cover change at some point.

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    1. I hope you do give it a shot-I was quite impressed. The cover's not my favorite either-I wish it was more in the style of the artwork within.

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  2. I really want to read this one. All the Vine copies were claimed before I could get it!

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    1. I was so lucky to get a copy and thrilled that I really enjoyed it.

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  3. I've heard amazing things about the author's previous book and was intrigued by this, but somewhat hesitant about the graphic novel aspect. It's good to hear that you liked it so much, though! I will have to have a look the next time I'm in the library or bookstore.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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    1. I really need to go back and read the author's previous work-I've heard a lot of good things about it too.

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  4. Aw, sounds a bit sad, though. I love the cover :) It does seem like a good book. I'm glad you enjoyed it. <3

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    1. The beginning is definitely very sad and there are moments up and down throughout the story but it was so heart pounding and exciting.

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  5. This looks pretty neat! I think I'd probably like it. Darker novels are really a lot more me, lately-- there's always that ray of light peeking through the clouds, you know? Awesome review, girly! This is totally going on my to-read. (:

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    1. So glad that I encouraged you to put it on your list-I think you'll really enjoy it.

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  6. The complex girl characters really intrigues me

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    1. That was something I wasn't really expecting but was so happy to see.

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  7. This one sounds really interesting! The premise intrigues me but I love that there's illustrations. I'm going to look into this one more!

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    1. I really loved the illustrations-I've discovered that that is just something I really like in books.

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  8. I want to read this one! I don't generally read graphic novels, but I love the sound of this!

    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. It has the artwork but it's much more text than drawings so I don't really think of it like a graphic novel.

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  9. I'll admit that I hadn't heard of it, and I'm nervous about some of the darker themes. But the graphic elements and Hindu mythology definitely draw me in. As does the difference in the narration between the two characters. Plus the addition of freerunning is appealing. Thanks for putting this book on my radar!

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    1. It doesn't feel as dark as some books I've read though those elements are there-I thought there was enough lightness to keep it balanced.

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  10. This sounds like a really unique read. I don't normally read any type of graphic novels, but it seems like this book uses them in a very different way. I'm glad you liked it!

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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    1. I found it very different and am glad I gave it a try-hope others will too!

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  11. This one is new to me too! But i think the graphic novel concept sounds amazing actually:)

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    1. I loved the way it was incorporated-really added that extra element to the book!

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  12. You have no idea how relieved I am that you loved this one. I read Split last year and fell in love with this authors writing and skill, so to see that you enjoyed this - especially when I'm anticipating it so much - is fantastic! Wonderful review!(:

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    1. I really want to give Split a read after enjoying this one!

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