Author: Rebecca Lim
Published by: Hyperion Books
Pages: 288
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★
Summary from Goodreads: Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate. But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.
There are not many great mysteries in YA literature and when I picked up this novel I thought it was going to be more paranormal romance than anything else, but it turned out to be a wonderful mystery.
The plot was intriguing and fast paced. I was constantly guessing who could have kidnapped Ryan's sister, Lauren, and my culprits changed every few pages up until the end. I was right with Mercy every time she figured out a new lead or wanted to question a different person. The search was well written and drawn out perfectly. The actual confrontation itself, however, was a little abrupt. I would have liked more dialogue explaining certain character's motives. Also a little more action would have been nice too.
My main objection in this novel is there were some plot gaps with who Mercy actually is and her purpose on Earth. I was left feeling confused and that is not a feeling I enjoy when reading a novel. Hopefully the next book in the series will clear up some of my confusion and give us some answers.
How do you feel about plot gaps? Are you ok with being confused during the first book in the series and having to wait to understand all the details until the series is finished?
I'd also like to see more of Mercy's history and why she's here. It didn't bother me too much but I'd still like to know! I agree about the plot being fast-paced, it was actually a little addicting! Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a nice, decent first book. I haven't read it, but it's on my tbrlist. I do hope that in the sequal there's more action and dialogue. Action is really one of the things that must be in a story for me. Plot gasps? Yeah, I don't like that so much. I rather have a few questions answered.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am fine with plot gaps as long as they are both logical and interesting. Some of the greatest novels (that are not parts of series) I have read possess plot gaps, but the author skillfully insures that they are gaps the reader will enjoy filling. Just more evidence that a negative can become a positive if placed within the right situation...
ReplyDeleteAnd please watch me play hide-and-go-seek with philsophy inside of the books I read by clicking on "Uomo di Speranza" above! Thanks!
No, I don't think I would have enjoyed this one if it was underdeveloped in plot and character. one or the other, I can handle, but both. Eke!
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe each book in a series has to be strong enough to stand on its own. If plot gaps are used as a ploy to get me to the second book, that usually turns me off.