Review: Intriguing and Mad
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2013
*I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis, as the main characters were residents of a mental institution for teens. Add in paranormal and fantastical elements, and I knew it was going to be good. :)The book is in three different POVs: Astrid, Max, and Eduardo. I was a little confused about one of the staff members having a few chapters of his own. He didn't play a key role in this book, but he was definitely one of the few staff members whom the teens liked. And I think we'll see more of him in Tunnelville. I was also a little confused why Teddy didn't have a POV, but I can see why he didn't because he didn't talk very much, unless it was to talk about his "powers" and the evil inside the institution. Max and Astrid think he's crazy. Or is he?I really liked the two main characters, and I even enjoyed the strange and unusual interactions between them and the other residents they meet. Some of them are suffering from multiple personality disorder and others are cutters. Whatever their psychological and behavioral problems are, all of the residents have one thing in common: they hate Wakefield.While it tries to be a welcoming place, it's still a mental institution, and some of its staff members are unnecessarily mean to the kids. And there is more going on than any of these teens know about. Teddy is the only one who seems to know what's going on with their head psychiatrist.These kids are determined to escape the suffocating prison, and they are trying to find out whether Teddy's claims are real. It's not until the makeshift prom that Max and Astrid realize the truth. It's been right in front of their faces the whole time. After their final attempt at freedom goes as planned, Max, Astrid, Teddy, and their friends are out of the institution. But they won't be forgotten, as the epilogue gives a glimpse into what will happen in Tunnelville.I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing out loud a lot at the teens' conversations and interactions with each other. The beginning was a little slow, and it took me awhile to get into the story. But once they meet Teddy, it picks up. All of their talk about powers and visions had me wondering if it wasn't just all in their minds. I was really surprised with the ending, and I can't wait to find out what happens next! :)