Review: A Paradise of the Paranormal
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 13, 2014
I usually tend to stay away from YA fiction, but a friend of mine recommended this and said that it would be a good diversion from my usual fare, so I decided to give it a shot. While it wasn't my favorite book I've read all year, it was surprising, well-written, intriguing, and packed with enough unpredictable turns and developments in the plot that I had to finish it once I started. The plot seemed eager to get to the heart of the story, which made the early chapters seem slightly undeveloped, as though the author knew that the main part of the novel would be taking place on the island. However, when I was reading the book, I didn't know that, so I was initially put off by some of the seemingly rushed moments or conversations.Once I got further in, however, I realized how much plot development still needed to happen, and it turned out that the story was far more complex than I originally expected. The paranormal aspect of Rangur and the traditions of the island were dark and very well-developed, engaging my guilty pleasure of paranormal literature. I got lost a few times as the author seemed to wander through her own plot framework at times, bringing in extra characters, having plot moments that didn't lead to anything later in the book. There were a few loose ends that needed tying up, but overall, I think that her portrayal of Alex and the friendship with Taiya was a keystone of the book. Also, the author showed some insight into deeper topics besides the surface-level plot. Questions of good and evil, human nature, the ability of a spirit to move on, and serious explorations of guilt, loss, pain, and the confusion of existence were thoughtfully presented in the forms of various characters.Beaty clearly has talent, but with a bit more editing and a clearer, more streamlined image of what she wants to say would be good for her books in the future. All that being said, I realize this review sounds slightly negative. it gets 4 stars for a reason; I read the book in a handful of days and I genuinely enjoyed the experience. I think that most other readers would find something wonderful in these pages - give it a try!