Review: A cautionary tale - as well as a page turner.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 9, 2014
He followed her because he wanted to own her. She trusted him because she wanted excitement. There’s a saying that curiosity can kill … but Valerian Kimble is beginning to learn that satisfaction might just be worse.So, some quite adult themes in this YA novel, the first in the “Horrorscape” series from Nenia Campbell. Valerian is a fairly typical 14 year old girl, drifting through life, friendship and school, when one day she finds something lurking in her locker…something that disturbs her equilibrium and sets off a disturbing chain of events.This was a cleverly written book, where the the author manages to keep the reader off kilter by mixing up your typical vapid teenage goings on (who fancies who, who is the biggest bitch etc etc) with a creeping sense of foreboding as Val feels threatened but is not sure why. And in typical teenage fashion, her feelings get all mixed up and she makes some horrendously bad choices. No Val, boys who actually like you in a normal human way do NOT act like that!There are some great characters in the mix – Gavin is complex without becoming a caricature and his diary is probably one of the best parts of the novel as a whole. I was actually very fond of James, who I hope will get more depth added to him in the future books (which I shall certainly be reading) as although he played his part here, he felt like he had a lot more to say. Val herself is naive yet hopeful and her friends are a good eclectic mix that help the story move along at a perfect pace.The story itself creeps up on you – as Val feels more and more threatened you are right there with her – and if you, like me, are the type who talks out loud to characters while you are reading about them you WILL shriek at her at various intervals. And at a few other people..If I have one teeny tiny little complaint its that I could not align myself with the way that Val’s parents acted – no parent I know (and I’m one myself) would allow Val to do what she does towards the end. People who have already read this will know what I’m referring to but if you havent yet I am not going to spoil it. Having said that, it kind of has to happen that way in order for the story to continue – so some dramatic license is allowed and welcomed because it means that now we will find out what is next for Val and Co.All in all a great read and despite the violent aspects and the dark subject matter, it also works well as a cautionary tale for young adults and works well.Happy Reading Folks!**Purchased for the Kindle via Amazon UK***