Review: Read to Review
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 30, 2012
I received this book for free as part of a read to review on goodreads.This three star rating is more personal preference than anything else really.  I liked the book, but wasn't enthralled by it.  The writing was good, but the characters were still hard for me to connect with.  The concept of the story was good, but a bit confusing and I believe it could've been presented more clearly or with more detail for understanding.The StoryLeo and his blind sister Odette are compelled to move to this small island country somewhere in Europe I guess....  Leo is not happy about this, but for some reason can't find a way to leave.  They begin to start a life there albeit reluctantly for Leo.  Come to find out there is magic in this new place and Odette is falling into weird trances and drawing things, only to have no memory of it afterwards.  The story unfolds from there with trying to figure out what these drawings are and what magic both Leo and Odette are developing.Likes and Dislikes--I liked the concept of this story.  However, I don't believe that the author gave us enough information on the history of this island and how things came to be the way they are there.  How exactly does it work?--The writing did seem to all flow well.  Nothing jumped around and the story was written in a cohesive manner.  However, I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked.  I wasn't emotionally invested in what happen to them.--I didn't really get that they were from Spain at first, yes it did mention how he didn't like Spanish television but neither do I and I'm not from Spain.  Then it was quite confusing what the hell happened next to get them to Nevaeh (though Leo was confused by that too so that part is understandable)....and I'm assuming it's off the coast of Europe somewhere, England maybe because it says the island has British style houses and people spoke English.ConclusionI don't know if I would say "hey read this book", but if someone mentioned it I would say it is a good story.  I would also say that I believe this author has the capacity to grow and will probably pick up another book in the future to see how it goes.