Review: Nice debut novel
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 28, 2012
There were a number of things I liked about this book, and a few things that bothered me. First I think that Ms. Boyd did a great job with the characters. Ariel is not some weakling, waiting to be rescued. She is on a mission to solve a mystery and, although she takes some silly risks, she doesn't wait around for her love interest to save or guide her. Her best friend Theo (who happens to be a girl) is nicely rounded out and seems to have things going on in her life besides Ariel. Henry (the love interest) could have been the cookie cutter mysterious guy, but Ms. Boyd manages to make him friendly, smart, and at times funny, with a bit of mystery thrown in.Ariel's age (15) was a bit hard for me to relate with. It's a personal preference I have, and even though the blurb (and story) clearly told me she was 15 I didn't really click into it until about half way, then I though "ah, that's why she acts like that". Ariel is 15 and acts it.The ending felt a bit rushed for me. There was a lot going on and just when I thought we'd get a full on happy ending - it didn't happen. I had no problem with the deaths. That was staying true to the story, and although harsh, it wouldn't have been believable any other way. It was the part with Henry that I love/hate. I loved that it wasn't the typical romance, but I expected more of a romance angle. I'm guessing Ms. Boyd is leaving it open for a sequel and I can't blame her for that.