Review: Engrossing Story & Intriguing Characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.Garden of Eden kind of messed up my plans today. It seems that at some point I completely lost myself in the story (to the point that an entire hour disappeared). Fortunately a phone call brought me out of my trance in time to get to my afternoon appointments. So I advise setting an alarm prior to starting this novel before you get sucked into Kate Cowen's intriguing world.The story opens with female protagonist Eden waking from a nightmare, and remembering the kidnapping of her siblings by the elusive 'Catchers'. Supposedly for her own safety, her parents lock her and Will (the boy who saved her from the attack) in the attic away from the perils of the world. Eden has an insatiable curiosity that feeds into the story, drawing the reader on her little adventures. She's never felt like she truly belonged in her family, though she doesn't really understand why. I liked Eden quite a bit.After their capture by the Catchers, Will and Eden find themselves in a school with other abducted kids. Here Eden meets a host of new characters, including Tom, a potential romantic interest. My favorite character is Lidden. He reminded me so much of the Mad Hatter. My mind would just spin whenever I tried to picture him in my head.This novel is fast-paced, never a dull moment. The characters are well written and developed, though I can't wait to learn more about Will since it seems he know more than he lets on. The descriptions are detailed enough to draw the reader into the world, but not so long as to be boring. The ending is a cliffhanger which annoyed me because I didn't want the story to end. I'm hooked on this strange world and dying to know the full story.I highly recommend Garden of Eden to everyone high school and up that enjoys a paranormal mystery, complete with suspense and some romance. I really hope Ms. Cowen is working on the next book!You can find this review and many more at [...]