Review: Good start to the trilogy
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 28, 2013
I can understand why the synopsis starts out with, "For fans of Stephanie Meyer." Not that Super Dark mimicked the Twilight series, but there were certain elements that rang a familiar Twilight-esque tone. This was a quick read, one that I enjoyed, for the most part. I would characterize this first book as more YA than Paranormal. The second book in this series will dive much deeper into the paranormal realm, from what I can tell.Tanith Morse is an intelligent writer, and her words flow in such a way that it possesses the reader to flip the pages at an alarming rate. It was interesting to read this story set in the UK, as it is outside of my comfort zone. What I mean by that is, the terms that are used to describe their roads, their habits, their clothing and such. At times the words demanded my full attention to envision the surroundings indubitably as I read. I do like a good challenge. I had to laugh when Lee took Sam to the Winchester for lunch. It certainly wasn't a pub, but it caused imagery of Shaun of the Dead to flood my mind. I can't help it, it's one of my favorite movies.As I'm sure you've read the synopsis, I won't bore you by rehashing that portion of the story. Sam Harper is living with the guilt that her best childhood friend was snatched up, and she was free to live her life. She is withdrawn from pretty much everyone around her. She isn't looking for friends, or a shoulder to cry on, she just wants people to leave her to her own devices. Sam and her mother have moved around a lot, and the thick of the story really begins with Sam in a new school. A super chipper girl by the name of Becky aggressively nudges her way into Sam's life, and a new friendship, of sorts, begins. Ping! Along with Becky came Frasier, who is undoubtedly my favorite character in this book. He is quirky, and quite nerdy, and he fancies all things sci-fi, and deeply believes in all the conspiracy theories and mysteries of the world. My kind of character, hands down. But once Lee enters the picture, everything heads sideways. I get a little excited, then let down, then thrilled again, then deflated, then, "Oh, wait, here it comes..." nope, not happening."He stomped out the room, leaving me wondering what on earth I'd done to deserve this kind of treatment. I just couldn't figure him out. One minute, he was so sweet and nurturing -- and the next, he couldn't stand the sight of me. What was I doing wrong?"--Tanith Morse, Super DarkThe hot and cold exchange between Sam and Lee was a little frustrating, sometimes in a good way. It definitely kept my eyes moving quickly across the pages in the desperate hope that I would find what I had been seeking. In the end, and I mean THE END, it finally became clear why this emotional roller coaster was necessary, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I closed the book. But, of course, this being the first book in the series, that hook pierced through my unsuspecting skin just in time to make me say, "Damn, what happens next?"Overall I think this is a good start to the trilogy, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next installment, as they are fully immersed into the paranormal aspect of this tale.