Review: The Dysfunction Continues, Much to the Delight of the On-looking Crowd
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 11, 2014
The second installment of the Celestra series has me eager to continue into the third. One of the things I like most so far about these books is how they keep flowing and progressing in a way that makes me feel like it's a television season. Thus far the books lack an episodic tone but feels more like minor story-arcs that continuously lace the overall premise together.The characters are consistent but evolving at a respectable pace that reflects not only the small amount of time elapsing throughout each novel (seemingly month by month) but their maturity level. Sixteen year olds most certainly possess a learning curve; however, coping with supernatural trauma, functioning in daily life and dealing with romantic interests does become a juggling act.That's why I'm rarely surprised when Skyla drops a ball here or there. Her circumstances are complicated on good days and dire on bad. That's why I find her attitude problems and indecision almost tragically realistic. Her black humor and sardonic reactions keep even the darkest parts of the story entertaining, which is no small accomplishment in a book that could easily grow disturbing or depressing if it took itself more seriously.Tremble is engrossing for its humor, gradually expanding mythos and knowledge of when to up the ante on both the reader and characters. It's establishing a great pace and pitch for the rest of the series and I feel it could become an addictive read for those who like curmudgeon protagonists with comedic reactions to their own peril.