At the core of power: choice vs circumstance

Like many chosen ones, Elisa grapples with being special—she doesn’t think she is and she is not even sure that she wants to be. But this book differentiates itself in the deliberateness of Carson’s language and of her narrative. When it is obvious that a writer has taken the time to consider the significance of even the smallest details, a reader can’t help but feel valued and respected. And in this book, it is undeniable that the small thrilling details all add up to an enjoyable and organic whole.

Chalk it up: mysteries and thrills between the Lines

But much like the rest of the book, Joel redeems himself as a bankable lead towards the end of this book, which is where Sanderson decides to release the torrent of excitement and mayhem he had been unnecessarily keeping at bay throughout the story. Primary a mystery novel, where Joel’s assistance is needed to uncover a series of student disappearances, the book (and Joel) spent too much time dwelling and building on the mystery.

Of wild woods and even wilder logic

It would seem that, generally, the way to move children towards an adventure is for parents to be dead, estranged, or hyperdysfunctional. I would, therefore, consider Colin Meloy brave for choosing to give parents to his two lead characters, Prue and Curtis. Too bad it didn’t work.

Pos-i-tute-ly half divine!

Mystery is a necessary ingredient of a good murder story. Well, if it pays off. In this book, there’s a very solid divide between the awesome mystery and the awful mystery.