by Sarah Beth Durst
368p.
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Published: Sept. 3, 2013
Source: NetGalley and author for review
Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.
At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.My thoughts:
This book is frustrating. Now before I go further, let me explain that it is a good thing. :) You are supposed to be frustrated and a bit confused. You are following the protagonist, Eve and she is frustrated and confused. She has memory loss and is trying to feel her way, trying to figure out who she really is and why she is being protected by the witness protection program. Yes, those answers come, but it is only revealed when it is revealed to Eve.
There is also a surreal dreamlike quality to most of the book. Eve slips into dreams or visions and we aren't quite sure if it is real and pieces to a puzzle or just her fantasy. It does provide clues, but you are just uncertain as to exactly what those clues are.
In the end you are rewarded with answers and a clear understanding as to what is going on within this universe. Even a twist I didn't expect. It is odd, strange, and a bit convoluted as a paranormal carnival might be. It's dreamlike in it's ability and if you like these things, you won't be disappointed in this book. I give it 4 stars.
Love the cover, not too sure about the story though. Still, with a score of 4 I'll be sure to keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteIf you get it, I hope you enjoy!
DeleteI just finished this one a couple of days ago and completely agree. I *was* frustrated because I wanted to know what in the world was going on, what was up with the memory loss, who she was being protected from...it took so long to reveal all that, though it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteSo true. It was worth it. :)
DeleteLOL it's rare to have a frustrating good book. I'm curious about it! Thanks for the discovery!
ReplyDeleteI think it was because the frustration was on purpose. :)
DeleteI'm usually easily bored and frustrated by novels that only reveal their secrets by the end. I haven't read anything by this author before, so I think I'll start with some of her previous work before getting to this one. I'm glad it wound up being worth the wait for the end, though. Wonderful review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteThe frustration made sense in this one although I could have kicked some of the secondary characters for making me want to know more. :)
DeleteGlad to hear you are rewarded for the frustration and confusion
ReplyDeleteI was. :)
DeleteI feel so frustrated and confused now
ReplyDeleteI was frustrated by this book and while I enjoyed the end with magical stuff...I felt it could be a hot mess because so many things mixed up in this book :( . I loved her other book.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure it would work for me but my friend Wendy would adore it. Totally letting her know about it :)
ReplyDeleteYou do have me curious, and I like that you are confused right along with the protagonist. Great review and a paranormal carnival? eep!
ReplyDeleteI do want to read this! I don't mind being confused for a bit if we get answers in the end. It sounds like a very unique book.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! And I adore that you get frustrated. Learning things along with the character is great.
ReplyDeleteOh my God! Buttons sewn to her!!! Please dear Lord don't tell me there are many scenes with that happening because I just couldn't read it. Sounds like she was a doll or a shirt. It sounds scarier than The Coldest Girl in Coldtown! I have no idea about this one. Besides the button thing, it sounds great.
ReplyDeleteLove your background this month!!
This is one of those books that I have no idea if I'd like it or not! Sometimes feeling kind of frustrated and confused is good, but sometimes I just get angry with it. I'm not sure which this would be for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it though!
ReplyDeleteI just finished this, and I loved it! I agree, it's one of those strange books that has a dreamlike quality and you have to have patience to get all the answers, but I thought it was really worth it. Glad to hear you liked it too! Lovely review :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't decide if I want to read this one or not - I keep reading mixed reviews.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Durst's writing so I'm sure I will give it a try at some point.