Release Date: November 10, 2009
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256
Overall:
Source: Publisher/Amazon Vine
Interest: Synopsis
Buy the Book/Associate Links: Amazon
/IndieboundYou are more than you think you are.Three words: it was weird.
That is the anonymous message that Beth Michaels receives right before she starts seeing things. Not just a slept-through my-alarm-clock, late-for-homeroom, haven't had-my-caffeine-fix kind of seeing things. It all starts with some dots, annoying pink dots that pop up on and over her mom and her best friend's face. But then things get out of control and Beth is seeing people's pasts, their fears, their secrets, their desires. The images are coming at Beth in hi-def streaming video and she can't stop it. Everyone thinks she's crazy and she's pretty sure she agrees with them. But crazy doesn't explain the gold envelopes that have started arriving, containing seeing keys and mysterious tarot cards. To Beth, it all seems too weird to be true. You are more than you think you are? But here's the thing: What if she is?
I’m not sure how to start this review. I’ve been digesting this book for the last twenty four hours and the only word I can think to describe it is weird.
The book summary was captivating. When I read the synopsis, I had to have this book! It caught my attention immediately. The story initially, however did not. Once I got through the first few chapters, the book started to grab me. It kept me intrigued, it kept me wanting more. I enjoyed the journey with Beth discovering her new powers, and then the last, I’d say the last quarter of the book happened, can I just say... What? It was so very rushed, forced even there wasn’t really any cohesion what-so-ever. Beth’s automatic acceptance of all the “Seven Ray” acts seemed unbelievable.
The characters in this story were incredibly two dimensional, very flat. They were also very unbelievably immature. I mean, Beth is supposed to be 17 going on 18, a genius of sorts who graduated school early and is taking college level courses. Yet, she acts like an immature 12 year old and a stupid dumb ass most of the time. Excuse my french. Pee Poo anyone? Really... pee poo....? All the stereotypical characters were present as well. The “sidekick” best friend, and the “totally hot guy” that every girl wants but of course he somehow inexplicably chooses our mc, Beth, that he never noticed in high school, and also decides to kiss her right off the bat.... again...really? I’m so over that.
Besides my obvious annoyance with the main character, another thing that I found well annoying was the emphasis on each “Rays” extraordinary looks. I hate to make a Twilight reference, but one thing Stephenie Meyer did right, was describing Bella as normal, as the girl next door. I don’t know many girls that can relate to drop dead gorgeous, myself included! And not only are these girls ridiculously good looking, but they each have a special power. I feel my self confidence improving just thinking about it.
Most disappointing was the lack of closure! I’m guessing that Bendinger left the ending open for a sequel but at this point I’m not sure I’ll bother reading it.
I was torn on what to score this book. While it was at times entertaining, it just wasn’t that good. The premise was very interesting and original. I was excited to see where the plot would go and how the story would ultimately unfold. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, the elements of a good story were there, it was just poorly executed.
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View an in depth look into my Star Rating
30 comments:
By the way, I think you mean your self confidence is detererating, not improving? Or something of the like...
On the other hand, your review is very persuasive and totally made me laugh out loud. So something good has come of this.
I was wanting to read this book. After reading your review...
Kiss!!
a good, honest review.
I probably won't read this.
Great, honest review! I really wanted to read this book mainly because of the cover which I know is not the best guide to go on when choosing a book, lol. I might give this a shot if my library gets it and I have the time but will probably stay away for now from it.
I like the plot of the book because it is totally unique. The Seven Rays opens your eyes to something new and there were some points in the book where I was thinking this could have some truth to it. I like the character Beth and I hardly found anything wrong with her beside the use of some her words. I hate Stephanie Myers character Bella because although she was plain, she was unrealistic and needy.
I think the sequel will be better (the author is working on one). Also one thing you forget is that this is the author first story that she written like this. I would have gave this book a four or a solid three. It wasn't that bad.
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