I picked up this book by chance. I was visiting the
library and picked up several books. Some that made the cut while others only
lasted a few pages/chapters depending on my willpower. I’m amazed that I had
never heard of it and couldn’t find the summary of the story on the cover. I
only found accolades given to the book by various publications and the fact it
was optioned to become at film by Warner Brothers. My curiosity was peaked and
like the cat I was quickly caught up.
The novel introduces readers to Aria, a teenage from the world
of Reverie, where everyone lives in Pods. They experience the world through
virtual Realms. When the book opens, Aria is in the process of breaking out into
the real world or what she refers to as “the real” to find out about her mother
who she hasn’t heard from in some time. When her plan changes suddenly she is
sent in a direction she never imagined meeting outsiders who help her see the
truth of her world. Peregrine is stuck in his world with a dying nephew and a
brother unfit in his opinion to rule. When their two worlds collide both characters
are irrevocably changed.
The Good
This book has a beautifully crafted world. I was
fascinated by the different characters, their quirks and the environment. It
felt like I couldn’t get enough. In particular the beginning of Aria and Perry’s
relationship impressed me.
Aria is stuck
outside of her normal world and at first fears death until she is saved by
Peregrine (Perry) rather reluctantly. Both characters are feeling the same way,
Aria is terrified that she’s going to die but more worried about her mother
than anything. Perry is furious that he saved Aria in the first place which
caused his nephew to be kidnapped. He’s terrified that his ill nephew is in
danger. I love that both characters feel the same even though it places them at
odds. I particularly love the no one character is more right than the other. This
is not just something that happens in fiction folks, it can happen in real life
and the author displays this brilliantly.
Aria grows up during the story and is pretty evolved when
she reaches the end. She’s stronger and able to confront the tragedy she
experiences alone. I was amazed and impressed with how much I could identify
with her and how proud I was as she learns to stand alone. I felt like the proud
mama bird watching my baby take off for the first time.
Another of my favorite parts was the character of Roar. I
liked him from the first word. His companionship served both characters well
and he was a welcome addition to their initial antagonistic pairing. And his
presence helped open up this world readers knew little about. We learned about
Auds and Seers. I found out more about Perry which only served to deepen both my
and Aria’s interest.
I could keep going because there really wasn’t much I
didn’t like. The action was well placed and intense. This book was expertly
written and executed. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it.
The Not So Good
Only that I have to wait for the next book to find out
more. I was happy that there were bonus chapters at the end so I could get some
immediate relief in wanting to know what happened when Aria and Perry were
reunited.
The Verdict
It was breathtaking! This may be my favorite read this
year and I will end up reading the next one soon. I’m curious to find out how
the movie will be adapted. I’m ready to see it.
No comments:
Post a Comment