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Friday, September 7, 2012

Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Unspoken
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Publication: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher via netgalley
Genre: Young Adult
Audience: 12 and up

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Summary
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

My Thoughts: Kami is just a regular girl with one exception, she has an imaginary friend. She knows this isn't normal so she keeps her conversations with Jared to herself. It's easier if everyone thinks she outgrew her imaginary friend years ago. Kami has started a school newspaper and is looking for a story to crack. A lead sends Kami to investigate mysterious happenings in the woods. Each step she takes leads her to the newly returned Lynburn family and her no longer imaginary friend. To top everything someone is trying to kill Kami. The mysteries leave Kami wondering who is trying to kill her and who can she trust. 

Kami is an inquisitive and feisty girl. She's not scared of much, especially since she is never alone.  At times she seems reckless in her pursuit to crack the case. I'm not sure if she is really reckless or if this is just a front.  

Jared is a conundrum. He wants to come across as the strong bad boy, and he does this well. I'm not sure that is how he really is. I know he is confused by Kami being real and that has an affect on his behavior, but who he really is is cloudy. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow for me in the beginning but it picked up quickly. My favorite parts of the book include the unspoken dialogue between Kami and Jared, and when they bump into each other and find out that they are real. Their reaction to their realness was a little surprising to me. I enjoyed that even though there is a love interest and a possible love triangle the story is not too steamy. I found the ending shocking. I'm looking forward to the next book. I have so many questions and need answers. 



15 comments:

  1. I've been looking forward to this book! I always love a good mystery and slow-building romances, so this book sounds amazing :) Thanks for the great review!

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  2. This sounds like it has some potential and I love murder mysteries! Thanks for the review! I had never heard of this author or title before.

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  3. I love a mystery books too. Sounds like something my niece and I could read and discuss. We had such a fun time competing over the Series of Unfortunate Events. This would be more grown up and something we could actually have a talk about.

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  4. It sounds mysterious and intriguing. I like the "imaginary friend" idea. It sounds like a great book and I'll be adding it to my to-read list. Thanks for the review!

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  5. This sounds like an awesome book. I just love mysteries.

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  6. Unspoken sounds really good! I love the premise and mystery.
    A shocking ending eh? Maybe I'll wait until the second book is released to get this. >.<

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  7. First, thank you for your review. I like going into it knowing that the beginning is a little slow, but that it picks up and it is good. Next up, that cover is probably one of my favorite covers in a long time. It is so NOT generic, no dresses and girls and dudes. And blah! This one is amazing. And I am so excited about it. Thank you again!

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  8. I love Sarah Rees Brennan, I cantbwait to read this book. Thanks for the review. :)

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  9. What an intriguing plot and it sounds really good. I have yet to read anything by this author but I cannot wait to change that. So excited to read this!

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  10. This book sounds so creative and unique, and I absolutely love the cover. I really want to read this one. Thank you for your awesome review!

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  11. Kami sounds like one witty heroine.. love the cover and the story.

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  12. Kami sounds like one witty heroine! Love the cover ans awesome review.

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  13. He's confused on if Kami is real?...... That is odd. But the book sounds good. :D

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  14. I am just not sure how I feel about this book. I started reading it, but couldn't continue past the 2nd part because I could see that it was one of those books that would keep you guessing about the romance until the very last page, and I cannot STAND that kind of book. That drives me nuts, especially when the love interest is so obvious but the author is like "well, I'm not promising anything." No, I want the promise of something or I'm not reading. /end rant *sheepish grin*

    haha, anyway, good review!

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  15. So I know that I have already commented, but I had the chance to read the book since and I LOVED IT SO STINKIN MUCH!!! Kami is one of the best characters ever written. Jared is awesome. Every single supporting character had their own voice. I loved them all, even the ones that I hated! It was awesome. Until the end.... :( Can't wait for October and book 2!

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