In a recent survey I was recently reading, over 50% of people said one of the reasons they chose a specific book to read was because of the cover/dust jacket. With new authors or just authors you’ve never read before sometimes that’s all you have to go on, sometimes the synopsis isn’t enough.

Today I wanted to write a review on a book I chose initially because of the cover alone…. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin.

Full Synopsis Here from Goodreads….

I’m glad that I can give you a synopsis from Goodreads on this book, namely as its hard to describe this book and what its about without giving too much away.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover alone, the artwork is intense and amazing (Although if you want to see great artwork, check out the cover her for The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2)). Having done a few ‘water’ piece artworks myself I know what goes into these and the level of skill needed – I know I’m a geeky tech head, but things like this are sometimes over looked by people.

The synopsis had me intrigued though, it was original and yet still a young adult/paranormal/urban fantasy with some romance through in too! I’ve read so many books under that kind of genre that to get originality these days is sometimes hard (How many vampire/werewolf/angels/zombie books are really on the market? This book does not contain ANY of these – see original!). What the synopsis doesn’t tell you is the sheer depth and twisted nature this book takes you too. Its a head F… ok you get the idea I think. This book really does have everything though; humour (although mild), love, romance, action, despair; its eerie, ominous… I could sit here with a thesaurus and not come close to how this book can make you feel with the story telling of Michelle Hodkin.

The story is mainly centred around Mara and her life after the ‘accident’ (If you want to call it that), it is also told from her point of view. I really enjoyed her as a character, I liked seeing her push her own boundaries, question her actions/decisions and also her mind. I couldn’t get enough of Noah – he reminded me of someone I was at school with many years ago! I loved Noah’s ‘life/history’ too, we wasn’t given this straight away, but it made you understand him more and his actions. There are many other characters you will meet along the way, some have stronger voices than others – some you will hate and loathe.

Without going into detail as I do not give spoilers in my reviews as you know, I liked how the story dealt with the ‘incident’ (I hope everyone knows what I’m talking about) Mara went through – I really felt her despair. With everything that happened (Taking away the paranormal aspect obviously)I felt a realism to the characters. I could imagine Mara, Noah and even friends who died.

It is without a doubt that Book 2 will be amazing, Michelle Hodkin has an amazing mind. The cliffhanger she left us on was just plain mean – but I know authors love to keep us wanting more! This book contains some mild sexual references, but I feel anyone 14 upwards could read this book and enjoy it!

5 out of 5 stars for keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the book, making me feel Mara’s pain and the ‘twisted’ descriptions which I personally love (I  have a warped mind what can I say!). This book is amazing **applauds Michelle**

Lots of Love,
Mel xxxx