Book Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

9/06/2012 2 Comments

                                               

I give this book a 4 star rating

I received this book in the mail on Friday going into Labor Day weekend and spent the weekend reading it. Let me tell ya; I’ve never read a book as suspenseful as this one. It was torturous at times. And the ending fractured my heart. It didn’t break it because there is hope. I just hope Michelle doesn’t disappoint me in her next book in this series because I’ll cry.

Yes, you read that correctly: I. Will. Cry.

There were a lot of things I loved about this book: Noah (of course), Mara and Noah’s relationship, Mara’s family (they’re awesome), and a lot of the questions I had were answered. Except for why do they call her Mara when that’s supposedly not her "real" name? However, I think I got it figured out. I cheated and went on Michelle Hodkin’s website and read her FAQ section. She doesn’t tell you why, but I think I got the hints. But she did say we’ll find out the answer to that question in her last book to this series which will be out in the fall of 2013.

Again, torture.

The reason why I gave this book a 4 star rating is because there were parts in it I was frustrated about. Such as the following:

1.) There were chapters in this book that reverted back to another time in India. I think it was to show the reader a connection between Mara and her grandmother and the "ability" they have. I didn’t really care for that part and found myself wanting to skip over those chapters (I didn’t) because I was on a nail-biting edge to find out what was going on. But I can see why Michelle did it and it didn’t diminish the story. It was just distracting to me and I wish she could have woven that information into the story a different way.

2.) One thing after the other seemed to happen to Mara, it was like somebody kept pelting her with rotten food. I wanted the poor girl to get a break.

3.) The suspense was driving me crazy at times. I don’t do well with that much suspense. I almost had to take an anxiety pill. But I kept reading it because I like the characters and it’s a good story.

*shakes a fist at Michelle*

4.) I was hoping Noah would sound British in this next book but he still sounded like an American.

5.) She ended the book rather well, but I didn’t like the results of a certain person (I’m trying to be vague so it doesn’t spoil it for the people who haven’t read it yet) and I’m hoping it’s a big fat lie. But still, why oh why did she write it that way? Now I have to wait a year to find out if it’s true or not.

Mara ends up in an outpatient program, ran by a place called Horizons where she has to participate in group therapy with other troubled teens. Michelle did a wonderful and accurate job in portraying what a facility like Horizons would be like. The same goes for the counselors. Very believable.

Creepy things happens to Mara and she swears it’s Jude stalking her.

But is it?

Mara’s older brother Daniel tells her Jude’s hands were the only remains the police had found after the building collapsed. But she is still adamant Jude is after her. Noah believes her though, and does everything in his power to ease her mind.

So is Jude still alive?

Are these creepy, twisted things that are happening to Mara the workings of a delusional mind? Is Mara doing it herself?

Why is Mara sleeping walking?

Why is she having missing time?

Why is she forgetful?

Is Mara really a few M&Ms short of a bag?

You’ll find out the answers to those questions in this book. I warn you, though, and I have to say it again, it’s very suspenseful, but it’s worth it, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out.