I love this novel! Yes, that is really all there is to it. Gena Showalter is already an amazing author, showcased in only every novel she has ever written, and this book highlights that perfectly. I am a Goth, (what you couldn't tell?) *spins in a circle*, and Gena must have had some strong connection to Goths, because this book portrays us so well! The message of this book, that it is okay to be original, that it's fine to stand up for yourself and what you are, is wonderful. Wonderful beyond words, and no matter what I say, only reading the book itself will do it justice.
Jade was wonderful. I loved her snarky narration of the novel; she was positively perfect! Everything she said clicked, and she never whined about her mother dying, she wanted to be different, and she was strong. She took care of herself, and everyone else to mention it. I adored Clarik. You cannot go wrong with him. I normally read fantasy YA, as I'm sure you all have noticed by now, but this was a blast of cool, refreshing normal. Yeah, yeah, I know, they got stuck in a VR game, but the characters were normal! Particularly Clarik. *sighs dreamily* He's great, aye?
*SPOILERS*
I could not believe that he was reporting to Ms. Hamilton! I was so scared that he really hadn't cared about Jade at all, and that he was just being manipulative. And then, he wasn't, and I was so relieved.
*Spoilers are passed*
The plot really wasn't that winding, so I don't know what it was about it that captivated me so much. But it was entrancing, and I literally finished this book in a day flat. It was over way too soon, and I want a sequel! Come on, Gena, let us know how everything went after they got back! It was so creepy with all the Goths, and how the preps were the freaks. Even if it is a book, it is still jarring to see your reality turned upside-down. This plot, however, was killer. I could not stop reading this book. Everything about it, characters, setting, plot, you name it, made me boundlessly happy. It brought me a great amount of joy to read, and then to reflect on.
Her settings were awesome. I loved Cafe Young Blood, of Giovanni, whatever. I can translate if I want to, right? The school sounded just like every other school, but there was that underlying factor just like with the plot that I just can't put me finger on. It was comforting, and I loved it.
I've actually read this book twice, it is now added to my Goth Classics Shelf. I read it the first time a long time ago, and never got a review up, and I just reread it about a month ago because it was so enjoyable. Gena has really outdone herself with this novel. Did you love it as much as I did? I'm positive it can't have been just me. This book was amazing beyond belief.
This book is great for anyone. Sci-fi readers, fantasy, romance, comedy. A perfect, near-flawless novel that I will probably still reread again. And again. Go pick it up! Off you go!
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