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A review by seraphjewel
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2.0
Re-read March 21, 2024
I saw this book in the bookstore a while ago and remembered liking parts of it. I never got around to reading the whole trilogy, so I figured to read through this one again and continue on. I couldn't even make it all the way through the first book. I really do not like Noah as a character, and as he's obviously going to be the love interest, I can't bring myself to keep reading about him.
The good stuff that I noted in my original review is still good. Noah just ruins the reading experience. This guy made me so uncomfortable with how he kept following Mara around and pushing himself on her even after she told him to leave her alone. He basically acted like he didn't care about her feelings, and when she tried to push him away he just followed her. The guy actually said the line, "You're not like other girls." Why are controlling jerks who ignore the girl's wishes played up as legitimate romantic partners? This book was written ten years ago and I still see this kind of male lead show up in books.
Shout out to Jamie, though. I know he was just the token gay best friend archetype, but he was still the most entertaining part of the book.
Original review: November 12, 2012
I picked up this book just to kill time during my lunch break, liked the character's voice and decided to give it a chance. Now that it's over all I can think of is, "what happened?"
Parts of it were brilliant. Being a fan of psychological thrillers, I loved how Mara struggled with her hallucinations and questioning herself. I loved how I didn't know if what she was seeing really happened or if it was all in her mind. I loved the mystery behind the mysterious deaths along the way.
And guess what ruined it all? That's right, the love story. Why are stalker perfect boyfriends such a thing in teen fiction? It made me want to scream and shake Mara while asking "What are you doing?!" She was warned multiple times by her only friend about this guy but she keeps pursuing Noah anyway. By the time the last third of the book rolled around, I was inwardly groaning at this couple.
This story would have been fine or, dare I say it, better without the love interest. I wish I could give it more stars because I honestly did love parts of the story. But there were so many unbelievable moments that I can't while still being honest.
If you love paranormal teen romance, this is for you. It's a lot like many of the other paranormal teen romances out there. As for me, I think I need a break from this genre.
I saw this book in the bookstore a while ago and remembered liking parts of it. I never got around to reading the whole trilogy, so I figured to read through this one again and continue on. I couldn't even make it all the way through the first book. I really do not like Noah as a character, and as he's obviously going to be the love interest, I can't bring myself to keep reading about him.
The good stuff that I noted in my original review is still good. Noah just ruins the reading experience. This guy made me so uncomfortable with how he kept following Mara around and pushing himself on her even after she told him to leave her alone. He basically acted like he didn't care about her feelings, and when she tried to push him away he just followed her. The guy actually said the line, "You're not like other girls." Why are controlling jerks who ignore the girl's wishes played up as legitimate romantic partners? This book was written ten years ago and I still see this kind of male lead show up in books.
Shout out to Jamie, though. I know he was just the token gay best friend archetype, but he was still the most entertaining part of the book.
Original review: November 12, 2012
I picked up this book just to kill time during my lunch break, liked the character's voice and decided to give it a chance. Now that it's over all I can think of is, "what happened?"
Parts of it were brilliant. Being a fan of psychological thrillers, I loved how Mara struggled with her hallucinations and questioning herself. I loved how I didn't know if what she was seeing really happened or if it was all in her mind. I loved the mystery behind the mysterious deaths along the way.
And guess what ruined it all? That's right, the love story. Why are stalker perfect boyfriends such a thing in teen fiction? It made me want to scream and shake Mara while asking "What are you doing?!" She was warned multiple times by her only friend about this guy but she keeps pursuing Noah anyway. By the time the last third of the book rolled around, I was inwardly groaning at this couple.
This story would have been fine or, dare I say it, better without the love interest. I wish I could give it more stars because I honestly did love parts of the story. But there were so many unbelievable moments that I can't while still being honest.
If you love paranormal teen romance, this is for you. It's a lot like many of the other paranormal teen romances out there. As for me, I think I need a break from this genre.