A review by joyceheinen
Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 “Neverworld Wake” is a book that takes you to a world between reality and illusion. I didn’t have any expectations, but the book took me by surprise.
 
Beatrice hasn’t seen her friends in a year. Once they were a close group and very popular in school, until the unexpected death of one of them changed everything. When Beatrice is invited to a private party with the old group, she decides to go, hoping to learn more about her boyfriend Jim’s death. When there, a mysterious man knocks on the door. He tells them they are stuck in time, a problem that can only be solved if they make an impossible decision.
 
I do read Young Adult novels from time to time. This book felt so much more mature though. The story is very original and I love the constant mysterious atmosphere. You have no idea what will happen next and it has some good twists (besides from the ending, I kind of predicted that one). But still, the book didn’t blow me away and there were some moments that dragged.