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A review by kirstenann5
The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin
4.0
So first, the Mara Dyer series has become one of my favorite series ever, and I feel terrible for not reviewing all of them. So for now, I'm reviewing this one.
I was incredibly excited to read from Noah's perspective, and that part did not disappoint. He's quite the character in the Mara Dyer series, so getting into his head is fun. Noah knows what he wants and uses his charm and snark to get it. His views on people around him, and his cynicism are really interesting to read, and of course, his undying love for Mara. Speaking of Mara, I felt like we barely saw her. Mara is a great character in her series, but seeing her from Noah's perspective made her feel extremely flat. It almost made her seem like a totally different character. I did appreciate that Noah's love for her was realistic. It wasn't just pure infatuation but came with doubts and fears and arguments.
Going back to Noah, reading about his depression was refreshing. As someone who suffers from these thoughts, it felt very realistic and relatable. There is a scene where he is looking at his friends and wondering what makes them feel happy and whole, and wondering what he is missing. That particular scene really got me.
As usual, the supporting characters are fantastic. Lots of books have meh supporting characters, but I love how fleshed-out Jamie and Daniel are. They are both excellent characters who interact with others in an interesting way and have their own personality. I really love what a comic relief Jamie is, but I also love how sincere he is, and his care for Mara. His cheeky flirting and witty comments are great. And Daniel is such a good brother. He plays a nerdy wholesome good guy so well. We're also introduced to Goose, one of Noah's childhood friends, who ends up playing a part in the plot. He's fun at times, but mostly felt forced. There are other supporting characters who are alright, but I'll keep this spoiler free.
Plotwise...it was okay. The middle dragged on way too much. So much back-and-forth dialogue explaining details and exposition. I felt like it didn't really pick up until the last quarter. The ending packs a big punch. (though not like the last book, which I'm still emotionally recovering from!) There is a big event, which wasn't really explained why it happened, but I sense Michelle will be explaining it in the next book. (Waiting with anticipation!!)
Overall, fairly good. I truly love reading from Noah's perspective. I love the characters and the world and story of these books. But this particular book, plot-wise, may have not been the best. Excited as heck for the next one!
I was incredibly excited to read from Noah's perspective, and that part did not disappoint. He's quite the character in the Mara Dyer series, so getting into his head is fun. Noah knows what he wants and uses his charm and snark to get it. His views on people around him, and his cynicism are really interesting to read, and of course, his undying love for Mara. Speaking of Mara, I felt like we barely saw her. Mara is a great character in her series, but seeing her from Noah's perspective made her feel extremely flat. It almost made her seem like a totally different character. I did appreciate that Noah's love for her was realistic. It wasn't just pure infatuation but came with doubts and fears and arguments.
Going back to Noah, reading about his depression was refreshing. As someone who suffers from these thoughts, it felt very realistic and relatable. There is a scene where he is looking at his friends and wondering what makes them feel happy and whole, and wondering what he is missing. That particular scene really got me.
As usual, the supporting characters are fantastic. Lots of books have meh supporting characters, but I love how fleshed-out Jamie and Daniel are. They are both excellent characters who interact with others in an interesting way and have their own personality. I really love what a comic relief Jamie is, but I also love how sincere he is, and his care for Mara. His cheeky flirting and witty comments are great. And Daniel is such a good brother. He plays a nerdy wholesome good guy so well. We're also introduced to Goose, one of Noah's childhood friends, who ends up playing a part in the plot. He's fun at times, but mostly felt forced. There are other supporting characters who are alright, but I'll keep this spoiler free.
Plotwise...it was okay. The middle dragged on way too much. So much back-and-forth dialogue explaining details and exposition. I felt like it didn't really pick up until the last quarter. The ending packs a big punch. (though not like the last book, which I'm still emotionally recovering from!) There is a big event, which wasn't really explained why it happened, but I sense Michelle will be explaining it in the next book. (Waiting with anticipation!!)
Overall, fairly good. I truly love reading from Noah's perspective. I love the characters and the world and story of these books. But this particular book, plot-wise, may have not been the best. Excited as heck for the next one!