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A review by paradoxically
Silence by Michelle Sagara
4.0
I like everyone in this book. That's kind of insane. For all that the characters are somewhat understated, there is just something immensely likable about them, even if they're not trying to be likable. They have this edge, a sort of "Right. And so?" They don't waste time with hysterics or not believing and, okay, it's not all that realistic, but you really can't help but like them anyway. Or at least I did.
Silence is a quiet book (pun unintended). No real loud emotions, but it moves and you're feel compelled to read along. Emma doesn't put up with shit from anyone. Neither do her friends. It's kind of amazing how much she trusts her friends. Heck, what's even more amazing is that the author doesn't descend into petty high school stereotypes. Each character stands on their own, and they might be popular and pretty, but that is not all of what they are (and they aren't vapid and mean and have I yet stated how much the not using of high school stereotypes gladdens me? Because it does.)
Emma just sort of sees dead people. But she doesn't see them everywhere (it's not all that often, actually) and she doesn't really bother keeping it a secret from her friends. This is, in my opinion, one of the most unbelievable parts of the book (ignoring the seeing dead and necromancy and--well, you get it, I hope) because her friends accept the truth right away. It helps that Emma can display proof, but you'd think that they'd need to have some time to come to grips with what is being revealed. That said, I was rather glad we didn't have to go through pages of her friends shunning her or denying everything.
The plot was a bit confusing. It doesn't help that not much is explained to Emma, and thus us as well. Eric, the one who was with Emma the night she unlocked her powers, is rather tight lipped about what is going on. Ostensibly for Emma's own good, but you can't help but think it'd be a lot more helpful for Emma if he told her what was going on. The ending is a rush of words and actions that still don't make all that much sense to me, but it was great anyway, aha. It is confusing, but it's lovely all the same, and there are moments that pretty much grab at your heart and squeeze.
It's an excellent start to a series. I look forward to the next book. 4 stars.
Silence is a quiet book (pun unintended). No real loud emotions, but it moves and you're feel compelled to read along. Emma doesn't put up with shit from anyone. Neither do her friends. It's kind of amazing how much she trusts her friends. Heck, what's even more amazing is that the author doesn't descend into petty high school stereotypes. Each character stands on their own, and they might be popular and pretty, but that is not all of what they are (and they aren't vapid and mean and have I yet stated how much the not using of high school stereotypes gladdens me? Because it does.)
Emma just sort of sees dead people. But she doesn't see them everywhere (it's not all that often, actually) and she doesn't really bother keeping it a secret from her friends. This is, in my opinion, one of the most unbelievable parts of the book (ignoring the seeing dead and necromancy and--well, you get it, I hope) because her friends accept the truth right away. It helps that Emma can display proof, but you'd think that they'd need to have some time to come to grips with what is being revealed. That said, I was rather glad we didn't have to go through pages of her friends shunning her or denying everything.
The plot was a bit confusing. It doesn't help that not much is explained to Emma, and thus us as well. Eric, the one who was with Emma the night she unlocked her powers, is rather tight lipped about what is going on. Ostensibly for Emma's own good, but you can't help but think it'd be a lot more helpful for Emma if he told her what was going on. The ending is a rush of words and actions that still don't make all that much sense to me, but it was great anyway, aha. It is confusing, but it's lovely all the same, and there are moments that pretty much grab at your heart and squeeze.
It's an excellent start to a series. I look forward to the next book. 4 stars.