Friday 9 November 2012

Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #2) 
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Series: Mara Dyer
Pages: 544
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult
Contact Michelle Hodkin - Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Review: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

The Evolution of Mara Dyer is the sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin and is a book which grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go, it kept me guessing throughout and left me yearning for the next book in this series.

This book delves more into what is happening to Mara, she is a really broken and complex character; unsure of what is actual reality, I felt for her and what she was going through, she feared being admitted for insanity but what she was experiencing was very real to her. We find out more about both Mara and Noah’s family history which was quite intriguing and it also filled in a few plot holes from the first book.

At the beginning of this book we see Mara admitted to a psychiatric institution due to the events which took place at the conclusion of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Mara knows that she can kill with her mind, and that Noah can heal with his. She is also convinced that her ex-boyfriend, Jude is not a hallucination and is definitely alive but trying to work out how he survived the asylum collapse is proving more difficult than expected.

My favorite aspect of The Evolution of Mara Dyer was the intricate plot.  It had such an enjoyably creepy and ominous feel to it that kept me mesmerized and wanting to know more. There were some scenes which literally had me squirming and throughout the book you never quite know if what Mara is seeing is actually real or in her head.

This book for me was so much better than the first! It has the creep factor which I loved, a romance which was oh so sweet and a plot that had me riveted! In my review of the first book I mentioned how much I liked Mara’s close-knit family unit and I am pleased it was ever present again in this book, older brother Daniel is wonderful and the support they show to one another an absolute delight to read about.

The romance between Mara and Noah is so sweet, I adore them; the emotional connection, the support and trust as well as the smexy banter - they are perfect for one another.

Ms. Hodkin has created a wonderfully engaging read which flows beautifully and leaves you questioning everything that occurs, I loved the mixed emotions I was experiencing, I was never quite sure what or who to believe and just as I thought I was beginning to understand a twist is thrown to really put me off.

A few of my questions from the first book were answered but I am also left with new questions after certain aspects weren’t fully explained and the cliffhanger (argh!) it is worse than the first.

This series is dark and the imagery detailed and at times quite spooky, I was completely hooked on this story and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Hodkin comes up with for us next.

Overall, The Evolution of Mara Dyer was a thrilling page turner with amazing characters, a great deal of mystery and a wonderful romance. I can’t wait to get hold of the next book in the Mara Dyer series, The Retribution of Mara Dyer which has an anticipated 2013 release date.

Book 1:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #1)

5 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you enjoyed this, Sharon! And I am especially happy that some of your questions were answered, I remember having many at the end of book 1!

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  2. Great review Sharon! I absolutely can't wait till I can read this! I love how it's creepy yet has that sexy (NOAH) factor ;)

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  3. Now I have to read the first book and get this one. I promised myself that I'd wait and see how the series would go before I'd get the first one because I was wishy washy on it but with all of these good reviews, I'm done for! Great review, dangit - I'm going to blame the blowing of my book budget on a select number of bloggers, including YOU. lol

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  4. I love page turning books! Sounds like one I'll have to check out!

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  5. I FORGOT JUDE WAS IN THE FIRST ONE. MAN, maybe I should re-read this book before picking up Evolution. Love your review, I wanted more Mara in the first book (well more on her "condition") and this book looks like it starts to answer some questions.

    Enjoy your Sunday, Sharon!

    Amber Elise @ Du Livre

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