So, since it's been so long, I figured we'd start from scratch with book review number 1...
Sisters, Sydney and Ally definitely have a complicated love-hate relationship, that's for sure! Ally might be a little too trusting, especially when there's a new family that moves across the street. What's the "boy next door" hiding? And, while Sydney, usually can't stand her sugar and spice, everything's nice, sister, how far is she willing to go to protect her? Read "Twisted Fate" to find out!
I received an uncorrected proof, copy of "Twisted Fate" several years ago, and unfortunately, haven't had a chance to read it until now (panic laughing ensues).
"Twisted Fate" was officially released in 2015, and was Norah's first YA (Young-Adult) novel. I'd describe it as a contemporary, YA, mystery. I could definitely feel that it was a first YA novel. While it's a little choppy in parts (which I'm sure was smoothed out in the final print), its definitely an intriguing and fast paced read. It jumps right into the main mystery and immediately has you wondering what is going on.
You get multiple different perspectives of the story from many of the characters (majority of the book has a past tense setting). And it shows really well how the same details of a story (in real life and on paper) can be misunderstood and distorted by each person. Since it does follow so many different perspectives, at times I found it difficult to follow the plot and what was actually going on. Once you think you have a handle and inkling of what's taking place, you get to the next chapter and it makes you question what you just thought you figured out, the plot, the characters and their motives, everything! However, it does a decent job of showing each person's mental health, and/or deterioration of such. It also touches on the effect lack of proper attention children may receive from a parent(s), can have on them.
Some of the character's perspectives given, almost seem unnecessary, not really providing groundbreaking information, already provided to the reader, whether directly given or implied. I appreciated that the chapters were fairly short, the longest being 10 pages, so you're never bored or feeling like one scene or setting is dragging on too long. There are some stronger themes in it than I expected, but those themes generally weren't written about in detail (some directly mentioned, others hinted i.e., drug use and child abuse). There was also some strong language throughout the book, and while I wasn't thrilled about that, it did fit the character's personalities.
I finished "Twisted Fate" in just two days (had I not had other things to tend to I could have finished it in one), I felt like 258 pages was not enough. The ending came very abruptly, with only some character clarification and loose ends being tied up. I figured out one of the main plot points about a quarter of the way through (pay attention and you'll see it too!), and a secondary point about halfway as well, but the last left me surprised (don't worry, I'm not gonna spoil any of it!). Other things are left for the reader to conclude for themselves.
Overall though it was a fast paced, easy read, that kept me on my toes!
Now (of course) I'm curious how the final print turned out, I'm totally going to have to check it out!
I know this was a short review (to be fair it was a short book), but since it was so short, I should have another one coming in the next few days!
In the meantime, here's a couple of my favorite quotes from "Twisted Fate"
Let me know what you thought of "Twisted Fate" in the comments below!
-Morgan
