HI guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Recently, I've been in a READING mood. Go figure, right? No, seriously. I've been in a reading not writing mood, hence the smidgen of a break in posts on the site. No worries; I haven't called it quits. It's just one of those things that if I'm not in the mood to write, I'm not in the mood to write. It just doesn't flow and pushing myself to do it results in...well, not what I can call my best work. So, for those of you that are frequent visitors to the site, pardon my rest periods. They are fewer and far between but they do happen from time to time. Know I've not abandoned you for the stacks and yet....I have but only temporarily. Okay? Okay. Now, on with the show...
Today's featured selection landed in my mailbox just this past weekend. Thanks to some better planning on my part, this year's reading schedule has afforded me a bit more time to keep up with my obligations, slip in those that arrive unexpectedly, and even sneak in a pick from my own shelves once in a while. Pretty cool, huh? I know I'm stoked. ^_^ Anyway, back to today's selection....it features a Young Adult title that has mystery and romance tightly wound together in a dance to the end. Ladies and gents, get ready to dress for a night at the ballet as we welcome today's book of choice...
Unlovely
by
9781440582790
About the book.....
Accidents happen. But they happen more often when the beautiful ballet dancers return each year to Ocean Watch. Yet Harley, home from college for summer break, can’t resist the delicate Cassandra. A magical interlude begins, as bewitching as any romantic ballet. As the weeks go on, however, Harley watches Cassandra change. Obsessed with her role in the tragically haunting ballet Giselle, intensely attached to the other ballerinas, and deeply devoted to the darkly glamorous Madame Ravenska, Cassandra begins to decompose. When Harley at last uncovers the truth about what is really going on, it may be too late to save her. Will he even be able to save himself?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To like or not to like this book...that is the question.
No, no. More accurately stated it would be did I or did I not like this book.
My response....good question.
While it had elements that I found intriguing and a storyline that kept me plodding along like a lost puppy, I'm afraid I can't quite say with my usual OOMFPH that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Perhaps it was my inability to really connect with the scheming "bun" girls, or maybe it was my desire to see things come to a bigger head in the end than they truly did. Whatever it was, I'm not really in the fangirl category nor am I in the hater group. This time around and without a shadow of a doubt, I claim Switzerland...er, I mean, the middle ground.
For those that like mysteries, this one certainly has them. Somewhat creepy summer school for the dance inclined elite that always seems to spell trouble for the male species. Spooky ballet performances that seem to mimic real life a little TOO much. Dancing in the night (not in a good way), secrets, lies, and a whole lot of drama. For those that like a little romance, this one has it...in a very chaste manner indeed. Don't expect any under the sheet action, or detailed make out scenes, this one is all about the feeling of meeting that special someone who makes your knees weak and your confidence soar. For those that like to see childhood friendships tested, pasts come round full circle, and second chances realized, this one has all of that too; in both expected and unexpected ways.
In closing, I will say this...taking a chance on a dance with this title is something you won't soon forget though it may not receive a standing encore. It's cast of characters are mostly believable, especially Harley's gang, and the situations that hit closer to home will definitely strike a chord with those that have experienced a little lovesickness in their lifetimes. Once things hit the stage, they get a little foggy but see what you make of it. I'd love to know what you discover once the curtains fall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review copy received courtesy of the fab team at Merit Press. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the publisher, the author, or what to read next, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title hit store shelves earlier this month, so be on the lookout for it in a bookstore near you or at a virtual retailer of your choosing.
Until next time...happy reading!
Loving the cover but I can't help thinking about the film The Black Swan as I read the synopsis.
ReplyDelete