The Archived (The Archived #1)

First Thoughts:
I had been looking forward to reading The Archived ever since I saw preview in the back of The Near Witch. The idea of a place where the dead rest on shelves like books? How could that not be a great premise? I really enjoyed The Near Witch, so I was super excited when I was able to trade for an ARC of The Archived through the YA Book Exchange.

And Then:
I truly loved this book. The plot was unique and well thought out. When reading, I didn't feel like I had read the same type of story in another book (which has been happening quite a bit lately). It was well and truly one of a kind.
I love when an author's world building really gives me a clear picture, as if I am watching a movie in my head. Victoria Schwab really achieved that for me in this book. The plot was fast paced and thrilling. There were many creepy twists and turns that I did not see coming. (I love when that happens.) The writing was lyrical and had such a nice flow to it. The main character Mackenzie was tough and brave, but also had a sentimental side. She was very likable and I enjoyed going on this journey with her. The romance was sweet, and not a huge part of the novel. Still, I felt that the way it was incorporated worked really well with the plot and pacing.
There are a few things in the book that I felt could have been explained a little more. For example, I would have liked a little more detail about how the "histories" could actually wake up and walk around. I mean, they are dead right? If they are only the person's memories, how do they have bodies? Maybe there was something more that I missed, but logically speaking, I didn't quite get some of the more technical aspects of how it all works.
Besides that, this was a beautiful story filled with heartbreak, love, and loss. The author really made me think about truth and lies, past and present, and how easily they can blur together. I especially loved the parts where Mac was remembering the time she spent with her Da (grandfather). It is written in flashbacks, and the relationship it revealed between the two characters added something very special to the story.

Overall:
I really enjoyed The Archived. I would recommend it to anyone who likes their paranormal to have some depth to it. It really leaves you with something to think about in regards to life/death, love/loss, truth/lies. This was another winner for me by Victoria Schwab. I will be eagerly anticipating her next novel.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
ARC received from Disney Hyperion at ALA
Release Date: 1-22-2013
Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn
The Sisters Say: Brilliant, Bewitching and Beautifully Written

Wow!!!! At first this was not high on my TBR list. I had heard good things, but there was so much more I needed to read. And then I made a trade with another blogger, so I read it quickly before sending it off. And I am SO GLAD I did! This book was so uniquely addicting that I read it in one sitting. The characters were full of life (or death...you know, if they were a History) and Victoria's world bled from the page. It was perfect--I wouldn't change a thing!

From Chapter 1, I was immediately entranced by the poetry in Victoria’s words. I could immediately relate to Mackenzie, and my heart broke for her loss. She has lost Da, her mentor, and Ben, her little brother; and through Victoria’s words, I felt Mac’s pain as if it were my own. There was one part in the first chapter where Mac says, “The silliest things shatter you.” She goes on to talk about how after you suffer a loss, you try to move on—but the small things, a ball under a bed, a crumpled up t-shirt in the corner of a room can bring all the pain flashes back to you at the speed of light. But instead of that light, you are shrouded in darkness. The writing was so full of emotion that I just knew this book was going to be amazing. And it was.

Mac was the perfect heroine—strong-willed, curious, but flawed and easily broken (in spirit, not in body). She was truth wrapped up in the guise of a Keeper, one who returns Histories who have escaped the Archives. I loved watching her as the digs deeper and deeper into the conspiracy. I loved watching her fall victim to her own insecurities and suspicions. But most of all, I loved watching her conquer those insecurities and fight back for her world and her life. She pushed through, even when the cards were stacked against her. Trust me, Mac will have you punching a fist into the air and yelling, “Go get ‘em!”

And then the guys…oh, there are so many guys that will leave you with a bit of drool on your chin. I don’t know how Victoria did it, but there were so many guys that caught my attention: Roland, Wes, and Owen. I mean, wow! I didn’t know who to choose!

I loved Roland’s sense of humor and his loyalty. I felt like I could trust him immediately. He was charming and, maybe I’m wrong, but I think he has a thing for Mac. I really enjoyed the conversations between him and Mac. They were clever and heartfelt. Even when Roland was being a jerk, you could tell it was for Mac’s own good.

And Wes...otherwise known as “Guyliner.” I’m not normally a fan of guys that wear eyeliner, but somehow, Wes makes it hot. He seems like he has a dark side, and if you know me, I’m a sucker for the dark side. But, Wes was more than that—he was mysterious, and at times I just knew he was hiding something. But he still managed to sweep me off my feet.

And Owen…he’s a complete mystery. He’s sexy in his own way, and Mac immediately feels for his position. She wants to help him, and darn it, so do I! Not much is known about this mystery man, but, if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to know more!

So…there’s this entire slew of guys that Mac can pick from, and let me tell you, when she does—it is oh so steamy hot! There were some kissing scenes that left me blushing from head to toe, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I re-read them once or twice….okay, three times. The question is…with who? I won’t tell, you’ll have to check it out on your own.

Victoria builds an amazingly captivating world that will draw you straight into the romance, betrayal, and suspense. She keeps you guessing right up until the very end, and I, for one, can’t wait for the next book!