Review Detail

MY THOUGHTS
A glimpse at the synopsis, and one might think that this is just like every other YA book. While this book can be predictable at times, it's actually a very unique and enjoyable read!

This book focuses on Becca, a very smart 17-year old girl. In fact, she graduated high school at 15. Becca is very protective of her younger brother, Ryland, who is constantly made fun of for the voices that he hears. It's not uncommon for people to recommend 'help' or try to give 'help' to Ryland in the form of mental institutions. But one day, their family is approached by representatives from a school in Ireland. At first, Becca thinks this school is just another mental institution trying to 'help' her brother and is enraged. It turns out that Ryland isn't as crazy as everyone seems to think, he just has a special ability to read minds with no way to control it. Becca ends up agreeing with sending Ryland to the school (her mom already agreed, but we all know that Becca is as much in control when it comes to Ryland's life), but there's one condition: she must come too.

Becca is such an amazing character. What most defines her is her loyalty. She really loves her brother and will do anything to protect him. She also has always believed in her brother, never believing that he was crazy. Becca is just such an admirable character. She also has to learn in this book too. She's so used to being with her brother, always protecting him, that she has to learn that Ryland doesn't always need his big sister around and that's hard for her to come into terms with.

The world-building in this book was amazing! We get a full history of the Holders, along with other general info, but I never felt like I was being info-dumped. I was getting the info just as Becca was coming to learn them. Overall, the whole idea of the Holders was very creative. The book was also very fast-paced! I had a very hard time putting it down!

I loved the romance. I admit it, I thought they were perfect together and you can tell that they honestly did like each other. There was no insta-love in this book. Becca does have a bit of an insta-attraction, but I have no problem with those, because you're bound to have a crush on a cute, but sweet guy shortly after meeting. I still felt like the romance was done well.

IN CONCLUSION
Frankly, I loved almost everything about this book! The only issue that I can think of is the fact that there was a few typos. Other than that? Everything! This was such a great book! A very strong, loyal, yet realistic main character. A very interesting and well-developed plot. And a great romance! I definitely recommend this book and I will certainly be reading the sequel soon!