Name: Stitch
Author: Samantha Durante
Publisher: Self
Release date: August 1st 2012
Pages: 314
Source: For review (from author for blog tour)
Rating: 4 starsHer heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.
Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.
Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...
[summary taken from Goodreads]
Beverley's Review
The striking premise which had such space for development was what first drew me to Stitch. The synopsis itself had me hooked and I wondered how Samantha Durante would spin this tale of love and torment and mystery.
True to its word, Stitch spans different genres and it is difficult to classify it under a particular one. This is perhaps what makes it so tantalizing and appealing. Elements of paranormal and romance, sci-fi and dystopian are all thrown into the baking mix to create a pleasing cupcake of a read. Before reading, I had reservations and suspicions that the author might be trying too hard and that the result would be a confusing slush pile. However, I am glad to be proven wrong and that the result was indeed a fine experience.
Another aspect which pleased me was that the potential of the premise was explored and developed. The storyline was nothing short of complex and new discoveries were constantly made, a factor which made my hand turn the pages frantically. I'm still wondering how on earth Samantha Durante thought up the core idea and put it in writing... it is certainly original and unique.
However the pacing wasn't to my tastes. The beginning of the book was slow, almost a tease. I wasn't even sure where the story was heading and there were times where I wanted to give up on it. But it's a book worth sticking with, no matter how hard it is to get into initially.
As the story ploughed on, I was glad to see some character development. At the start, I didn't connect with Alessa on a deeper level. This wasn't helped by the fact that the book is told in third-person. I was able to watch her grow and as she recovered her fearlessness and strong desire to make things right, she became a character worth investing in and admiring but unfortunately, I still wasn't able to really connect with her. I also wasn't convinced by the chemistry between her and Isaac so I'm hoping these points are developed further in the sequel.
All in all, Stitch is a riveting addition to the world of YA fiction and is one that will make its mark. Despite several flaws, it still succeeds in being a thoroughly enjoyable read, with complex characters and plots. So before you overlook yet another self-published book, take a chance on Stitch.
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| 4 teacups for Stitch! |
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy for the blog tour*
Hopefully I've enticed you enough to pick up Stitch! Wait no longer because Samantha has kindly offered an e-book copy for me to give away. Just fill in the Rafflecopter below to be in with a chance. The giveaway ends on November 5th 2012. (starts in about 8 hours since RC is set in EST time)
May the odds be ever in your favour!
Posts
Woah, how have I not heard of this before? It sounds amazing! It's a shame the beginning was slow, but I've read a lot of rewarding novels where the ending totally made up for the slow start, so I'll give this one a shot for sure. Fantastic review, Bev! :)
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy original, but I must also be drawn into the story & care for the characters. Riveting works for me.
ReplyDeleteI always have a hard time when a book starts slow, but I'm glad that it's worth it. It's good to hear that you liked it despite the little flaws. That's a great sign. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteOy! How have I noticed this before!? The cover, the description, your review,I love it ALL! Too bad about the pacing, but all things considered, that can be easily overlooked.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Beverley!
Brilliant review Bev! I actually had this one on my list for a while now and your review made me want to read it soon although I'm kinda skeptical about books written in a third person state as well as the pacing :/ But thanks for sharing this and for the giveaway :D
ReplyDeletexoxo, Mariam
Book-A-Holic
I'm wondering who this handsome ghostly presence is. Unfortunate about the pacing. It does sound like you enjoyed it even so. Wonderful review Bev. :)
ReplyDeletecool cover and interesting story=)
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks awesome! I love the sound of it, and the cover is stunning :) It's a pity the slow start put you off, that is always a bummer in books for me too. Glad you enjoyed it overall, though! Thanks for the review and giveaway :) <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review. It's cool it mixes genres and has a unique storyline- always a plus. I do hate it when books take awhile to get into, though, as it's hard to stick with it for sure!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
Ooohh I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Bev<3 I started it a while ago..and like you, I'm having difficulty connecting with Alessa :/ Hmm...Isaac..I'm going to take a wild guess and say he's the ghost? hahaaa Awesomeee review Bev! I can't wait to finish this :)
ReplyDelete