Today is my stop for The Rules for Disappearing blog tour, hosted by Shane at Itching For Books! I have a review to share with you all, as well as a giveaway! To check out the rest of the tour, click here.
Jen's Review
by Ashley Elston
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: May 14, 2013
The one
thing that stands out for me when I first heard about The Rules for Disappearing was the fact that it's about the
Witness Protection Program. I had never read anything like it before, so I was
instantly curious and itching to read it. This book, more than ever, is a
mystery. But more importantly, I felt that it was stronger as a romance, and a
self-realization type of story. While this book was an entertaining read, it's
not the most memorable.
One of
the main factors that slowed down this book for me was that the overall plot of
the story is interesting, but the pace gets slower as the reader gets closer
and closer to the end. You'd expect the opposite: a mystery leading up to a
fast-paced climax of the story, but personally for me, I was getting sleepier
by each page. I loved the concept of the Witness Protection Program, but the
mystery wasn't all that amazing. We got introduced to the story behind it all,
and it was one of those "Okay, nodding my head, I'll go along with it, but
I don't NEED to know what's happening" type of situations. It was fun to
read about, but not gripping or heart-racing in any way. And the ending? So
disappointed. It ended so abruptly, and the mystery was solved way too easily,
leaving the reader wanting more of a mind-blowing resolution.
What's
more strange, is that I absolutely LOVED the romance-- it's the strongest point
in the whole novel-- but I didn't like the main character, Meg, independently.
Meg alone is a sullen character, and she literally has no self-control. Sure, I
understand that she's tired of moving so much and that she should keep to
herself, but just because meeting a cute boy in a new town does NOT mean you
can lose all control and fall in love with him, especially when you're under
strict WPP rules. However, I'm glad this romance happened because it's
seriously so sweet; I could taste the sugar on my tongue whenever they were
together! Ethan, the love interest, doesn't hesitate to help and find out about
Meg, and he was just the kindest, most endearing male specimen ever. SWOON,
much?
In all,
while the plot and mystery were pretty slow-going, the romance did it all for
me. The romance was what kept me reading, and it's really something you don't
want to miss out on if you're a romance junkie (like me). The Rules for Disappearing doesn't have the
most memorable plot, but it is still a fun, quick mystery.
3 teacups for The Rules for Disappearing!
*Thanks to Disney Hyperion, Netgalley, and Shane for providing me with a review copy!*
Giveaway!
Happy reading!
Jen xx
Posts
Exactly how I felt about the book! I loved the concept of Witness Protection Program at first, until it lost its importance to high school drama :/ Not sure why they're dragging this out into a series, The Rules for Disappearing would have made a great stand-a-lone! Ethan's my favourite character, maybe Pearl too :D
ReplyDeleteAlicia @ Summer Next Top Story
Sorry the mystery angle and Meg didn't really do it for you Jen, but I'm really glad you were happy with the romance! I liked this one a bit more than you did, and I have massive love for Ethan, he was just too adorable not to fall in love with:) Do you think you'll pick up the next book? I'm curious to see where things will go now... Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteI've only read one book about the witness protection program (two if you count its sequel..) but it was really interesting. I had never read anything like it before so the action and story was fascinating. It is a shame that the plot of this book, isn't memorable, but I'm glad you still enjoyed it. The romance sounds great! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jen :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes, if I like the romance enough, I can easily forgive the weaker aspects of a book. ;) A lot of blogger friends seem to have liked Ethan's character, so I'm hoping I do too. Great review, Jen!
ReplyDeleteGood review. Thank you for participating on the tour!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's so rare that a romance keeps the story going. I'm glad that was the case in this situation, though, so I'm curious to check it out, though wary as well. I'll see if I have time to squeeze this into my schedule. Amazing review, Jen! :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, well unfortunately I am not a romance junkie (even though the one here does sound pretty good), so it doesn't seem like this one would have a lot going for me. I am very bummed that the mystery was so poorly executed because a well done mystery is one of my favourite things. Ah, oh well. Your review was very helpful though!! Now I know that I should probably take this one off my tbr.
ReplyDelete