Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Living in the Dark by Rebekah Campbell

Title:  Living in the Dark
Author:  Rebekah Campbell
Series:  Darkness Through the Light #1
Published:  November 9th 2012 by Rebekah Campbell (first published November 1st 2012)
Page Count:  184 pages
Genre:  Paranormal Young Adult
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★



Synopsis from Goodreads:

Experiences can make us or break us and it's no different for sixteen-year-old, Emily.

Living under the roof of her abusive Uncle, Emily is brutally attacked by a gang and wakes up from a coma with no recollection of the accident.

As the amnesia starts to clear, Emily realises that her memory is not the only thing coming back to her from the accident. There's also a wild, angry power that she has to control before it destroys her and everyone else.

So the question remains: Will Experience make her or break her?


My Review:

Campbell’s book Living in the Dark is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would really like to give the book a 3 ½ star rating, however that is not an option. It is packed full of descriptions that make you giggle while bringing you closer to the characters and the story. On top of all of the challenges faced by those present within the pages of the book, the characters in the story are dealing with the typical issues of coming of age without seeming overly childish, or veering too far into the realm of adulthood. That said, you also see the typical overreactions of a teenager who, as of yet, does not know where he or she truly belongs in the world. They typical changes accompanying maturity are highlighted by the very prominent changes taking place in the main character. The main character is quite well developed; however, at times many of the minor characters appear rather flat, as if they are simply place holders to give the main character someone to converse with.

Time and time again I felt my heart twisting while watching the main character surviving against all odds, struggling and pushing back against adversity that no one should ever have to face, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, these circumstances are all too prevalent in today’s society and the author has a remarkable social commentary playing underneath the main storyline. Bullying, on both a large and small scale, is taken to the extreme and brought right to the forefront of the story, illustrating the serious consequences that can arise. Campbell also has the main character taking on this bullying alone, refusing the help of those who want to help her while questioning those who do not help her, thus leading the reader to question the main character herself. There is also the notion that those who are well off within society can do whatever they want because their money can buy them secrecy.

The author writes using a different character’s viewpoint in each chapter. In parts there are too many characters involved, jumping back and forth quite quickly. This begins to muddy the waters as to who is doing what. I also found that at times there was a lack of explanation during situations, leading me to ask “what” or “why”, assuming that a clarification would follow later in the book, which did not always happen. Neither of these issues detracted significantly from the storyline, which flows from beginning to end.
 







Get your copy here today!


No comments:

Post a Comment