Transparent by Natalie Whipple
Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.
An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.
After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.
Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.
Publishes in US: May 21st 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Series? Not sure. She says on her site she can neither confirm nor deny
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I love the premise of this and it drew me in quickly. I liked the simplistic but fun set-up. There were of course complexities to the plot, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how things would play out.
Fiona is a character that is easy to root for. I totally cannot imagine being invisible! In some ways, it would be awesome, but it others it would suck. And we get to see both of these drawbacks through her eyes. I felt so sorry for her how her dad treated her like a tool, a means to his end. It is so brave of her and her mom to try to get a fresh start.
Liked her relationship with her older brothers. Seemed realistic, and cool that they were close. The way they grew up and what they went through together made that bond even stronger. The protective side that Miles has, and their covert communication added another whole element to the story.
Bea is a lot of fun. She is a girl at the new school who befriends Fiona. She also is gifted and her and Brady are the strongest and the ones ostracized in a community of mostly normal mutations. She is able to throw her voice, and Brady has strength. I liked Fiona and Bea's friendship, and how Fiona (and myself as a reader) had to work through the trust issues, and see her for what she was. I liked how she was bold, and told it like it was. She didn't pretend like Fiona wasn't unique, and didn't sidestep around her abilities. She also was so funny. I loved her lines and she made me laugh a lot.
The other characters are great too. Brady, as I mentioned earlier is a guy at her new school, who is hot and has abilities. Seth is a hot math tutor, more of the broody kind that keeps to himself a lot. Bea has a ton of brothers, and I love the dynamic there as well. The dialogue feels authentic and it is downright hilarious at times. But there is a lot of emotional connections and depth when you look below the surface.
She eventually lets them in, but she is keeping to herself at first, so there is just the minor flirting with whom I will not say but I def had a clear team and would love to talk to someone about it if they have read. I liked the slow build of the romance though, and the bantering that helped lead up to it. I am glad that Fiona wasn't afraid to speak her mind to this person because it made him respect her more I think.
The town she is in just assumes that she is a spoiled brat and her dad put her there as a statement. Fiona's dad has a conflict going on with the leader of the area that Fiona and her mom are hiding it--hiding in plain sight, because they counted on her dad not thinking they would move into Juan's (his enemy) land.
It wrapped up pretty well, but I have the feeling that there will be a sequel. While it was a good ending, and tied up the book, I just sense that the resolution can't last forever. But I could be wrong.
Books similar to Transparent: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken, MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza, Mind Games by Kiersten White
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you like to be invisible for a day? What would you do with the ability?
I've been seeing quite a few of these invisible teen stories popping up lately. This sounds like a good one. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteHaha-we both reviewed this today! You liked it more than me-I just wasn't that impressed although at least I didn't hate it.
ReplyDeleteThat is good at least
DeleteYay on the slow-building romance. I've always wanted to own an invisibility cloack like Harry Potter has. LOL. I wouldn't want to be invisible myself though. I like that this story has character growth and some great relationships. Nicely done, Brandi! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe cloak would be a better solution since you could chose when
DeleteHmm… the fact that this was a standalone was actually a selling point for me. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
Standalones are few and far between, even with contemp these days.
DeleteI don't think I would like to be invisible for a day. I figure I would probably overhear someone say something bad about me. lol
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this, Brandi!
I know, so paranoid about those things
DeleteIt is kind of funny that even being invisible, she can't hide from her dad. I take it she can go in and out of visibility since she makes friends.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteSounds like a fun read. I must confess that I was surprised to read that it had emotional depth - not something I would have expected reading the synopsis. I don't think much of the cover though.
ReplyDeleteI didn't either!
DeleteFiona and Bea sound like really awesome characters! I'd definitely like to give this one a shot, if I have time. I liked how you said that Fiona had a good relationship with her brothers. Love mi familia! Awesome review, Brandi!
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question...eh. I don't really think that I would like it. Pfft. And if it was forced upon me, I have no idea what I would do. LOL.
I would want to know but am scared to know what others say about me
DeleteI haven't read too many reviews of this one yet, and I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. Anything that gets compared to The Darkest Minds and Mind Games is definitely a go for me! I'm glad to hear that the dialogue is funny too, that's always a plus. Fabulous review! :-) To answer your q, I don't think I would want to be invisible, even for an hour. I'd probably totally panic and lose my mind, and not even be able to do anything fun with it, like pulling pranks. :-)
ReplyDeleteI kinda just based on general description, but it felt similar to me.
DeleteAwesome review, I loved Darkest Minds so you have me curious. Invisibility seems to be a trend this spring.
ReplyDeleteYeah? what else?
DeleteSo great you have a story like that when you can really unterstand everything. It sounds really nice!
ReplyDeleteI know, some goes over
DeleteI've seen this book popping up recently but this is the first review I've read of it. So glad it's a good read.Super review.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteOh, yes, I loved this too and I was for the boy she ended up with from the very start. I thought this was very interesting and a bit different. I loved the Vegas/small town setting combination.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
I know, that was so neat
DeleteI haven't heard of this one. Thanks for putting it on my radar. Also, the romance sounds like a good one. Might make for a good summer read!
ReplyDeleteThe romance was fun.
DeleteI think I might be in minority in liking it
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the concert or backstage would be cool
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this one. I don't know if I'd like to be invisible, like you said, it could be cool but it would not be as fun most of the time. I feel like, if you felt like you had to be invisible to do something, it can't be anything good.
ReplyDeleteSince I don't want my pranky side to come out and play, I'd choose to be a visible being. But I surely like the sound of friendship in this one. Thanks for sharing, Brandi!
ReplyDeletePreviously I had only seen so-so reviews for this one and had thought I would set it aside for the time being, but since you liked it so much maybe I SHOULD at least give it a try. I'm not sure, but your review was pretty convincing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't even heard of this novel! Glad you liked it. It sounds very complex. That could be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWould I like to be invisible?? For a day, yes. I'd like to freak people out!1 Touch them on the shoulder and when they turn around no one is there. I'm easily amused!
Heather
I really liked this, too! It was such a fun read and I loved the premise. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteA really, really interesting premise. So happy it was good. I have had my eye on it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you enjoyed this, it is one that I have been looking forward to. Hopefully my library it. *fingers crossed* Bea and Fiona sounds wonderful, and so does the premise. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I didn't really want to pick this up because I wasn't all that interested in the idea. I wouldn't want to be invisible for a day. I feel like it's a terrible thing to be ignored and felt like no one will ever see you. I'm glad you enjoyed it but I don't think I'll be pick it up :s
ReplyDelete-Ariella @ Secrets of Lost Words
Now I totally want to start reading it right now! Transparent wasn't on my wishlist until now, but I can't wait to get a copy now. I especially love stories with emotional depth and characters I can relate to. Thanks for your review!
ReplyDelete