Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
Publishes in US: September 27th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Source: library
Series? Yes. Mara Dyer #1, The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #2) is already out Published Oct. 2012 and The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #3) publishes Oct 2013
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I came away from this book knowing being in Mara's head is an adventure I will not soon forget.
Michelle writing was great and I was constantly guessing what was going on. I didn't know if Mara was crazy if there was some paranormal aspect that I didn't know about or some other explanation. (Again, didn't look at genre and that just made it even more of an adventure.) I was confused at times, shocked at others, creeped out at spots and wondering about Mara but one thing I knew is: I didn't want to put down the book. I had to get to the bottom of what happened and what was going on.
I also couldn't get enough of the enigma that was Noah. Every time I thought I had figured him out, he would do something else that had me questioning again. But like Mara, I had to have more. Even knowing his bad boy personality and reputation, I couldn't look away. There were some breathtaking and hot scenes and I loved watching their banter and the chemistry.
I guess that I didn't rate this book higher since I was glued to the pages is because I am still confused. I will continue with the series at some point I am sure, but I still don't really understand exactly what was what, and what happened in this one.
Bottom Line: Fast paced and couldn't look way even though I was confused. A lot.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever seen something that can be explained?
I've had this book for ages, but just haven't had a strong urge to read it. I think it's because of the conflicting reviews, and I'm just not sure if this is my thing. But, I do plan to give it a try at some point. I'm glad you liked it overall, even though you are confused by the story. Thanks for sharing, Brandi!
ReplyDeleteI've seen lots about it too and had to try it for myself
DeleteI love a book that keeps me guessing, but being confused after reading it is not so good. I still will give it a chance though.
ReplyDeleteMaybe hardcore mysteries just aren't for me
DeleteI felt exactly the same way reading this as you did, Brandi! I'm so glad I'm not the only one because everyone else seems to love this series. I was totally confused and it was just....weird, IMO. I'm not continuing with this series. There are just too many other books I'd rather read. Great review, Brandi! :)
ReplyDeleteI still haven't decided if I was continuing or not
DeleteI started but didn't finish The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I did enjoy what I read and am not quite sure why I did put it down but may pick it up again. Thanks for your review :)
ReplyDeleteKayla @ K.G. INC
Totally feel where you are coming from
DeleteI've also read the second book and I'm still confused. You never know what's real and what isn't, but that's the beauty of the book :)
ReplyDeleteThat is true, I haven't decided if I am going to read the 2nd
DeleteI can't wait to read this series, so many people have said it's good. ;)
ReplyDeleteI really liked this one but I haven't read the second yet. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI love the Mara Dyer series! Definitely can be confusing, but that mystery kept me glued to the pages! Glad you did enjoy the book :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review!
I just needed to know a bit more
DeleteI've been meaning to read this series because, well, it has lots of good reviews. But with so many books coming out... it's now difficult that I'll take time, like... to go back in time? Something like :-)
ReplyDeleteIt def is hard to make time for everyting
DeleteDo you know this has been in my tbr forever!! I keep scheduling it and then pushing it back and I have no idea why..it's weird actually or maybe I am..LOL I am glad you enjoyed it and that it was memorable even if you still have oodles of questions! Great review Brandi and have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteI have tons that keep getting pushed back as well
DeleteI'm hesitant to start reading the series as I usually don't enjoy a story that confuses me. Glad that you find Mara a character that you won't soon forget. Noah sounds interesting. Thanks, Brandi!
ReplyDeleteI still think about her and I read this back in NJ
DeleteThe second book in the Mara Dyer trilogy is as amazing as the first one!! I cannot say enough good things about this book! Thrilling...suspenseful....romantic....
ReplyDeleteZaira Lynn (Fishing Charter Skagway)
I DNFed it but I really want to go back and give it a second chance. I hear the main point is to be confused at the end so who knows lol
ReplyDeleteAlise @ Readers in Wonderland
Hmmm I really love the fast-paced aspect and wondering what's going on, but I really do have to have a good conclusion at the end so I'm not sure how I'd feel about being left confused. Excellent review! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this quite a bit, and felt that the confusion helped to build suspense and intrigue. As is usual with me, the romance was the book's weakest points. So many eye-roll inducing moments between Noah and Mara! They do have chemistry though, so it wasn't too bad. Glad you liked it overall, Brandi.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the books that's been on my shelf for too long and I'm planing to read it soon. I have heard mixed reviews for this one and I can't wait to see what I think of it. I hope you'll enjoy the sequel more.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. I loved the sequel as well and can't wait for the last one in the series.
ReplyDeleteAndreea
I CANNOT wait to read this series! I have heard nothing but amazing things about them and the mystery, the characters, the romance, the world all sound amazing. Sorry it confused you, but I guess that's what mysteries do! lol ;p Hopefully, you'll enjoy the next one more! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Ahhh Noah Shaw is one of my favorites! I love this book and I am glad to see you enjoyed it as well Great review!
ReplyDeleteTeresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives
it's true that I saw this book a lot as well, but I don't know why I'm not that attracted. Well maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteI do remember that confusion factor. I'm wondering how the sequel is with that since I haven't read it yet. :)
ReplyDeleteI just did not like this book at all. I expected to love it, because it sounded so fantastic and all my blogger friends on Goodreads LOVED it, but I just really didn't like it at all. And the confusion was a big part of that. But I'm glad you enjoyed it! I wish I had, since so many people really loved it! Great review!
ReplyDeleteOhh, yes I feel the same way! Definitely way weird out and confused by the plot, but still very much couldn't put down. I haven't gotten to the second yet, but I understand it's also good.
ReplyDeleteI was kind of meh on this book but I did really love the ending and look forward to picking up the second book at some point.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a huge fan of this one, but I'm kind of curious about the rest of the series.
ReplyDelete