Monday, September 17, 2012

Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan


Title: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy, #1) 

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan 

Rating: 4 Stars 

Unspoken is a novel that now, looking back, I can see had a huge margin for error. In fact, in the hands of a less-experienced author, I am confident that this story would have fallen apart, but Sarah Rees Brennan manages to pull it off. I am always awe-struck by the innovative ideas she thinks of and even more in awe of her flawless method of execution. Yet, despite the precarious line that this story balanced on and my incredibly high expectations, Unspoken managed to be every bit as breathtaking, hilarious, and heart-warming as I had imagined.

Kami Glass has grown up in her small town, Sorry-in-the-Vale, hearing a voice in her head her whole life. While most people seem to think Kami has an imaginary friend, she knows better. Jared, the boy whose thoughts, emotions, and memories she shares, has been her constant companion throughout her childhood, but when Jared moves into Kami’s small town, the situation may just be too bizarre for the two to handle. After all, who ever expects to meet the person who knows their every thought, dream, feeling, and secret? In the midst of this new complication though, animals are being slaughtered in the woods behind Kami’s house and the Lynburns, the aristocratic family of Sorry-in-the-Vale who inspired fear amongst the town’s citizens, have returned. Suddenly, Kami’s life is beginning to become a lot more interesting…and dangerous!

I feel as if I could write an entire post about Sarah Rees Brennan and still not gush enough about her. While I admired her writing style in The Demon’s Lexicon, complete with her signature wit, complex character relationships, and hilarious situations, nothing prepared me for the utter beauty of the writing in this novel. Unspoken flows in a way few books do these days and if the characters of this story hadn’t already stolen my heart, the writing surely would have. Furthermore, while the plot of this novel takes awhile to unfold, it is never boring and has you frantically flipping the pages, uncovering clue-after-clue of the mystery within these pages. Its many plot twists took me completely by surprise and while I feel as if I should have been able to predict what happened, the fact that I wasn’t able to is just another mark of Brennan’s writing prowess and talent over subtlety.  

Yet, what really made this novel as wonderful as it was were its characters. Kami is one of the most lovable protagonists I've come across and it seems impossible to me that anyone could resist her intelligence and charm. While she can come across as juvenile at times, her narration seeming to be younger than her actual age, her curiosity and thirst for answers is a journey you cannot help but be caught up in. Furthermore, she is utterly kick-ass with her unparalleled wit, independent nature, stubborn streak, and ability to hold her own. If that isn’t enough to want you to make Kami your best friend, she’s unerringly loyal, intelligent to a degree of insanity, and so strong that I can only admire her. In other words, Kami Glass is a heroine that comes alive on the page and it is her, more than anything else in this novel, which keeps this story shining.

While Kami was the central, and really one of the strongest, points of this book, Jared won me over as well. Jared seems to be like any bad boy from the surface, but as we get to know him better, we begin to see the chinks in his armor - his inner insecurities, his dependability upon Kami, and his immense capacity for love and kindness. Jared is a character who grows on you, stealthily making his way into your heart and staying there, despite the mistakes he's known to make. Brennan makes it so easy for us to understand Jared, even from Kami's perspective, that we sympathize with and love him as our tragic hero with all our heart.
Yet, with all these wonderful characters,  Unspoken shines because of the connection between Jared and Kami. None of us (I think!) know what it's like to have a voice in our head or even meet that disembodied voice in reality, but through Kami's eyes, I can picture the situation perfectly. It's one wrought with emotion, misunderstandings, and a delicate balance which Brennan treads with a fine and experienced line. While the romance between these two is extremely subtle (Seriously, Brennan gives subtle a whole new meaning with the love story in this!) and the friendship between Kami and Jared is overwhelmingly tender, it was a union that I fell for at once. It seems obvious that anyone who knows each other as well as these two should be able to see the inner beauty of another person, but the complicated (and blurred!) lines between friendship and romance between Kami and Jared were remarkably well-written. Theirs is a friendship that makes you think and question and ponder and ultimately yearn for that childhood easiness all over again. I can't do enough justice to it, but just know that it is beautiful.

If you haven't already caught the gist of this review, it's basically this: read Unspoken. It contains some of the most well-developed characters I've come across in YA Lit, some of the most complex character relationships, some of the wittiest lines and hilarious moments, some of the best page-turning tendencies, and a mystery that will utterly surprise you with its simplicity and brilliance all at once. Furthermore, Kami's best friends, Angela and Holly, and her family all play a huge role in this story making it all the more realistic and endearing.  Unspoken is another must-read of 2012 and Brennan has, yet again, managed to take me utterly by surprise. Trust me; this is one author that simply does not disappoint. Okay, maybe I was disappointed by that evil cliffhanger ending because WHO ENDS A BOOK LIKE THAT and WHY IS THE SEQUEL NOT AVAILABLE YET but otherwise, this was awesome. ;)

37 comments:

  1. Definitely a VERY evil cliffhanger!! I loved this one too, Keertana, as you know. I haven't read anything else by this author but I think I need to correct that soon. I loved her humor, so witty and smart! Oh Jared!! Swoon! I adored that moody-broody boy. All I have to say is there better be a lot of kissing in the next one, sans Ash, of course! Brilliant review my dear! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel!(: I hope there's a lot of kissing in the sequel too! ;) Sarah Rees Brennan is a fantastic author, so I love her work and Jared seriously is just SUCH a swoon-worthy character! I can't wait to read more about him in the sequel! :D

      Delete
  2. Ha, I loved your comment at the end about the cliffhanger!!

    This sounds so good, I've never read anything by Sarah though I have wondered about The Demon’s Lexicon and now I know you like I will check it out, also!

    The characters sound great, particularly Kami! Wonderful review, K!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mandee! I loved Sarah Rees Brennan's Demon's Lexicon and this was just as good, if not better. I can't wait till you begin to read these books as I just KNOW you'll love them! :D

      Delete
  3. Holy wow.... Keertana. This review. Unspoken. Kami. Jared. It. I. WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO DAMN BRILLIANT AT PERSUADING PEOPLE TO READ SOMETHING?! I'd read many differing reviews and was sort of on the fence wheether to read or not and then you go pull THIS on me and ASUDJKSHFNDJFDKF. I knew to expect something gushing from you, but damn girl :P

    This sounds just... incredible. And I LOVE the way you describe the relationship between Kami and Jared. I grow tired of the insta-love days, so when something deep like this comes along? That kind of romance deserves a place on the Special shelf. Agh, I DEFINITELY need to read this now. Plus the idea is just so creative and INTERESTING. It makes me all kinds of happy to hear Sarah pulled it off!

    It goes without saying: Fanfruckingtastic review :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Brodie!(: You HAVE to read this book! You'll love it, I can just tell, and it's SO good! :D Kami and Jared have such a unique relationship and Sarah can pull off anything if she tried I think. She's just SUCH a good writer, so I can't WAIT till you pick this one up! :D

      Delete
  4. Readers only have good things to say about this book...well, except for the ending. I always get excited for this whenever I read gushing reviews and forget about the evil cliffhanger. I haaaate cliffhangers, but I have long since decided that I will read this book, so I'll take my chances.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm like that too, Chel. I always just choose to take my chances despite cliffhangers, so I'd say go for it. This book is incredible and I hope you enjoy it! :D

      Delete
  5. Readers only have good things to say about this book...well, except for the ending. I always get excited for this whenever I read gushing reviews and forget about the evil cliffhanger. I haaaate cliffhangers, but I have long since decided that I will read this book, so I'll take my chances.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've heard nothing but amazing things about this book, and your review on it has truly convinced me to read it. You have a way of persuading people to read awesome books - thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cassy! I'm so glad I was able to convince you to read this as it's absolutely phenomenal! It really is a book I think you'll enjoy and I hope you like it! :D

      Delete
  7. "I feel as if I should have been able to predict what happened, the fact that I wasn’t able to is just another mark of Brennan’s writing prowess and talent over subtlety."

    LOVE it when that happens Keertana! I love books with lots of twists that have me convinced I know what's going to happen one minute only to be proven wrong the next. So awesome:) And characterization is always huge for me, if the characters aren't fleshed out and interesting, I have trouble with the story, so I'm incredibly glad to know these characters are amazing. Especially Kami:) Stunning review as always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jenny! Yes, I love it when a review surprises me too - it's the best feeling in the world! Plus, the characters just add to the phenomenal plot of this story and the complex relationships and mind-blowing. I know you'll love this one so I hope you get to read it soon! :D

      Delete
  8. Ah!!!!!!!! Simply amazing review Keertana!!!!! Kami and Jared sounds so amazing through your words. i loved how you italized beautiful and ended with "this was awesome" instead of it was awesome. I really need to read Sarah's works now!!!!!! You convinced me!
    You have a way with words. :0

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel! I'm so glad I was able to convince you to pick this one up as it's absolutely amazing! I loved it and can't wait till you pick this one up! :)

      Delete
  9. There have been quite a few 4/5 stars reads for me this year, but very few have remained in my thoughts for as long as this one! Even after all the obsessing on Goodreads and twitter-stalking the author, I still feel as though I'm missing a limb or something! I desperately need the second book, especially after that little bit about Jared & Kami that you drew to attention!

    I can't wait to try Brennan's earlier books in the meantime. :) BRILLIANT review, Keertana. You couldn't have reflected my own feelings for this book any better. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know EXACTLY what you mean, Sam! I still feel as if I'm missing a limb too - Unspoken was just THAT good! :) I can't wait till you read Brennan's other novels too as I need to pick up Demon's Surrender soon as well. I hope you enjoy them! :D

      Delete
  10. O_o Now you've done it. I'd already decided not to read this book until the next one comes out. All the grumbling and outright crying around the blogosphere convinced me it was the smartest move, but must you make it so hard for me?!
    And here I thought we were friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are friends! You see, friends convince other friends to join them in their miserable wait for sequels! ;)

      I hope you can resist though Maja because the cliffhanger on this one is torturous, but it really is an incredible book. I can't wait to see what you think! :D

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. Thanks Melissa! This book is incredible so I hope you read it soon! :)

      Delete
  12. WOW it sounds amazing :) !! I definitely have to get my hands on a copy of this book, everyone is raving about how good it is !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is SO good, Elodie! I hope you can find a copy soon because it's just amazing! :D

      Delete
  13. Oh gosh I was going to wait patiently until I got back from my trip before buying a copy of this, but your fab review has seriously tempted me in getting a copy right away! I honestly can't wait to meet Kami or Jared!! A lovely review Keertana! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jasprit! Yess, I can't wait to see what you think of this one! I have a feeling you'll love it and I'm so excited for you to meet Jared and Kami! They. Are. Amazing! ;)

      Delete
  14. I love this review, Keertana! You've captured Unspoken pretty perfectly. I couldn't agree more that this novel would have fallen apart so easily in the hands of another author. There were so many aspects that are things I usually hate, but in Brennan's hands they were overshadowed by her capacity for depth, story, and characterization. I'm still marveling at the relationship between Kami and Jared. I love that it was never really romantic, but at the same time was much more intimate than any YA romance could possibly be. It was scary and beautiful at the same time. I'm so sad that Jared is so broken, and I really hope Kami is able to instill some confidence and trust in him in the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Heidi! Your review was amazing and I just adored it - it really does complete justice to this book unlike mine. Like you though, I'm still thinking about and amazed at the relationship between Kami and Jared. It was beautiful and deep and truly provocative. Plus, I completely agree with you - it was SO intimate without any romance! I can't wait to see how their relationship changes in the sequel and I'm SO excited for it to release! If only 2013 would come sooner...

      Delete
  15. I am now so excited to read this book! What really got me in your review is you mentioning the relationship between our protagonist and friend/love interest. They both sound complicated and realistic and emotional. I'm a sucker for fantastic characterization, so this is a good I must read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think you'll love this one, Amanda! It's very deep and thoughtful and you'll really enjoy the character dynamics in this one for sure! I can't wait to see what you think of it! :D

      Delete
  16. Oh goodness, Keertana, this review is AMAZING. This: "While the romance between these two is extremely subtle and the friendship between Kami and Jared is overwhelmingly tender, it was a union that I fell for at once." I'm SOLD.

    Sounds BEAUTIFUL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yayy! I can't wait till you read this one, Sarah! It IS beautiful and I hope you enjoy it! :D

      Delete
  17. I did not like this one...yes I loved certain aspects but the cliffhanger left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don'tcare to finish the series....I am just sick to death of them these days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, I'm sorry to hear that, Heidi! I loved this book but I can see how the cliffhanger might throw you off. I've come to terms with it, but I guess it's all just a matter of preference. Perhaps some of Brennan's other work will sit with you better...I certainly hope it does!

      Delete
  18. I am starting this today so this review has me extra eager to finish. I am 70 pages in and I already love Kami and have actually laughed out loud several times. I think I sense a winner!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesss, a winner for sure! I can't wait to read your final thoughts on this one Jessie - it's one I know you'll love! :D

      Delete
  19. I can't wait to read this one! 1st off, LOVE subtle romance. LOVE. IT. (Hello, fellow Scorpio Races fan here!:)

    I also am love with the name Sorry-in-the-Vale and the Gothic feel it has. And don't even get me started on the cover! Graphically designed covers are always favorites of mine:)

    Fantastic review! You have made me want to read this even more!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from my readers and I read, reply, and appreciate every one of the comments I receive!(: If you're a fellow blogger, please leave a link to your blog - I'd love to drop by!

Unfortunately, this is now an award-free blog. I simply do not have the time to respond and forward on the award, but I truly appreciate the nomination regardless.