Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Unspoken
The Lynburn Legacy #1

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Publication Date: September 11, 2012

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre: Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

My Thoughts: This book was one that I picked up from the library on a whim, really, and I am really glad that I did. It was a pleasant surprise and took me almost no time to read through the whole thing. It was really hard to put down.

Kami Glass has spoken to a boy in her head since she can remember. He is her best friend, they have no secrets from each other and are always there for each other. Imagine her surprise when she meets him in real life, after which a series of tragic events start happening and she is determined to find out what is happening in the small, ancient town of Sorry-in-the-Vale.

Kami Glass was a hoot to read about. Imagine a young Lois Lane and you pretty much have her down. She is head-strong, curious, an intrepid reporter who will do anything to get the scoop and pretty stubborn once she has her mind set on something. She doesn't hesitate when she has to dive head-first into something to get some answers, which inevitably leads her to trouble.

Jared Lynburn is a troubled guy. His parents weren't exactly the parents of the year and he has always gotten into trouble and reveled in it. Kami seems to be the only one to be able to keep him centered and grounded, and even she has a hard time sometimes. He and his cousin, Ash, are nearly identical (their mothers are twin sisters) but couldn't be more different in terms of personality. Jared is all rugged tough-guy while Ash is sweet and charming.

The ending of this book made me mad, want to cry, furious and crazy with anticipation for the next one. I can't wait to see what Brennan has in store for us next. I love the dynamic of the story starting with the mind-reading already established and that they could do it back and forth rather than just one or the other being telepathic. It is a beautifully frustrating love story that leaves you begging for more at the end. If you haven't read it yet, you should definitely check it out!