by Brenna Yovanoff
pub: Sept 21 - Razorbill/Penquin
Teen Fiction
SUMMARY:
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.
A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?
Released this week, THE REPLACEMENT delivers a unique take on faery/changeling lore and is one of my new favorites!
Characters: Mackie, the tortured protagonist, feels like an outcast, unworthy, fearing death at any moment and not sure he doesn't deserve it. He fights to find his place in the world, and always do the right thing. Strong, caring, self-sacrificing. I found him charming and adorable. I loved the family dynamic. His parents are sometimes awkward but love Mackie and do their best to protect him despite his "handicap." Mackie's older sister is fiercely protective and loyal.
His best friend, Roswell, and his buddies, the Corbett twins, totally rock! The ultimate BFFs, they had Mackie's back in the even most dire of circumstances - no questions asked - and often so funny I laughed out loud. I loved these guys! The love interest, Tate, was likable too just not as outstanding a character.
Plot/Pacing: The fast pace had me asking questions from page one. Yovanoff keeps you guessing then slowly lays out answers your main characters obviously already know. At the same time, you're unraveling mysteries that Mackie and his buddies are trying to figure out in order to save innocent lives. I was hooked!
The exciting climax riveted. Since I had so many surprises, I wasn't sure where it was going - Happy ending? Bittersweet? Downright depressing and horrific? It could have gone in any direction.
Caveats/Concerns: Be aware of some underage drinking and language but nothing over the top. A few parts are gruesome but no vomit-worthy gore. In regards to sexuality - there's one scene that alludes to some groping and one make-out scene where the girl starts to undress but then they're interrupted before anything happens. This isn't a romance.
Cover: Are you kidding? I'm in love! And it's even better in person.
Bottomline: THE REPLACEMENT had me on the edge of my seat. I rooted for Mackie, wanted to high-five his friends and family for their love and support, and scary monsters creeped me out. I laughed, I cried, I cringed in horror. The story covers themes of finding yourself, love and loyalty of family/friends, compassion, acceptance.
So beg, borrow or
Brenna Yovanoff on On the Web:
24 comments:
I just bought this one, and I'm dying to read it! Great review! :)
Thanks for the review! A friend of mine just ordered this one and I'm going to snag it from her to read when she's done... although from the looks of it I'm going to have to buy my own copy... it sounds excellent!
I love this review! I'm looking forward to reading this one!!
Sounds good, and that cover..freaky, and I love it!
Thanks for the review. I've been hearing a lot of good things about this book. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.
Also, LOVE that cover.
I have been skeptical of this one, but you sold me! Thanks for the great review. I love the formatting.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I loved this book! Totally unique and a very good read.
Great review! I can't wait to get it :)
I loved, loved, loved the characters in this book. Mackie, Roswell, the Corbett twins and Tate... all pure win!
This book looks really, really good. I love the cover, and this review just made everything else seem more interesting than it already was. I can't wait to read this!
I have this on my desk in my TBR pile and I can't wait to read it! thanks for the review :)
I am dying to read this one! I think it's the perfect read now with Halloween around the cover. Great review!
Melissa: Thanks and enjoy!
Heather: Pry it from her hands!
Missy: Hope you like it too!
Linda: Cover it drool worthy with the creep factor
Edna: Hope you get it soon
Brandileigh: It was unique and again has great characters. Thanks for the commenting format. I was trying something new – I appreciate the feedback!
Savannah: I agree!
Aleksandra: Hope it’s soon!
Missie: The characters were the most awesome!
Golden Eagle: I hope you like it after all my raving!
Jena: Move it closer to the top!
Nely: It’s the perfect Halloween creepy read – but lots of lovable stuff going on too. Quite the paradox!
What a great review! I loved your excitement :)
This cover is definitely creepy but awesome! And the book sounds pretty good as well so of course I'm going to have to check it out. Great review!
Ok, I am so bumping this up on my list
Great review!
The cover is absolutely wicked... Love it!
Just added this one to my wish list.
Ooh, The Replacement sounds like an incredible read. Thanks for the review (now I really want to read it more than before). ^_^
I like bad guys who go big. They may get it in the end, but they're always the one having the most fun up until then. ^_^
Wow, I so want this!
I'm totally ordering it soon!
That was a fantastic review thank you!
I've been wanting to read this one ever since I first saw the cover. Not to mention it sounds awesome too!
sounds so good! :D
I cannot wait to read this one!! I had planned on buying it right when it came out, but I won it and am now desperately awaiting its arrival on my doorstep.
Thanks for the awesome review Alyssa!
I allllmost bought this the other day, but held off b/c I didn't know enough about it. I'll definitely purchase it tonight! :) Great review!
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