Release Date: October 23, 2012
Series: Mara Dyer #2
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9781442421790
Blurb:
The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling “The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.” One week after Mara walked into a police station in Miami at the close of “The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer,” she has been committed to psychiatric treatment for what her parents believe was a mental breakdown. But what seems like a hallucination to everyone else is a chilling reality for Mara. Someone from her past has discovered her strange, deeply disturbing secret and that someone wants her to pay. But when no one believes the truth, Mara is totally helpless. The only person on her side is Noah Shaw, as sexy and handsome as he is loyal and cunning. Noah is the only person who can help Mara–as long as he doesn’t get himself killed in the process.
Contains no spoilers, my friends.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was my favorite book of last year. The Evolution of Mara Dyer was my most anticipated book of this year. Obviously, I had high expectations, but there was never a doubt in my mind that Michelle Hodkin would deliver a sequel worthy of that unbelievable first book. She did.
Do you perhaps remember my review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer? It went a little something like this: “I truly have no idea where to even start. I’m sure if I just said ‘Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow’ over and over again that it would get my point across just fine, but that might be a little repetitive and inarticulate. I’m going to try to get my very gushing thoughts in order for you guys.” The same sentiment can certainly be applied to this book…because WOW guys. Just Wow.
I’m not going to say a lot about the plot for two reasons; one, I might spoil something and I really don’t want to do that, and two, I think there’s going to be a few changes between the ARC I read and the finished version. Know this: everything that you loved in The Unbecoming is still very much present in The Evolution of Mara Dyer. The eeriness, the mind-f*ckery, the just plain crazy pants stuff, and most importantly, NOAH SHAW.
I’m going to go ahead and get my Noah gushing out of the way. With this book he just moved into my number 1 favorite YA boy ever spot. Yes, EVER. I can’t put my love (obsession) into words. The chemistry between Mara and Noah was just as intense and sexy as it was in the first book, maybe even more. I honestly blushed and giggled like a teenager. It was awesome. Plus, I don’t know the last time I read something this sexy. Whoa. Michelle Hodkin has mastered the perfect balance between an honest, sweet love story and fiery mind-blowing passion.
I had no idea what direction the story was going to take in the sequel. How could you after that first book? I must say that I loved every single second of it. I was surprised at every turn and left with my jaw on the floor more than once. I loved, loved, loved where the story ended up. It felt so right, even if it did leave me dying for the next book.
Nothing I can possibly say will articulate my actual feelings about The Evolution of Mara Dyer. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. These books really set a new standard for what I love in YA. If you read only one of my recommendations this year, let it be these books.
Incredible doesn’t even cover it.
Be sure to check out my review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer as well!
I’ve read a few reviews of this of people saying they liked this one even more than the first one. And people who didn’t really like the first one liked this one, so that’s very cool! I’m glad you loved it since you had such high hopes
KM recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: Just One Day, by Gayle Forman
Squeals! I soooo sooo love this book! The whole story is intense, dark and unique and I am so happy to see you loved it so much too!
DannyBookworm recently posted..Breathe by Sarah Crossan – Review
Great review! I was blown away by the Unbecoming, and have been curious by Evolution. I can’t see how Noah can get anymore appealing, but I guess he does! And as long as we still get the creepiness with Mara’s smart girl narrative, I know I’m going to think it’s incredible too! =)
Penny recently posted..Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi
While I absolutely adored your gushing review for The Unbecoming that was nonsensical (yet described my exact sentiments, too!), I think this one was awesome. You articulated exactly what I needed to hear (namely, NOAH SHAW) and I think I’ll go buy it today. ; )
I’m happy to see Hodkin met and exceeded your expectations – I’m always fearful about sequels. And it sounds like the story is one NOT to be missed.
Jessie Marie @ The Daily Bookmark recently posted..Waiting on WWW Wednesday | 17 October 2012
I can’s wait to read this one, I have had in pre-ordered forever! I am totally and completely in love with Noah, I can’t wait to read about him I am so glad that it was as good as the first.
Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven
Great review. I’m looking forward to this one. Not long now…
Adina recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday – Touched
wow! I’m REALLY glad that your expectations weren’t disappointed! haha! I think i should REALLY start this series as well! Lovely review!
- Farah @ MajiBookshelf
Juhina recently posted..Interview + Giveaway with The Assassin’s Curse author Cassandra Rose Clarke
I am so looking forward to this book!! I wish my schedule wasn’t so busy because there is no way I will have time to read it until probably December. *sigh* It is definitely a book that I will be reading as soon as I can though. Your review has made me so much more excited for it.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Blog Tour: Alight by K.C.Neal Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book! I LOVED the first book so, SO much. Fab review!
I can’t wait to read this, I loved The unbecoming of Mara Dyer! Great review
Brodi recently posted..Review: Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen
Lori! You are such a great book pusher.
I haven’t read the first one yet (don’t kill me) but after your final paragraph, I will be taking these two of the library as soon as I get my new library card. (I hope they have a fantastic YA selection.)
Super excited for this!! I can’t wait to wait to get reunited with Mara again and, of course, Noah!!
*dreamy sigh*
Sangita @ Whisper of Reads.
sangita recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (33)
Yay! Only a few days left and I can go get my own copy! Woo hoo!
candace recently posted..New Tours and Sign Ups are Open!
YEESSS I’m so flipping excited to read this! xD I’m going to have it pre-ordered really soon and read it as soon as I get it! And I’m glad to hear Michelle turns up the heat on the romance. I’m definitely looking forward to that, and Noah of course.
Awesome review!
Addie R. recently posted..Defiance by C.J. Redwine
Oh, Unbecoming was on my TBR list but never made it that far. I had no idea it was supposed to be a series. Great review =)
Rainy Kaye recently posted..Author Interview: Chidi Okonkwo