Sci fi / romance
Four stars
Ward initially wrote the first chapter of this book as a short story when she was younger. It depicts the life of Jem, a teen girl with a special ability. When she looks at someone she sees a number - the date of their death. This, along with past experiences, has caused her to separate herself, unwilling and unable to maintain a relationship with the terrible knowledge she has. But Spider, a boy from school, manages to get around her walls. While together on a trip to London, Jem notices something's up - the people around her are all marked to die that day. After fleeing the scene they are noticed by the authorities, leading to a thrilling chase of questions and discovery.
It sounds a little dark, but it really is a good read. Ward incorporates romance and humour and action and depth in a beautiful manner. The novel explores questions about death and fate and love and loss. It is raw at times and light in others, the perfect combination. I also love British writers. They just have this certain style of prose and language that is so different and charming. This comes out in the characters' dialogue as well, which creates a strong sense of personality. Jem is portrayed as very rugged and defensive. She is overwhelmed with her power, but as her relationship with Spider progresses you begin to see her grow and open up. You see her fear, her uncertainty, her vulnerability. And like the characters, the story itself is well-developed and paced. It is haunting and dynamic and has a lovely simplicity.
"And we lost ourselves in each other, gently exploring the faces and features we'd thought we knew so well, standing in the rain in the dark, in a totally different dimension."
Finish the series: The Chaos and Infinity by Rachel Ward
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