Unremembered was one of the books I (very much) looked forward to this year.
With a gorgeous cover and a tremendous description, it grabbed my attention from the first time I saw it and I was really happy when I got the chance to finally read it.
The idea behind it is really complicated and I am happy to say that the author did a nice job keeping the reader’s attention with all the suspense that surrounded this story. Also, she was able to explain what the story was about without rushing the action and (in the same time) without it feeling too slow.
The beginning of the book felt somehow like a combination between The Lost Girl and Unravelling both because our main character seemed to be learning how “to be” and because the mystery and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat reading as fast as I could, curiosity killing me, wanting to find out as many details I could about what was really happening.
We have one purple-eyed girl without memories, without an identity, without anyone claiming her, and not only doesn’t she know who she is or how did she survived that plane crash, but there are basic things she doesn’t seem to remember: objects, activities, expression and so on. All these make us wonder at all times where she comes from, we keep wondering if this is a paranormal, a dystopian, a time-traveling, a sci-fi story, or is it something entirely else?
“You’re not who you think you are.”
‘I’m not anyone!’ I want to scream. I don’t even know who I am. How can I possibly be someone I’m not?
The only clue we got was a heart-shaped locket with some initials and a long-past year engraved on it, but as we dive into the story there are more characters that make an appearance and we really have a hard time figuring out whom to trust.
There were some characters that I really loved: like the 13 years old for-the-time-being brother of our girl and his family, also the boy (Zen) that seems to know her and says that he wants to help her. I only wished for -let’s call her- ‘Violet’ to be less stubborn in some moments, because when she decided to make her own decisions she only took the wrong path.
I had a bit of trouble with the past (and also the present relationship with Zen) because I couldn’t really connect with their feelings. This side of the story seemed a bit under-done, it could have been better if we could have understood why the strong feelings, why the need to protect the girl, why risk everything and do such things in order to be together.. Because it seemed more like a silly crush, some sort of love at first sight that would have needed a bit more development in order to feel real. Also there was this feeling of.. Convenience. Everything got be resolved in such an easy way that left me with a bit of a bittersweet taste. I wanted more, I wanted something big at the ending.
But I was able to overpass somehow the flaws because what’s hidden between those lost memories is in fact a fascinating world I would love to know a lot more about. Yes, we are not there yet, but I think that all the questions we have now could be answered wonderfully in the next installments.
CONCLUSION:
The romance was predictable and not that much entertaining, but some other character’s relationships and the world building made for a very interesting story, one that I enjoyed quite a lot and that surprised me on various occasions.
Happy midnight reading!
Ouch. Another very highly anticipated book of 2013 in the ‘not so great’ category. I was looking REALLY forward to reading this book, but now, not so much. I feel like none of the books I was waiting to come out this year, has lived up to my expectations. Anyway, I think I will give this one a try either way. At least it looks entertaining! 😀
I enjoyed it pretty much because the girl (won’t use any name because that’s part of the mystery in the book) was clueless, but very cute and easy to be around.
There were many funny moments related to her memory loss (the little ‘brother’ is the best) and I really did enjoy reading this story.
I even thought at some point to give this book 4 stars, but then I stopped for a moment and I compared it with other books I’ve read… and I just needed to be honest with myself and lower the rating, because there were some things that felt forced (and the romance didn’t convince me).
Still.. I hope that you will enjoy it when you get to read it (and I bet that if there is something you won’t like is how the romance plays out in this story, and how easy it was for the main character to get out of tricky situations – I’ll wait and see if I’m right :p )
I’ve been watching your blog for a while and I thought to let you know how much I love the pictures you pick for each review. They are always so perfect!
I liked this story more than you did, but I understand the problems you had (they just didn’t bug me as much)
– Paula –
Thank you, Paula, for your kind words and for following the blog. ^_^
I am glad that you liked this story, it was really great even though it could have been improved just a bit. I am really glad that I managed to read it.
Wonderful review. I’m looking forward to reading this one as well 🙂
I hope that you will enjoy it as well (maybe even more than I did). It’s quite an interesting and unusual story 😉
This story sounds intriguing and I love mysteries unfolding. Glad to see you enjoyed it in spite of some of your issues with Violet. Great review Ari. 🙂
Well, not all the books have to be perfect, but when a book keeps me reading in one sitting, I think it’s worth it 😉
I liked this one, but like you I had a hard time connecting to the characters and their romance. I’m still looking forward to reading the next book though!
I know, the romance didn’t work for me either *sigh*
And the synopsis for the next books are spoiling some parts regarding the romantic side of the story that I am not liking at all either 🙁
Oh, I didn’t take a look at this! That’s unfortunate, with a premise so interesting. 🙁
But maybe the story will still be good (if romance won’t be too prominent). I loved the idea behind this series and it will be a shame not to make a nice story out of it.
Yes, that’s what I am counting on! If the romance goes more “blah” but the story is good and action packed, I should still enjoy it. I’m willing to at least give it a try! (and I want to learn more about this time-thing!)