Genre: YA FantasyUS Publication Date: 1st September 2011
Pages: 305
Book Source: Lerner Publishing Group & NetGalley
Synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.
This is not her story.
Unless you count the part where I killed her.
Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right?
Review:
Ultraviolet is is one of those stories you lose yourself in, oblivious to everything and everyone around you ... an author's imagination at it's best. It's a book of layers, Anderson's writing has a magical quality and is so intensely visual, it's breathtaking. A refreshingly original storyline, a plethora of twists and turns, a maelstrom of emotions ... get the idea?
Immersion in the psychciatric hospital setting is effortless thanks to Anderson's exceptional writing. Alison's condition reads like a character itself, it's a fascinating concept that I'd love to talk about more but I'll endeavour to keep my review cryptic as Ultraviolet is best experienced with as little foreshadowing as possible.
Doors flapped open and slammed shut, like the valves of a pounding heart. Footsteps splattered blue onto the fluorescent orange shriek of the alarm, and the air thickened with shouting voices ...
The arrival of Sebastian Faraday at Pine Hills provides Alison with some clarity as she questions her sanity but also raises further questions. Faraday is a really interesting character, mysterious, empathetic and entirely likeable.
"Dark chocolate, poured over velvet: that was how his voice tasted. I wanted him to follow me around and narrate the rest of my life."
Did I completely love the slightly unorthodox genre digression? Not really, but regardless this is a clever, addictive and completely hypnotic read.
Want to know more about R.J. Anderson? - Visit her website.
It sounds utterly strange, and yet so cool :=D
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Blodeuedd, it just sounds strange. But I do love the creepyness of it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book! I love her other books. Love the new look on your blog. It is totally awesome.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you described it as having layers...sounds great to me!
ReplyDeleteIf the synopsis didn't have me completely sold on wanting to read this, your description definitely sealed the deal. The second you said "you lose yourself in" - that's exactly the type of book that I love. :)
ReplyDeleteI've read books like this. Ones that pull you in even though they are not your typical read. But I am definitely interested after reading your review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I've been very curious about this one. I actually enjoy unorthodox novels. I could completely get behind this. Sounds very promising.
ReplyDeleteI have read a couple of the Faery books and didn't know there was something else coming out! Looks interesting!
ReplyDeleteI thought for sure I had left a comment...oh well. The whole psychiatric facility thing hooks me because I think psych issues are some of the most disturbing and sad things a person could be afflicted with. The mind can be a scary place, and no one understands.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I'm sold!
ReplyDeleteThe synopsis alone is very alluring (especially the once upon a time tag line) but your review makes it even more so.
"Dark chocolate, poured over velvet: that was how his voice tasted. I wanted him to follow me around and narrate the rest of my life."
^^And if this isn't the best description of someone's voice then I dunno. :)
Must know more. Must read it soon.
Ok so you have sold me on this book. I have looked at it several times but I never picked it up. Thank you for taking the time to review all these books for us!
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I have really wanted to read this book for awhile (and that only from the fact that I like I enjoyed her first book, and the short teaser that revealed nothing). Your review, well blessedly cryptic, gives me a better idea of the premise, and increases my desire to read this book. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your views on this book! The blurb and setting is definitely intriguing.
ReplyDeletewow, with the sinopsis alone i want to read this book, and thanks for your review
ReplyDeleteI have an e-galley of this one but couldn't get into it. Guess I will give it a shot. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about it!
ReplyDeletewould like to read it ,definitely!
=)
Ever since I heard the word disintegrated used in the summary of this book I was hooked and wanted to definitely read this one. I am pleased that it is so well liked and had no idea it was such a complicated (good way) book with all these twist and layers, oh gosh I'm excited all over again!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book. I've been hearing much about this one. Thanks for your detailed review!
ReplyDeleteI've heard tons of great things about this read. Thanks for the review!
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