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The Little Pink Book Boutique
YA book blogger, paranormal addict, sucker for a good love story. Adore fairies and angels, and enjoy getting lost in a good dystopian or fantasy novel. Tons of reviews, giveaways, and other fun bookish stuff on my blog, The Little Pink Book Boutique.
REVIEW: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan
MY THOUGHTS: This was one of those books that I picked up, put back, and hemmed and hawed over because I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to buy it, or borrow from the library. In May I attended the Rochester Teen Book Fest and was able to sit in on a panel that was comprised of Andrea Cremer & David Levithan. They spoke about the book that they had decided to co-author, and Invisibility was my first experience of both authors (Even though I own book #1 of Cremer's Nightshade series).
After hearing Cremer & Lethivan answer questions pertaining to writingInvisibility, and listening in as they read from chapter 5 (Cremer reading as Elizabeth while Levithan gave voice to the invisible Stephen). I am so glad that I got to see these 2 authors together, because they have such an incredible connection, such life to them and a great sense of reality and kindness that I HAD to buy a copy of Invisibility then and there - and get it signed by both of them.
Invisibility didn't disappoint. While I didn't completely fall in love with either Elizabeth or Stephen's characters, I did adore Elizabeth's brother, Laurie. I will say that each character was a breath of fresh air, in that I cannot think of any other characters in previously read books that I'd compare them to. While I do have issues with the insta-love, I will say it was forgivable in this story, considering one part of the couple is invisible. You don't run into that everyday!
The story started out a bit slow, giving the characters time to tell us their stories before dumping them into a new situation with brand new challenges. I wasn't sure how paranormal the plot would get, other than the invisibility aspect. I was pleasantly surprised, though with how cursecasters, spellcasters, and spellseekers were introduced into the tale. Both well executed and entertaining, I loved reading about the history of the magic users and meeting Millie and Saul.
I don't love or hate how the book ended, and while there could very well be room for a sequel or spin off (which I'd quickly purchase without all of the indecisive inner debating) both author's seemed pretty content at leaving the story where it ended and not revisiting. Of course that can always change - so I'd welcome more chapters about these characters and story line. There are definitely ties left loose that would be interesting to see where they would continue/go with it.
It was also very interesting to see the theme of invisibility - whether physical or mental/emotional - engulf each of the characters in different ways. From past pains to future anticipations; I love the way both Cremer & Levithan write and tell their story (from what I recall, Levithan wrote odd chapters narrated from Stephen's POV starting at #1 while Cremer picks up the evens, Elizabeth's POV beginning with #2). When I mentioned the connection they had in person earlier on in my review, that tether continues to keep them paired up while alternating chapters, working separately and only communicating to ensure they both had the same end goal in mind.
I would freely recommend this book to any of Cremer's or Levithan's fans (old & new), or anyone who loves a good love story with the typical trials and tribulations trying to keep them apart; or even if you are looking to step slowly into the paranormal genre, this would be a great book for you.
