book review
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Review: The Frenzy, by Francesca Lia Block
12:22 PMPublished: 01 October 2010
Format: Hardback 258 pages
Categories: Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
"Love is a werewolf, influenced by the moon and terror, and always about to change." Liv has a secret. Something happened to her when she was thirteen. Something that changed everything. Liv knows she doesn't belong anymore--not in her own skin, not in her family . . . not anywhere. The only time she truly feels like herself is when she's with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surround her town. But in the woods, a mysterious woman watches Liv. In the woods, a pack of wild boys lurks. In the woods, Liv learns about the curse that will haunt her forever. The curse that caused the frenzy four years ago. And that may cause it again, all too soon. While Corey and Liv's love binds them together, Liv's dark secret threatens to tear them apart as she struggles to understand who--or what--she really is. And by the light of the full moon, the most dangerous secrets bare their claws. . . "The story is all about inner demons and we can all relate to this since there isn't a person without flaw, without bad sides, without something that we just want to keep inside for the rest of our lives. It could be rage. It could be frenzy.
Liv struggles with a certain memory and the changes that she went through when she was thirteen. She's constantly remembering those times, despite her trying to repress those images that just won't stop popping in her head. She gradually learns the truth, but she's afraid that because of it, she might lose the one she loves.
There were times when I didn't like Liv at all and there were times when I admired her. But a character can't be liked at all times, it just can't. Liv is odd. Liv is young. Liv is still discovering herself.
However, I felt like I didn't really know any of the characters at all. They're all an enigma to me and because of this, I believe there could've been room for more character describing for me to begin to know them and be part of their journey. Knowing the characters you read is a huge deal. In The Frenzy, the characters were just coming and going or at least, that's the impression I was left with.
Despite that, I did finish the book the same day I bought it. Which means a lot when it comes to me, it means I actually quite enjoyed it. The way Liv and Corey were together, it was enough to get to know them as a whole, rather than separate. The woods were their escape and their love was their freedom, freedom to be who they really are. They act so strange, so unnatural, so different from everyone else, and yet it feels so natural. That is why I loved the book and that is why I recommend it.
10 comments
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ReplyDeleteSure honey, I'm already following :)
DeleteI'm glad you liked the review!
That's unfortunate that it was hard to really know any of the characters, but I loved how you described their love as a freedom to be their own person. I love how unique this book sounds, thanks for the awesome review Ella! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was quite unique.. I'm glad you liked the review ^^
DeleteThank you for commenting! :)
Great review, I personally am not a fan of the author but I know loads of people who are.
ReplyDelete- Kimberly @ Turning The Pages
I only know this book from this author, but I am sure to check out more from her
DeleteHey, really nice review, Ella! Haven't heard of this one, but hmmm..another yummy inner demon read? Glad that you found it really enjoyable! About characters all being wishy-washy in their character-reader relationships, perhaps there'll be a second book to build on that?
ReplyDeleteVivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian
I don't think there'll be a second book.. I mean it sounded like it ends there, but yeah, the story has room for a sequel..
DeleteAnd thank you so much for liking the review and commenting!! *hugs*
Thanks for popping over to our weekly book blog hop, hope to see you next week. Now following you via gfc hoping you can follow back at http://www.beckvalleybook.blogspot.com thanks in advance xx
ReplyDeleteHoney, i'm following you since the very beginning ^^' CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE FOLLOWING ME TOO! aww... thank you so much!
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