Edition: Young Arrow Hardback (Early Copy)
Released: 3rd January 2013
Series: Virals #3
Pages: 408 approx.
**Synopsis contains a minor spoiler in first paragraph about previous two books and review contains one slight spoiler about the series that will need to be highlighted to read.**
Life appears peaceful on Loggerhead Island. Rescued from financial disaster, the research institute is flourishing once more. But the tranquillity is quickly shattered when Tory Brennan and her technophile gang discover a mysterious box buried in the ground.
A seemingly innocent treasure hunt soon turns into a nightmarish game of puzzles, as it becomes clear that one false move will lead to terrible, explosive consequences.
The clock is counting down rapidly. Can Tory and the Virals crack the code in time to save their city - and their own lives?
MY REVIEW:
When I first received this book through the post, I literally squealed with excitement and started dancing around my room. I'd loved the previous two books in the series - Virals and Seizure - and couldn't wait to start reading the latest instalment. And, though it was still a really great read, unfortunately, it just wasn't as good as the other two. I found a couple of faults. :(
I think I'll start off with the negative first. Now, when I first started reading this series, I was thirteen - a couple months away from my fourteenth birthday - so I was round about the same age as the main character, Tory (who was fourteen). I'm fifteen now and what I'm finding a little strange is the fact that the authors haven't really developed (or aged) the characters since the first book. Now, I know that this won't be counted as a fault to other readers, but, personally, I enjoy it a lot more when characters develop and you start seeing significant changes. But this just isn't happening for the Virals gang - they're basically the exact same as they were in the first book.
Due to this, the one aspect in the book that I'd been hoping would progress and develop (the romance between two certain characters) just isn't happening! It's actually started to feel like it's being avoided. There's been many subtle and not-so-subtle hints throughout all three books connecting the two together but I'm still waiting for the authors to take action and, because of this, I'm starting to get tired of waiting. :( **SPOILER (highlight to read): Those of you that have highlighted this probably know that I'm talking about BEN and Tory, right? Well, are any of you getting as frustrated as me?! I mean, it's been long enough already! However, I must say that this book probably does contain the most romance... especially nearing the end. But it isn't satisfying me enough!.
Anyway. That being said, I still did thoroughly enjoy this book. Yet again, I loved the banter and witty comments between all four Virals and the type of friendship they had was sweet and enjoyable to read about. Tory still narrates very much like how a teenager speaks and her thoughts are rather relatable because of this. There are also a few chapters in third person thrown in to add effect and more development of the story from different angles and characters. I also found that, like in Seizure, I would love to have the gang as friends of my own! Their sarcasm reminds me very much of myself. ;) I don't even have a favourite as all the characters are very likeable and admirable in different ways.
The plot line for this book was actually pretty creepy and sinister and I was quite jumpy whilst reading it! It didn't help that I was reading it at two in the morning either! I also didn't expect the culprit behind this mystery so the thrill and the need to know who it was kept me from putting it down. However, there is one twist at the end that I didn't think completely necessary - it just didn't make that much sense. Though you won't know which one I'm talking about until you read the book! :P
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. Though I found the development of some aspects lacking and one of the twists nearing the end a little pointless and resulting in way more negative feelings, the characters and their relationships along with the constant mystery of who was behind it all, kept me hooked. This book also leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions and a cliffhanger that will have you eagerly - and grudgingly - waiting for book number four. I mean, I have to wait for forever for the next book now! :( I would still recommend you read this book if you have loved this series but, if you're like me, you might be a tad disappointed it wasn't quite as amazing as you'd hoped.
FOUR STARS! :D
A big thank you to Random House for sending me out an early copy of this for review!
Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo
PS: Sorry this review was rather long, rant-like and confusing! :3
PS: Sorry this review was rather long, rant-like and confusing! :3
I've actually never seen this series before! Wow~ I really do love it when readers get to have a through-the-years relationship with book series! And with that being said, I think the point that you raised is really fair and honestly a perfectly valid point. It's too bad that the character didn't grow as much that would've made it better developed, but I'm glad to hear that you still enjoyed it overall <3 Lovely review as always, Rachel!
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