Thursday, March 11, 2010

Review: Need by Carrie Jones


Need by Carrie Jones
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult

Description from Goodreads:

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you’d have to fear.

My thoughts:

Need is the first book in the series by the same name. Almost every review I’ve read in regards to Need compares it to Twilight. I felt the resemblance was vague. Twilight comparisons seem to be the norm with most young adult novels I’ve come across. I guess it’s to be expected because with books we see ideas recycled frequently. The key is for the author to give it their own spin that will draw readers in, and leave them wanting more. Carrie Ryan did an excellent job with this.

With the publishing of young adult books booming it seems as if the quality of the writing is sacrificed at times. This was not an issue with Need, as it was written beautifully. The characters were well developed, and likable. I adored Zara, and her friend Issie. Both were level headed and sweet. You couldn’t ask for a better love interest than Nick. I wish there were boys like him around when I was teen. Need is a book I wouldn’t hesitate to let my teen read. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series, Captivate.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a fascinating read, I will definitely have to put it on my list of books to read!!

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  2. Found you from Jennifer's Book Hop.

    I recently added this to my list to read even though I hear Captivate isn't as good.

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  3. I really liked Need and Captivate. I actually like this series more than The Twilight Saga. Nice review!

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  4. This has been on my TBR for ages. I can't wait to read it! I agree that almost any young adult book ends up being compared to Twilight.

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  5. First off thanks to all of you for reading my review.

    I’ve also heard Captivate isn’t as good but I still plan to try it. I find I’m usually one of those that loves books others diss ;) From the reviews I’ve read it seems Captivate is setting us up for book 3 so it’s sort of a filler so to speak.

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  6. Great review, I'm looking forward to reading Captivate! :o) I've added your link to my review

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