Monday, December 31, 2012

Review: The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor

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The Repossession
Sam Hawksmoor
Series: Repossession #1
Publication date: March 1st 2012
by Hodder Children’s Books

34 kids missing. Vanished without a trace.

Believing she is possessed, Genie Magee’s mother has imprisoned her all summer encouraged by the sinister Reverend Schneider. Beautiful Rian, love of her life, sets her free, and their escape washes them up at Marshall’s remote farmhouse downriver. But why are there newspaper clippings of the missing kids pinned to Marshall’s bathroom wall? And should they believe his stories about the experiments at the Fortress, an underground research station nearby?

Genie meets Denis. Missing two years now, but hasn’t grown an inch. Rian is haunted by Renée, who insists she’s not actually dead. Soon they discover the terrible truth about Reverend Schneider and worse, Genie is next … and Rian can’t do a thing to prevent it.

The Repossession is just the beginning.

*A copy was provided by Hachette Children’s Books UK for review purposes*

With all the “same ol'” books I’ve read this year, it’s wonderfully refreshing to come by true originality once in a while. Unlike anything I’ve read before, The Repossession is one of them. Science fiction in its true form, Sam has written an especially believable, fascinating read, but also one that is quite horrifying when you really stop to think about it. It’s mind-blowing in a lot of ways; it makes my skin crawl to even imagine it. It’s one of those books that are very long, but even after 500 pages, you’re sad that it’s over. The lengthy journey is not without activity at all times, even when there’s nothing happening; when we’re not in the thick of things, the fantastic character development turns these characters and their relationships into something that you want to read. You want to know more about them, see them grow and connect, and see them change into these intelligent individuals who are finding out what secrets lurk in their creepy little out-of-the-way town.

Going into this book, you don’t really know what to expect. The synopsis is very vague which is great as it lets the mystery simmer. The mystery which ranges from creepy to spine-chilling, is one that every science fiction nerd will definitely be devouring. It’s one that makes you think of the repercussions or such an occurrence. Obviously, I’m being vague for the same reason as the blurb, it’s best if you know nothing ahead of time and you get to learn of the town’s freakishly dark side along with the characters.

Speaking of characters, this book has such incredible character development. We have two main characters who develop a very unique, though also very realistic, relationship. They’re brought together by unusual circumstances and their damaged upbringing, into a relationship that is a true portrayal of young love. It’s not dramatic, nor extravagant, it simply is–like real life. Individually, I found myself warming up to both of them immediately. The book is very character oriented, we get to know these people in and out; personalities that manifest distinctly, clear reasoning behind actions–even though they may not always make the best decisions–, compelling voices, likeability, this is exactly what character development should be, always. Even parts where nothing much is happening other than staying hidden and living kept my interest as much as any action packed sequence. Part of the reason is the suspense; the constant slow simmering suspense that leaves you at the edge of your seat, not knowing what to expect whatsoever, but knowing it’s coming, and that it’s going to be freaky!

If you like science fiction, don’t even doubt it, this book is for you! Plus, look! It’s a book in blue!

4 Hot Espressos

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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24 Responses to “Review: The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor”

  1. Amy

    Oh this one sounds really good. I love that the characters are really well developed. I love the blue too!! I think I would love this book. Thanks for the fab review chick!! Love the new 3D book for the post!! 🙂 And your new espresso cup raters.

  2. Nick

    Yay for original books! We need more original books. I can’t say that this book really caught my attention, but now that I’ve read your raving review, I’m definitely going to give this one a try. It’s really a good thing that this book is lively what with its length. I’m loving the sound of the characters and the romance. Realistic character development and no dramatic romance? Brilliant! I’m so glad that you loved this book so much, Giselle! 🙂
    Lovely review and thank you for spotlighting it! I didn’t know that the book was this good!

  3. Mel@Thedailyprophecy.

    I’m always happy when I find an original book! I don’t mind reading the same concept, but I want something refreshing now and then. This book sounds incredibly good! Isn’t it great when a book has a lot of pages without getting boring? 😀 Add a creepy mystery and a good character development and no over-the-top romance and I’m ready to go. I haven’t heard of this book before, but I will add it to my GR right away!

    Happy New Year Giselle 😀

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

  6. Aneeqah

    I’ve been looking for something original lately, because I’ve started to get tired of the same-old dystopian novels. And I think this book will be perfect for me! I’m totally adding this to my TBR, because not only does it sound utterly unique, it seems to be super addicting as well. I love when a book can hook me from start to finish, and it definitely seems like that’s what this book did for you Giselle. Not only that, but actually having developed characters is going to be SO refreshing. The characters and romance both seem so realistic, and I can’t wait to read about them.

    Fantastic review Giselle! You’ve totally convinced me that I simply must pick this book up. <3

  9. Megan Reti

    This one sounds really good. I’m glad the character development was excellent and the love story evolved naturally. I am so over under-developed characters and instalove! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for this one in 2013.

  13. Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian

    Not a sci-fi reader, but this sounds absolutely amazing! It must truly be impressive to keep up the stamina for 500+ pages. I do find the premise very intriguing and if it’s real originality here, I can’t wait to check it out too! Fantastic review, as always, Giselle!

    Sorry I haven’t been able to comment on your posts lately >_< senior year's killer. I've always been a ghost reader here for these past months though <3 Hope you have an awesome New Year!

  17. Shooting Stars Mag

    this sounds fabulous (and ooh I like the blue edges; love it when books do that). Thanks for keeping the summary still a mystery. Sounds like the type of book you just need to dive into and experience.

  18. Jenni @ Alluring Reads

    ahahahahaha I wanted to leave you a crappy comment. And it was FUN!

    Anyway, SPINE CHILLING! WANT. I had no idea that this was a creepy one. Love that the character development was so good, I think this is one that I could love too!

    Oh love the rater!

  19. Jesse Burgoyne

    I’ve never heard of this one before, but I’m definitely intrigued. Scifi can be pretty hit or miss for me, but as long as there is awesome character development and a compelling mystery then I’m sold! Great review 🙂

    Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction

  20. Candace

    Oh it sounds twisty! I love that it has great character development as well. I hadn’t even heard of it before now. Wonderful review!

  21. fishgirl182

    i wasn’t really interested in this book until i read your review. i love a good sci fi book though they can be kind of hit and miss. i will definitely try to check this one out though. thanks!

    fishgirl182 @ read now sleep later

  23. Alexa Y.

    The mystery you hint at has me particularly intrigued. I think I definitely have to check this one out, as it sounds awesome. Plus, I love that it’s blue!