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Another Novel Read | BookLikes

A blog about (mostly) young adult books. Reviews, discussions, cover reveals, giveaways, and more! Please visit my main website at ohthebooks.com

Arclight

Arclight - Josin L. McQuein From the very first page, Arclight hit the ground running. There was immediate tension, immediate danger, and immediate mystery. I loved that the book started off so strong and that the pace kept up for a very long time. The whole idea of the Fade, a ruthless enemy that can see and hide in the dark was creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way that the Arclight used colored lights to signal their status, and the fact that light was altogether very important for their lives and their survival. The world McQuein developed in Arclight is rich and imaginative.As a narrator, Marina was relatable, despite her injuries and lack of memory (that I can’t relate to). Her voice was solid and consistent, and I followed her effortlessly through the mysteries that presented themselves. I felt that Tobin, a prominent character from the beginning — and eventual love interest — was also very nicely fleshed out. Their slow build from enemies, to friends, to something more than friends felt natural and believable. Many of the other characters were nicely developed, and their later actions felt as right and predictable as if I had actually known them in my life.I loved every moment of this book… until I got kinda close to the end. Once some of the mysteries began to unravel and some of the threats abated, it actually started to drag for me a little bit. I was fidgeting between a desire to read the rest of the book and a desire to avoid reading the rest of the book. I’m not sure what happened. Perhaps once the sense of urgency has abated, I was able to stop and take a breath, and lost my interest? I did enjoy the rest of the book, but it wasn’t as awe-inspiring as the first three-quarters of the book has been for me.Don’t get me wrong: I very much enjoyed this book. I think the world was fascinating, and I loved the protagonist. There were some parts, especially nearer the end, where her words just blew me away in their poignancy and beauty. I just wish that the pace had continued all the way through to the end, instead of a fast, long rush with a sudden drop.[NOTE: I read this book as an ARC, borrowed from my sister who gets many, many amazing things in her mailbox.]Reviews and more at Another Novel Read!