Book Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

December 20, 2014

Oh god, where to start with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin? It’s been on my to-read list for the longest time, but it has finally happened and I am scolding myself for my not picking it up sooner because it is probably one of the best books I have read all year.

Have you ever been so angry at a person that you killed them inside your head? Have you ever possessed so much loathing for someone that you imagined choking them, stabbing them straight to the heart and other dreadful ways to destroy them? Well if yes, relax. Those were just thoughts. At least, you’re safe inside your mind. But Mara Dyer isn’t.

In Mara Dyer’s world, rage brings death. Mara’s life used to be normal until one day, she awakes from a coma only to discover that her world has been shattered. Literally.

She’s diagnosed with PTSD after the death of her friends and she doesn’t even remember how they died, or why she was the only one who survived the bizarre accident mysteriously unharmed.

Mara and her family move to Florida for a fresh start, but the change of scenery is anything but comforting. She sees the faces of her dead friends everywhere she goes and starts seeing other people’s death right before they happen.Mara starts to believe she’s going crazy. And if dealing with all this wasn’t enough, Noah Shaw, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen can’t seem to leave her alone.

As her life unravels around her in the quest for answers, Mara can’t help but wonder if Noah has another agenda altogether.

REVIEW

This book is a masterpiece and probably the first time, in a long time, that I found myself really feeling an overwhelming sense of emotion and attachment towards these characters. Each and every one of them is distinct and relatable, they bring this beautifully written book to life. I instantly felt like I was a part of the Dyer family and enjoyed her rapport with her brothers Daniel and Joseph.
I was really scared I wouldn’t like this, but I was sold from the first chapter. The plot of the book really intrigued me as I’m very into books that involve a paranormal concept.

One of my favourite things about this book was the character Noah Shaw. Mara’s new friend Jamie describes him as “A certain unkempt bastard with a panty-dropping smile.” and he couldn’t be more right. Let me just say that I am completely, utterly and entirely in love with Noah Shaw. I have never been so attached to a fictional male in a novel since Will Herondale. Noah Shaw is a beautiful disaster and I found myself shouting “Kiss her, Kiss him!” at both him and Mara throughout the novel.

I know I say this a lot, but this time it’s true, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is the quickest I’ve read a full novel all year and perhaps ever! It had the right dash of humor, murder, romance and drama for it to be an enjoyable read without it ever losing it’s fast action-packed pace or dragging on. I never once found myself bored and checking how long I left until the end. It always managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. Actually, I never wanted it to end, I was addicted. The story of Mara Dyer, the mystery that surrounds her ‘gift’ to see the murders of people before they happen and that British boy at school that likes despite her crazy, had me hooked.

And don’t get me started on that shocker of an ending. It’s left me craving more. I am sat in the corner of my room rocking back and forth like an addict (slight exaggeration but I am definitely having withdrawal systems from the Mara Dyer world) as I wait for the postman to deliver the next installment of the trilogy, The Evolution of Mara Dyer, so I can get to reading it pronto.

Update: It has now arrived and I shall begin devouring it like my life depends on it.

If you’re looking to the start the new year with a book that is thrilling and mysterious or you fancy being swept off your feet by the swoon-worthy Noah Shaw, then The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is the book for you. It’s a book is so phenomenal, I just want to share the gift with the rest of the world. (But I won’t share Noah Shaw. I have dibs.)