3 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever read a book where, though you were spending time watching TV with your significant other, you would sneak and read the book anyway? Have you ever stayed up late trying to finish a book, even though you had work or school the next day? For me, Memory Walker by Carly Marino was one such book.
Thea Scott is a high school student with an unusual gift. Whenever she touches someone, she enters their memories. After a breakdown in her freshman year, she tries to avoid touching everyone as much as possible. Now in her senior year, everything changes when the new student, Cole Conway, shows up. Her powers increase, but she also finds herself in extreme danger. The world is not as she thought it to be. Will she be able to get her powers under control? Will she discover who she really is? What does Cole have to do with any of it?
Memory Walker by Carly Marino is a young adult novel that I would further classify as science fiction. The book does contain a modicum of romance, but there is enough action to keep most wandering spirits mesmerized. Being that this book is for a teenage audience, it is mostly clean, despite its romantic leanings.
One of the things that really engages me in a story is realistic characters. In this young adult novel, even though Thea has special powers, she's a typical teenager. She just wants to be normal. She wants to go to prom and kiss a boy. In addition to the realistic characters, I enjoyed trying to figure out who was on her side. The line between good and bad was a bit blurred, which makes for greater enjoyment.
The book is written in first person, so we learn right along with Thea. I was captivated as I tried to understand what was happening with her. Obviously, since I couldn't put this book down, the author used this to her full advantage.
I must mention, as well, that the vocabulary is perfect for a young adult reading level. Even though there were words unique to Ms. Marino's world, she does a fabulous job helping the reader to understand them. I never felt confused or lost; they simply enhanced the mystery of the book.
As much as I loved this book, though, the editing did need a bit of work. There were missing words, extra words, and homophones littering the pages of this beautiful story. "Gate" was used in place of "gait," for example. Though I was able to look past them, they were plentiful and annoying.
I absolutely loved Memory Walker and happily give it 3 out of 4 stars. It is book one in a series, Inflexaen, and as such, did have a cliffhanger ending. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys young adult books with mysterious beings and extraordinary powers. If you don't like any romance in your books, though, this might be one to avoid.
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Memory Walker
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