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| Taken from Amazon. Sorry for the bad picture, it was the only one I could find! :-/ |
"It was before the birds fell out of the sky. Before them girls went missing . . . "
Life is good for Jenny Grand, living in a beachside chalet on the Cornish coast, chilling out and body-boarding, until one day her ex-boyfriend Han returns to her home town of Hayle. Shortly afterwards, the town is invaded by TV modelling talent show Britain's Next Catwalk Queen, and everything begins to go wrong.
Part romance, part mystery, and part coming-of-age story, Snake Beach is a gripping novel for young adults
Review:
Snake Beach is one of the most unique and original stories I have read. The author has an original style which has you intrigued at where the words will take you next. This isn't the type of book I would read, but I enjoyed it. I was blown away by the unique plot line and was hooked to find out the unpredictable ending. Although it didn't make my favourites list, and it did have a few faults, I am looking forward to what more Glass has to offer.
Set in Cornwell, we see the story through the eyes of Jenny Grand. She is a typical teenager with normal issues, until her ex-boyfriend comes back to her town. Their first confrontation is very awkward, and soon they realise that they feelings towards each other are complicated. I loved how Glass portrayed Jenny's emotions - she used body language and actions to show her feelings towards her love for Han, instead of moping about in her room saying that she loves him. His return sparks off the whole story, as soon a tragedy occurs and TV models flood the whole town. They go missing, and it is up to Jenny to save them.
As I mentioned before, I love Glass' unique ideas for the novel. She hasn't taken any kind of trend or copied another author's style - she has clearly done research and produced ideas for the novel that are her own. I mean, the 'chewing gum' part? Genius! I could never have thought of that.
I love the contrast of character personalities too. However, Han annoyed me. Despite the MC being in love with him and the adorable ending, I couldn't help but get irritated by his actions. He chased after the models and didn't really care about Jenny's feelings. I am not sure if the author did this intentionally, or if he is meant to be shallow. Due to my reaction, I couldn't really engage with the romance. It didn't captivate me.
Even though Snake Beach is a young adult novel, I think everyone of all ages would enjoy it - pre-teens and adults. There isn't any instalove or unsuitable features, but it isn't childlike. Jenny doesn't really show any character traits of her age, and I couldn't really empathise with her, but I think lots of people would be able to get along with this neutral character. I'd recommend it, but not rant on about it's greatness for hours. The unpredictable ending, the different character clashes, and the unique prose all intertwine and create a brilliant book.
Thank you to the author for sending me this for review, and to Luisa Plaja for recommending my blog to her! :)
RATE: 4/5
Publisher: Self
Publication date: 8th April 2012
Pages: 185
Edition: E-copy
Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.
8 comments:
Thank Goodness there was no instalove! That annoys me so much. It's such a shame Han wasn't swoon-worthy, because other than that this sounds like such fun. The story-line itself sounds like it would be an enjoyable read, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the lovely review, Zoe. :D
This sounds like a great read! I'm sorry you didn't really connect with Han - it's such a shame when the boy isn't as gorgeous and swoon-worthy as he's supposed to be. But anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed everything else.
Thanks for the wonderful review. I'll have to look out for this author. :) xxx
Brilliant review!
I'm glad you enjoyed this book (and the normally-progressed romance!) as it has such a great concept! It's just a shame you didn't get along as well as you wanted with Han - if I don't get along with the main character's love interest then it's a pretty major factor for me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book! :D
Oh this sounds great except for the boyfriend chasing the models around. I don't think I'd care for that! Nicely reviewed Zoe. :)
Lovely review, Zoe! This sounds like a very fun and sweet read. Jenny seems like a character that is easy to like and understand. It's also good to hear that there isn't any insta-love here. I might check this out someday. Glad you enjoyed this despite some of the slight flaws. :)
Oooh this seems so good and like a great, light, fun read! I just wish Han was a bit better and more swoon-worthy, cause then I have a feeling that I'd love it even more! YAY for no instalove! That type of romance just annoys the bejeezus out of me! :P
Thanks for the lovely review, Zoe-chan! :) <33
This sounds very original and i'm curious about the chewing gum now! haha. I hadn't heard of this one before I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Great review!
I'm glad you mentioned that this isn't the type of book you would usually go for, as I feel the same way, but now I really want to give it a shot! I'm definitely curious. Thanks for the lovely review, Zoe. :)
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