Dearly, Departed (Gone with the Respiration, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Oooh. DEARLY, DEPARTED was fun, fun, fun. If one overlooks some inconsistencies in worldbuilding, supporting character development, and plot, then Lia Habels paranormal/steampunk debut is a charming read thats sweet and funny.
Im at the point now with my YA reading where any mention of a romance in the synopsis puts me on guard. Because, come on now, how many more insta-romances, too-good-to-be-true boys, or dickwad love interests do we really need? This, however, is why Nora and Bram stood out to me so much. The multi-POV narration (admittedly unnecessary at times) really added to this couples attractiveness, both to one another and to us readers. Bram is a total sweetheart who is nevertheless also a guy, not some ideal creation of a love interest.
The premise is moderately well-developed and the pacing uneven at pointsquite action-packed in the beginning, followed by uneven spurts of information and a climax that felt the tiniest bit rushed. But its the characters that make DEARLY, DEPARTED stand out from the pack of paranormals or steampunks being released. These characters are a RIOT! They deliver the most wonderful zingers in their dialogue that made me literally guffaw. DEARLY, DEPARTED may be set in a futuristic/anachronistic world that may require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but these characters could be kids in any high school today. Lia Habel fills her characters with heart instead of ideals, with the result that readers will have a good time hanging out with Nora, Bram, & Co.
If youre looking for a funny and romantic speculative fiction read this fall, consider checking out Lia Habels debut novel, DEARLY, DEPARTED and be prepared to be thoroughly entertained!
Im at the point now with my YA reading where any mention of a romance in the synopsis puts me on guard. Because, come on now, how many more insta-romances, too-good-to-be-true boys, or dickwad love interests do we really need? This, however, is why Nora and Bram stood out to me so much. The multi-POV narration (admittedly unnecessary at times) really added to this couples attractiveness, both to one another and to us readers. Bram is a total sweetheart who is nevertheless also a guy, not some ideal creation of a love interest.
The premise is moderately well-developed and the pacing uneven at pointsquite action-packed in the beginning, followed by uneven spurts of information and a climax that felt the tiniest bit rushed. But its the characters that make DEARLY, DEPARTED stand out from the pack of paranormals or steampunks being released. These characters are a RIOT! They deliver the most wonderful zingers in their dialogue that made me literally guffaw. DEARLY, DEPARTED may be set in a futuristic/anachronistic world that may require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but these characters could be kids in any high school today. Lia Habel fills her characters with heart instead of ideals, with the result that readers will have a good time hanging out with Nora, Bram, & Co.
If youre looking for a funny and romantic speculative fiction read this fall, consider checking out Lia Habels debut novel, DEARLY, DEPARTED and be prepared to be thoroughly entertained!
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