by Lenore Appelhans
Published January 15th 2013
by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Summary from Goodreads:
Three levels. Two loves. One choice. Debut novelist, Lenore Appelhans has written a thrilling otherworldly young adult novel about a place that exists between our world (Level 1) and what comes after life (Level 2).
'I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'
Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.
Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.
Thoughts:
I was excited when I found out that a fellow blogger wrote this. I mean what are the odds for someone like me nabbing a book deal by a major publisher and getting her book out there for everyone to read? Plus, it has an interesting cover and a unique concept where the world between life and death is known as Level 2.
Interesting? Yes, at first. Exciting? No. I'm sorry to say that although I was intrigued when I started reading it, my interest quickly dissipate by the first five chapters. It is so disheartening to read a book that feels like a long winding maze where you really couldn't make heads or tails of it.
One moment we have Felicia cruising through her life memories with her two best friends in the afterlife and then a strange boy actually appeared out of nowhere. And the change of POV from past flashbacks to the sterile and creepy Level 2 just add to the confusion. I did finish the book but I'm just not sure whether I'll be recommending this to anyone. I don't really understand the story and how best to describe it. I'm just thinking that the author should really decide what she wants it to be. A motivational book where you re-assess your life? Or a YA dystopian? Combining these two elements just seemed overwhelming.
In my Debut Author, Fantasy & Books in a Series Reading Challenge
Verdict: 1 star.
Available on: Amazon
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