The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer Trilogy)

The Evolution of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin I read the previous book, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, last month, and liked aspects of the book enough to give this sequel a shot. Here is the Kobo store’s summary: Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past. She can’t. She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren’t. She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets. She’s wrong. In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?Everything I liked about the first book was back in this book: mystery, creepy atmosphere, snarky humour, Jamie! And while some questions were answered, way more were raised, and now I can’t wait to read the final book in the trilogy, The Redemption of Mara Dyer.I loved where the plot went with regard to its examination of Mara’s abilities and the possible sources of them, POSSIBLE SPOILERe.g. Mara’s research into genetics and some sort of connection with her grandmother. And can I just say, those flashback chapters were intriguing!END OF SPOILERI also found this book creepier than the first, and as I love creepy, spooky books, that was right up my alley! Freaky dolls, nightmares, messages written in blood…I loved that this book gave me the chills!I had no idea what was going on or what would happen next when reading this. The last part of the book went in a direction that I certainly didn’t see coming, and I love when that happens. Predictability in a book can be entertaining in a way, and doesn’t always take away from my enjoyment of the story, but I absolutely love when I am surprised by a book, and that definitely happened here.Part of what I didn’t like about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was about Noah and Mara’s relationship, and how she was so obsessed with him. It seemed all so sudden, sort of insta-lovey to me, and I found myself rolling my eyes so much, especially when reminded that he was basically perfect. However – I moved past that here, and came to appreciate Noah being there for Mara. I was able to see him as a more rounded character on his own, not just a love interest for the main character. Props to Michelle Hodkin for changing my mind about Noah Shaw!I wish I could say more, but I want to stay as spoiler-free as I can, so I won’t gush over everything I liked about this book, but trust me, it’s book is awesome.This was a rare time that I enjoy a book’s sequel much more than I enjoyed its predecessor, and now I’m going to be climbing the walls until the next book comes out in October! This series is definitely a recommended read!(From www.pingwings.ca)