This story was like dark chocolate; at times both delicious and bitter, and improved by a glass of wine.
But then she starts writing. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that the psychotic, murdering protagonist of her novel bears a striking similarity to the charming Wiley Dalton, a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election.
Or, perhaps not…
- blurb from Goodreads
If I were to sum up this book in a word, it would original. After a bit of a slow start, the plot grew until it was full of twists and turns that took the story in unpredictable directions. This unfolding mystery was definitely the strength of Within; I truly had no idea how everything would end and I enjoyed the unraveling of the various subplots and the way they twisted together into an interesting ending.
The setting was fresh and well-developed, with just enough description to make Halifax, Nova Scotia vividly clear in my imagination. As a fellow Canadian, I enjoyed the pop culture references – from Tim Hortons to Metric – and I ended the book filled with a desire to visit the Maritimes.
I’d have liked to see more attention given to developing the characters, though; while the mystery was vivid and interesting, the characters felt as if they were sketched in, with a universal lack of growth that weakened my connection to the story. Trinity doesn’t have much of a point-of-view so it was difficult to care about her, and the other main characters stay within their roles as defined in the synopsis: the boyfriend who can’t let go and the best friend who wants the boyfriend for herself. That being said, I appreciated the fact that these weren’t typical YA roles or problems – it’s nice to see some originality beyond “hot guy” and “mean girl.”
Perhaps part of my struggle to like the characters can be blamed on what was, in my reading experience, the most depressing love triangle ever. I don’t think there was any way it could have not been depressing, considering that one third of triangle is suffering from a devastating brain injury, but adding in the fact that her supposed best-friend was trying to get the injured boyfriend for herself made it…sad. Darkly sad. A little twisted. Emotional, yes, but not in a way that I found particularly enjoyable.
Rating: 
Title: Within
Author: Clare C. Marshall
Shelf It @ Goodreads
Buy It @ Amazon / Faery Ink Press
Disclosure: Received from author in exchange for an honest review
I have not heard of this, but it sounds like an interesting read. I always appreciate any YA characters that don’t fall into the typical molds. Nice review, BJ!
Cathy Keaton recently posted..Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The originality of the characters was good to see – so many YA books feel like a “fill in the blank” party game these days, I appreciate seeing something new.
Hmmm that really is a new twist to a love triangle. Not sure it’s one that I could deal with given my already well documented aversion to them. The mystery does sound very interesting though and bonus points for Trinity becoming a writer.
Trinity’s becoming a writer was a fun twist! One of many. There were a lot of unexpected elements to the story, and I did enjoy that aspect of it.
Sounds like an interesting novel. Are there any speculative elements to it, or is this more mainstream YA fiction?
Camille Picott recently posted..Interview with Author/Podcaster Emerian Rich – Part 2
There is an element of “other” – some sort of psychic thing, almost – yet the overall feel is more of a thriller.
Oh my gosh, this book sounds SO COOL!!! I’m a big fan of anything that has to do with mysteries so the way you describe the twisting unpredictability and originality makes me so intrigued! But it always sucks when you don’t care for the characters, which I find is actually really common in mystery novels. (I totally wish it wasn’t though!)
Still, thank you so much for the awesome honest review, BJ! <3 I don't think I ever would've found this book if it weren't for you and it definitely sounds like something I'd like to give a shot!
Mimi Valentine recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: Harbinger
Thanks for participating in the tour!