*may contain spoilers*
I really loved this book. When I first received it, I was only moderately excited to read it. I thought that it would most likely be okay, but nothing special in today's world, where a person can't walk without tripping over a stack of YA Paranormal Romance novels. However, I was MORE than pleasantly surprised. Everything about the book was great. The protagonist is Emma, a teenage girl who has lost her father and, more recently, the love of her life, Nathan. Emma and her hyperactive Rottweiler, Petal, visit Nathan's grave most nights for the peace and quite that it gives Emma. One night, however, all of that changes when Emma meets Eric, a mysterious, seemingly-young man with a wedding band on his finger, who is talking with... a ghost? Emma quickly learns that she can see, communicate with, and even control the dead. She's a budding Necromancer, and Eric has been sent to kill her before she realizes her true potential.
But Emma isn't like the typical Necromancers that Eric has seen in his lifetime. She's kind, selfless, and devoted to her loved ones. Eric finds out just how different Emma is when Emma hears the cries of a four year old little boy named Andrew, who is dead, but can't stop reliving his horrifying death scene in the middle of a burning house. Emma is determined to get Andrew out of his own, personal hell, no matter the cost. Even when Emma tries to walk into the house and realizes that the ghost fire is real for her and can kill her, she still insists on saving Andrew.
From that point on, Silence is a heartbreaking tale of love, friendship, sacrifice, and loss. The characterization of the novel is wonderful, and the story-telling is beautiful. I absolutely could not put the book down. I devoured it. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
To that end, Michelle Sagara (or her publisher), if you read this review, please feel free to contact me if you have any ARC copies of the second book for which you need people to write reviews. I would be more than willing to do so. In fact, I'd be thrilled. I edit and review books professionally, and it is rare -- these days -- that I find a beginning book for a series that I enjoy so much that I volunteer to review any subsequent books gratis, but I would be honored to receive a copy of this book to review.
I really loved this book. When I first received it, I was only moderately excited to read it. I thought that it would most likely be okay, but nothing special in today's world, where a person can't walk without tripping over a stack of YA Paranormal Romance novels. However, I was MORE than pleasantly surprised. Everything about the book was great. The protagonist is Emma, a teenage girl who has lost her father and, more recently, the love of her life, Nathan. Emma and her hyperactive Rottweiler, Petal, visit Nathan's grave most nights for the peace and quite that it gives Emma. One night, however, all of that changes when Emma meets Eric, a mysterious, seemingly-young man with a wedding band on his finger, who is talking with... a ghost? Emma quickly learns that she can see, communicate with, and even control the dead. She's a budding Necromancer, and Eric has been sent to kill her before she realizes her true potential.
But Emma isn't like the typical Necromancers that Eric has seen in his lifetime. She's kind, selfless, and devoted to her loved ones. Eric finds out just how different Emma is when Emma hears the cries of a four year old little boy named Andrew, who is dead, but can't stop reliving his horrifying death scene in the middle of a burning house. Emma is determined to get Andrew out of his own, personal hell, no matter the cost. Even when Emma tries to walk into the house and realizes that the ghost fire is real for her and can kill her, she still insists on saving Andrew.
From that point on, Silence is a heartbreaking tale of love, friendship, sacrifice, and loss. The characterization of the novel is wonderful, and the story-telling is beautiful. I absolutely could not put the book down. I devoured it. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
To that end, Michelle Sagara (or her publisher), if you read this review, please feel free to contact me if you have any ARC copies of the second book for which you need people to write reviews. I would be more than willing to do so. In fact, I'd be thrilled. I edit and review books professionally, and it is rare -- these days -- that I find a beginning book for a series that I enjoy so much that I volunteer to review any subsequent books gratis, but I would be honored to receive a copy of this book to review.
Interesting, but I would hate to have it be true.
