Review: The Leaving by Tara Altebrando
SYNOPSIS:
Six were taken. Eleven years later, five come back–with no idea of where they’ve been.
Eleven years ago, six kindergarteners went missing without a trace. After all that time, the people left behind moved on, or tried to.
Until today. Today five of those kids return. They’re sixteen, and they are . . . fine. Scarlett comes home and finds a mom she barely recognizes, and doesn’t really recognize the person she’s supposed to be, either. But she thinks she remembers Lucas. Lucas remembers Scarlett, too, except they’re entirely unable to recall where they’ve been or what happened to them. Neither of them remember the sixth victim, Max. He doesn’t come back. Everyone wants answers. Most of all Max’s sister Avery, who needs to find her brother–dead or alive–and isn’t buying this whole memory-loss story.
REVIEW:
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
Overall, I enjoyed this story; however, there was one glaring issue I had with this book and her name was Avery. I think the author wanted me to sympathize with her but let me have a real moment here, I HATED her. I almost DNF-ed the book because reading chapters from her perspective put me in a sour mood. She was whiny, b*tchy, rude, self-absorbed, and honestly I wanted to punch her in her pity-party-for-one face. I just didn’t like Avery at all, which made me hate the end of the story because I was hoping that Avery would just be off-ed or die…spoiler alert, she doesn’t die. Unfortunate, really she was just such an annoying character.
I loved the cover and concept of the story. I just wished it would have been developed more, I wanted more! I really thought that the book would build up to this epic, mind-blowing ending and in reality I felt cheated because it fell so flat. I wish that Tara would have went there with the story instead of playing it safe. I enjoyed how each kid had defining characteristics, things they knew how to do but had no recollection of learning.
The diversity of all the characters in the book made for a colorful cast with different opinions. I especially loved Scarlett and Lucas (to a point) because both of these characters were determined. Their determination was admirable but honestly my hatred for Avery and lack of epic ending left this book falling short for me. Finally, it took me several weeks to finish this book which if you know me at all I read a book in one sitting if I am head over heels for it. So interpret that how you will.
BUY THE BOOK:
