The Messenger Reviews

Oh, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! I love you so! This is most definitely one of my all time favorite books. Not only is it a great romance, it is also a chilling mystery/thriller. 
First of all, ALL HAIL NOAH SHAW. For somebody I started out absolutely hating, man do I love him. I mean, I'm not sure I would want a boyfriend like him, but man is he a great character. While he gives off arrogant vibes, which normally automatically make me hate anyone, I am absolutely in love with him. The reason for this is that he isn't really arrogant. On the inside, I don't think he feels more deserving than others. It's all just an image that he projects, maybe a kind of comedy act. Now, I can't even begin to guess why he chooses to be shown that way, even after reading the second book, but I frankly don't care. At this point, Noah can do pretty much whatever he wants without me getting mad at him. Michelle Hodkin was really good at making you absolutely fall in love with Noah in about the same way Mara would fall in love with him herself. It wasn't until later in the book when I figured out that I actually liked him, and it wasn't some sudden, all-embracing feeling, it was gradual, just like how I imagine it was for Mara.
The plot couldn't be more solid. The main plot doesn't give way to the near-perfect romance, but instead balances it out perfectly. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Most of the twist and turns were unexpected, but I do have to say that the main "mystery" I solved right away. Not because I am great at figuring out mysteries or anything, but because it was so blatantly obvious. Whether Mrs. Hodkin meant for you to know long before Mara does, or if it was just poorly hidden doesn't really matter, because it doesn't impair the plot. Even if you are only in for the mystery, there are plenty more things for you to figure out throughout the book. 
Another part of this book that I loved was the psychological aspect of things. I was just as convinced as Mara that her hallucinations were real at the beginning, before I slowly came to realize that they weren't. Michelle Hodkin was absolutely fantastic at making you see things through Mara's eyes without making you feel forced to agree with her. 
Overall, this fast paced book has likable characters and is one of my definite favorites. However, I would not suggest it for anybody under thirteen, due to language, the chilling nature of this book, and constant conversations that are inappropriate for people this young. 
Five out of Five stars