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A great fast paced read with a paranormal twist.

While not an outstanding novel, it provides a satisfactory culmination to Janie’s predicament, and we really get to see her shine. The real crux that lifted this book above the rest for me was that there is more character development and spiritual dilemma, moving away from the action/conspiracy centred story lines in the start of the series. The mythology of Janie’s ability is organic, and I loved how it is spread throughout all three books, and some questions don’t really get answers, although we get some resolution in Janie’s acceptance of her fate. The premise is great, but the writing style, juvenile and some of the mechanics in the plot a little too convenient or fantastic. I have a love/hate affection with this series. In the start of the series, Cabel was continually coming to her rescue, but by this book, they were in more of a symbiotic, equal relationship. It gives her an inner strength that I really respect. I enjoy the bitter-sweet of this series – how Janie’s ability comes at a cost, and she has to weigh her conscious over whether to use it for good, bad or try and supress it. And yes, the writing style annoyed me, but ‘ Gone’ was better in all accounts in comparison to the previous two instalments. There is always plenty of action and controversy in these novels. It has been two years since I read the previous novel, ‘ Fade,’ and I think the break did me some good. I enjoyed this much more than the other two – maybe because there was less forced lexicon to connect with the YA audience, maybe because it wasn’t so over the top, or maybe because a lot of questions got answered.

Well, ‘ Gone’ totally blew my expectations away. That, and I wasn’t sure if this conclusion would do the series any justice. It took me a while to pick up this final book in the Wake Trilogy… mainly because, even though I enjoyed the first two books, I wasn’t all that invested in the story. As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice thought she had has more dire consequences than she ever imagined. Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time-and he’s in a coma. But deep down she’s panicking about how she’s going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people’s dreams is really starting to take its toll. Things should be great for Janie-she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she’s totally in love with. Bringing new meaning to sleeping your life away.

Jack by Liesl Shurtliff