The Palace of Illusions

To be honest, I don't know how to review this book. I'm so torn when it comes to my rating. I didn't like it nor did I hate it ... After reading Meredith A. Walters' first psychologial thriller, The Contradiction of Solitude, I was so hooked - although that was anoher book I wasn't sure I "liked" - and had probably too high expectations for The Missing. Now don't get me wrong ... it was okay, I guess. The characters in TCoS were very unique and I even couldn't help but feel intrigued by them but that was different for the characters in this book. I felt sympathy for Nora. She's been through some hard times, always being rejected and detested for who she is, for what she looks like. Everything she ever wanted was to be loved and accepted. I get it. And I hated her mother for being such a terrible person. Seriously, if you can't even count on your family, what do you have left? They're supposed to be there for you, support you and not abuse (physically and mentally) you. Just no, that's not right. So yes, I hated her with a passion. The only friend Nora had is Bradley and while that may have been something postive, it really wasn't. Bradley is a really, really strange character. He's angry most of the time, has terrible mood swings and generally he's someone you should stay far, far away from. He's dangerous but Nora needs him as much as he needs her. She knows it's not a good relationship but he's the only one she's got ... until she meets Maren. She seemed normal. A pretty girl, wanting to befriend Nora ... and I think this would've really helped her. If not for that fact that someone kidnapped her. Who? She doesn't know. Nora has no recollection of the day it happened, who it could be or why. All she knows is that she's alone ... I can't help but compare The Missing to TCoS and while I know it's probably not fair and shouldn't be done ... I still do it. Her writing style really impressed me in TCoS, there were lots of passages I highlighted and that sounded beautiful. I can't say I did that in this book. It was still well written and easy to read despite the depressing mood but that's about it. In general the book gave a really depressive feel ... which is obviously the desired effect but I didn't care as much as I wanted to. *sigh* Overall it still made me curious, especially because it ended on a cliffhanger and I want to know who this other person is. Will I read the second volume? Maybe. It's definitely not a high priority but I'll keep an eye on it. It's a short book and if you're interested in psychological thriller, you should definitely check it out! As usual, form your own opinion ... everyone has a different taste. ;) www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com