Title: Numbers
Author: Rachel Ward
Pages: 285
Publisher: Chicken House
Release Date: January 5th 2009
Source: Review
Since her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen.
I was really excited about reading this book. My friend told me about this book a couple of years ago and decided to leak me spoilers. I had forgotten about them before I read the book which I am so pleased about as mystery is a huge part of this book.
It started off extremely slow. It dragged and it dragged. I almost put it down. My friend kept saying it got better so I stuck with it. I am so glad I did. The summary of the back of the book is rather misleading. I thought the London Eye thing was going to be central to the plot but it probably took place in 10 pages, maybe less. After that happened it got better and better.
I don't want to give anything away so I won't say too much about the plot. It does get very exciting and there are lots of shocking moments. I was gasping and crying plenty towards the end. A lot of things happened I didn't expect. If you have read the book or like spoilers: chapter 18. Oh my freaking god. That is all I have to say.
The book felt so unbelievably British to me. I have never read a book that is so British that after I finished the book it was all I could think about (I am so weird, I know). It also felt like a teenager had written it. It was definitely a teenage voice.
I liked the characters. I didn't always agree with Jem's choices but due to her gift (or curse) I couldn't really blame her. It took a while to warm up to her though but once I did I really felt for her. Spider (despite his ridiculous name) was great. He really brought another element to the book.
The ending. Oh. My. God. I couldn't believe what just happened. I literally stared at that page for a good five minutes. It was a great ending and a fabulous way to lead onto the second book.
I started off underwhelmed by the book but once I finished it I wanted to go back and read the book again (though I'd skip the first 50 page). If you like mystery, romance, thriller type books then this is for you. It is a real mix!
Just be warned there is either mention/use of sex, drugs and there is quite a bit of swearing (F**k and sh*t)
I didn't love this book, it definitely had its slow parts where I wondered where the story was going. With how it ended though, and the blurb for the second book, The Chaos sounds like it'll be even better.
ReplyDeleteI stared at the last pasge for ages :L I couldn't believe it, and I certainly didn't see it coming. I love this book, but I agree that the name Spider is a bit stupid, but once you look past it I got really into it. I've read it twice now, you should read the second book called Numbers 2: The Chaos. It's really gooood :)
ReplyDeleteHuh. Sounds like a really interesting book. The UK cover is a lot better than the American one... I honestly didn't even look into this book since the cover just turned me off so much. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get my hands on this book. It sounds amazing!
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