Books 25 & 26 — Gone Girl & Black Ice

Book 25: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn

Up until recently, Gone Girl was the book I recommended most—without ever having read a single page. I admit, I got caught up in the hype, trusting reviewers and word-of-mouth buzz to steer my book gift purchases. In fairness, everyone I'd gifted the book enjoyed it.

I did, too.

But perhaps not in the way I expected. Gone Girl is a twisted mystery/thriller, told in alternating points of view by two characters I didn't particularly like. Not even in the beginning.

The fact that I read every single word, suffering deep writer envy throughout each page, is a true testament to Gillian Flynn's talent. I have put down books for far less a crime that unlikeable characters. But it is perhaps these incomprehensible character flaws that kept me turning pages—and of course, the author's impeccable command of the craft. Gillian Flynn could write the phone book and I'd be trying to suck up a fraction of her talent by osmosis.

In the end, I liked Gone Girl very much, even if both characters left a sour taste in the back of my mouth.

Book 26: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

I loved Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga—the romantic paranormal series about a smoking hot fallen angel who goes from bad guy, to pretty much the love of my life. Seriously, though, Patch's reign as my book boyfriend is second only to Jamie from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. There's no question Fitzpatrick does brooding, dangerous boys exceptionally well.

It's been a long time since I've seen anything new from Fitzpatrick, and so when Black Ice hit bookstores last week, I pounced.

While this is a tamer book than I expected—almost safe in terms of most recent YA out there—I loved every word of this thrilling adventure of danger and romance. Britt is a strong, heroic protagonist, flawed and inspiring. Mason is a hot, dangerous and potentially criminal love interest. The two are pitted against some formidable obstacles, and while it might be easy to dismiss them as unbelievable, Fitzpatrick handles the story with fully capable hands.

There is nothing paranormal about this story—but that shouldn't deter fans of the Hush, Hush saga. Fitzpatrick is one of the most skilled YA authors on the market, and Black Ice is another testament to her amazing talent. You're unlikely to forget this story...or Mason...anytime soon.

— Dawn