Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Reviewer: Ariana A., Grade 10

Star rating: 4 stars

Not only is the cover of the book stunning, but so is the writing style and atmosphere. An island-isolated girl’s boarding school in Maine is put on quarantine after The Tox has taken over. The Tox is infecting every living thing with terrible conditions and different “marks” for those who managed to survive the outbreaks. Everyone left is waiting for a cure, for an answer. This story follows a group of girls as one of them disappears and the other two go beyond into the dangerous lands outside the quarantine gates in search of her. 

 

The gore, the dread, the escalating tension, and the characters are all so good. The descriptions made me cringe, hold my breath, and speed read till it was over. I will admit that I read this book because of its cover, but I was not disappointed. The way the author incorporated switching points of views between the girls made this book more captivating. The girls are complex characters that are wild, passionate, independent, real and unapologetic. I like how their decisions weren’t for the world, but for each other. 

This book deals with disability in a great way. On top of that, the subtle love interest felt natural. I will say that if you pick this up there will be several moments that will leave you wanting more. More pages, more of an explanation, more of a conclusion and closure. The book’s ending was set up to have a sequel, though a prequel would be much appreciated.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Reviewer: Ariana A., Grade 10

Star Rating: 5 stars

How to describe this masterpiece? This is a story about a young girl, Adeline (Addie) LaRue, who desires for her independence and free will. So on the eve of her forced marriage, she runs to the woods to pray for a god (or a devil) who answers after dark. He makes her a deal that leaves Addie to yearn.

Addie will live forever but will be forgotten by everyone she meets. She is like a ghost, leaving only a trace but never seen. We get to see Addie’s growth and struggles over her lifespan (three-hundred years) through different periods starting in 1714, France and switching to “current day” 2014, New York. This is my first time reading a book by V.E Schwab, and hands down a 5/5. The world building and the structure of this, sucked me in from page one. The words were so articulate and the fine details are simply brilliant. 

As a masterpiece has flaws, I do wish we had more of a storyline with “the devil”. Additionally, 75% of this book is background and is very slow-paced, but I feel that this pacing works. So if you were thinking about picking up a fast read, this is not it. But if you do pick this up, this book will change the way you look at life and keep you thinking even when you finished, craving for more time.  

Trigger Warnings: Loss of loved one, substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts and actions, sexual assault and abuse.