The Shadow Girl by Jennifer Archer Published by HarperTeen (4.9.2013)
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult
Format: ARC, 336 pages
Source: From Publisher
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Sometimes I forget for an hour or two that she's with me. Sometimes I convince myself that she was only a dream. Or that I'm crazy.
For as long as Lily Winston can remember, she has never been alone. Iris, a shadowy figure who mimics Lily's movements and whispers in her ear, is with her always—but invisible to the rest of the world. Iris is Lily's secret.
But when Lily's father is killed in a tragic accident, his cryptic final words suggest that he and Lily's mother have been keeping secrets of their own. Suddenly, Iris begins pushing Lily more than ever, possessing her thoughts and urging her to put together the pieces of a strange puzzle her father left behind. As she searches for answers, Lily finds herself drawn to Ty Collier, a mysterious new boy in town. Together, Lily and Ty must untangle a web of deception to discover the truth about her family, Iris . . . and Lily's own identity.
My thoughts
**Huge thanks to HarperTeen for providing a copy for review!
I really enjoyed this one while I was reading it, but looking back I realize: It didn’t make a lasting impression. Which saddens me. The details are already foggy and I have to struggle to remember certain things. But it is an engrossing read, because of the mystery aspect of it.
I liked Lily, but I didn’t connect with her quite as much as I’d hoped to. Plus, there were times when her emotion response seemed off. For instance, something major happened, and I feel like the despair that should have come along with that event wasn’t there. She said she was sad rather than showing it, there was little to no feeling, and she acted pretty normal. If something like that were to happen to me, I’d be devastated. I don’t think I’d be able to function properly for weeks, let alone continue my usual routine. In fact, reading about that usually makes me cry just because I think about what it would be like. This one didn’t. There was no feeling whatsoever on my part. Not good.
Then there was the love triangle. You should know by now that I abhor love triangles to begin with, but even more so when the middle point of said triangle waffles back and forth, back and forth. Wyatt obviously thought the sun shone out of Lily’s arse, and she knew he felt that way, but she still continued to ditch him for Ty (not to mention treating the poor guy like crap). She’d be thinking about how her and Wyatt’s relationship had changed to something more, then turn around and kiss Ty. It pissed me off!
…right now I’m obsessing about Ty. And Wyatt. How I feel tugged toward one, then the other. It’s so strange to be thinking about them at the same time. I feel guilty comparing them. But I can’t stop.
Well, you should feel guilty, you skank. She wanted to have cake and pie, at the same time; and I kinda wanted to shove them both down her throat until she choked. Enjoy that stomach ache, Lily.
Other than that, the story was actually really good. I figured out Iris and Lily’s background and their connection fairly early on, but still enjoyed the journey in finding out the truth. In the first half, you only get bits and pieces, so it leaves you curious and wanting more. Despite the irritation of the flip-flopping love triangle, I devoured this book very quickly because it was a fast-pace and easy read. I do still recommend picking it up (plus it kinda reminds me of What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang in a small way), it’s worth the read!
Overall Assessment
Plot: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World-building: 3.5/5
Pace: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Even though it’s not a set in stone read I’m still glad it was enjoyable! This one has looked really good! :D Fabulous review as always!!
<3333 Inky
Thank you Nator Twin! <33
Hmmm. I know I have this one on my TBR but I think after the various reviews I’ve read, it’s going to be more of a “I’ll read it if the library has it,” book or something like that. I tend to hate love triangles, as well, except for the very rare occurrence where they further the plot. And “telling” over “showing,” is my hugest pet peeve. :(
Molli | Once Upon a Prologue
OMG I’M DYING. “She wanted to have cake and pie, at the same time; and I kinda wanted to shove them both down her throat until she choked. Enjoy that stomach ache, Lily.”
THAT IS THE BEST LINE EVER. LEGIT. Awesome review, Jessi! I’m glad you really enjoyed this one :) Even if Lily was annoying at times.
Tehehee XD Thanks! I’m a slightly violent person at times, baha. It just comes out, I can’t help it!
I had the same thoughts on this one! Lily would drive me insane with the way she would go back and forth between the guys. It also didn’t leave much of a lasting impression. I finished it with a meh kind of feeling. Fantastic and hilarious review!
Cheers!
Glad it wasn’t just me! Sometimes I feel like a failure when books don’t stick with me, especially when I enjoyed it while I was reading it!