Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Review: Transcendent by Katelyn Detweiler

Genre: Young Adult, Magical Realism
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 448
Source: First to Read
Synopsis:
A beautiful work of magical realism, a story about a girl in the real world who is called upon to be a hero.

When terrorists bomb Disney World, seventeen-year-old Iris Spero is as horrified as anyone else. Then a stranger shows up on her stoop in Brooklyn, revealing a secret about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Iris’s birth, and throwing her entire identity into question. Everything she thought she knew about her parents, and about herself, is a lie. 

Suddenly, the press is confronting Iris with the wild notion that she might be “special.” More than just special: she could be the miracle the world now so desperately needs. Families all across the grieving nation are pinning their hopes on Iris like she is some kind of saint or savior. She’s no longer sure whom she can trust—except for Zane, a homeless boy who long ago abandoned any kind of hope. She knows she can’t possibly be the glorified person everyone wants her to be… but she also can’t go back to being safe and anonymous. When nobody knows her but they all want a piece of her, who is Iris Spero now? And how can she—one teenage girl—possibly heal a broken world?


My Rating:
★★★
Review:

Though the pace was a bit slow, it had some interesting ideas. Many people that question religion or if there is a god or not, usually ask why if the big one exists why doesn't he give us a sign or send us another Jesus or a miracle, something like that. This really hits home about what if there was another that was born like Jesus but maybe not as magical.

I didn't mind Iris she seemed like a complex character, confused about what she may be yet still trying to deal with being a young adult with normal every day problems. Before she learns the big truth she is just an everyday student that loves playing violin and helping out with the less fortunate. Than boom you find out you are this prophesied one kind of like the second Jesus and now she has to figure out what she wants to do with that information. 

Zane who helps Iris through out the book is one character I really liked and was rooting for. Not everyone who plays or acts mean are, some of the nicest people have the toughest shells. They are made that way by society, its either that or be eaten alive. Zoey who is Zane's sister is in  the picture as well and one of the main reasons why Zane is a good and decent guy, though I don't think he gives himself quiet enough credit. 

Though  that is about it good character wise I thought the parents were a little to forgiving though at times, and sometimes Iris was a little to naive.  I understand that the parents were trying to be helpful and understanding but she ran  away from them while they were surrounded by a mob of reporters and they didn't keep them in the know of where she was yea she is almost 18 so I understand why they weren't chasing after her she is basically an adult, but most parents that I know would have flipped. 

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