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ryandejonghe

Ryan DeJonghe - The Avid Reader

I didn't always read, but that changed in June of 2013. I dropped the unnecessary stuff and picked up the awesome stuff--like reading! I started posting my reviews on Amazon and within a few months rose to the top 0.1% of reviewers. My reviews then went to Goodreads, and now my blog (http://ryandejonghe.wordpress.com) and Twitter (@Ryan_Reads). If you are reading this, why not leave a comment or send me a note? I love talking to other folks about books and my reviews. Publishers and authors, feel free to drop me a note if you want me to review your book. I usually stick to mainstream publishing, but I'll consider anything. If I review your book, I’ll give you a fair and thorough review and let you know when the review goes live. You can reach me at dejonghes@gmail.com. Happy Reading!

Lucas

Lucas - Kevin Brooks I read this book on a recommendation and semi-enjoyed the ride. I’ll start by saying the cover is very misleading. The cover has a catch line about love and hate and features an angry looking kid. It’s not about that—at all.

The British male author did an excellent job avoiding Anglicisms and delivering a believable female narrative. However, I remain clueless on why he chose ‘Bill’ as a female name for the protagonist’s friend. Billie would have been better, but Bill? No way.

The story itself is a fluffy, clichéd filled journey to around page 90. Yes, you get the chiseled abbed antagonist and the sashayed movements to and fro. Then Lucas shows up and Lucas is cool. All the good guys seem cool and unique; all the baddies sound like stereotypical rich ruffians. The ride is worth taking because things do pick up around page 240 (don’t worry, it’s a quick read) and carry through until the end.

The book ended—don’t worry, no spoilers—peculiarly. There’s a life lesson here, but I wasn’t satisfied how it all unfolded. So yes, you may get something touchy and feely and even walk away with something to think about. For me, it wasn’t enough to make up for the plodding first half.