Thursday, May 3, 2012

Review: Struck

STRUCK
Jennifer Bosworth
Paranormal Young Adult
373 pages
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Available May 8th
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.


MY THOUGHTS
Stuck is an intriguingly unique tale, focusing on a post-disaster Los Angeles as people with dark aspirations of power take advantage of chaos and vulnerability and use them as the stepping stones in their ascension to greatness. Based on that premise alone we’re immediately ready to throw our weight behind anyone who opposes the man who proclaims himself the voice of God, and luckily for us, we’re given a heroine who’s beyond strong on levels both human and superhuman and who stands her ground in a way we’d like to think we’d be capable of were we in her shoes. Ms. Bosworth does a beautiful job of combining the horrors humanity is capable of inflicting on itself with the damage both natural and supernatural are able to wreak on the physical landscape, allowing the world to feel real and tangible despite the addition of some rather fascinating individual abilities.

As mentioned above Mia is a young woman who exudes strength and competency, seeming utterly in control of herself despite her tumultuous family life and the absolute unpredictability of the gifts bestowed upon her through multiple lightning strikes. She adores her mother and brother and would do anything for them, including putting herself repeatedly at risk to ensure their safety while asking nothing in return, all the while standing tall against an onslaught of conflicting fanatical groups who wish to use her to their own questionable ends. When control slips from her grasp she neither flounders nor sits idly by tormenting herself with questions of why and what-if, instead she takes comfort in action (most of the time to her detriment), constantly seeking to spare those she loves pain by bearing the burden or taking the hit herself.

Mia’s romantic relationship with Jeremy, while plagued by the spark of an electric current when they touch skin to skin–a fairly common physical precursor to the dreaded instant and all-consuming love–proceeds to move forward at the perfect pace. The electric current in this case makes sense given Mia’s power, and the level head she uses when she acts in defense of her family blissfully extends to her reactions to Jeremy. She’s attracted to him without being so overwhelmed by her feelings that she finds herself inexplicably in his thrall, and they have both sustained just enough damage mentally and emotionally in the past to mold them into oddly-shaped pieces that seem to fit with nothing and no one save one another, forming a perfectly imperfect connection that keeps things interesting.

The only wish some readers might have for this story is more of a history on the Seekers, a motley group not without their share of supernatural talents who vehemently oppose the teachings of the False Prophet. We’re not sure if they’re a group we can trust or if they are simply the lesser of two evils in a city overrun with those positively ravenous for power, and while that adds to our anxiety in a good way while reading, by the time we reach the end we can’t help but want a few more chapters to help us know them better. Overall, Struck is a fresh story with a solid group of characters, and Ms. Bosworth is an author who has more than caught my attention.

Rating: 4/5

42 comments:

  1. I really liked Struck, but I wasn't completely sold. My main problem was the very slow beginning - I was glad to see when the pace speed up. I really loved Jeremy , he was an interesting character and I really liked the way their romance progressed!

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  2. This sounds very interesting. Rare to see something fresh. But I feel like I've read too many dystopias/post-apoc books lately - especially because I don't like the genre to begin with. I'm reading Delirium right, which is well written but substantively feels like so many books I've read before. Have you read it?

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    1. I just read your review, so obviously you have read it. I'm 150 pages in. Maybe it will grow on me. I like it well enough now but I feel like I'm not on the bandwagon like everybody else.

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    2. Delirium took me a while to get into as well. I thought the same thing until about halfway through when she started spending more time with Alex and then it picked up for me:)

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  3. I've heard mostly good things about Struck, and I have a copy on my shelf that I need to read. I'm looking forward to it! I love that you say the protagonist is strong and competent with a strong love for her family. She sounds like a character I could get behind!

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  4. This one sounds really interesting. I've been seeing good reviews for it so I'll definitely have to pick up a copy when it comes out. I like that the protagonist is strong and the romance sounds sweet. Great review :)

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  5. WOW ... this book sound so interesting ... I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive ... GREAT REVIEW :)

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  6. I want to want to want to read this so badly!! I've heard tons of mixed reviews on it from people who loved it and people who didn't, but I'm glad you're on the side that you did! The cool lightning addict story just makes this one of those books that you hope is awesome, and the perfectly imperfect romance sounds so sweet. Even with the insta-love spark, at least it moves forward beautifully! :)

    Amazing review, Jenny! <3

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  7. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I've been super curious ever since first seeing it, but I haven't really read many reviews for it yet. Fresh sounds good and while I love history, I hope it's not too little on the Seekers. :) Great review.

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  8. Oh, this one sounds good. I'll have to add it to my wish list. This one was new to me.

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  9. Danny - I really liked Jeremy as well:) We talked about this one, I would have loved more info on her lightning addiction as well, but overall I really enjoyed it.

    Natalie - She's loyal and protective to her family almost to a fault - willing to put herself repeatedly in danger for them. But it's hard to blame her for that!

    Tiffany - Yay! I hope you give it a try:)

    Lilly - WOO HOO! Hope it comes soon:)

    Mimi - I did really like it, it was an unusual premise that really set it apart for me. There were a few flaws, but there are with any story, and I loved the characters:)

    Rebecca - I wanted to know more about the Seekers, they seemed to be major players but I knew so little about them!

    Jennifer - Glad I could bring it to your attention:)

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  10. This one definitely caught my eye. Is it a standalone, Jenny? I'll be honest and groaned a little at the insta-love mention but I guess I can overlook that.

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  11. When control slips from her grasp she neither flounders nor sits idly by tormenting herself with questions of why and what-if, instead she takes comfort in action (most of the time to her detriment), constantly seeking to spare those she loves pain by bearing the burden or taking the hit herself.

    Well, you totally just convinced me to read this Jenny! I can't wait to meet Mia (who will not turn into a puddle at the first sign of distress)! ;)

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  12. Oh my gosh Jenny this sounds amazing!!! That cover screams I shoot lightening bolts from my fingers, I kill you.

    And a new way to make insta-love work with lightening real electricity...IM THERE!!!!!!!

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  13. Right, I think I would have liked more on the Seekers as well. BUT I just loved all the bits with Prophet, I don't know, I just find cults fascinating.

    Also? Wasn't Mia's lightening addiction and powers fascinating? I loved that.

    Awesome review, Jenny!

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  14. Oh, yeah! Those Seekers--I did want to know more about them, too. They seemed so bad but, in some ways, had good intentions gone wrong. Very interesting group.

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  15. There have been some real mixed reviews around for this book, but I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it sounds like an interesting read! Btw what I love most about it is the gorgeous cover and the strong mc, *fist pump* we so need more of these!!! Great review Jenny! :)

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  16. Struck sounds like one of the books/series I need to keep an eye on. I am usually the last one to get to a YA dystopian but by book 2 I get on board!

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  17. Rummanah - I think it's a standalone, I'm not entirely sure though. I haven't seen mention of a sequel anywhere, but then again I haven't looked to hard. Clearly, I'm amazing like that:)

    Avery - I really liked Mia for being strong and taking action! Granted, she often took action too quickly and didn't always think things through, but it was clear that she wasn't being stupid, she was just willing to do anything and everything to protect her family no matter the cost to herself.

    Tina - Right? She's kind of a badass:) And I liked that the "electric current" when they touched made sense in this case:)

    April - I loved the cult aspect as well, I honestly wasn't sure I would. The whole mentality is fascinating I think:)

    Mary - Exactly! I liked that I didn't quite know what to make of them, but by the end I would have loved just a tiny bit more:)

    Jasprit - Mia was awesome I though. Definitely flawed, but really strong and caring as well:)

    Felicia - Haha it usually takes me a little while to get into a dystopian book as well, it's like sitting in the front row of a movie theater - you can see the whole picture at once so you spend a lot of time scanning back and forth trying to take everything in:)

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  18. Mia sounds like a great character to read about. I'm looking forward to meeting her! I know this book has received a whole bag of mixed reviews but I hope I end up enjoying it. The premise is amazing so I hope it delivers. Great review! :)

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  19. I really like the premise of Struck and after seeing the amazing trailer a couple weeks back I'm even more excited about this book.

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  20. I am glad you enjoyed this one. I have seen reviews all over the map but I think it sounds promising. I know you don't give out high ratings lightly so I trust your opinion and will add this to my pile. Thanks, Jenny. Hope you enjoy the prom with Jay :)

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  21. It sounds like a very freaky and different future and I like that cos these days most dystopia books are so alike

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  22. I haven't read Struck but after reading a few reviews i now know that i have to read this! And oh my god have you seen the trailer?! If you haven't then do! It's the best book trailer i have ever seen!

    The Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDdDm-Vwjsw

    Great review! =D

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    1. WOW! That trailer is amazing. It looks like a MOVIE trailer, and I definitely wish it was because then I'd be at the midnight showing for it.

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  23. Despite all the electric reviews I've been reading for this book, like yours, I can't seem to summon the interest to read it for myself. I guess I'm just not a weather girl.

    Watch a random bolt of lighting strike me on the way to my car. That's gonna leave a mark.

    I do have to agree with you though. The insta connection does sound like it makes more sense than most.

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  24. This book sounds really good!! I love characters who are selfless and will do anything for those they care about... throw in some supernatural/paranormal elements and it's a party I must attend. (=

    I am especially intrigued by the romance... it will be interesting to learn how they get around the electric sparks!

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  25. Sam - I hope you end up enjoying it too:):)

    Jenny - Isn't that trailer unbelievable? I've watched it a ridiculous number of times:)

    Heidi - Hahaha I will. I'm going to go buy myself a dress and everything ;-)

    Linda - It was definitely a freaky future, but also one I could see happening to with the natural disasters.

    Bookworm - I have seen the trailer. It's AMAZING!!!

    Missie - Haha it's not for everyone:) And I hope you don't get struck by lightning on the way to your car. Though if you do maybe you'll then be able to wield it and you'll be a superhero. Win.

    Lauren - It was! I thought it was great. And I enjoyed the romance - lots of tension and I couldn't ever quite figure Jeremy out:)

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  26. I'm excited to read this one soon. I have been seeing a couple iffy reviews around, but I think the idea of this book sounds really cool, so hopefully it'll be a good read for me.

    Also, one of the best book trailers ever!

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  27. So, Mia and Jeremy have a "spark"? ;D I'm someone who loves all these superhero stories coming out as well as dystopian. I really should pick this one up.

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  28. *shakes fist at Jenny for being one book ahead of me again* I've got this one up next and am looking forward to reading about these two opposing cults since that's something fresh. In terms of her as a lightning addict, does she seek out lightning or is it just a case that it seems to strike her more often?

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  29. Oh, goodness. *smacks forehead* May's already here and I still haven't touched my ARC! But after reading your review, I'm definitely super excited to start it. It sounds fabulous. I love that Mia and Jeremy, despite having that spark, still are attracted to each other at a nice pace. No insta-love = I'll actually enjoy it, haha! The concept sounds really unique. I can't wait to read it! Lovely review, Jenny!

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  30. Where do these authors come up with these plots? Wow! Glad you enjoyed the adventures of Lightning Girl.

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  31. I haven't been sure if I'll read this one but since you enjoyed it I might pick it up if I see it at library. Glad you liked!

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  32. YAY glad to know you liked this one Jenny .. Im still not sure if I want to read it because it doesn't sound like something I'd love .... I absolutely adore this cover though :) !! Thanks for the great review =)

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  33. Loved struck! The religious part of it I really ejoyed! Lovely review Jenny!

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  34. Great! I'm reading this now and I'm so glad it's something I'll like. I've been disappointed with a few lately. I kinda skimmed your review. Sorry but I don't want to have yours in mind when I write mine!

    Heather

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  35. OH I LOVED this book. I loved it a great deal. I tend to love and not be offended by books that dive into religious issues/groups, because I'm firm in my own faith, so I was able to really just LOVE ON this cult-ish craziness Jenn Bosworth created with Prophet. He is a crazy little bugger, isn't he? And Mia, what an interesting character. But it was honestly the world-building that did it for me in this one. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head while I was reading, and it was thrilling. I read the entire book in one sitting and wished there was more when it was over.

    Glad you liked it Jenny! I loved it too! Can't wait to see what else Jenn Bosworth writes for us. ;)

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  36. The premise for this book is just so intriguing. Glad to hear that it has a solid cast of characters and a fresh story!

    Fabulous review :)

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  37. Yes! I definitely wanted more information about The Seekers. They were quite a mystery to me, and I felt we knew more about the Followers than we did about them.

    Mia really was a great heroine. I was so glad that she wasn't one that sat and sulked, but instead took matters into her own hands. Love that!

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  38. I really want to read this. Even though it's a dystopian, it sounds different...especially the lightning angle. I also like that it's set in LA...my fave city in the world! Great review :)

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  39. It's not a standalone. Is anything anymore? It's not a dystopian either. It's a book that takes place after a major catastrophe. Not even post apocalyptic. I just found some of the things they wanted us to believe too unbelievable. I'll suspend my belief for a bit, but internet service and running water? I had a hard time with this one, but I'll still read the next one, because I thought the author was a superb writer and I want to see if she answers some of my questions.

    Heather

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