Fade by Lisa McMann
Book Snyopsis: Fade, sequel to Wake, follows undercover investigators and high school seniors Janie Hannagan and her partner/boyfriend Cabel as they attempt to unmask and trap a sexual predator teaching at Fieldridge High. Janie is a dream catcher—she has the ability to be sucked into another person's dreams—and her job is to glean clues to the culprit's identity from her classmates and to act as bait. The latter task annoys protective Cabe, and their relationship, already strained by a scarcity of alone time and the need for secrecy is further stressed. Furthermore, Janie receives documents from her now-deceased dream-catcher mentor promising to detail the fate in store for her, and she's not sure she wants to know the truth. While there are few surprises in the main plot arc, the spare but effective narrative holds readers' attention, especially when Janie delves into the chilling truth of her ability. (Goodreads)
After finishing the wonderfully eerie world of Wake, I couldn't wait to dig in again with Janie and Cabel in Fade. The story picks up shortly after the end of Wake, Janie and Cabel are finishing up school, looking forward to the day when they can leave Fieldridge High behind and enjoy the freedom of college life.
McManns unique writing style flows just as sharply and the plot moves lightening fast for a few hours of reading. I will admit first that I liked Wake better, only because I thought the set up of dreams were superbly written and had a very dreamlike feel amidst the darkness of thoughts and loneliness.
Fade felt like a bungee cord drop, it was darker, faster, and much more disturbing. The subject matter is shocking and doesn't make the reading very entertaining as much as it makes you queasy. It was hard to fall in love with Cabel and Janie's romance while having to face the twisted, sick sexual predators Janie is helping the police track down at her school. There’s a ton of plot in this book, but very little character interaction other than Janie and Cabel’s dialog. Carrie is a background sentence or two; the mom is pretty much in her bedroom so much, that she's almost to the point of invisibility. Makes sense on the parental aspect because it seems in all these YA books, the parents need to be dead, drunk or evil. Even with the small relationship build of the Captain and Janie most of book centers on freaky dreams all focused on rape. One particular dream sequence of rape is so disturbing I had to stop, take a breath and move on. I still like the concept of Janie being pulled into dreams and although the side effects are predictable, my favorite parts of the book are learning with Janie where this is going to lead her. Instead of Wake being dreamlike it’s more about predators and real world rape issues. Rule number one girls and boys: Don’t go to a party when your creepy good-looking teacher is throwing it. If you find yourself being handed drinks and food by half naked teachers…RUN!!
Again like Wake, Fade seeks a mature audience. The profanity is worse and the entire subject matter focuses on rape, sex and drug use. I read somewhere this was recommended for 8th-10th graders……the content in this book is very graphic, the sexual encounters would get an R rating if it were a movie. I would suggest this for 17 & up.
3/5 YA, thriller
If a teacher is harassing or touching you in an inappropriate way be it male or female, tell your parents….or an adult you can trust, if neither of those are options, please call the police or The Rainn hotline and file a report
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
http://www.rainn.org/
wow... just wow. great post and very deep but I don't think I would read this novel simply because of content. Great job though and I am glad you posted the number. Awareness does need to be spread and the earlier cases are reported the less likely it is that it will go farther.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review...I think I'd really like to read this book, though I would have to be in the right mindframe.
ReplyDeletei was interested in reading this...i didnt know this was what this series was about though...
ReplyDeleteinteresting...im still going to read it though
I haven't read this series (don't know why I hesitated because I love urban fantasy) and now know I will not. This kind of stuff doesn't appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteI've just got to say that I love your reviews. They are always so honest and give great insight into the novel. It really helps me decide it it's something I want to read or not.
And your helpful advice regarding things like human trafficking and child abuse is admirable.
Thanks!
Thank you for being so honest with your review! I really like this series, but definitely agree...they need a more mature audience. When I first completeled them I found it a little difficult to believe they were for Young Adults. But given the right information and audience I think these can be great books.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for all the feedback...:D
ReplyDeleteAlyssa- I feel likewise about your reviews, love reading them.....