My Review of Ultraviolet

[mary_j_59]

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Actually, I think my rating would have been five stars, but that, like "Pegasus", this is crying out for a sequel. RJ, how could you end it there!? I will add that I read this as an electronic galley. It was an uncomfortable experience; I don't like reading books onscreen, but I still stayed up till 1:00 a.m. reading. I could not put this book down. Also, it's clear the author is a Dr. Who fan!

The story starts off with a bang. Alison, 17, is convinced she has killed another girl with the power of her mind. She cannot explain what happened - apparently Tori disintegrated before Alison's eyes. But that's crazy, isn't it? Is ALISON crazy? When she hears sounds, she sees colors. She knows other people don't perceive the world this way, but there is no one she can talk to about her perceptions, and especially her conviction that there was something wrong with Tori, who wasn't quite the charming, gifted young girl other people thought her.

Because of her strange responses when she's questioned about Tori's disappearance, Alison ends up confined to a hospital/group home for mentally ill young people. The home and its residents are very well described, and readers share vicariously in Alison's disorientation and distress. Then a young doctor from South Africa arrives. He is carrying out a research project, and Alison learns for the first time that she is a synaesthete, and that there are others like her. What she doesn't yet know is that Dr. Faraday, whom she trusts almost instantly, is, like Tori, not quite what he seems to be.

Next to "Arrow", I believe this is R.J. Anderson's best novel yet. For any fans of her writing, it is a must-read. It's very well-plotted, with the overarching mystery - what happened to Tori, and how, and why? - maintained throughout. We learn the answers to those questions, and we also see Alison grow as a result of her experiences. A couple of threads were left dangling, and one, involving Faraday, was very frustrating to me. I also didn't quite buy Alison's paranormal abilities towards the end of the story. Otherwise, fans of paranormal romance and softer-edged SF should snap this up. Aimed at a slightly older audience than the "Faery Rebels" series, this will be a joy to booktalk to some of my high school girls. I look forward to their reactions - and to the next book.



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Comments

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

You write a really good review! I just found you on Goodreads and sent a friend request. (It'll be from Gina, my actual name. :-) )

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Oh - I was wondering who Gina was! I'll be glad to friend you there, and I'm also glad you liked the review. :)

[snapes-witch.livejournal.com]

Ah R. J. Anderson, the author who years ago lead me to the possibility that Severus Snape was a good guy!

I've not read any of her published work, but your review convinces me I really should!

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think you really should! If you do, please let me know what you think.