REVIEW #23 - Numbers by Rachel Ward

TITLE: Numbers
AUTHOR:  Rachel Ward
GENRE: paranormal, (soft) sci-fi
PUBLICATION DATE: November 8th 2008

BLURB:

Since her mother’s death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else’s, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen

REVIEW:

It's definitely darker and edgier than any YA book I've read so far. And just as definitely, it's not a read for younger readers. There's cursing, sex, drugs. I was quite shocked by the roughness and brutality the author presents the events in the book with.

I can't say I loved the characters. They weren't your typical YA heroes, the girl wasn't "just a normal girl who is so special every boy in the nearest vicinity can't take his eyes off her" nor was the boy "a dark man hunted by his own demons, who does everything to protect his love". No. Jem was... difficult. Terry was... even more difficult. Together they formed a duo of misfits that tried to reach a dream that was doomed from the start.

I didn't love them, but I cheered for them. I really wanted them to be happy, despite their complicated lives and shady past. 

My favorite scene was the one at the church, where Jem found a place to stay as a refugee. Her speech was no doubt the most moving scene of the entire book.

I think I wanted to know more about the Numbers. Why did Jem see them, why did they vanish, could she save anyone with her knowledge? Unfortunately, nothing was explained.

I loved and hated the ending. I loved it because the last sentence was one of the best punch-lines I've ever read in YA books.I hated it because... I'm not sure. I don't think teen pregnancy was something I'd expect from this book. Even if Jem showed signs of being pregnant (after, mind you, three days after sex scene. Hm.) I kept  wondering if that's really something the author wants to do with her book. I'm not sure I'd go this way, but then - I checked the other books of this trilogy (I didn't even know it's a trilogy) and I must admit they look a lot more intriguing than the first book. I think I will read them in future!

Overall:
3 out of 5 stars