(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This was another book that really caught my attention when I originally read the blurb. It looked as much a character-driven story as a plot-driven one and although it was a little depressing to read, I found it really easy and engaging. It didn’t take me that long to finish reading it and I was disappointed to reach the end of the book, because I felt that there was a lot more of the story to be told.
I found Carter a really likable character and I was able to empathise with him and what he went through after losing his twin. I felt really sorry for him with how he felt about people looking at him and seeing Marcus.
It was interesting how Carter kept waking up at a specific time. I didn’t realise the relevance until right at the end of the book and then I felt that it was really quite cleverly done.
My first impression of Melanie was that she seemed quite self-centred and only cared about her own grief. As she and Carter began talking, though, I found her a much more interesting character… but she did still come across as a bit high-maintenance and self-centred at times. Flaws like that do make characters more interesting. I felt that she was a well-rounded character… there were just a couple of times I got annoyed with her.
I didn’t really see Justin before the effect the accident had on him, so I have no idea what he was like before it all. I will say that I found him one of the most intriguing characters in this book. I seriously felt the author did a fantastic job showing the guilt and issues that he was facing. And there were some really strong emotional scenes, especially when Justin meets Carter’s parents.
I liked the first person perspective of the book and there were some parts towards the end that did make me smile, even through the tension that kept me almost on the edge of my seat as I was reading it.
I’d like to read a sequel to this book, because I think it would be good to see where the characters go from that point. I liked the ending and I liked the tight bond that formed between the three of them. There are some real psychiatric issues in this book that the characters deal with, but I do think it’s worth reading.
Get a copy: Half Dead & Fully Broken
Ink of Blood 