Num8ers by Rachel Ward Review

Title: Num8ers

Author: Rachel Ward

Genre: YA

Page Count: 325

Book Type: Library Hardcover

Publisher: Chicken House, an Imprint of Scholastic, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-545-14299-1

Picture from Amazon

Summary from Inside Cover of Book: Since the day her mother died, Jem has known about the numbers. 

Numbers that pop into her head when she looks into someone’s eyes. They’re dates, the numbers. Dates predicting with brute accuracy each person’s death.

Burdened by such grim knowledge, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. Maybe they can find happiness together. If only the brief time that remains before his expiration date. 

But on a trip to London, Jen foresees a chilling chain of events.

The city’s a target.

The clock’s running out.

The countdown is on to a blowup!

My Review: The cover of this book is pretty intriguing. I love the numbers floating around every where and how that theme is continued throughout the book at the beginning of each chapter. The veins in the eye kind of creep me out, though. 

There were times that I was completely engrossed in this book and other times where I was only mildly interested. I think one of my main problems with the book was probably my own fault. When Rachel Ward was describing Spider, my mind pictured him as an old man. Just certain characteristics that he had must have associated him with an old man for me. This got to be a bit distracting, but like I said--my own fault most likely. 

The “numbers” don’t play as big of a role in the book as I thought they would. I thought it was setup really well and then sort of fizzled out in the middle and picked up a bit more in the end. The major plot lines seemed to be a bit predictable and sometimes even cliche. 

I did love the language in this book as it is set in London. Warning for those who don’t like swearing, there is quite a bit of it. I would definitely give another book by Rachel Ward a shot. I enjoyed her writing style and maybe with a different story I would like it even more. If I had to rate Num8ers, I would give it an average rating of 3 out of 5. 

Have you read this one yet? What are your thoughts?

Batch of Library Books 7/22/10

This should probably be called the Holy $#!+ edition, because I got 10 books at the library today. All 10 decided to come to me from my waiting list at the same time. This should be interesting considering I still have 7 floating around my house.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I've been looking forward to this one for awhile--so excited! It is sort of a 'Groundhog Day' tale where she lives the day of her death over and over again.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy. I read a review of this one on another book blog and added it to my list immediately. Seems like a classic outsider joins popular group and all is not as it seems story.

 

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. I am so, so happy this one came in because I just finished City of Bones and I wasn't really sure how I was going to last the wait until getting the next one.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. I'll probably read this one before the copy of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter that I got last week.

Wake by Lisa McMann. I've heard nothing but good things about this one and it seems like a short read, so I'm excited.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins. I love how this is based on her daughter. I'm sure this will be a heavy, but thought provoking read.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward. I'm pretty sure this is one where she predicts deaths somehow. I don't really remember, but I do know that it was on my Goodreads list and it was on hold for awhile at the library!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I'm pretty sure I'll be the last person on the planet to read this one. I'm on the lookout for Patch.

Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died: Controversial Views from the #1 Fan Site by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen. I know I'm way behind on this one as well, but eh, what can I say. I'm hoping this one is funny.

Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli. I've heard very good things about this one (mainly from Sandy, Hi Sandy!). I always saw it in the store and almost picked it up, but I'll give it a shot from the library!

Phew, that was intense. Have you read any of these? Any suggestions on which ones I should tackle first? Thanks.