Book Review: The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right.

—

Short and Sweet: This has to be one of the most thrilling, stomach-clenching, addictive books that I have read in a really long time.

I was ridiculously excited when I found out that this book was coming out. It had been a long time since I read the Mara Dyer series and I remembered loving it, well, all except the last book. Problem was, I couldn’t remember why I wasn’t crazy about the last book.

When I started reading this one, it hit me. The series had changed from a psychological thriller/paranormal novel to some sort of X-Men wanna be. And I hate those kinds of books.

Now, before I get angry emails and comments insulting me for my opinion, keep in mind that I still rated Retribution 4 stars. This book is still getting 5 stars. Because although ‘superhero’ novels are not my thing, Michelle Hodkin fucking rocked this.

I love what she’s doing with all of the characters. I love how it barely feels like it’s been three years since I read Retribution. I love how snarky Noah is and how wonderful it is being in his head again. I love the doubt that’s being raised against Mara and how they’re trying to figure everything out. I love the story, I love the writing and I’m stupid excited for the next book in the series. I read through this novel in 24ish hours and all I want is more.

It will always amaze me when an author has a large cast of characters and every character feels different. Each character is fully fleshed out with their own personality, their own voice. I’ve read a ton of novels where at least three of the characters could just drop off at a random point and it would make no difference to the story. In this novel, it 100% would.

There’s no news whatsoever about a second book in the series, but I can tell you for sure that it is immediately going onto my TBR when it happens. I have questions that I need answered.

5 Stars