The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
After the couple paranormal romance-y books in a row, I decided to go for something different and picked up a "boy" looking book that I purchased about 3 or so years ago. The cover alone has that appearance: guy running from something with an explosion in the background. And it did not disappoint. Here is my review:
About the book: Charlie West just woke up in someone else's nightmare.
He's strapped to a chair. He's covered in blood and bruises. He hurts all over. And a strange voice outside the door just ordered his death.
The last thing he can remember, he was a normal high-school kid doing normal things--working on his homework, practicing karate, daydreaming of becoming an air force pilot, writing a pretty girl's number on his hand. How long ago was that? Where is he now? Who is he really?
And more to the point . . . how is he going to get out of this room alive? - Goodreads
The chair is just the starting point. From there it's action, drama, questions and on the occasion an answer. Main character, Charlie, has the all around good guy appeal but with struggling to figure out what happened to his life. In his pov, we learn things only when he does and in this case it works for the story. The chapters and action move in a quick pace suitable for the genre it's representing and involves enough action with a slight hint of romance potential to have a wide enough audience appeal. He's both a bit nerdy and yet knows karate and could be deadly to a foe even at his young age.
I will warn that if you expect things answered and resolved in book 1, there will be a mild bit of disappointment. Book 1 in the series, this book right here, sets up a lot of questions. It does not answer them all or even most I would say, but it does answer some and leaves hints for others. Not quite a stand alone type of book, this does require reading more in the series to finish all that the author made promise to in book 1 and I hope to read the next book in the future.
Also, while during the book at points there is some question if Charlie is really a good guy, there is a funny little phenomenon seen in movies and such that help hint that he's the good guy. Doesn't matter who shoots at him (bad guys that tortured him or even police and such), a bullet doesn't hit him. Hits near him, but he is not shot in book 1 despite the training and type of guns used by those aiming in his direction. Definitely a good guy indicator.
This book is for anyone who likes action, explosions, fast pacing and such. What some would call a "boy book" it might be more focused for the male audience but anyone can enjoy the story. It's a mix of karate, danger, questions, and trying to get the girl that in the end works and hopefully the rest of the series can match and even answer the questions that still remain. Definitely, those lamenting over not enough "boy books" in YA should give this one a read. Enjoy!
Friday, August 23, 2013 | Labels: action/adventure, boys, young adult |
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