Wednesday 13 January 2016

Review: Remembrance by Meg Cabot

All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva).

But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight.

From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child, to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night.

Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?

What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?

If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little butt.


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Publication date: 02/02/16 

Having read quite a few of Meg Cabot's books I can say without a doubt that The Mediator series is easily my favourite YA series by her. I remember checking out the books from my local library when I was younger and really enjoying them. More recently I had a craving to re-read the series so I did just that. Then last year having tracked down the series with the covers I liked I finally bought it and I re-read it again because it's such a fun, feel good series. So, being such a big fan I was super pumped to find out that there was to be a 7th adult installment!

Empowered female mc. In Remembrance Suze is in her 20's and is still attending her old high - but not as a student, she is now working her way up to becoming a guidance councilor. She is as sassy as ever, and having recently watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer I have to admit that in some ways she reminds me of Buffy - they're both empowered, kick-butt females who I adore. What's more is that I love how confident she is in herself and her appearance, without being obnoxious about. It's refreshing to see a character who doesn't think she's plain, etc (don't get me wrong I like seeing all types of mc's, be it plain or pretty, but a confident one is one I just don't see often enough). Suze owns it, and she isn't afraid to curse either. I also like how in this book we see a more vulnerable side to her.

Romance. Jesse and Suze are faced with some obstacles in Remembrance, and it was nice seeing them work through it. The swoons and banter was on point, and I think it's awesome how both of their career paths involve helping people in some way.

Girl power. Here I thought I'd share some quotes that really resonated with me. 1. "You're not like other girls," Didn't he realise that wasn't a compliment. There's nothing wrong with being like other girls. (Quote taken from e-arc, may be subject to change). Can I get a hell-to-the-yes?! I have seen this used as a compliment by love interests in books and it frustrates me so much, because like Suze said there is absolutely nothing wrong with being like other girls! 2. "She was never yours to give, Slater," Jesse hissed. "Nor is she mine. women aren't horses, they don't belong to one man or another,". (*Quote taken from e-arc, may be subject to change).  Oh, Jesse, why can't you be real?! *swoon* 

Fun plot and colourful cast of characters.  As with all the The Mediator books there's a mystery to be solved, a trouble making ghost, oh and to add something new to the mix: Paul is back! As usual I enjoyed reading about Suze and all the shenanigans she got into. As well as meeting some new characters we are re-united with characters from the previous books and it was great seeing what they were all up to. On another note Cabot does a great job of including diverse characters in the Princess Diaries and it's the same with Remembrance. Her best friend is a POC, *highlight to read spoiler* one of her brothers is LGBT, and her boyfriend is Hispanic. Yay for diversity!

All in all, Remembrance was a fun read full of swoons, shocks, and laughs. I really hope that one day I can visit California, especially the place where the series is set, Carmel, as it sounds amazing.

Rating:

5 comments:

  1. Renu you know I'm a huge fan of Meg's books too, this is still one series that I still need to pick up, but I'm glad to see that you were still able to enjoy the latest installment too. Great review! :)

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  2. I've never read anything by Meg Cabot. This sounds like something I'd like to try - mystery, romance, and women empowerment.. it might be difficult to catch up to this series though (looking for the first few books in the bookstores, I mean). Great review, Renu! :)

    czai @ the Blacksheep Project

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  3. Sounds FUN. Can you believe I've never read any books by Meg Cabot?? I'm clearly missing out. Sure reminds me a bit of Buffy - I'm sure I would love this series too!

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  4. I remember loving this series when I was younger and am pretty excited to see a grown up Suze. So glad you enjoyed this one, Renu!

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  5. Thanks for the great review, Renu! We at NewInBooks.com are super excited to that Meg Cabot is continuing the Mediator Series! For those who haven't yet preordered Remembrance, we are giving away a free copy of the book! Head over to the following link to find out how to enter: http://newinbooks.com/giveaway-win-a-copy-of-the-new-meg-cabot-book-remembrance/

    Happy reading! :)

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