Book Review: Stitch
Media Type: Ebook
Title: Stitch
*Series: Stitch Trilogy #1
Author: Samantha Durante
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: Paperback; 314
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Source: Author
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Intended Reading Group: Young Adult
Content Screening: Nothing of Note
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HDB Rating: 3 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers looking for a unique read that blends the science fiction, dystopian fiction and elements of the paranormal.
Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N
Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.
Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.
Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…
The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.
Samantha Durante’s novel moved to the top of my reading list as soon as I read the synopsis. Stitch sounded like a great combination of genres. Something fresh and new! For those of you out there who are constantly reading like I am, you know the lure of anything that sounds unique. I was eager to see where Alessa’s story would take me.
Let’s start with what I liked about Stitch. First off, I really did love the story line. Well thought out, Alessa’s story is definitely different than any that I’ve read before. I’m not entirely sure how to praise it without giving too much away. What I can say is that the statement that it bridges paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi is spot on. Alessa’s life isn’t what it seems. No matter how flawed she might feel her existence is, nothing can prepare her for what she discovers about her past.
The other thing that I enjoyed were the way that flashbacks were incorporated into the story. As Alessa’s story progresses, and she uncovers more about herself, the reader gets to see into the memories that were suppressed These flashbacks were my favorite part of Stitch. The first half of the story moves fairly slowly as the reader is introduced to the important parts of Alessa’s current life. It isn’t until her flashbacks start occurring that things get really interesting. This is where the dystopian element comes through, and it is fascinating.
Sadly, although I did finish the book, I also did a lot of skimming while reading. Written in third person, Alessa’s story felt detached to me. I really wanted to see inside her head, rather than just hearing what she was doing. There was ample telling, but not as much showing. As a result, I never really got to know Alessa, Janie or any of the other characters as well as I would have liked. I couldn’t connect with them. Mid-way through the book things really picked up, but by that point I still wasn’t invested in Alessa’s struggle.
I definitely loved the premise of Stitch and, even if I didn’t fall completely in love, I also think that it is a very unique story. Readers who are looking for something different, something fresh, will find a lot to love in this book. I am happy to say that I read the sneak peek to the next book in this series and it looks great! Despite any qualms I may have had, I know that I’ll be back for more of Alessa’s story. With the ending such as it is, I have a definite need to know what happens next.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
