The Reader

I devoured The Reader by M.K. Harkins. There’s no other way to describe it. I read it in one sitting and then was bereft that it was over. If you like urban fantasy, do yourself a favor and get this book. I promise it will not disappoint.

18 year-old Ann Baker wakes up on a beach, shot with no memory of who she is or how she got there. When two young men approach her, claiming to know her and want to help, she has no choice but to go with them. Soon their story begins to unravel though and Ann is left with more questions than answers. In a world where humans have evolved and some are immortal, who can Ann trust?

I really like Ann, even if she comes off as immature at times. Her frustration and anxiety feel real as she struggles to remember who she is and where she came from. As she is fed little bits of information about her life and what she is, Ann takes it in stride. She is a quick study and wants to learn to control these powers that seem to be waking in her.

The two guys that found her, Devon and Archer, are polar opposites. Devon is a bit of a jerk (well that’s an understatement really). Archer is the golden, boy-next-door. Devon is closed off while Archer is an open book. Yet despite these things, it’s Devon Ann finds herself drawn to. And if I’m being honest, me too.

The plot of this one is fast-paced, like light speed. I didn’t want to sit it down for even a second. As Ann discovers more about who she is, questions arise about why her memory is missing. The plot really revolves around this and the people at North Bend. Who are they really? Why are they protecting her? And who are the Jacks? Are they the people that shot her? So many questions and I promise they are all answered.

Overall I loved The Reader. The fast-paced plot, the world-building, even the little taste of romance are blended into a fascinating story. And that ending….my heart hasn’t started back up yet! Just trust me and read this one

Ann is found shot on a riverbank with no memory of who she is. Rescued by two guys, she learns of the strange world of Readers and that she may be one herself.

What I Loved: Ann is a great character. Despite losing her memory and the trauma she goes through, she is determined to find out who she is and help her new friends. The mystery kept me reading as the reader is drip fed the clues throughout.
What Left Me Wanting More: The history of the Jacks and Readers is fascinating and left me wanting to know more. There is enough there to possibly write a prequel to show how it all began.
The Final Verdict: Ann is a great YA character. She has a power, a mystery on her hands and two hot guys at her beck and call. The story is entertaining and the world created by the author is well developed.
Very enjoyable and I would read more by this author.