Book Review: Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1)

Release Date: July 31, 2012
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Length: 384 pages
Source: eGalley via NetGalley

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

    

Review:


Characters: This book has two narrators, Echo, a girl haunted by a tragedy that has changed her forever that she cannot even remember, and Noah, a boy who lost his parents in a fire and due to being shuffled through the foster care system has a darker perspective on life. After being thrown together their predetermined perspectives start to shift. These characters are so dynamic and relate-able that I felt completely immersed in their world. These two characters are brought together with the help of my favorite character, Mrs. Collins. Mrs. Collins is extremely underestimated by many of he principal characters. Even though she appears sweet and caring, if she is pushed in one way or another she can get a little... crazy, but in a good way. The development of every one of the characters was so perfectly written.


Romance: The romance was great, however seemed to develop faster than I expected. This is probably due to the Stand-Alone nature of the book. There were many bumps and walls in the way of Echo and Noah to proceed in their romance, mainly the status quo of high school. I was surprised how easily the two characters started to feel comfortable with each other, that's probably due to how similar they are. They were both high on the food chain early on in high school, but due to their individual tragedies, they quickly fell to the bottom. Their initial need to help the other paved the way for their future friendship and beyond.

References: This part is mainly a personal reason why I feel so attached to this book. There were constant references to both Psychology and Greek Mythology, the only things, other than reading and writing that I have a passion. Even though The mythology wasn't a large part of book it's presence made reading it all the more enjoyable. the psychology was also a minor detail, but was something that made the book all the more interesting and enjoyable.

Predictability: I can honestly say that I was completely caught off guard by many of the elements in this book. Many of my predictions were easily and logically thwarted by more creative and interesting ends. I was pleased with the way the author wrote in the larger reveals and the shocking secrets. It was like being on a roller coaster, the adrenaline was coursing through my veins while I was reading, in anticipation for the next crazy twist or turn.

Ending: Due to being a Stand-Alone book, the ending had a finality and resolution to it. There were hardly any avenues left unopened, only a few windows cracked so that she explore other characters if she wants. Everything about the ending felt right, like a puzzle piece clicking into place leaving a complete masterpiece in its wake. The ending had many sentimental elements in it that helped with that feeling of finality and resolution.

Rating:

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you speechless and wanting more. The good thing about wanting more is that there will be another novel set in the same world, this time about one of Noah's best friends, Beth. It will be called Dare Me To look for it coming soon.