If the summary to Fade to Blue sounds confusing, it’s with good reason; the story itself is very convoluted. The book starts with a bunch of separate narratives, but most importantly Sophie’s and Kenny Fade’s. This is interesting and easy enough to follow—until the reader finds out that one of these characters isn’t quite real. Then Beaudoin proceeds to reveal a series of strange new developments in the story, each of which is more twisted than the last. The effect is startling; though most readers will be thoroughly baffled, they will still want to read on to see if they can figure out the rest of the story. I am sorry to say that I was unable to do this. Beaudoin’s writing, particularly toward the end of this novel, reminds me of a TV show’s season finale just before cancellation in the sense that writers try to cram the answer to almost every plotline; the result is that while the story undoubtedly comes to a close, too many details are neglected in the process. This is what happened with Fade to Blue, and though I was very impressed with the start of the story and Beaudoin’s ideas for the Virtuality, I was disappointed that this wasn’t done is a clearer manner.
Fade to Blue may appeal to fans of The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott.
Rating: 2.75
Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin
Review copy from publisher Little, Brown
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1 munch(es) :
What a treat. Strap yourself in. From the first page you are on a rollercoaster ride. Beaudoin skillfully blends fascinating characters, unexpected plot twists, raucous humor, and suspense. The inclusion of the books' own comic will make it a hit with kids of all ages. For those who loved Going Nowhere Faster and anxiously awaited Beaudoins' next offering, you will be delighted.
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