Much better than I thought it was going to be!
'The Secret Runners of New York' starts right in the heart of the action. The writing is clear and simple, the focus is drawn in to what is happening and this makes it read quick. I haven't read a YA book in a while, and initially thought I'd give the first impression a read but probably would uncheck the box to enter the draw for this book (based on the synopsis). But having become engrossed from the first page, I've changed my mind!
I like the mystery set up from the beginning, with many more questions cropping up before any of the previous ones are answered. I also like the setting, rich person New York, and I hope that the story will include some interesting social commentary. It sounds pretty awful, but Skye and Red sound different and relatable. Skye's feelings about high school are certainly relatable from what I remember of that time. I also like the blend between the dark/magical and the real life problems of the teenagers. The chapters are short and easy to pick up - I like how the titles put the reader in the scene/situation straight away - and I feel this will be a quick and entertaining read. The tone of Skye as narrating character is conversational and honest, and her character is revealed through it. I also like the events based on the theory of electromagnetic apocalypse which went around in real life a few years ago I believe. This is an interesting notion to base the story around.
The cover is ok. It didn't really speak to me, but didn't put me off either. It does have a YA feel to it, so might appeal to this audience more. The title stands out more than the image, which tells potential readers a tiny detail about the main plot.
I like the mystery set up from the beginning, with many more questions cropping up before any of the previous ones are answered. I also like the setting, rich person New York, and I hope that the story will include some interesting social commentary. It sounds pretty awful, but Skye and Red sound different and relatable. Skye's feelings about high school are certainly relatable from what I remember of that time. I also like the blend between the dark/magical and the real life problems of the teenagers. The chapters are short and easy to pick up - I like how the titles put the reader in the scene/situation straight away - and I feel this will be a quick and entertaining read. The tone of Skye as narrating character is conversational and honest, and her character is revealed through it. I also like the events based on the theory of electromagnetic apocalypse which went around in real life a few years ago I believe. This is an interesting notion to base the story around.
The cover is ok. It didn't really speak to me, but didn't put me off either. It does have a YA feel to it, so might appeal to this audience more. The title stands out more than the image, which tells potential readers a tiny detail about the main plot.