Slide (Slide #1)
4 stars: Recommended
Format: Hardback
Publication: March 27, 2012
Pages: 256
Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Buy it: Amazon (Hardcopy) | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository
Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.
Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.
Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.
Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.
Vee’s ability both fascinates me and frightens me. It’s an ability that I haven’t seen in many books, and I enjoyed seeing what Jill Hathaway does with it. However, it isn’t one that I would want to have. Imagine sliding into a private moment or the moment right after someone takes an innocent life. I would not want to be Vee then.
And it happens. She learns that Sophie was murdered, and she doesn’t know who to confide in. The writing has a good flow and pacing. The story is intense in the right places and filled with twists and turns. While the side character are rather flat, the main characters are well developed and appealing.
Vee is a nice girl and a wonderful character, perfect for the story. She is a nonconformist with a purpose; she knows who she is and why she is the way she is. Her abilities do not rule her, as much as they disrupt her life. There are two dynamic relationships in her life that play major roles in the plot: Rollins (her best friend, who’s been keeping secrets) and Zane (the new guy, who’s gorgeous and perfect boyfriend material).
Slide is a gripping novel that I would recommend to readers who enjoy a good mystery/thriller with paranormal elements.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Natalie Aguirre says
I've been wanting to read this. It does sound like an interesting and unique paranormal ability. Thanks for sharing this.
Christina Kit. says
This one does sound awesome!!
Vee sounds like a great character, and the whole premise is hugely original. Plus there's a murder-mystery which is great!