The Vanishing Game
4 stars: Recommended
Publication: February 14, 2012 (Hardback)
Pages: 353
Author: Website
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Buy it: Amazon (Hardback) | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository
Seventeen-year-old Jocelyn follows clues apparently from her dead twin, Jack, in and around Seale House, the terrifying foster home where they once lived. With help from childhood friend Noah she begins to uncover the truth about Jack’s death and the company that employed him and Noah.
Jocelyn’s twin brother Jack was the only family she had growing up in a world of foster homes-and now he’s dead, and she has nothing. Then she gets a cryptic letter from “Jason December”-the code name her brother used to use when they were children at Seale House, a terrifying foster home that they believed had dark powers. Only one other person knows about Jason December: Noah, Jocelyn’s childhood crush and their only real friend among the troubled children at Seale House.
But when Jocelyn returns to Seale House and the city where she last saw Noah, she gets more than she bargained for. Turns out the house’s powers weren’t just a figment of a childish imagination. And someone is following Jocelyn. Is Jack still alive? And if he is, what kind of trouble is he in? The answer is revealed in a shocking twist that turns this story on its head and will send readers straight back to page 1 to read the book in a whole new light.
What stands out the most is the plot of the story. It is mind-engrossing, suspenseful, and so confounding that you will either stay up all night to finish it or you will put it aside only to pick it up again at a later time. Just when you think you have a grasp on the mystery, Myers throws something else at you. I had a fun time trying to solve the riddles along with Jocelyn.
The writing is simple and concise. This works well for a story that rides on the plot as much as this book. You hardly notice the lack of ornamentation with a story as engrossing as The Vanishing Game. I got so into the story that my heart rate accelerated, and I sought sunlight and company every time Myers brought me near the Seale House along with the characters. That being said, if you’re looking for romance, however, this isn’t the book for you. As much as I love the characters, the story focuses on the bizarre events taking place in the Seale House.
I did not see the ending come. In fact, I’m still not sure if I have the whole picture straight in my mind, though it definitely wowed me. I’m tempted to reread the book now that I have a better understanding of what’s happening. It’ll be interesting to see how I look at happenings with the knowledge that I have now. This is a really good mystery/thriller read, and I would definitely recommend reading it!
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.
ali says
Mind.Blowing.Ending. I'm going to reread it. The ending is just so crazy but then everything in the book in a sudden makes sence
Bookworm1858 says
That ending was so crazy-I had no idea that twist would be coming-such a surprise!
Tanja Tejić says
I had second thought about this book but after your review I'll read it for sure!
Great review! 🙂
Pabkins says
I really really want to read this – april keeps telling me to that she loved it and that I would …yes yes precious must have
Anonymous says
I'm super excited to read this! I always loved unexpected endings. I've read some mixed reviews for it so I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it 🙂
Christina Kit. says
I've been wishing for this book forever!! Just the cover sets the tone, and the characters sound amazing.
It's great you liked it!