Genre: alternate history, science fiction
Paperback: 368 Pages
Publication: May 21, 2013 by HarperTeen
Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.
An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.
After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.
Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.
Transparent is a gem. Rarely does a book have me submerged into its world as deeply as this one did. From start to finish, I lived and breathed with the characters.
Fiona was born into syndicate life. As soon as her father decided she was ready, he began weaning her into the criminal business, from pickpocketing to erasing evidence of his crimes and stealing big things. After finding out his latest plans for her, Fiona knows that she has to get out and runs away with her mom. In light of what she’s lived through, it isn’t surprising that it takes time for Fiona to open up to people. Any moment, someone might turn her in to her dad or a rival syndicate leader in spite of her pretense that everything is all right with dear old dad.
When she does make friends, she can’t choose better. Bea and Brady are two cool, believable people, as are their family members. Fiona couldn’t have found a more loyal crowd than she does with them. I especially love Seth. He gets to a bad start with Fiona, which results in a lot of entertaining exchanges. Nevertheless, he means well; he just doesn’t know how to express himself. I always supported a relationship between him and Fiona, though she crushes hard on Brady from the start. (Totally understandable. I’d also look more at the sweet guy over who I think is a sarcastic jerk.) The romance is slow to start and comes upon Fiona before she knows it. It’s real and cute.
I also love how the story doesn’t make a big deal out of superpowers. For that, the minimal world building that we receive suited me just fine. Sure, Fiona is the first invisible baby, but the doctors hand her right over to her parents when they realize they can’t cure her. This is because much of the general population has mutations that give them abilities from something as small as a strange hair or eye color to stronger powers like superstrength and telekinesis, stronger powers that syndicate leaders would love to control.
The story does a wonderful job of portrying Fiona’s insecurities over her invisibility, what it means to be visible, and how Fiona’s invisibility influences her life. I recommend Transparent to those looking for a story that deals with superpowers in a realistic, matter-of-fact way, allowing the characters to take the stage and carry the story.
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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.
Cali Willette says
Great review. I haven't read this book, but I have always wanted to have invisible powers. 😉
Bookworm1858 says
This one didn't really work for me but it was interesting to see the rather blase attitude toward superpowers as well as Fiona's very well-done insecurities over never being able to see herself-I can't imagine how hard that would be to not have even a starting point of what you look like and no one else does either.
Scott Pilgrim says
I can't wait to read this! Great review!!!
-Scott Reads It!
Brad Sells says
Yay! So glad you loved this one! Great review 🙂
-Brad @ BookYAReview
chang ming says
I was excited to hear you liked this one – it's up on my TBR pile soon, so that is awesome
Miami jeep
Kris Chen says
It's a unique read 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Soma!
Kris Chen says
Well, Kris, this looks interesting and I will definitely like to read something like it
I LOVE the cover
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
Kris Chen says
Yeah, I can see where some people may not have enjoyed Transparent. It's pretty different from your typical "paranormal" ability read. I hope you enjoy Transparent as well if you decide to pick it up. Thanks for stopping by, Taylor!
Kris Chen says
I've seen some mixed reviews, but I think it looks intriguing. I'm really glad you liked it!
-Taylor @ Reading is the Thing
Kris Chen says
Transparent is a great read. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Kris Chen says
I was excited to hear you liked this one – it's up on my TBR pile soon, so that is awesome 🙂
Natalie Aguirre says
Awesome review. I so agree with it Kris. And I came to love Seth too. Hope you're enjoying your summer. Ours starts today at noon when my daughter finishes her last final.
Kris Chen says
Thanks, Natalie! My summer has been going well. I'm catching up on all the books I couldn't read because of classes. I hope that you and your daughter enjoy yours!