The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block
Sept 28, 2010
- paranormal, YA -
reviewed by Tara SG
Links
Author’s Website : www.francescaliablock.com
Amazon : pre-order hardcover / eBook
Add To Your GoodReads TBR List
This book in 6 words:
I would not have finished this
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I thought this would be a fun read based on the summary. I just didn’t like this. I didn’t like the writing style. I didn’t care about the predictable plot. The characters were forced. While I did like the werewolf mythology, we didn’t really get to see much of it. I’m torn on even trying anything else by this author. If you’re read something by her and like it, will you please let me know?
Brief Summary
When she was thirteen, something terrifying and mysterious happened to Liv that she still does not understand, and now, four years later, her dark secret threatens to tear her apart from her family and her true love.
- via GoodReads.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
The plot was predictable. You knew what she was. You probably guessed who the killer was. Hell, we even knew who/what Joe was. If I had to read her explain that the event she was referring to was the one that happened when she was 13 one more time… It was almost like the author thought we couldn’t remember what happened 10 pages earlier. I would think that it was written for a younger audience, but the characters are 17 and deal with sex, family abuse, and tragic death.
I guess I just didn’t like the flow of the story or the need to repeat and explain things that were simple.
Characters
Liv wasn’t terrible. I actually think I could have really cared for her if the plot was better written. She had a tough adolescence, really tough. She was endless teased due to her differences and it wasn’t much easier at home. She felt like a monster and didn’t know how to deal with whatever she was. I felt like she was WAY too dependent on Corey and I wonder what message the ending sends.
She was only close to her two best friends, Pace and Corey. I definitely missed the falling-in-love part of the story since Liv and Corey were already dating when the story begins. Corey seems like a nice enough guy. He’s the stereotypical quiet guy. However, he was also black in a white community. Her and Corey hide their relationship from Liv’s family and the town to protect themselves.
Pace is also different from other kids his age and has a tough time dealing with it. I’m afraid I’ll spill too much if I keep talking so I’ll leave it at that.
Recommendations
I’m not sure on this one. Maybe if you’ve liked other stuff by the author…
Going Deeper – EXTREME SPOILERS!
Don’t say you weren’t warned… the only things I didn’t see coming was Pace’s death. He is a handsome athlete loved by all. He’s also a gay man in a conservative town and family. His parents have him institutionalized when they first found out, so Liv becomes his “skirt”. After “dating” a mysterious man (who is not really explained fully), he begins pulling away and acting strange. Liv is soon informed that he hung himself. This could have been a great way for the author to deal with the struggles of being gay or having a friend commit suicide… however, while Liv is sad, I don’t see her dealing with it. In fact, she just wants to forget about it and not deal with it. That’s probably normal, but didn’t really speak to me as a reader.
Thanks for the honest review, I would have picked this up just for the cover. I think I will wait for the library copy. Thanks Tara.
Yikes. I’m sorry The Frenzy turned out to be disastrous a read for you… I’m a huge fan of her Weetzie Bat series so maybe you could give that a shot?
I wanted to like this one, but when I started it, I had to put it down. Everything you said I agree with and I was disappointed because I thought I’d love it.
I had that feeling with a book I finished this week–I wouldn’t have finished it if not sent to me for review. Sometimes books just don’t appeal to us. Great honest review though
I have to admit, the brief summary is somewhat intriguing, but I’m glad for the honest review. I swear I pick up all my best book recs from you and Jenn, and with all the great stuff out there to read, I don’t want to waste any time.
I hadn’t heard of this author before or any of her other works, so I don’t know how they would hold up. What I do know is that I’m not a great writer, but you know, I’m not expected to be, like a published author. So when their writing style fails it is a huge disappointment for me because the first thing I always think is how did this get published when there are so many other talented writers who have yet to be discovered?! *sighs*
Sorry to go off on a tangent there, but it is very frustrating for a reader. Also it saddens me that the author missed out on her opportunity to deeper on the subject of suicide and homosexuality. It is definitely a tough subject to broach but if you are going to include in your fiction, then you have created a responsibility to address it.
Wasn’t really planning on reading this one, and I’m definitely not after reading your thoughts on this. I’ve heard great things about the author, and I’ll probably give some of her other books a try eventually, but I don’t think this one is for me.
@ Elie N : The cover is great! I would have cover shopped this one too. I think it would definitely be in your best interest to wait for the library.
@ Sandy : Thanks! I’m definitely willing to try something else by the author. I’m hoping this was just a miss :/
@ DJ : I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I’m always worried when I write a really bad (or even good) review that I’m the only one who felt that way.
@ Felicia : Urgh I hate wasting good reading hours
@ Missie : First and most importantly, NEVER apologize for going off on a tangent or ranting. Those are the best comments
Secondly, Jenn does have the best book recs. I often pick up books I would have passed up after seeing her review.
And third, yes yes yes to her having a responsibility to go deeper on tough subjects like that instead of using them for shock value.
@ Natalie : Yeah I’d say you probably have plenty of books on the shelf to read.