[Review] The Rules - Stacey Kade

The Rules - Stacey Kade

       

It's funny, Kait actually chose this as her WoW a few months ago, and I ended up getting approved for it on NetGalley, so I read it firts. Hehe. 

So I didn’t have high expectations when it came to this book. I mean I haven’t exactly been on a “paranormal” kick. Alas, I thought I’d get away from the contemporary that I’ve been reading.  What a great pick to do so! The Rules brought the same amount of angst and love that a contemporary book has.  I was also a little skeptical because it has to do with aliens. [THANKS KAIT! It’s all your fault I kind of cringe with them now!]  Never the less, Stacey Kade brought a fantastic book to the table with this one. 

The Rules may have a “sci-fi” back drop, but it’s so much more than that.  The characters were complex but simple enough that you’re not overwhelmed with too much information. I really liked Ariane, who is just fierce. Ok, so maybe I have a thing for no-nonsense kick ass women.  Even though she is a hybrid [alien dna mixed with human] she goes to a normal high school.   I’m impressed with how Stacey brought forth the issue of Bullying in this novel and how she had her characters handle it.  

Oh… and then there was Zane. *Swoon* Boy do I love a guy with issues.  Sensitive, sweet and perfectly broken. Both Zane and Ariane have a detailed past and some serious secrets they want to keep quiet.  As a relationship that starts out as a prank, it blooms into something real. Neither one of them ever thought that they would be perfect for each other, but they are.  Did I mention that this is a DUAL POV!? * Squeeeee!* Not only do you get to see Ariane’s thoughts and what she perceives about others, but you get to see Zane’s too. 

There may not have been a ton of action in this, but there was definitely enough. The qualms of high school really play out. Friendships are tested, Secret evil corporations are to be dealt with and all with one basic thing in common. Survival.  I was happy to see that even though this was a YA novel, and set in a high school… yes it had the bullshit drama, but it was so much more intense than that! I didn’t feel like I was reading about the ridiculous woes of a normal high school student. [Hello breath of fresh air].

There are some SERIOUS twists and turns in this book.  Let me tell you, the end of this book does NOT disappoint! I mean, As soon as it happened, I knew that it was going to play out like that, but it still felt like a kick to the stomach! I won’t lie. I was pissed off at what happened and between whom it happened to.  I just sat there saying “That’s so fucked up” over and over. 

Even though this book took me a while to read, it has nothing to do with the book itself.  All in all, this is an excellent read and a great transfer from contemporary to paranormal, should you need a break from your everyday normal! Stacey Kade wrote an amazing piece of work and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.  There is one thing I don’t understand though… “Project Paperdoll” I just don’t get it. Maybe I’m looking too much into it?  In either case, this was a great read, and I recommend that you pick this up! Maybe not right meow, but sooner than later. :) Not one to pass up!