Saturday, March 15, 2014

Liv Forever by Amy Talkington


Published: March 2014
Publisher: Soho Teen
Pages: 280
Copy Provided by: ARC from Soho Teen
Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want. 

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride. 

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love.

Review:

I had not heard of this title prior to receiving the ARC from Soho Teen (thank you!) but boy am I ever glad to have had the opportunity to read Liv, Forever.  Olivia is a bit of a wall flower but an interesting character.  Taunted by some of the "cool" crowd, she tries to blend and become invisible, making one friend - Gabe, fellow wallflower.  However, she is singled out by one of the more popular boys (Malcolm) at her school.  He is drawn to her and shares her interest in art.  They begin a slow but sweet romance before she is suddenly murdered.  

This is where the story really begins to unfold.  Gabe can see and talk to ghosts so he works with Liv and Malcolm to unravel the mystery of disappearing scholarship students over the years at Wickham Hall.  Why are people dying? And who is killing them off?  

Once this story started rolling, it was quite fun!  OK, so the main character dies but it is her journey that is interesting.  I found her romance with Malcolm to be sweet but it did not feel like an epic love story as they didn't seem to have much time together.  Liv's character was so interesting and her "essence" as a ghost was also an interesting twist to the story.

Overall I found this to be a quick and enjoyable read and I was quite satisfied with the ending.  :)


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