The Retribution of Mara Dyer (The Mara Dyer Trilogy)

The Retribution of Mara Dyer was a riveting story that takes you on a journey as Mara slowly discovers who she is. Though confusing at certain points, the novel ties all lose ends together in the finale. It is also more gruesome than its predecessors, with some scenes that were utterly cringe-worthy. However, the apt writing of Michelle Hodkin makes even the goriest moments, the most beautiful. Michelle is one of those writers who does not get much credit, since she is sure to be the up and coming author of the century. She has the ability to draw the reader in on the first sentence, and keep that unwavering attention until the very last word of the book. The final book in the Mara Dyer trilogy does not disappoint, but in fact, leave readers with a sense that everything had a concrete finish. Thank you Michelle Hodkin for giving us the amazing love story of Mara Dyer and her asscrown, Noah Shaw.

Wow! This book was a more gritty, and stressful read, but in a good way. There is so much action and so many revelations! I had to make myself slow down while reading it because I was so riveted.

I don't want to give away anything so it's hard to describe this book without doing so. This is a book that will keep me thinking about it for a long time. I decided to read the first two books again before reading this one and I'm so glad I did. I had forgotten so much so I needed to refresh my memory before I started the conclusion and I actually enjoyed the books more the second time around, (which is saying a lot because these books are amazing!)

I'm sure some people will have issues with the ending but it was better than I had hoped, so I loved it. I was really nervous reading it and had some doubts along the way, but I was very relieved and happy with it in the end.

This book has good closure, but some things are still left up to interpretation and some things are not fully explained. For me, I like this because it makes me think and wonder about it, letting me make my own conclusions, and it also could lead to a follow up story (but I have no idea if there is one planned.)

I honestly don't think anyone can get enough of Noah no matter what! He's definitely one of the best "book boyfriends" of all time! There's more of Jamie and Daniel and lots of pop culture references, snarky dialogue and humor to balance out the horrific and traumatic elements of the story (and there are many!) Mara is much darker in this one and I'm sure not everyone will agree on who she actually becomes and how her relationship with Noah stands. It's definitely something that would make a great discussion topic. I'll let you decide that for yourselves. The backstory and history are revealed in this book which gives us another point of view and some fascinating mythology and philosophy to consider in coming to your conclusions about what actually happened. And I'm sure reader's opinions on that and what the future holds for the characters, what their true natures are, and the choices they make will differ. But that just makes the book all that more mysterious, interesting, and beautifully creepy.;)

I think I will have to read this again and add to my review later. There's just so much that happens and so many different aspects to consider. Michelle's writing is as beautiful as ever and there are many passages that are just so gorgeous, you will stop and reread them on the spot. If you like to find quotable lines from books, there are plenty in this one! And if you loved Noah in the first two books, he is even better here, if you can imagine that! That's all I'm going to say on that subject.;)

Overall, I loved this series and the conclusion. I highly recommend this book!;)

this is a great finish to a fantastic series. michelle hodkin wrapped everything up very nicely and has a wonderful way of executing it all.

full review + discussion here: http://wp.me/p4XdmQ-5j