Review: Wrecked by Anna Davis

Wrecked by Anna Davies

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Contemporary
Source: Chapters

Goodreads Synopsis:

Secrets of the sea have never been sexier than this. Ever since the death of her parents, Miranda has lived on Whym Island, taking comfort in the local folklore, which claims a mysterious sea witch controls the fate of all on the island and in its surrounding waters. Sometimes it’s just easier to believe things are out of your control.

     But then a terrible boating accident takes the lives of several of her friends, and Miranda is rescued by a mysterious boy who haunts her dreams. Consumed by guilt from the accident, she finds refuge in late-night swims—and meets Christian, a boy who seems eerily familiar, but who is full of mystery: He won’t tell her where he is from, or why they can only meet at the beach. But Miranda falls for him anyway…and discovers that Christian’s secrets, though meant to protect her, may bring her nothing but harm.
     Seductive and compelling, Wrecked brings a contemporary, paranormal twist to a classic enchanting tale.

My Thoughts:

Wrecked was a very interesting story. It definitely held my interest and had mostly unique elements. Teenage angst in some manner is a key element to a good YA story; it’s how you get it that makes the story. Wrecked is all over the teen angst. It is a story about loss and dealing with it, trying to move beyond even when everyone and everything won’t let you forget. And it’s about how healing love can be. Miranda lost her parents at a young age due to a mysterious accident. Now she has lost her best friend, several others, and possibly her boyfriend in the boating accident that every one blames her for. Even the other survivors hold her responsible. I can’t imagine walking around the small town where I have for the most part grown up, with everyone, and I do mean everyone, blaming me for killing their children.

Miranda feels totally alienated until she meets Christian, who is also responsible for her mysterious rescue from the accident. She begins spending more and more time with him, happy to finally have someone to turn to; someone who does not hate her. But is Christian the kindhearted boy she believes or does he have alternative motives for getting close to Miranda?

I did enjoy Wrecked, but there seemed to be something missing. It was a good story; the characters were well-developed and the plot was good. I wonder if it was just that the spark between Miranda and Christian just didn't seem to be there. They weren't the absolute meant to be couple; it was almost as if they were just passing time, using each other for their own personal gain.

I loved the mythology. The story itself was entertaining, the characters interesting and endearing, but just that one aspect kept this from being a hands down amazing book.