The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Pages: 544

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: October 23, 2012

Source: Personal Copy
Series: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past. She can’t. She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren’t. She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets. She’s wrong. In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?"

 Things pick up where we left off in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.  Mara is still with the classy and irresistible, Noah, but we aren't quite sure what her deal is.  Is she insane? Is Jude still alive? Or is there something more going on here?  Mara swears that she saw her ex-boyfriend, Jude, and she is adamant that he is not only still alive, but he is stalking her as well.  The only person in her life that truly believes her is Noah.  Mara is enrolled in a program that she goes to during the day instead of school in order to treat her issues.  Meanwhile, strange things continue to happen to Mara while at her house and at her outpatient program during the day.  Noah swears he will protect her and even helps to search for Jude.  But things continue to escalate and readers question whether Jude is actually still alive or if Mara is just "seeing" things again when she claims that he is continuing to mess with her in The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.  There's no doubt that this psychological tale is completely engrossing, super creepy, and 100% addicting.

Hodkin is such a talented writer. I was blown away by how tricky she can be in The Evolution of Mara Dyer.  I am still left with so many questions regarding Evolution and Mara's sanity.  Hodkin, in my opinion, is one of the best YA authors out there when it comes to letting a story develop slowly while keeping readers guessing and holding their attention.  She is simply brilliant!

Mara and Noah were just as cute in Evolution as they were in book one.  I love the character of Noah and we learn more about his past in Evolution and Mara's as well.  She is such an interesting and multi-faceted character.  I truly want to believe her, but time and time again, I found myself questioning her version of the truth or her version of reality--thanks to Hodkin's talented writing.  

Let's talk about the creep factor. I am a huge baby when it comes to scary reads, but I love the Mara Dyer series despite the fact that it freaks me out.  There was many a late night I found myself glued to Mara's story and I simply couldn't get enough. I was thoroughly freaked out at certain points of the story and have come to realize that psychological thrillers and an unreliable narrator scare the crap out of me! But I didn't let that stop me, because I was thoroughly invested in the story.  I even had some weird dreams about The Evolution of Mara Dyer, which is no doubt the sign of an incredible tale.

Oh, the ending. Dear lord. I can't give anything away, but wow! It had me questioning everything and of course, it left me shocked.  Hodkin has me chomping at the bit for book three, The Retribution of Mara Dyer, which comes out next fall.  Can't wait! If you like stories that have a mix of supernatural elements, are psychological in nature, suspenseful, mysterious, and romantic, you must pick up this series. It's easily one of my favorites and I highly recommend it.