by Michelle Hodkin
Series: Mara Dyer #2
Narrator: Christy Romano
Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4,5 cups
The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in the New York Times best-selling sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. 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?
I was excited to continue my journey in the Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin and once again went with the audio version for The Evolution of Mara Dyer. I love an unreliable narrator, and Hodkin is brilliant at keeping the reader second-guessing. I liked The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, but I loved the twisted, mind-bending tale delivered in the Evolution of Mara Dyer.
The tale centers on Mara who may or may not be suffering from delusions. She may have killed, or is completely sane and in serious trouble. Think conspiracy theory, and it is intense! Mara herself narrates the story, leaving the reader to ascertain the truth. Thankfully, she has Noah…yummy, sweet, strange, Noah. I was unsure of his motives in book one, but here he has Mara’s back.
Hodkin’s writing is brilliant, and she does an excellent job of making me doubt my own conclusions. The tale moved slowly at first, but than began to escalate, and all I could do was hold my breath and read on. Mara still grated on my nerves at times, but the more knowledge I gained, the more I understood her. While not perfect, she does command some appreciation and respect. The imagery was amazing from the doll, to near death accidents and oh gads the dead animals. I was riveted and the narrator added an element of suspense I found engaging. I love the voice she has given Noah and the doctor.
I am so glad I delayed reading this series, and switched to audio. The Evolution of Mara Dyer surpassed book one and left me drooling in anticipation of The Retribution of Mara Dyer, which, will release November 4, 2014. I hope the audio releases the same day. *fingers-crossed*
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Erin
I haven’t read these yet, but I kind of want to. The paranormal thing scares me a little bit because I’ve disliked every paranormal book I’ve read. I’m hoping to find one that I like one day.
I’m glad that you’re enjoying them!
kimbacaffeinate
I just got book three on audio, and took a brief listen to chapter one since we are in the middle of a thon..and it sounds so good.
Alreem
Wow, this a Great Review, I have always wanted to read this serie and for sure it is in my vreeeeey long TBR list 😀
kimbacaffeinate
hehe, yes as addicts our to read lists can be crazy!
Kay
It has been so long since I read the first two books I will need to re-read them again before the third one comes out, which I just now realized I am running out of time do. I am pumped to finally get a conclusion to this trilogy. Although I will miss the unreliable narrator. These books have done that so incredibly well.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I would at least one to read the last few chapters of this novel to refresh my memory.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I’ve been wanting to read this series for ages–I’ve seen mixed reviews but the romance does sound great.
lovely review, Kimba! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Book one was hard because Mara was annoying and you were unsure,,but the audios have been amazing
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m pleased you enjoyed this Kimba! I’m such a big g fan of this series and can’t wait to get hold of the next book.
A great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Soon my friend, although the wait for audio is slightly longer.
Megan McDade
I love this series! I cant wait for the last book in the series!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed. I have to wait longer for audio..boo.
Olgia
Holy moly I LOVE this book 🙂 Glad you did too.
I have the final one on pre-order.
kimbacaffeinate
I am waiting to order audio, i check Audible daily,.lol
Lupdilup
I meant to get here last nigh, actually I’ve been trying to come here t since I saw it on Tribber..LOL but it’s crazy how easily I can get distracted anymore.
I’m so pumped that the second book delivers. OH GOD Kimba! I need more ears! I have get to this soon too!
kimbacaffeinate
I keep checking audible for book three and for the fourth In the Company of Killers. The wait is awful!
PurpleBook
I have the 1st book, but I still haven’t read it, mostly because some of my friends said that Mara was pretty annoying, so I keep postponing, but the story does sound interesting and I’ll definitely read it eventually.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes she annoyed us, but I was so curious to see if she was off her rocker or had cause to be so annoying. Take the plunge, and know that book two is superbly better and worth it. I think I gave book one a 3 or 3.5
Paij Slater
I love audio books. They are super fantastic :). I am so glad you liked it. I haven’t started the series, but I haven’t started much lately :). Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Well enjoy it when you do, I love the audio editons
Terri M.
This series has always interested me. I’ve been keeping an eye out for it at our local used bookstore.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I love an unreliable narrator Terri.
A Belle's Tales
I can’t listen to audio, but I am super excited to start reading this series — I have heard amazing things! The whole “may or may not be suffering from delusions” sounds absolutely intriguing!
~Michele
kimbacaffeinate
It took me a little while to slip into audio and find it works perfectly when I use ear-buds and do mundane chores around the house or walking.
Katherine
You’re killing me here! I don’t need any more series! This one does sound interesting and unsettling. I’m glad you enjoyed the audio version. That gives me a chance of potentially getting to this one. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Um, err at least you can binge read them now since the final book releases Nov 4th. *runs and hides*
Brandi Breathes Books
I remember how well I was confused about the possibility of delusions in the first, but just haven’t continued
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I was unsettled too, we do get some clarification in this one Brandi..it was so much stronger.
Genesis Reyes
I have yet to read this series but I want to so badly. It has gotten so much hype and I need to jump on that too. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, with the final book set to release you can binge read or listen 🙂
Kiran J.
I haven’t read the Maya Dyer series but it definitely looks interesting! And hey, the cover for this book looks awfully similar to Sublime and These Broken Stars!!!
kimbacaffeinate
They were probably inspired by this, since it released in 2012.
Georgia B
I adore the Mara Dyer trilogy, I am sooo excited for the next book too 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you are enjoying the madness that is Mara Dyer too!
Heidi
This is a series I have wanted to read for awhile. I am so glad that you enjoyed the sequel. I might just binge read it once the final book releases.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo and you won’t have to deal with the unknowing!
ShootingStarsMag
I haven’t read any of these!! That’s great you’ve enjoyed all the books though; makes me curious.
kimbacaffeinate
I am Lauren and look forward to the conclusion 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
The readers were so split with book 1 it scared me off to read it. I do love eerie reads though and I know my library has this. It’s Halloween, I think this would be perfect to read this season and finally weigh on on the “debate”.
kimbacaffeinate
Book one left folks scratching their heads because we were so unsure of what was real. This was a strong second book and I am excited to see how it wraps up.
Lily
I wish I were smart enough like you to have delayed my reading this series since it’s been over a year since I read this one and I still don’t have answers! LOL! I’m so thrilled to hear your enjoying this series and while I don’t usually listen to audio books i’m kind of curouis about how the mara dyer one would be like! Hm…. anyways, lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I listened to this over the summer and the wait is killing me, so I can imagine. Hopefully we get news about the audio version of book three soon.
Lily B
Gah I so need more time in my life to get into this series. I bought book 1 😐 just kind of need to read it.
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, time something there is NEVER enough of. I feel your pain
Stephanie Faris
I used to LOVE reading books on audio. It got me through many long drives to work. But I do think it’s harder to focus when you’re listening, so the book has to be really, really good! I read Gone Girl on audio and it kept my attention the whole time.
kimbacaffeinate
I am working on a confession post about them. Until late last year I wanted nothing to do with them. I am finding I like mysteries, urban fantasy, fantasy and fiction on audio. Gone Girl was awesome. I listen when cleaning, walking etc and after a learning curve I am really able to follow along. Of course a narrator can make or break it for me.
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kimba you’ve definitely got my interest. What a premise and a great review. I love that you called the narrator unreliable. Thanks for the enlightening.
kimbacaffeinate
It is unique, and the audio is wonderful
kindlemom1
This is one of those series that I have been itching to read for, well, forever now and just haven’t made the time for it. I am excited to see such a high rating from you for the second book Kim. Makes me want to read it even more.
kimbacaffeinate
Big jump from the 3.5 of book one, and well deserved. I hope you try them!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I had noticed the first book around…and even this one. I am definitely curious, but I guess I should start with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Laurel, it is different and I like different
Valeria
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. I was a bit uncertain of continuing with the series, because even though I liked The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, there were quite some issues that bothered me. I’ll guess I’ll have to give the second book a try if it gets better.
kimbacaffeinate
I felt the same way, but was curious enough to continue and I am so glad that I did Valeria.
Nick
I read the first book years ago and I don’t remember much from it, but my rating for it wasn’t that great. I think I need to pick it up again now that the final book is releasing in a few days. I’m glad that this audio worked well for you and it’s making you excited for the final book!
Lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Mine was 3.5 for book one, this answers a lot and is stronger.
Mary
I really did enjoy the first one but, in typical me fashion, I haven’t read the rest of this YA series. However, I have a pile of students who just about died when they saw the copies of this on my bookshelf so they definitely agree with you!
kimbacaffeinate
This for me was on a whole other level than book one.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I recommended this series to a friend. I tried the first one and it didn’t quite work for me (the writing was fantastic though). I am glad to hear that the 2nd book was awesome! She will be thrilled!
kimbacaffeinate
this one is much stronger Felicia.
Jennifer Bielman
I have like the first two books of the series and I still haven’t gotten to them. But I love hearing the writing was so good.
kimbacaffeinate
Book two is much stronger, and this series is an enjoyable one Jennifer
Glass
I still haven’t read second book, but first is one of my favorites. I decided to wait for all sequels to be published before continuing.
Great review, Kimberly.
kimbacaffeinate
When there are cliffies I cannot blame your logic.
Christy
I need to read these. If I don’t already have the first book, then maybe I’ll try it on audio.
kimbacaffeinate
Cool and if you have it as an ebook, you can get a deal on the audio.
For the Love of the Page
I am reading this right now! I’ll be coming back in a week or so to officially read this post! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy!
blodeuedd
Another one I wqnted to try when book 1came out
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you eventually do.
Melliane
Oh I’m glad you had such a gret time with this second book. I heard a lot about the series but I haven’t tried it yet. Soon I hope so.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, it is fun being unsettled as you read this.