The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

December 8th, 2017 Kimberly Review 30 Comments

8th Dec
The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin
The Becoming of Noah Shaw
by Michelle Hodkin
Series: The Shaw Confessions #1
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Length: 8 hours 14 minutes
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 3 cups

In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right.

Audiobook twisted paranormal Young Adult

I thoroughly enjoyed the twisted Mara Dyer trilogy written by Michelle Hodkin and narrated by Christy Romano and couldn’t wait for The Becoming of Noah Shaw. The story that unfolded upends the listener as the story picks up after the ending of the Mara Dyer series. While it was well-written with twists and a killer ending, the change of narrators threw me. 

If you loved the way, the Mara Dyer trilogy ended and are in a happy place this series may upset that peace. I’ve come to learn that when it comes to Mara Dyer, nothing is ever at it seems. For me, there were a few threads, and questions like that ominous prophecy regarding Mara and Noah left unanswered so, I had to dive in.

I listened to the first series on audio, narrated by Christy Romano, so I didn’t even hesitate to go that root this time. The Dyer trilogy was told from Mara’s perspective and brief perspectives of Noah. The Becoming of Noah Shaw is narrated by new to me narrator, Joe Jameson. While I appreciated his accent for Noah, I loathed his voice for Mara, and it was jarring to hear these characters with a different voice after becoming used to Romano’s interpretation. I was like, who are these people? I understand why the publishers went with a male narrator, but for the listener’s sake, I wish they had kept Romano.  

The Becoming of Noah Shaw addresses many questions, delves into Noah’s Dad, gives us Noah’s perspective and shares some rather enlightening and freakish details about Mara. Creepy characters, threats, and danger for them all kept me listening. Threads left unexplored in the first trilogy are addressed, but new questions arise, and we see flashbacks of events from the first trilogy. We knew Mara was an unreliable narrator but wowzers. I did not see that coming. I will leave you to discover them.

Noah is a complex character with not only baggage but a gift that often feels more like a curse. He’s depressed and unsure, and Mara is his anchor. We all know Mara is the anti-hero and Noah will be tested. The story offers a mystery as something is happening to the gifted ones. As always Hodkin hooked me, and despite not being thrilled with the narration, I need to know more. Noah has his father’s files now, and I just want to sit down and read them all…

For fans of the series, I think you will either love The Becoming of Noah Shaw or hate it. Hodkin can weave a tale, and I am curious to see where she takes us. I just hope I survive.

The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin will unravel everything you thought you knew. Click To Tweet

 

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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

30 Responses to “The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin”

  1. Nereyda Gonzalez

    I heard the audiobooks as well and loved the narrator so im bummed to hear this narrator wasnt as good. I hate when guys cant do a good female voice. Sadly I dont remember much about this series.

  2. Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books

    I have had Mara Dyer on my radar but haven’t felt compelled to actually pick it up yet. My daughter loved the series though. Too bad that switched the narrator for this one. I am still undecided about reading these books. Great review!

  3. Suzanne

    That’s a shame they switched narrators this time around. I could definitely see that being confusing and problematic.

  4. Wattle

    I have the first two books of the Mara Dyer series on my shelves, I really should get around to it one day. It’s a pity the new narrator was so jarring (I guess they wanted a male narrator for a male MC?)

  5. Ailyn

    I remember him! Mara was a bit too dark for me, so I think i’ll wait for this to finish, knowing the author I’d be okay

  6. Nina

    Is it bad that I still need to read the first series? I really need to start reading more books. 🙂

  7. Trish @ Between My Lines

    I still need to read book 3 in the trilogy! And soon before I forget everything! Love that this new addition turns everything on it’s head again. I don’t mind unsettling, as it’s keeps everything fresh 🙂

  8. Geybie's Book Blog

    Sounds like a complex, tricky story. Thanks for sharing. I love the sound of it but I trust your rating. I’m afraid it wouldn’t work for me. Awesome review, my friend. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

  9. Tash

    Weirdly I haven’t read anything from Hoskin though I was around in the community when the first series came out. I definitely want to check this one as it catching my attention more then the original series and I’m more into paranormal these days

  10. Lorna

    I don’t know whether I would like this or not so I am conflicted. Of course I am talking about the original series. Is there any romance? I do know one thing I wouldn’t be listening!

  11. Jenea's Book Obsession

    I remember reading the first Mars Dyer book but that was so long ago now. Don’t remember a lot about it. Ugh…. I might have to give this one a go after I catch up with that series though.

  12. Quinn's Book Nook

    I read the first book in the Mara Dyer series (It has Noah in it) and soooo didn’t like it. I think it’s a book that you either love it or hate it.

  13. Ethan

    It seems like this adds a new perspective to the series.
    On another note, we had a rare snow day in South Texas today, so I’m really loving the snowfall on your blog. How do you add it?!

  14. Sarah @ A Weebish Book Blog

    This is why I hate when a series changes narrators within the same series. Now, I know this is a spin off the original series, but I have had a series change narrators with each book. It had me so irritated because I got used to one voice as a specific character and then next thing I know they’re sounding completely different! It’s very jarring.

  15. Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

    When it comes to audiobooks, narration can truly make it or break it. If I don’t like the narrator, or the way they perform a particular voice/character, it can really taint my reading experience and, unfortunately, how I feel about the book. Glad to see that the story pulled you in despite the narration.

  16. Kristin @ Addicted to HEA

    Makes me wonder if you’re sorry you “read” this one 🙂 I still have the first Mara sitting on my shelf, hardcover even! Oh, the books I still need to read!! You having read and loved this YA series kind of threw ME! tee, hee!!! Happy Weekend!!!

  17. RO

    This sounds pretty interesting, but I would have to check it out in book form, of course. You know how I am with audio. (lol) Hugs…RO

  18. Vanessa

    Haven’t really read anything from the author yet but this sounds really intriguing. I guess I’ll have to check out the Maya Dryer trilogy first.. Great review Kim 🙂

  19. kindlemom1

    I agree this will definitely be a love or hate thing or if you’re a weirdo like me you will both love and hate it. The ending sucked but I have hope she will redeem herself in the next book.