Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
Title: Jekel Loves Hyde
Author: Fantaskey, Beth
Length: 282 pages
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher / Year: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2010
Source: Given out by the publisher at Book Expo America.
Rating: 3.5/5
Why I Read It: I was intrigued by the premise.
Date Read: 25/06/10
This books is told alternatively by Jill and Tristen, the two main characters. It starts off with Jill at her father’s burial, and then quickly jumps to a year later. Jill is a straight-A artistic student who excels at chemistry. She is struggling to cope with her father’s death and her mother’s mental illness. Tristen is a macho tough guy on the running team, who also seems to excel at chemistry. He is also living alone with his father, and dealing with what seem to be psychotic breaks where he blanks out and goes violent.
The two of them are drawn together by a number of different things, some chemistry is thrown in (both kinds). Family legacies are dealt with and discussed. Old literature is brought up as relevant. What more could you ask for in a book?
I thought the mystery and fantasy elements in this book were really well done. The romance between the characters sometimes seemed a little juvenile but I also enjoyed it. Most of the book was quite plausible and the story definitely had me intrigued and kept me reading.
Also, this was a YA slightly paranormal book with NO TRIANGLE OF LOVE!! Hello, major win. Please can we have more of these. Also, the romance is not a main story line. Love that.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different in terms of YA fantasy / paranormal.
The title of this also intrigued me but the blurb made me feel kinda meh about it. But maybe I need to reconsider.
Yes, I felt meh too but upon reading it ended up being a good meh at least
When I saw the title of your review I thought, not another old classic done in a modern zombie way, but from reading the review it actually sounds quite good. I like the idea that it could relate to mental illness which I enjoy reading and learning about.
Heh. It is, in a way, another old classic gone zombie, but better done I think.
Heh, I had the same idea as Trent when I saw the title.
No love triangle is refreshing. Overall this sounds like a good read. Maybe I should enter your giveaway?
Do it!
hehe (Though there are other books that I would recommend more highly than this in it.)
I have to admit I get tired of Beauty and the Beast stories more than love triangles. I always wonderful why the guy isn’t the beautiful, smart one while the girl is the mean, ugly, rough disturbed one. I’d like to break some stereotypes!!
Yes, that would be great Amanda.
That would be great!
I didn’t even think about the lack of love triangle, but you are so right! It sounds like we finally read one together that we had the same level of liking for.
Yes, definitely a nice change
I haven’t read many books in this genre, and admit that this one sounds really interesitng to me for a bunch of reasons. I bet it would make a perfect summer read, and since I am going to be buying some books this week, this one is going on my list. Thanks for the great review!
It is definitely interesting, zibilee, and would be a good summer read, though not a favorite.
I also enjoyed this one. Great review.
Thanks Brandileigh2003
I’m off to check out yours.
Hooray for no love triangle! Still not sure if this one would be for me though
I’m not sure either Ana. I’ve definitely read better.
Good point! I am all for skipping the love triangle. I am definitely over the “Team Edward” and “Team Peeta” type stuff.
Like you, I enjoyed this novel, though I didn’t think the romance was all that riveting. http://laughingstars.net/2010/05/01/jekel-loves-hyde/
Thanks for linking to your review laughinstars66, I’m off to check it out now. I am getting way too sick of the triangles, I have to admit. (But Gale, btw, not Peeta ;D heh)
I had a major problem with Jessica’s Guide so I still am not sure if I am picking this one up.
Eh, that is worrying Pam, as Jessica’s Guide is on my tbr pile!