Review: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

 

Title: Transparent

Author: Natalie Whipple

Published: May 21st 2013 by HarperTeen
ARC

Book Description:

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

My thoughts:

I love the cover of this book. All you see is an outline of a girl with colorful lights, though you could see how pretty she truly is. I was very curious to read Transparent after reading the plot. An invisible girl, who is a syndicate-born; no one can truly see her. What she really looks like is a mystery, even for her. The story is engaging!

The story is seen in Fiona’s eyes, the heroine. She’s syndicate-born. Her father is a powerful syndicate and uses his power to get what he wants. He even uses his children to do his dirty work. Fiona is gifted, she’s invisible. Yep, she needs clothes or accessories just to see her outline, unless she gets naked and be totally invisible.

Fiona’s had enough, so she and her mom flee to a small town. They want a normal life, despite the constant thought of being found. Will they be ever free from the powerful crime lord? Who can she trust? You have to read this book to find out.

The world-building is good. It’s fast paced and appealing. The plot is interesting, I was curious all the way to the end. I was wondering, who are the people Fiona can trust and the secret that Seth’s hide. I was hooked!  I also love how fantasy in a contemporary world mixed together. Also, the author has the ability to put the readers behind the curtain. I was desperate for answers.

The author has the talent to weaves likable characters. I was able to connect with them. Fiona is easy to like. Her personality is carefree despite her limitations. She sees her invisibility as a gift not a curse. Though her dad made her withdrawn and isolated from the world, she was able to adapt and see things positively.

What I really like about this book is Fiona’s family-- minus the dad.  Her mother is fearless. Miles is brotherly and protective. Graham is mysterious; there is more about him in the last few chapters. I love how unified and close they are despite their situation.

Lastly, the love angle is just okay. It didn’t make me feel jelly all over. There’s just a hint of it. Seth or Brady? Who will she end up with?

Overall, Transparent is fun book to read. The humor is good. I laughed several times to some scenes.  There’s action too with a hint of romance. They story is unpredictable.  Also, this book is a light read. I recommend this book to Tahereh Mafi’s fans.

I give this book, 4 Radiasure infused Whales.