ARC Review: Blink Once by Cylin Busby

Blink Once by Cylin Busby

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (October 11, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1408825805
• ISBN-13: 978-1408825808

West is a high school senior who has everything going for him until an accident leaves him paralyzed. Strapped down in his hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, West is terrified and alone. Until he meets Olivia. She's the girl next door-sort of. A patient in the room next to his, only Olivia can tell what West is thinking, and only Olivia seems to know that the terrible dreams he's been having are not just a result of his medication. Yet as West comes to rely on Olivia-to love her, even-certain questions pull at him: Why has Olivia been in the hospital for so long? And what does it mean that she is at the center of his nightmares? But the biggest question of all comes when West begins to recover and learns that the mysterious girl he's fallen in love with has a secret he could never have seen coming.



First and foremost, forgive my very late posting of this ARC review, I actually finished this review 3 months ago, but I got sidetracked and forgot to post.. But, what matters is, it is here now, and that I recommend you to read it.>:D

Even though the cover is not final yet when I received the copy, I must say it’s already beautiful, although I’m a lil bit confused about it. It did look very YA but it also looks as if the girl is on the water, and when I read the blurb, it doesn’t talk about any connection to it. Anyways, this is just my opinion and it’s still beautiful, I just wish that maybe they’ll change the color a little bit, less water-like.

From the blurb, it doesn’t seem to hint that this is paranormal, but the book is supernatural, but not being too magical, ahm,..just like “there are things our mind perceived but doesn’t really comprehend”, like that.

Even though BLINK ONCE is Busby’s debut novel, I felt like she was writing for a long time. Her prose, even if said within the POV of a boy who couldn’t communicate with others, (just observing) was fun, easy to follow and relate to. It wasn’t boring. It was evenly paced, with the right twist and turns at the right moment. To be honest, I was kind of expecting what and who Olivia really is. Stories like this are easy to follow, as I have said, but what I was expecting never came even though I was ¾ finished. And right then when I give up of my notions, it happened. I even point at the book and said, “Told you, I was right all along”. And then again, when I thought everything’s going to be what I think, including the ending, Busby dropped the bomb that left me sad, shocked, surprised, you name it.. but fully satisfied..:D

A loud of applause for Busby for making that great leapt. For making her own world out of the story, making us forget reality, and right at the end, make us all remember that whatever we do, we can’t get away from reality. What will happen happens, not just for ordinary people. But even in books.

The book started fast and I like it when West’s POV alternates from the current and the past. It helped us know him better and what happens before he was in the hospital. Plus the dreams and his so-called-hallucinations. It’s just that it kind of confused me sometimes, when suddenly he’s asleep and then he’s on. The author switches from conscious to unconscious. Although I believe this must be because even West himself don’t understand what’s going on..:D… and though, it’s essential to be familiar with the environment of the story, when I got to the 5th chapter and so forth, I kind of felt the storyline slows down, I want to see actions, not just dreams and reminiscence, or maybe I was just too excited to get to the climax part. Luckily, the author seemed to read my mind and the next chapters are filled with creepy ghost that appeared and finally, West feels something is very wrong.. and so forth.>:D

“As I walked out of the shade and into the sun, the warmth hit my face, my shoulders. I left the darkness behind. As we pulled out of the parking lot, I didn’t look back. I had what I needed, with me. Inside me. Always.” (ARC p.288- last line from West). This line, made me think about moving on from people we loved and lost. It doesn’t mean, we should forget them, for the memories, the moments we’ve shared with them will always be within us, in our hearts. For me who have lost someone dear, this book had really affected me. And thanks Cylin Busby for writing such a story!

BLINK ONCE is a story of true love, soul mates, world of supernatural, friendship, healing and moving on. It’s a sad and beautiful story perfect for those who want a break from vampires, angels, werewolves, but wants a clean, fresh read, that would surely tug at your heart strings. Very highly recommended!!! Definitely looking forward from more of this author..:D




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