ARC Review: Ultraviolet

First and foremost, thank you goes out to NetGalley and Carolrhoda Lab (an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group) for the opportunity to read Ultraviolet. This, of course, in no way influences my opinion whatsoever.

Title: Ultraviolet
Author: R. J. Anderson
Genre: YA/Sci-Fi
Release Date: September 1st



"Once upon a time there was a girl who was special. This is not her story. Unless you count the part where I killed her."

Sixteen-year-old Alison wakes up in a mental institution. As she pieces her memory back together, she realizes she’s confessed to murdering Tori Beaugrand, the most perfect girl at school. But the case is a mystery. Tori's body has not been found, and Alison can't explain what happened. One minute she was fighting with Tori. The next moment Tori disintegrated—into nothing.

But that's impossible. No one is capable of making someone vanish. Right? Alison must be losing her mind—like her mother always feared she would.

For years Alison has tried to keep her weird sensory abilities a secret. No one ever understood—until a mysterious visiting scientist takes an interest in Alison's case. Suddenly, Alison discovers that the world is wrong about her—and that she’s capable of far more than anyone else would believe. --Goodreads


I actually finished this book while I was on vacation, but only now getting around to posting my review. Here's the thing: I can't stop thinking about it! It was absolutely stunning! Wow, wow, wow. I was left speechless when I finished, and I'm still at a loss for words on where to begin here what to you all about how amazing this book was. I don't know if there are enough words. Hands down, this was absolutely one of my year's best reads for sure.

How do you know you're reading a good book?

Well, for me, it's always been when I felt as if I'm within the story as well. I can feel, smell, taste, and hear everything because the author has gone into that kind of detail. With Ultraviolet, you get that and so much more.

Ultraviolet isn't just literature. It's art.

But of course, isn't that what literature is? A form of art? I don't want to get off topic, though. :)

R.J. Anderson wove so many amazing details in the words that I was stunned at the breathtaking talent. From Anderson's writing, I would believe that she was just like Alison, tasting colors and seeing sounds.

Alison was real and three-dimensional. My heart broke for her everytime she endured pain and her own heartaches. The ending left me craving for so much more. Oh please, please let there be a sequel!! *begs*

All in all, I highly recommend this book. Yes, I got a galley, but you can bet I'll be buying it release day. I'm honestly not a big sci-fi fan, either, but this was a genre bender. Plot twists, beautiful romance, amazing, artistic and wonderfully crafted details, great characters. I loved it all. This book will live long in my mind!


5 stars!