“SAVANNAH GREY,” by Cliff McNish, Carolrhoda Books, April 2011, $17.95 (young adult)
There’s something wrong with Savannah Grey’s throat. Weird noises are coming from it, and she feels a strong need to protect it.
Savannah has never really connected with people. She’s moved around a lot, living in multiple foster homes. She doesn’t mind, though. It feels right to keep moving.
The one constant in Savannah’s life has been her friend, Nina. Nina stands by her through everything, and that’s good, because Savannah’s life is about to get weird.
Nina is a loyal friend, but when Savannah meets Reece, she feel’s like she’s met someone who truly understands her. He even gets what’s going on with her throat — it’s happening to him, too. It’s almost like their voices are becoming weapons, but for what?
Something is out there, lurking in the dark. And it’s up to Savannah, Reece and Nina to find out what before it’s too late.
The cover for Cliff McNish’s “Savannah Grey” is creepy and interesting, and it made me want to read the book. However, while I was reading the novel, I kept wondering what the cover had to do with the story. By the end, I understood, but not until then.
I found the disparity with the cover a little distracting, and I would urge readers to just let it go, because “Savannah Grey” is one of those books that makes you say, “Wow.”
I don’t want to say too much about the story, because readers should definitely make it their own. From a brilliantly original story line to mature and enticing prose, “Savannah Grey” was amazing.
The story arch is perfectly formed, with the author giving just the right amount of information while withholding the rest. And it’s refreshing to see strong characters who don’t have all the answers. I enjoy learning with them, and I think that setup helps readers become invested.
“Savannah Grey” is a book of evolution, and I’d be surprised to find a reader who isn’t changed in some small way because of it.
