Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Published on: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

From Goodreads:

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend. 

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

Oh, just look at that cover. I know a cover can't make me love a book, but, oh, how I wish it could. If only we did completely judge books by their covers... The physical book is just as beautiful, I promise, but don't let the pretty facade fool you. Fury is a great idea in a pretty package, but the contents just can't live up.

Biggest complaint: Two thirds of this book are utterly boring. It's not that absolutely nothing happens, it just happens so slowly. I think it took me five hours to read those two thirds, when it should've taken me two at most. It just couldn't hold my attention for more than a chapter at a time.

Next complaint: I wasn't fond of the narrators. I figure having them narrate had a point; we were supposed to know Em and Chase weren't all bad and feel sorry for them. Em was just so naive that I couldn't believe what she was doing. Where do you get the idea that going and talking to comatose Sasha, whose attempted suicide had absolutely nothing to do with you, will make the furies leave you alone? Maybe talking to your best friend, whose boyfriend you fooled around with behind her back, would help, don't you think? Gah. Chase was better, since he felt more like a real person. He had legitimate insecurities and feelings, and didn't do anything that made me want to scream at him, but he still wasn't a super great person.

Third, and final, complaint: Why didn't we see or hear about the furies more? The book is titled after them, they sound super cool, and they are a catalyst for most of the action. These reasons make me think we should've heard more. Right?

I do have positives, despite what it sounds like. J.D. was absolutely adorable. His quirky clothing, his love for Em (for whatever reason I can't fathom), and wholly good self made parts of this book worth reading. Elizabeth Miles' atmospheric writing is also really good. She made the parts that should be creepy really creepy and made me feel like I was watching a horror movie at times, which was fun. The final third of the book had some interesting action (the fact that there was action made me happy, first of all). I can't actually say what this action is, in case you decide to read the book, but I was finally interested in what was happening.

All in all, I dunno. The ending can't make up for the hours I spend bored out of my mind, and I can't say positively whether I'll read the next book or not. Eh, I'm ambivalent. :(

Risk a paper cut? If you insist on reading this, skim the beginning. The second half might be worth something. Eh. I can't even be witty....


To buy: Amazon