Tandem

http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2012/01/14/tandem-by-tracie-bateman/

When I first saw Tracey Bateman's Tandem on the review list, I jumped at the chance to read it. After all, I'm a huge fan of vampire novels, and I was looking forward to a more adult take on these paranormal creatures. I've been swimming in YA titles for the last few months. It was time for a change.

What first caught me off guard was that I was thrown into a point of view that wasn't determined yet. I liked that it added mystery to the beginning of the story, but as I read on and realized that the point of view kept switching, I was confused. Who was telling the story? Were there multiple characters or were these the inner versus outer thoughts of one character? Once I figured out the order the characters spoke in each chapter, it was a little easier to follow along but still awkward.

I also had no idea going into this novel that it is indeed a sequel. That is my own fault really, but Goodreads had it listed as a stand alone book and I assumed that is what it was. That being said, I was rather impressed with how Tracey Bateman builds her characters so vividly, even in a second book. She doesn't assume that the reader knows them intimately, but instead allows you to discover them all over again. Despite not having read the first book, I was still able to pick up on what had happened previously and delve further into the story.

Another item that I truly enjoyed was the setting. Although I've never been to Missouri, the setting was described perfectly. It allowed me to become more invested in the characters that were living there, and really increased my overall enjoyment of the book. I think Missouri became a character in itself, even as the characters moved in front of it as a backdrop.

The ending was a little disappointing for me, but I also had a very good idea of what was going to happen at the end. The hints that were dropped throughout the story were subtle, but still easily discernible if you were looking. I think I was hoping for a bit more of an epic climax. After all that the characters had been through, I felt as though they deserved a more dramatic ending. I know this is all personal preference, but it did create a burning need in me at the end of my reading.

Overall I enjoyed reading Tandem, although I probably would not give it a reread. I am, however, looking forward to seeing what else Tracey Bateman has in store for her readers. If she continues on with strong character development and vivid settings, I'll be back for more of her work.