The Replacement Review

Monday, October 11, 2010


Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.

A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?Taken from GoodReads.

The Replacement follows the story of Mackie Doyle. A teen in the sleepy town of Gentry, Mackie struggles to fit in every single day of his life. In a town rife with superstition, disappearances, and fear, Mackie is the epitome of everything the townsfolk fear. Switched with the Doyle's own baby when he was a baby himself, Mackie has lived as part of the family ever since, though he's struggling to survive with his painful aversion to iron, blood, and consecrated ground - compounded only by the fact that his father is a pastor. Somehow, Mackie must find a way to survive in this world, or realize his true self.

I have to say that The Replacement is probably one of the most original supernatural stories I have come across in a long time. Though it revolves around a familiar creature in supernatural story lines, this was the most original and best interpretation of the classic story that I've seen in a while. Brenna Yovanoff uses her distinct writing voice, alternating beautiful descriptions with short, halted sentences to accentuate the theme and voice of the novel. It paces well, and I was involved in the story in no time. I will, however, admit that I was expecting one thing from a horror story (based solely on the premise above) and got something completely different.

Even in a book as original as The Replacement though, I will admit there were a few things I'm not sure I truly understood in the story. For one, I had trouble believing just how accepting Mackie's friend, Roswell, was of all his unique issues associated with his "condition," shall we say. He sort of just turned a blind eye despite the fact it was very clear Mackie stood out from the rest of the town. I think that was my biggest issue though. I thought the town was believable; aware of the disappearances but committed to pretending nothing was wrong. The characters also drove the story. I empathized with Mackie's struggle to fit in, loved his sister, Emma, driven to do anything to save her brother, and cheered for Tate, a heroine who couldn't be less wispy and whiny of she tried. They drove the story, and though the end wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste, I still liked how The Replacement played out.

All in all, I loved The Replacement. Eerie, haunting, dark, and just satisfying enough to satiate my appetite for riveting stories, The Replacement will definitely stick with me. I give it a very strong 4 out 5, and I would recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy supernatural stories and horror.

29 comments:

  1. OMG! You've read this book? Now I am COMPLETELY jealous. I like that you mentioned how original this story sounds like. Seriously hoping that I'd get the chance to read this very soon!

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  2. My copy should arrive this week, so I can't wait to finally read it. I love eerie, creepy stuff and this book seems like the perfect read for October.

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  3. I am waiting for my copy to come in the mail!

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  4. I enjoyed this one as well, though I agree the ending was a little neat and tidy for all the build up. I found the story stuck with me despite a couple flaws, and that cover is ridiculously beautiful and creepy all at the same time.

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  5. I am so happy to hear that it's as good as it looks. Not that I like dark and creepy books that much, but still

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  6. Gosh, Now I do need to get a copy of this book. An absolute must. Great review!

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  7. But don't you think Roswell turned a blind eye because that was what the whole town did? It was almost as if they were conditioned to ignore the differences in those that were... different. To me, it was more a show of his loyalty to his friend, which I found very admirable.

    Very good insight, and I have to agree that it was weird that the whole town would accept being okay with their own babies being replaced as a sacrifice for the town.

    Still, I absolutely adored the characters! I thought they were all very smartly written.

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  8. Excellent review :) This should be arriving in my mailbox soon... I can't wait to read it! I think it's a plus that it is almost Halloween.

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  9. Haunting and original? What a combo. Great review :)

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  10. I've wanted to read this ever since I saw the cover! I'm so jealous of you! :) I've heard so many great things about this book, and with your review added, I'm completely excited to get my hands on a copy! Great review <3!

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  11. This sounds as good as I was hoping! I especially love how you've described the author's style and voice. Sounds beautiful.

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  12. I think Roswell was just another example of the towns attitude. Unspoken he was to turn a blind eye to those things, so he did.

    I have a linky on my review if you'd like to add yours. Great review and I agree with you!

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  13. I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed it. I felt it had enough creep factor and more originality than many of the recent paranormals I have been reading. I do see your point about Rozwell though.

    Great review

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  14. I recently purchased this book. Your review makes me so happy that I did! I think this is one out of a handful that I have patiently waiting to read.

    Bring on the creepy horror!

    Mad Scientist
    madsteampunkery.blogspot.com

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  15. So glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I can't wait to dive in. I've heard that this one is pretty original. Thanks for the review!

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  16. I've got to read this. I've always loved that cover! So striking!

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  17. This one is sitting on top of my TBR pile and I hope to read it this month to keep my creepy Halloween-themed books going. Thanks for the great review!

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  18. Nice review! I had fallen in love with this cover long before the book came into the library.... I liked how the author chose a changeling as the basis for the story -- very cool!

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  19. awesome review, melissa! this one sounds amazing. honestly, i never really liked this cover so I never really read what it was about, is that bad? lol but after reading your review it sounds great!

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  20. i can't wait 2 start start this one. Did you see the breathless trailer?!? it was awesome!

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  21. I guess this means I'm going to have to go out and buy this book now. I've been wanting to put it on pre-order forever, but I was attempting to bypass it to save money. Guess I should throw that out of the window, your review was excellent!

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

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  22. PS I can't believe we don't have your button posted! I grabbed it!

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  23. Fantastic review - it only makes me want to get this book more than ever now! And gosh, how creepy but beautiful is that cover?

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  24. Wonderful, wonderful review. I am very much looking forward to read this! Especially now after reading your review! :)

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  25. I love the idea of changelings but have never read a book told by the changeling. This one sounds really neat!

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  26. Despite the flaws, it sounds intriguing! Eerie, haunting, dark...I'm curious now! =)

    Fabulous review, Melissa!

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  27. The Replacement has been on my to-buy list for a little while now (that cover just draws one's eye), and I've only seen one not-so-great review on it. Your review just reinforces that it would be a good choice for me and my Not So Bebe Girl Autumn to read! Thanks for the review!

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

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  28. YAY! I loved this review! And man you're good at it! The Replacement just bumped up a few on my numbered list! ;) Thanks Melissa!

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