Invisibility by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer

Invisibility by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer
Buy Invisibility by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Teens
Reviewer: Robert James
Summary: Gorgeously-written mix of love and magic makes this one highly recommended.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 368	Date: May 2013
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 978-0141348872
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Stephen is cursed with invisibility. He's never been seen by anyone, even his parents. Elizabeth isn't invisible, but sometimes she wishes she was. After problems back home, she's hoping to make a new start in New York City by blending into the background. Then she meets Stephen, and can see him. What is it about her that's so special? The two fall for each other hard - but in a world full of spells and curses, does love stand a chance?

This is a gorgeously written book which reminded me in style, if not content, of the first book I read by David Levithan, Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares. Just as in that one (also co-written, that time with Rachel Cohn) there's a wonderfully strong voice here which makes the book practically beg to be read aloud.

In addition, it's well-plotted, with good world-building, and as for the characters - wow! Two of my favourite supporting characters for ages - Elizabeth's brother Laurie and spellseeker Millie - almost outshine the two narrators here, especially when Millie gets the most stirring speech I've read since Easy by Tammara Webber. However, Stephen and Elizabeth are well-drawn enough, with strong voices and realistic strengths and flaws, that there's never any danger of the excellent supporting characters stealing the show.

I liked it so much, that I'll give a rare pass on insta-love for once, as it grates on me less when there's magic involved than it does normally. In particular, it's easy to believe that Stephen would fall fast for the first person ever to be able to see him.

The one thing that stops this from being a five-star read is the climax. On the plus side, it wraps up the story well while leaving potential room for another book. However, it does seem to be both a little rushed and to involve certain characters acting with significantly less intelligence than I'd have expected. That said, it's still an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an unusual mix of romance and magic. Levithan is quickly becoming a favourite of mine and I'd love to see him and Cremer write more together.

For another very enjoyable, and massively quotable, mix of contemporary and magical, I really liked the brilliantly bonkers Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black.

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You can read more book reviews or buy Invisibility by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Invisibility by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer at Amazon.com.

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