my books. my life.

Title: Level 2
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Genre: Fantasy; Paranormal
Pages: 281
Year: 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Since her death, Felicia has spent most of her time viewing memories, hers and others. In this afterlife, there exists a complex network of memories for each individual to access. But this is it. This is all there is in this limbo.

That is, until a boy from her past, Julian, comes back. He breaks in and takes her away, and she sees that there is more to the afterlife, and that there is a battle coming. She must face her past to save those trapped with her on Level 2.

My Thoughts:

I’ve been looking forward to Level 2 since Lenore announced it ages ago. I knew she’d write a good book and I was right. I had a hard time putting it down.

At first, some things – the hive-like structures, the net – seemed too convenient. Felicia has the perfect experiences for them to make sense to her, but what about everyone else? Eventually, this flaw resolved itself and I understand now why this was done.

The memories of Julian and the memories of Neil are wonderful scenes of first love (my husband and I actually met at our church youth group, so I especially loved that aspect). The awkwardness and excitement and passion are all there.

However, I felt the ending was rushed. I actually found myself re-reading portions just to mentally slow it down. I still don’t quite understand how everything ended, and I think it could have been fleshed out better. This is the first book in a trilogy so perhaps my understanding will come better later.

After a long wait, Level 2 was a satisfying read.