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October 12, 2013

Review: Premeditated by Josin L. Mcquein

Premeditated

Title: Premeditated
Author: Josin L. Mcquein
Publisher:
 Random House Canada
Publication date: October 1, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary/Mystery)
Source: Publisher
Format: Finished Copy
Pages: 336
A week ago, Dinah’s cousin Claire cut her wrists.

Five days ago, Dinah found Claire’s diary and discovered why.

Three days ago, Dinah stopped crying and came up with a plan.

Two days ago, she ditched her piercings and bleached the black dye from her hair.

Yesterday, knee socks and uniform plaid became a predator’s camouflage.

Today, she’ll find the boy who broke Claire.

By tomorrow, he’ll wish he were dead.
Did the synopsis make your heart race a tiny bit? Because my heart did! As soon as I received Premeditated, I picked it up immediately. I love mystery/thriller plot lines and this one screamed just that. Dina, the main protagonist, is out to get revenge on the person who caused her cousin Claire to cut her wrists. She enrolls in his school, and starts formulating a plan to turn his life into misery, which is still a small price for what he has done to her family.  
Immediately, I felt that I couldn't connect with Dina. From the way she never stood up to her tyrant of a mother to the way she was able to so easily justify everything that she wanted to do. But my main reason was my suspicion towards a character in the book that she was friends with. I am not saying anything else so as not to give anything away. There are some characters I really disliked in this novel (mostly from her new school) but I really liked her two friends, or should I say partners in crime. I do believe the author tried too hard in creating their 'teenage rebel' image but I didn't care since I loved both of their personalities. The acts of revenge in the book are spread throughout. There isn't a build up to this huge revenge plan that only gets executed towards the end. However Dina performs little operations here and there that cripple a different piece of his life every time. I found that to be smart, and easier to digest. I am not a fan of big buildups so this was perfect. 
The target of Dina's revenge is Brooks, and I immediately had mixed feelings about him. He seemed sweet but you can't help and remember what happened with Claire, especially if he is a trust fund kid.. we are told not to trust them since they seem to get away with anything. This book isn't big on character development except for the main protagonist, but the author knows how to keep you wanting more and asking questions. While the plot is mainly about the revenge, you do follow Dina's arc of development, especially with the revelation of a twist towards the end of the book (I already guessed what it was halfway through). To put it simply, if you are a fan of thriller/mystery novels, then I suggest you pick up Premeditated. I personally could not put it down and ended up reading it in less than two days. 
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8 comments:

  1. Premeditated sounds so good but I didn't like Josin.L.McQuein's Arclight so I'm not sure if I'll enjoy this one. I have a feeling I know the big plot twist too but this book still seems really good. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  2. I like the plot being that it wasn't all about making a big revenge plan, but is a little at a time. Great review, I think I might have to pick this one up. :)

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  3. The synopsis of this book is so creepy O.O
    It makes me want to read it so much!! I LOVE the whole revenge idea. I also like it that you can't tell us much about the story without spoiling it, because that means there are a lot of secrets and twists in the book :)
    Great review!! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get my hands on this *_*

    Sapir @ Diary of a Wimpy Teen Girl

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  4. I just picked up this book. I'm always on the look out for a good mystery/thriller read so this is a perfect addition to my short list. Glad you enjoyed it!

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  5. Sometimes I can forgive character development if the action is good. I hadn't heard of this one, so thanks for the review!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  6. The synopsis reminds me of the movie "John Tucker Must Die" except that was a comedy not a thriller. Anyways, I'm not sure how I feel about a book focused solely on revenge and nothing else =/ Not sure if I'm gonna pick this one up.

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  7. I need to connect with a character, but I like that she has a character development and the whole mystery sounds great :)!

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

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  8. It's good to know that the acts of revenge are spread throughout. Thanks for sharing that even when you couldn't quite connect with Dina, you breezed through the book in less than two days - I think I'll check and see if the library carries this. Beautiful review!

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