Review: Resonance by Erica O'Rourke

Resonance by Erica O'Rourke

Book Two of the Dissonance series

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Publication Date: July 21, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

As a Walker between worlds, Del is responsible for the love of her life—and the fate of millions—in this thrilling sequel to Dissonance.

Del risked everything to save Simon, and now he’s gone, off in another world with no way for Del to find him.

She’s back at the Consort—training to be a Walker like everyone in her family. But the Free Walkers have other plans for her. This rebel group is trying to convince Del that the Consort is evil, and that her parents are unwittingly helping the Consort kill millions of people. The Free Walkers make Del the ultimate promise: if Del joins their fight, she will be reunited with Simon.

In agreeing, Del might be endangering her family. But if she doesn’t, innocent people will die, and Simon will be lost to her forever. The fate of the multiverse depends on her choice...

What I Liked:

It's been a year since I read Dissonance! That book was one of my favorite books of 2014, with a gorgeous cover to match. Since then, the covers have been redesigned - I LOVE the original cover of Dissonance, but I definitely think these new covers are unique! Del's stars are great symbolism to place on the covers, and the light/dark contrast of the background throughout the series. Interesting! And I'm pleased to say that this book did not disappoint at all!

Be warned, there may/will be spoilers for BOOK ONE - Dissonance. As always, I will do my best not to spoil anything occurring in this book. Keep in mind, what I consider a spoiler or not spoiler depends on perspective! Given that I've read this book, I'll have a good feel for what I'm revealing or not revealing. So you're pretty much safe from spoilers for Resonance! But not necessarily for Dissonance. If that makes sense.

Del is still grieving from Simon's departure into a different world, but she refuses to believe that he is gone forever. When the Free Walkers reach out to Del and tell her that Simon might be safe, Del wants proof. Help the Free Walkers and see Simon - or work for the Consort. With Monty in an oubliette and Lattimer forcing Del to interrogate Monty about the "weapon" the Free Walkers have, Del knows what she will do. Worlds are at stake, lives are at stake, Del's life is at stake, but nothing will stop her from righting wrongs and stopping the destruction of the multiverse.

Ahh, it feels like just yesterday, my heart was broken over Dissonance's ending. It didn't take long, once I started reading Resonance, for O'Rourke to piece my heart back together. Del finds out that there is a chance that Simon is alive and unharmed, and she fights to know more, to find him, to bring him back. So many secrets are revealed in this book, and many surround Simon.

There were so many twists in this book, so many secrets! It felt like bombshell after bombshell was dropped, but in a good way (not overwhelming). A lot of things started to come together and make sense, which was really nice to see. I don't think readers are left with many questions by the end of the book - if any at all. I certainly didn't have any. I was too busy hugging my Kindle and squealing with giddiness.

Del continues to grow in this book, and becomes more headstrong. She's impulsive and reckless, but by the end of the book, it's clear that she has matured throughout the series, though she remains impulsive and temperamental. I liked Del in Dissonance, and I liked her in this book. She might be impulsive, but she's a determined and strong young lady who knows how to make up her mind.

I thought this was going to be one of those books where the male protagonist is absent for like, the entire book - but no so! Simon is very much present throughout the book, in one way or another. It's pretty interesting to see how O'Rourke brings him back into the story, and this occurs fairly quickly. So, fear not! Simon returns, and is a huge part of the story (not just in terms of the romance!). Simon is his usual hilarious, cocky self, and I loooooove him!

The romance... ooo, so swoony! Seriously, this OTP is probably one of my favorites, to be honest. Del and Simon are magical together! And quite steamy, too. Simon is very laid back and a bit cocky, and Del is a rule-breaker and impulsive - the combination is really good! Both of them move worlds to find each other (literally though), and both of them love with their whole hearts (and not just each other - their family, friends, etc.). This series' romance is one of my favorites - the relationship is developed, no love triangle, and sizzling chemistry!

The conflict in this book is so much more complex than the synopsis (and my own brief summary) leads on, and this is very well-written, in my opinion. As this series is only a duology, a lot of conflict and high stakes action occurs in this book. My heart was pounding in many places, and I couldn't finish fast enough! The scenes are engrossing and riveting and I was both hooked and terrified (terrified of what would happened if this happened/who might die/what if they got caught, etc.). O'Rourke did a great job with constructing the plot of this book!

The ending is very satisfying, though it is not a happy-go-lucky ending. Everyone suffers somehow, most of all Del. But the ending is a good one, people. Trust me, it's a very satisfying ending - there's no way you can close this book and feel disappointed. This is definitely a series I'll want to reread in the future - if not immediately!

What I Did Not Like:

Not much that I didn't like, which always surprises me, when I can't think of something. Every book isn't perfect, but this one was quite amazing!

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this duology. For one, it's only a duology (and there is a novella, Harmonic), so no more waiting. Two, the story is very intriguing and exciting. Three, the romance is beautiful and steamy at times. Four, the concept is super unique! The terminology I've not seen used in YA novels before, nor the musical basis to the parallel world theory (parallel worlds are not new to YA). I love how unique this series is!

Rating:

4 stars. A lovely conclusion to a fabulous duology! I'm so glad I decided to give Dissonance a shot (I don't usually like parallel worlds/alternate universes types of novels). This duology is definitely one of my favorites! I'll be pushing the series on everyone, just you wait and see.

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