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3.8 • 5 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Since her mother's death when she was seven, 15-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head-the date on which they will die! Knowing that nothing can last forever, Jem avoids relationships, until she meets Spider, another outsider, and her life takes a happier turn. But on their first day-out together, waiting for a ride on the London Eye, Jem realises something terrible-everyone in the queue has the same number-and her world is about to explode.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fifteen-year-old Jem has a singular and terrifying ability looking people in the eye reveals to her the date they will die. Needless to say, she avoids eye contact. Her mother overdosed; she's on her umpteenth foster home; and school (when she goes) is a dead-end special education class. But school also brings her closer to Spider, a gangly bundle of raw energy who genuinely likes Jem and who she knows has just weeks to live. Their bittersweet courtship becomes terrifying when their first date ends in a terrorist bombing at the London Eye. Jem escapes with Spider moments before the blast, but witnesses report their flight and suddenly they are persons of interest in a police investigation. It's a gritty tale, unsparingly told, and debut novelist Ward demonstrates exceptional control of her material. Her characters remain true to themselves and their bleak circumstances, making for some excruciating moments. This is not an easy read, but it isn't entirely hopeless either. Despite its supernatural premise, Jem's story shines a stark and honest light on the lives of teens on the fringe. Ages 14 18.
