Numbers by Rachel Ward

Numbers by Rachel Ward
"Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the Eye ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today's number. Today's date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem's world is about to explode!"= summary from Amazon

Numbers was not quite what I expected but I still really liked it. It was an interesting look into lower class life (at least in the beginning) as well as a fun thriller (middle to end). I really enjoyed reading about their fleeing and having to live on their own as they kept themselves from being hauled in by the police for questioning and possible arrest.

With most of the book just being Jem and Spider, the characters are fully formed and realistic and have their own unique voice. It's interesting to see how they go from acquaintances to friends to being in a relationship, all through the course of the book (which only spans across a week or so). The ending was one of those where you sort of know what's coming, and yet it's still a surprise when it happens. At least, that's how it was for me.

Overall, Ward has put forth a really good debut with a lot of emotion, suspense, and originality. I'm excited to read more from her whenever it comes.

FTC: Received book through Around the World tours. Link above is Amazon Associate link; any profit received goes toward funding contests.