Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah

Disclaimer: An e-galley copy of this book was sent to me by Flux  in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for this review other than the book itself.

Title: Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah

Published by: Flux

Publication Date: October 8, 2014

What's Of Scars and Stardust all about?

Seventeen-year-old Claire Graham left Amble, Ohio, two years ago, but the tragedy she tried to outrun still haunts her, even in New York City. Now, following the news that her sister Ella has suddenly vanished, Claire returns to her hometown to find her sister and face what happened there.

My interpretation on what this book is about:

From reading my very vague synopsis of this book, you may think that this book is just your typical YA contemporary fiction.  A main character who is running from her past, but the faster that she runs, the faster that she runs right into her past.  Typical, however, is FAR from what this book is. Claire Graham has a very close relationship with her younger sister, Ella. Ella is out spoken and knows exactly what she wants in life and will not allow anyone to tell her otherwise. Claire has an obsession with wolves, a myth that Rae, her best friend,  told her, that she seems to have truly believed.  On the night of Claire's birthday party, she has instructed  Ella to stay home. Claire hopes to find Grant Buchanan, the brother of  Rae, at her birthday party. Grant is not there and Claire becomes upset, but suddenly, Ella is there. Claire begs Ella to go home, even at the protest of Rae, who tells Ella that the wolves will get her should she leave. Reluctantly, Ella goes home, and the morning after, things in Amble, Ohio are never the same again. 

Initial Thoughts:

From the first few pages of this book, you can immediately feel the eerie tone that this book is going to take. You just have the overwhelming sense of unease. Claire is such an interesting character to read about. She has this unhealthy obsession with wolves, to the point that she even convinces her sister that the myths of the wolves are true. I even quite enjoyed the love interest, Grant. Grant is trying to deal with the fact that his sister can never just stay in one place for long periods of time and also the whispers of the town that he is a sympathizer to Claire. I think that Grant also really wanted to believe in Claire and her obsession with wolves.

All of the characters are so unique and are struggling with their own demons. I really wish that I could have seen some more insight into Ella's character, however, I understand why some things were pursued while others weren't.

Final Thoughts:

Again, I don't want to give too much away from this book BUT I highly recommend it! I really like how the author handles the subject of mental illness. I truly love books with unreliable narrators. I love thinking that something is real and then being shown otherwise. If you enjoyed We Were Liar by E. Lockhart then you will LOVE Of Scars and Stardust. I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars and will be purchasing a hard copy when it comes out!