A Boy is No Match for a Wolf-- Review for Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter.
I have been a fan of Ally Carter's work for over a decade now-- a MAJOR fan. Her books are always the ones I go to when I can't decide what to read- no matter how many times I've read them. There are certain aspects of her writing that appeal to me particularly and I can confidently say that from beginning to end, this book was an embodiment of all of them.
(I chose these specific flowers--my wedding bouquet and my husband's boutonnière--
not only because they are beautiful, but because "saving each other" is kind of an
inside thing between us.)
Not If I Save You First is a prime example of how Ally Carter's work is perfectly paced. There is a beautiful exposition that allows us to immerse ourselves into the world of the story and get to know the characters, but that exposition quickly transforms into the action filled story. Like her other works, it neither drags on nor feels rushed.
This novel is also a beautiful display of character description and development. The author never bogs us down with weighty descriptions that add little to the actual plot. Rather, each description is short and to the point, my favorite in this novel being the following line "I don't want to die waiting." This line is perfectly worded and perfectly timed in the story to illuminate another side of Maddie "Mad Dog" Manchester and her relationship with the world.
That line also highlights another of my favorite parts of Ally Carter's writing, which is the implantation of subtle but powerful messages, life lessons, and ideas of empowerment. They are rarely longer than a line or two, but they always make my heart soar.
Also, this book comes from an author who is a master of tying literally every aspect of her work together. Not only is there beautiful plot and character continuity, but there are subtle ties in as well-- namely the sparkle on the cover being not only that of snow, but also of sequins. Plus-- there's an easter egg in here linking back to one of her prior series!
These are just some of the ways Not If I Save You First, which was only released at the end of March, made me fall in love with her writing all over again. In order to discover the magic for yourself, give it a read!
Overall rating: 10/10, will read again.................and again, and again, and again.