Review: The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

The Book Jumper

by Mechthild Gläser

January 3, 2017

384 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Amy Lennox doesn't know quite what to expect when she and her mother pick up and leave Germany for Scotland, heading to her mother's childhood home of Lennox House on the island of Stormsay.

Amy's grandmother, Lady Mairead, insists that Amy must read while she resides at Lennox House—but not in the usual way. It turns out that Amy is a book jumper, able to leap into a story and interact with the world inside. As thrilling as Amy's new power is, it also brings danger—someone is stealing from the books she visits, and that person may be after her life. Teaming up with fellow book jumper Will, Amy vows to get to the bottom of the thefts—at whatever the cost.

Review

The unique concept of being able to jump into books and affect their stories made The Book Jumper an exciting read. With one particular exception, I really enjoyed my time spent inside this book.

The Book Jumper is mysterious and thrilling from beginning to end. Almost as soon as Amy learns of her special ability she plunges into the vast but extraordinary book world. Inside, she starts investigating the theft of important ideas and later on the connection to a murder. Ms. Gläser builds the mystery up. We get more puzzle pieces before we get any real clues to the truth but the process is so well-designed I didn't mind the wait. It's nostalgic and such wonder to hear Amy talk about all the classic literatures she ventures into and the multitude of famous literary figures she meets.

Amy was a likable heroine though she didn't stand out much. I liked her persistence but she can be a little brash at times. I'm curious to see if her real heritage (half fictional) would be expanded on. A sequel with her and Will in the book world sounds quite attractive ;) Speaking of Will, I felt his romance with Amy was a bit quick. A few more scenes together would've made me cheer more for them but I am mostly happy for how they have each other.

I was not a fan of the glum reality that dawned towards the end. I desperately wanted an HEA so when Will died, you can imagine how put off I was. It was his redeeming act for all the wrongs he (unknowingly) committed but I hated it. Him living on in the book word of Peter Pan felt like a cheap way out (to make the ending somewhat happy). The one part of the ending I did love was the irony in that the princess was the villain. The one person who is portrayed in countless stories as the innocent damsel in distress turns out to be the cause of all the chaos in the book world. That's priceless.

I really loved the idea behind The Book Jumper. It would've been a perfect read for me if only my wish had been granted. But actions have consequences so I begrudgingly accept the turnout of the story. I'd love to go back inside the book world anytime.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.