BREATHLESS is deservedly popular with its teen audience for the heady blend of a fast moving plot with the unexpected around every turn, the passion of star crossed lovers on the run, and the suspense of a (supernatural?) mystery. These are all entertaining elements, but as an older reader, what I found most fun about this tale was the voice of the teen narrator, who starts the tale believing herself a normal high school student in a regular small town – when in fact it soon becomes obvious to the reader she is in the middle of a bizarre conspiracy!

I bet the author wrote this with a smile and her tongue in her cheek, because, while this juxtaposition of normal high school life and a gathering tide of weirdness expressed with ironic teen snark and charming naievety, is not blatantly played for laughs, it got a lot of chuckles from me. But then, I have a weird sense of humour   That said, there are also tragic parts that I found genuinely shocking.

The comparisons with TWILIGHT are inevitable, as this story shares the premise of a high school girl falling in love with a mysterious boy associated with danger. The difference is this story is much more fast paced and plot focused, and doesn’t take itself as seriously.

I want to give this story a higher rating, because it was definitely compelling and entertaining, but there are a few flaws and plot holes that I couldn’t help noticing. It’s best to take it as a fun ride without thinking too deeply about the supports under this rollercoaster. The characters are of the type who will always go into the haunted house where you know the villain is lurking. You shake your head, but also smile, because you can’t wait to find out what happens when they do.

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