Chime: Review

Title: Chime

Author: Franny Billingsley

Release Date: March 2011

Published By: Dial

Pages: 361

Goodreads Rating: 3.63 stars

Review: Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, but in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, but everything chances when she meets Eldric. As many secrets as she has, she discovers there are some even she doesn't know.

To be honest, I wasn't the hugest fan of the cover of CHIME so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised when I started reading by how utterly gripping this book is. The plot goes hand in hand with the wonderfully well-done character development, and it's impossible not to appreciate just how incredibly well-crafted this novel is.

Possibly my favorite aspect was the brilliant writing. Franny Billingsley is a pure poet, and she had just so many sentences and turns of phrase that made me stop and savor them. That's the kind of writing here, where you can't just read it all at once and never think about it. It sticks with you, even when you're past that scene or chapter or heck, the whole book. 

The tone of the book was lovely as well. It's not an entirely unique concept, but the author weaves a creepy and chilling tone about the novel that you don't often see. This is a deliciously dark story that both tugs at your heart and makes you hesitant to step foot in a marsh. It's almost a fairy tale-like feel, and it's impossible not to love.

All in all, CHIME is a truly remarkable novel that I would not hesitate to recommend. From the absolutely phenomenal writing to the wonderful character development to the plot that never lets you go, this is a book you're unlikely to forget.