Title: So Close To You (So Close To You #1)
Author: Rachel Carter
Release date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who’ve disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.
When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she’s ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she’s in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.
Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices–and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.
So Close To You is such a fresh story. I’m always looking for unique stories in YA books and So Close To You has one of the most unique stories I have read. I already have high hopes for this series.
So Close To You is a time-travel mystery with a bit of historical fiction thrown in. Things were a little confusing at times but it was all part of the mystery. I truly never once guessed what was going on or how things were going to work out. The story was full of suspense, lies, and some pretty big betrayals.
Most of the story is actually set in 1944 and it’s such an interesting setting. Not many books that I’ve read are set in this time period and it was surprisingly informational (but not in a boring history class way.) The soldiers, the dances, the lingo; it was all so fun. It’s such a great mix of present-day and historical. Such a unique idea.
Lydia is never once an annoying character. She’s sweet, honest, selfless, and pretty dang brave. I’m pretty sure I would have been a lot more hysterical if I had ended up in 1944. She wanted to go home but instead she stayed to help her family. She was pretty fun and such an easy character to like. Her family was also great. Her grandfather, both as an old man and as a little boy, was such a sweetheart. Mary was so nice and funny. Dr. and Mrs. Bentley were kind and caring. Dean was a bit harsh at first but he was just protective. Wes, a boy who followed Lydia back in time, was harder to figure out. He seemed kind of shady at times but super wonderful at others. He was very complex. There really weren’t any bad characters.
The plot was fast-paced in the beginning and again in the end but it slowed down a bit too much for my liking in the middle. The middle was more of an info dump than anything. The info was necessary but I felt that it would have been better with more action. However it’s still a very enjoyable book.
Overall, So Close To You is an interesting story that I am eager to read more of. I want more of Lydia and Wes as well as more historical stuff! Maybe a different time period next time?
Looking for more reviews of So Close To You?
IB Book Blogging’s review
Books Complete Me’s review
I have not heard many things about this book yet. I like the thought of time traveling and that the characters were so likable. I also didn’t know that this was the first book to a series. I will definitely be looking this one up! Thanks for a great review 🙂
I love time travel! I especially like that this one is set in the 40’s. I love that time period! I’m glad to hear that Lydia is never annoying because, you know, that’s always a plus. I may have to pick this one up!
Definitely have to read this one—if only for the 40s setting! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the warning about the slow-down in the middle. Sometimes it’s better to expect those kinds of things! 🙂 Great review, Katie!
Eek, time travel! That’s enough to make me excited about this book.
This was definitley a very unique and fresh story. I loved all of the characters and I can’t wait for the sequel. Great review!
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book set in 1944 before. This certainly interests me! I’m excited to pick this up and give it a chance because you seemed to enjoy it so much. Plus the dances and the lingo can only be a positive aspect of the book! haha I’m looking forward to reading it just for that.
This sounds really good. I love books with time travel. Great review.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I think this one sounds really good! Great review!
Such a great review!! This book sounds awesome! Definitely keeping a look out for this one! I don’t think I have ever read a book that took place in the 40s. Most definitely interested in this one!
xo Stephanie
1944 is a very interesting time period. I’m loving the cover too.
i absolutely loved the historical setting. It’s such a different era, and I loved all the characters there.
I wish all the other books stayed in the same time period!
In fact, I’d love a YA series set then without time travel.
Lovely review 🙂