The Replacement in Review

I had the honor of not only reading THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff, but also of interviewing her here on the Enchanted Inkpot.

First about the book (taken from Brenna's website):

Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement—left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with an oddly intriguing girl named Tate. But when Tate’s baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

As you know, before I give my own review, I like to have a guest give his take. In this case I decided to go with the classic monster, Frankenstein.

Me: Franky - what did you think of the book?

Franky: I don't really know what all the fuss is about. I mean it was very well written. But scary? Palease. You want horror? Try grave-robbing and then bringing the freak back to life with lightning and a mad scientist. Now that's a good book.

Me: Um, okay. But isn't that your OWN book?

Franky: You wanted my opinion. I'm giving it. I mean yes, The Replacement was great. But who do you identify with more? Me or Mackie? Pfft. No contest. Right?

Me: Uh, no. No contest at all. I really fell in love with Mackie. Sorry, man.

Franky: Fine! Just because he's all handsome... You know what you are? You're a freakist!

Me: Hey now, no need for calling names. And yes, Mackie is supposed to be cute, but that's not why I loved him. Thank you for your opinion though, Franky. Please be careful to avoid the angry mob out front. I think I saw a couple of pitchforks..

Okay, now my opinion. I LOVED it. Again my favorite part was the MC. I fell for him right away, and continued to be completely invested throughout. Yes, the plot was good too. But to me the character was the clincher. Beautifully written. I'd read another book by Brenna in a heartbeat.