Oh, Chrys!

A novel promising a thrill based on its blurb, [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] fell short to me. Considering its place as Elston's debut novel, I would have appreciated if it was more impactful. Though it certainly had a strong introduction, things began to crumble as I read on. I cannot foster an overall enthusiasm for [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811], but I do not regret reading it.Based on the risky secrecy of Witness Protection, [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] features a family that has been thrust into a life constantly on the go - a life where the Suits can relocate them whenever they deem it fit. This element of random relocation adds a sense of despair on the entire family - even on the reader - as one day they can be swept to a different state with an entirely new identity. Meg, the female lead, has no idea what has brought this curse on upon her family, and her parents refuse to inform her why. This unknown reason certainly fueled an eager curiosity that motivated me to read of Meg and her family's plight, even if it was reluctantly.Meg is a character that many readers will adore, especially considering the inherent weakness of heroines in YA today. She is resilient and protective of her younger sister, Teeny. She is determined to never reveal her identity or to become attached to anyone outside her family. Meg has no choice but to muster an independence and strength as her parents, especially her mother are dysfunctional. Things take a downward spiral with the introduction of Ethan though. Meg really did not want to attach to him, but Ethan has a charm that makes her fluster upon first seeing him and when he intentionally tells her cheesy lover quips. Instalove ensues, and soon the strong-willed heroine places her romantic interest above her family's protection. This really bothered me as Meg began to do reckless, selfish things. Yes, she tried very hard to nudge off Ethan, but the way she easily gives in is very disappointing. There is one scene where she comes home with Ethan, only to find her mom extremely drunk - so drunk that she looks dead. Rather than being alarmed at the 'could-be' emergency at hand, Meg's pride matters more, and she is so embarrassed that Ethan is around to see.I was also bothered by Ethan. A farmer boy, Ethan is flawless and is determined to find out this Meg Jones. Somehow he is the handsome guy who breaks down Meg's interior, though admittedly it was an enduring process for him. His irresistibility is the medium through which Meg is saved. Even Teeny, who has been taking an emotional toll too mammoth for a young child, is able to open up to Ethan. I found this to be ludicrous. Many times Elston conveyed how bothered Teeny's emotional state had become under witness protection. She is in a wreck, but Ethan, breaks her shell too. Though this is a cute notion, I cannot say it heightened my reading experience. What I really liked about [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811], albeit its romantic tropes, is its portrayal of a less than traditional view of family in this genre. Ever since the family has been placed into witness protection, the secrecy burdens them. Though the parents are well-aware of the reason for their new identities, their children are confused. This family had seen much better times before the program, and now the constant moving has torn the very fiber of their bonds. Meg's mother, for instance, has now become an alcoholic. Her life has essentially been shattered, and it is the bottle that helps her escape the reality of being a mother. It was very sad to see how she plummeted maternally, but it was great to see Meg pick up where her mother was slacking. Juxtaposed to his drunk of a wife, Meg's father's role is only accentuated. Though he is not strongly present, he tried his best to keep his family together. [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] surprised me with this degeneration of a family. It actually evoked pity.Though readers get to see these depressing effects of the Witness Protection Program and family secrets, the mystery of [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] is anticlimactic The reason for the family being thrust into the program is slowly, tormentingly revealed, and this to the detriment of the novel. I was anxiously waiting to find out what was the cause, and when it is finally unveiled not only is it predictable, but it is very flat. Elston tantalized me with what manifested as a cumbersome mystery. Yes, I read on out of curiosity, but it was reluctantly. I wanted to be thrilled. I wanted to have a shocker moment. I also had problems with the conclusion of [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811]. When it comes to mystery, the conclusion is best when it is sensational. Things are supposed to end in a bang, and hopefully one that has not been expected. What really proved bothersome was the convenience of it - both for Meg and the novel. Meg basically goes on an adventurous, yet life-endangering mission with lovely Accommodation as her sidekick. Things run too smoothly. It is a page-turning conclusion, but not one that impressed me. Also, the very ending seemed to function as a cliffhanger for The Rule for Disappearing, #2. Despite the obvious sequel ending, it certainly is one that will make me read the next book.Though I was disappointed by this mystery element in its entirety, I must say that Elston's atmosphere-building is exquisite. Meg's paranoia for instance, adds a level of intrigue, and when she finds herself feeling spied on, it really had me on the edge of my seat. Elston's writing is well-done, and its engagement appeal intensifies throughout [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811]. Her diction is plain, but not simple.In a pistachio shell, [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] involved agonizingly slow revelations coupled with unrealism and predictability that made the mystery of this book flat. I certainly appreciated the nontraditional family portrayed and the initial fierceness of the protagonist, Meg despite this. Though not a stellar debut in my book, [b:The Rules for Disappearing|13018503|The Rules for Disappearing|Ashley Elston|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352817095s/13018503.jpg|18180811] certainly worth a read.This review appeared first on Oh, Chrys!