Review: Rippler by Cidney Swanson
December 24, 2011
Title: Rippler
Series: Ripple Series
Author: Cidney Swanson
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Category: Teen
Cover – My Initial Impression
The cover looked incredibly stunning; the girl in the white dress, holding a white shawl that seems rippling in the wind added a mysterious tone to the story. There’s no denial that the cover had captured my interest in this book.
Favorite Quote
“So, basically, if my mom had dated some guy with man-boobs, I’d be better endowed? That’s the kind of thing you’re talking about?” – Gwyn’s conversation with Sam.
-What a clever joke! I couldn’t help but laugh at Gwyn’s nonchalant antic. She sure has a great sense of humor.
My Thoughts
Rippler is the first book in the Ripple Series by Cidney Swanson and is basically about a teenager, Samantha Ruiz who has freak genes that makes her ripple and turns invisible under occasional circumstances. Apparently to me, Cidney Swanson is trying to make some outrageous yet fascinating saga out of serious skin disease such as leprosy and made it seemed ‘adventurous’ (rather than depressing) to have one in Rippler and my verdict had been positive. Hell yes, I liked the whole fictitious Ripple Syndrome idea that somehow became the core of the story. At first, I found myself feeling uncertain over such medical anomaly concept that sounded utterly bizarre and freaky, whether it could be made into a readable story. But the engrossing plot, enticing characters and how the author delivered her story fast took over my uncertainties and soon I was enjoying the whole oddities; the ingenuity and the thrill that came along with it. I literally couldn’t put this book down, and thought it was by far one of the best young adult paranormal thrillers I’ve ever read. There weren’t many twists in the plot; instead it was very straight to the point and in most of the chapters, readers are introduced to Sam’s extra abilities and her budding romance with Will which is anything but cheesy.
The characters in Rippler are truly exceptional. Sam turned out to be unlike any other teen female characters that sometimes make me go insane with their silly behavior and hopeless demeanor. She is smart, independent and unique in her own way. I liked how Cidney had written the story in Sam’s viewpoint without making her every muse and rambling sounded gibberish or too girlie. Other than that, Will (which I would consider as Sam’s sidekick) is an awesome character as well. He’s funny, mature and, believe me, he can cook too! I truly adored his relationship with his wacky sister, Mickie.
Another thing to mention about this book is Cidney’s ability in associating the atrocious Nazi experiment on human to Ripple Syndrome to support the story. I cringed at the gruesome and chilling accounts of how the experiments are conducted inserted at the end of each chapter, no matter how fictional they were because we already know that in the past, such experiments did happen. I love History and strongly believe that we can learn something valuable from it and Cidney’s Rippler somewhat reminded me of the wickedness that will continue to exist among us.
My Thoughts in Brief – The Conclusion
Rippler as a whole had captured my imagination and as a result from it, I truly enjoyed this book despite the bizarre medical concept on which it was based and written. Cidney penned her story very well with the most original idea and it was such a shame that publishing houses failed to see its potential. I so looked forward to the sequel, Chameleon and more from Cidney.
Bornean Bookworm rates:
5 stars out of 5!
Purchase your copy at:
Visit Cidney Swanson:
*Review copy won at LibraryThing giveaway.
p.s Thanks for reading my review of Rippler. This is my last review for the year 2011, more new and exciting reviews will be posted next year as well as review of Chameleon, book two in the Ripple Series. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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