Review: Cipher - Cindi Madsen

Title: Cipher (Cipher #1)
Author: Cindi Madsen

Release Date: July 22nd, 2013

Publisher: self-pubbed

Genres: YA

Pages: 325

Source: For review

Summer Davis sees deaths before they happen. She attempts to live a normal life by focusing on the dance team and her quarterback boyfriend. But then the way-too-cheery Angel of Death shows up and tells her she’s a Cipher—a person chosen to help people who are going to die resolve problems with their loved ones. Ashlyn Moore, one of Summer’s classmates, is going to die, and she needs Summer’s help before that happens.

It’s nearly impossible to get through to Ashlyn, who surrounds herself with chess nerds and geeks and makes it clear she doesn’t want to be friends. Desperate to complete her Cipher task before it’s too late, Summer turns to Troy, the guy who’s always been there for her and one of the few people she can trust. With his help, she makes progress. In fact, the closer she gets to Ashlyn and her friends, the more she feels like she’s finally found where she belongs.

As the clock starts running down on Ashlyn’s life, Summer decides to change her objective. She’s going to save her new friend before it’s too late—even if it means messing with fate.

:~ MY THOUGHTS ~:
 
Wow. I really, really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. And I never expected that I would be on a rollercoaster ride full of feelings - I even cried during this book, people! And you know how rarely that happens. The plot may seem cliche and over-used "teenage girl sees deaths before they happen" but I'm so glad to say that it's not just about that. There's so many factors in this story that I adored and once I finished the book, I still couldn't stop thinking about it.

Even though it does have some paranormal elements within the story, in my opinion it reads more like a YA contemporary. Which I liked. The main focus of the story wasn't about hot guys (though they are there - hey Troy!!) or about being a Cipher mostly, it's about friendship. Like some of you guys, I've been wanting to read a YA that's more about female friendships than anything else. And this one is that. The friendship between Summer and Ashlyn was so realistic and fun and loyal.

Summer wasn't a character I thought I would like very much. She starts out that popular, spoiled rich girl who's on the dance team and going out with a quarterback. It wasn't until she was friends with Ashlyn that I really began to like her. Troy on the other hand, was one I fell in love with quickly! How could you not? And even though I love bad boys, Troy is a nice guy (though he does have some moments) and exactly just what Summer needs. I need my own Troy too, come to think of it.

I really don't want to spoil anything for you, but just be prepared for this book. I really like the direction the author took in this book - she didn't shy away from anything, and even though you may hate what happens, you kinda get why it happened. Cindi Madsen is a hell of a writer, and I can promise you that I'll read anything she writes. This start of a brand new exciting series is one I'd highly recommend.