Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Invisibility

By: Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Pub. Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Philomel

Pages: 258

Source: ARC

Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

A book by BOTH Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.....EPIC WIN! I was so excited to receive a copy of this book and started it right away. Told in the duel perspective of both Stephen and Elizabeth, I really felt like I knew both of them really well. Stephen has been invisible his entire life. He doesn't know why, but even his mother couldn't see him. She died last year, and the only contact he has with his father is that the man pays his rent and bills. Stephen has always been alone, and he is used to the loneliness. He spends his days people watching in Central Park. Elizabeth just moved into his apartment complex with her mom and brother. One day, and my Stephen's total surprise, Liz sees him in the hallway, and obviously has no idea that no one else can. I loved the two of them together. Stephen is such a sweet and lonely person and it scared and excited him so much that someone was able to see him.

In all honesty, I had no idea where Invisibility was going to take me. I didn't really know what genre it was, or what to expect. All I knew was that two amazing and talented writers wrote it, and I had to read it! Despite that, I did very much enjoy Invisibility. The characters of Stephen and Liz were written nicely, but I think my favorite character was Laurie, Liz's younger brother. I love how open minded he was about the situation. I also love that he lived through a gay bashing, and was still so full of love and hope.

I believe Invisibility is a stand alone novel, and even though I was left with questions at the end, I am still very happy with how it ended. Invisibility is an original and different story then what I am used too. It comes highly recommended!