The Lance Temptation was the most thrilling and exciting read for me this year in this genre. Most of the time I was sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I eagerly read to find out what would happen next. I definitely think that this book deserves more attention than my review can give.
Why did I like The Lance Temptation so much? This story is full of surprises. The characters might not be likable per se, mostly because they do stupid things and make stupid choices and as such, experience grave consequences. They might be pretending, scheming and self-centered, but that was not a negative for me because it meant that they are real, three dimensional characters. The teenagers in this book are acting like real teenagers and their parents are acting like real life parents, and that is what was the most important.
Even better than the characters is the way this story is crafted. It's beautifully done. Brenda Maxfield knitted together a tale that is both thrilling and realistic about friendship, first love, choices, mistakes, and shattered dreams. The author wrote the ending with the same quality as the rest of the story; it's very realistic, but satisfying. It took me awhile to get into the story, but once I was, it was so hard to let it go till the end. It flows nicely and without any inconsistencies or illogicality.
The Lance Temptation is definitely a story worth reading. I highly recommend it to all readers who love to read YA. And I am so happy that there is a second installment in the series, so I can follow the ups and downs of Emily growing up.