Review: Bang (Visions #2) by Lisa McMann @lisa_mcmann

Bang (Visions #2) by Lisa McMann

Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Page Count: 256
Published by: Simon Pulse
Source: HUGE thanks to Simon Pulse for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Jules should be happy. She saved a lot of people’s lives and she’s finally with Sawyer, pretty much the guy of her dreams. But the nightmare’s not over, because she somehow managed to pass the psycho vision stuff to Sawyer. Excellent.

Feeling responsible for what he’s going through and knowing that people’s lives are at stake, Jules is determined to help him figure it all out. But Sawyer’s vision is so awful he can barely describe it, much less make sense of it. All he can tell her is there’s a gun, and eleven ear-splitting shots. Bang.

Jules and Sawyer have to work out the details fast, because the visions are getting worse and that means only one thing: time is running out. But every clue they see takes them down the wrong path. If they can’t prevent the vision from happening, lives will be lost. And they may be among the casualties…

While I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, Crash, I liked Bang so much more! It had all the drama and suspense that I was looking for in book one. Bang is fast paced, action packed, and full of charm and humor. I found it to be exciting and addicting and I couldn't stop reading.

I found myself really enjoying Julia's character this time around, and I was able to connect with her more. She feels such a strong desire to do the right thing, even though it may not be the 'safe' thing to do. She never gave up, and she never lost faith in Sawyer's ability to solve his visions. I could really feel how worried she was about Sawyer and his mental state as the visions became more frequent and urgent. I loved how strong-willed she was, and that she finally learned how to stick up for herself to her dad.

Experiencing first love through Julia's eyes was alternately hilarious and heartwarming. Julia and Sawyer's relationship progressed and strengthened during this book, and I loved how determined they were to solve the vision together. They formed such a strong connection and had so many cute and swoony moments. I really love them as a couple.

Bang is told from Julia's POV, even though Sawyer is the one seeing the visions this time around. I wasn't sure how this would play out and if the story would have the same intensity and emotional impact, but McMann managed to pull it off perfectly. I could totally feel Julia's frustration over not being able to see Sawyer's vision, and I could understand why she felt so helpless.

I thought Sawyer was totally awesome! Definitely swoonworthy. He was determined to show Jules how much he cared about her and wanted to be with her, and I loved that about him. As his visions worsened, I was happy that he turned to Julia for support. I really felt sorry for him and his home life, and I felt bad that he suffered at the hands of his father because of his steadfast refusal to break up with Julia. I hope that his family relationship will be explored more, and I hope change is coming to his life.

I completely adore Julia's brother Trey. I just love everything about him, and I really, really need more of him in my life. He comes off as totally unflappable and easygoing, and I liked that he never doubted Sawyer's vision. He also got the chance to prove how grown up he was by standing up to his dad. I loved how supportive he was of Julia and Rowan, and how he helped both of them escape the wrath of their dad. He was also really cool about Julia and Sawyer's relationship, and he wanted them to be happy, even though he did feel a slight twinge of jealousy towards them. He really wants a relationship like they have, and I hope he will have someone important in his life very soon.

I loved the relationship between Trey, Jules, and Rowan. Their parents are so screwed up, and the family unit is so dysfunctional, that it is nice to see the siblings really being there for each other, no matter what. Sawyer had his own problems at home, and I really couldn't understand why his family mistreats him so often. It was nice to see Sawyer being friends with Jules and Trey and knowing that they are willing to support him. Their friendship was lovely and realistic. I also love that the kids absolutely refuse to carry on their family's long standing feud.

There were so many things that I liked about Bang. The intensity was kicked up a notch from Crash. The romance element was elevated. Sawyer's character was developed more. Trey, Julia, and Rowan stuck together and stood up for each other and Sawyer. And the 2 families' feud is still going strong.

Overall, this was a terrific story, and I am looking forward to reading the last (Gasp!) book in this series. I really want to see Jules and Sawyer get to spend time together as normal 16 year olds. I can't wait to discover what is behind Julia's dad's mental illness. I would be SO excited to see Trey get a love interest, and I've got my fingers crossed that he will be the next person to start having visions. (I just really want and need more Trey!)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars