Review: Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Page Count: 280
Published by: Soho Teen
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love.

Immediately after reading Liv, Forever I wanted to say that it was such a cute book. But cute isn't correct. Liv is dead! That alone deserves a big "Awww" because death is just so sad and final. So it's off to the Thesaurus for me. Let's see.... Lovely? Wonderful? I think I'll go with Pleasantly Delightful, with a bit of Touching and Heartbreaking. That seems much more accurate. Any way you say it, Liv, Forever was really, really good!

Wickham Hall is an old style boarding school with traditions that go back 100+ years. Liv is an art student who earns a scholarship to the prestigious school. Being an outsider isn't easy for Liv, but she's just so happy to be there and have her own art studio to pursue her passion. She immediately befriends another scholarship student, Gabe, and he warns her about staying away from the school's "Legacy" students because she is likely to get hurt. But when one of the school's elite students, Malcolm, shows an interest in her and her art, she finds him too difficult (and cute) to resist. This is where insta-love comes into play, but I didn't really mind it because it was a young and innocent love, and I thought it was really sweet. When Liv is suddenly murdered, readers are thrust into the middle of a murder mystery.

Gabe, who just happens to be able to see and speak to ghosts, along with Malcolm, attempt to solve the mystery of who killed Liv. I enjoyed the strong friendship that developed between Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm. Gabe is Liv's connection to the real world, and the only way for her and Malcolm to continue their relationship. I loved how the 3 of them were forced to communicate because of the circumstances. Their conversations were so hilarious at times.

All 3 characters were very likable. Liv has a strong personality, and I enjoyed her immediately. Gabe was a little shy, and a bit of an outcast, but totally the type of guy any girl would want for a BFF. I wasn't sure about Malcolm at first because it was difficult to figure out his intentions toward Liv. He proved himself to be a (swoon)worthy boyfriend and I ended up really liking him.

Overall, Liv, Forever was a fantastic book that was quick and easy to read, with great pacing and terrific writing. I really got caught up in the story and trying to figure out the mystery of who killed Liv and the other girls. I especially loved the characters and the Gothic setting. I found the art references used throughout the book to be interesting. This story was tragic and beautiful, and the ending made my heart hurt a bit. The highlight of this book for me? Malcolm reciting 'Bright Star' by John Keats. Swoon!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars