Will Hodges is a loner type in school with a bit of an anger management problem like his dad. He witnesses the aftermath of a murder for which a former immigrant friend is charged. Will tells this story and about the nightmares that have plagued him in recent months where horrible things are happening to people and he wakes up in a sweat. He is also being followed by people who act like they know him and stare at him with hollow, sad eyes. When they finally get close to him, they tell him that he is a “Returner” like them. He doesn’t know what this means and he doesn’t want to know, until his nightmares begin intruding on his waking life. Told in Will’s anguished and angry voice the story winds from the present to the near past to the more distant past and back as what being a “Returner” means for Will is revealed. Returners come back again and again to absorb the pain and suffering of humanity. But Will finds out he is something more, something darker and he has to decide if he accepts his role as destiny or if he can change the course of his life. The Returners say he cannot escape his destiny but Will has to decide for himself. The narrative unfolds in a slow, mysterious way which may not suit all readers, but the twists in the book make this a worthwhile read. ( )

Gemma Malley has written another thought provoking novel set a few years into the future. A number of important issues are covered throughout this deceptively small book including racism, anti-immigration, human suffering, destiny vs free will and the failure of humankind to learn from the past. I loved the concept of the returners, it was an original idea, and the only reason I gave this book 3 stars instead of 4, is because I felt that the returners could have been developed further giving the novel more depth. However, still a great read. ( )

well since we can't do 2 1/2 stars with and "i thought it was ok" rating, i did 3 stars cuz i didn't dislike it but i didn't like like it. neat concept. slow start for me and the ending was kinda wanting. ( )

well since we can't do 2 1/2 stars with and "i thought it was ok" rating, i did 3 stars cuz i didn't dislike it but i didn't like like it. neat concept. slow start for me and the ending was kinda wanting. ( )

well since we can't do 2 1/2 stars with and "i thought it was ok" rating, i did 3 stars cuz i didn't dislike it but i didn't like like it. neat concept. slow start for me and the ending was kinda wanting. ( )