Okay, so I've read this book in just under 24 hours and going through the other threads for people's replies but going to put my thoughts here...
I loved the book, and as you could tell, I couldn't put it down.
As far as the first part goes, I was actually quite horrified when Faith's mother's boyfriend was coming onto her. Like, such a heavy thing for a YA's novel! Then again slightly later when she's talking about how some guy was hurting her during sex but didn't want to bother to stop him. Like, far out. Heavy for a teenagers book.
I know there were criticisms from the other weeks about Faith's life being so crap to the point of being seen as unrealistic. I disagree, I know someone who can fit this exact beginning story, so I find it very believable.
Wasn't impressed with her social worker. I've dated a few girls who were in the foster system and from what I understood when they were back with their biological parents, the first sign of them not being looked after when the parents have a history of neglect or abuse (eg being fed, going to school etc) is when the kids get taken away. Especially with Gabel (or whatever his name was) being known for sexual assault. That was poor in my eyes.
As far as Tommy goes, I liked that she had one friend. Keep in mind it was 1998, so making the point of him being gay was a big thing! (And kudos for trying to have diversity in) Jonathan told Buffy the same thing in season 2 or 3 when she saved him from being bullied (I think it was in Go Fish, if memory serves correctly), so the attitude of a guy being saved by a girl in that age of 20 years ago makes sense to me.
I did like the Freud references throughout the book. I checked the author's info at the back of the book- he studied psychology. This explains a lot to me within his references and made me laugh. I thought it was odd but endearing that the author decided to use lines from the series within the book- a few stuck out at me.
Odd diary, but I appreciate that they were trying to think outside the box as far as the format goes. (Although let's be real here- would Faith actually keep a diary? I doubt it)
As far as the foster family thing goes, I had an ex who was a foster kid that was placed in a similar home for a while- religious, slave labour, plenty of kids. Minus them being fed to a little vampire. I actually really liked that arc, I thought it was creepy enough for the Buffy world, and a great first staking.
Wasn't a big fan of Kenny. Although I don't know much about schizophrenia, but I did like how he was an ally for Faith for a while. Didn't like that he was hung up on his ex either. That was a bit crap. Also wasn't a fan of Faith's comments about "That's what I get for seeing a drummer" Us drummers aren't all bad!
I thought it was odd that they didn't mention Faith smoking much. Like fetching cigarettes for people is something I guess. Close enough. I also would of assumed that she would of been drinking a lot more herself.
Didn't like the scene with her Dad- maybe because the comics then contradict a few things.
I do like her Watcher though. I feel as though they have a fairly decent relationship that I probably prefer over Buffy & Giles. It's a shame it's cut short before Faith and her Watcher can really grow. I think they would of gotten quite close if they had the time to.
Faith is taking way more of an interest in her Slaying duties than Buffy ever did and enjoys martial arts. I appreciate her seriousness. And I think I could understand her disappointment when she meets Buffy- Buffy doesn't take her slaying duties as seriously as Faith did in my eyes, such as the study and the training. So I think Faith's resentment for 'Saint Buffy' throughout series three makes more sense to me.
Didn't like the part about her tattoo and where it originates from. If this was cannon, it'd make more sense for Faith to get it covered up as soon as she can.
Her dreams were brutal and so nightmarish. Not sure if I liked the Alex theme either and got a bit confused in parts.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book. I'm sure I'll re-read it again soon. I find it believable and yes there are a few things where it's a stretch to believe (ie the diary form, and a few other things)
8/10
