Instant Karma

„Most people have good intentions, they just lack initiative.“ Prudence is a perfectionist and she knows it. That’s exactly why she can’t accept the bad grade she got thanks to her disastrous lab partner. In order for him to agree to revise their project, however, she has to help out at the sea animal rescue center. Will Prudence and Quint be able to bury the hatchet? Will Pru maybe even learn to appreciate the work she is about to do? And why the heck does she suddenly seem to have the power to cast instant karma on the people around her? I loved Marissa Meyer’s YA fantasy series „The Lunar Chronicles“ and was very excited when I heard that she was going to publish her first YA contemporary. Even though, I already had high expectations going into this book, I ended up enjoying it even more than I’d anticipated. I adore Meyer’s ability to create characters who are versatile, authentic and oh-so-lovable without fail and appreciate their growth and development throughout the story. Since I am a romantic at heart and especially fond of the enemies-to-lovers-trope, I can’t deny that I also thoroughly enjoyed that part of the book, especially since it’s executed so well and believably. What I did not expect going into this was the heavy focus on environmental issues and animal wellfare. I feel like Meyer does a great job of explaining certain things without being overwhelming and instead piqueing one’s interest in the subject matter. The idea of someone being able to cast instant karma is very original and definitely adds to the entertainment of the story. At the same time, Pru’s realizations because of said power regarding good and bad, right and wrong are also of some educational value. For me, there’s not a single thing to critique about „Instant Karma“. It’s entertaining and educational, includes strong friendships, a swoony romance and features authentic and lovable characters. I highly recommend this book!