The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

"I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy." Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret. She's haunted by a violent tragedy she can't explain. Kenna's past has kept people-even her own mother-at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she's plunged into a new nightmare: her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance. On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she's capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere; that her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something menacing lurking underneath its idyllic veneer. And she begins to suspect that her new family may have sinister plans for her...

Why Did I Listen To The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth?

The Killing Jar is Jennifer Bosworth’s second book. I was absolutely a fan of her debut, Struck, and so found myself eager for The Killing Jar. Thankfully, the library and Hoopla had my back and made it super easy for me to read Bosworth’s latest via audiobook. I should also mention here that another hugely appealing thing about this book is that it is a standalone. Too often I read a book thinking I won’t be committed to another series when BAM! There is a secret cliffhanger at the end and what feels like a to be continued title card. However, this was not the case for The Killing Jar. Thus, the audiobook was something I really anticipated reading.

What’s The Story Here?

The Killing Jar is about Kenna, a girl who has a secret. We start the book and learn that an awful boy used to live next door to him. In fact, we are treated to a graphic scene involving a cat and kittens and if that is a trigger for you, you might want to skip this book. I will not judge you for it. Anyways, so Kenna reacts and using this power that she has always suppressed, sucks the life force out of the boy and he dies. All is okay for awhile, although she does find it to be quite invigorating and would like more. So, a new boy named Blake moves next door. The two bond over music and other things. Then, tragedy strikes again. Kenna snaps into her powers after a horrific attack. Consequently, she is sent to Eclipse which is this commune where apparently her relative lives. It turns out that all the members have the same power that Kenna does and help her to control it. Of course, there’s something shady going on, as it seems there always is something shady happening in communes.

How Is Kenna As A Character?

I loved Kenna’s loyalty to her sister, Erin. You see, Erin is sickly and ill whereas Kenna is not. However, Kenna would move heaven and earth for her sister. I did think that a few things that Kenna did were a bit flawed, but she is a teenager. There is not a single one of us who did not have moments of selfishness or imperfection as a teenager. In fact, many of us still have those moments as adults. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Kenna’s learning experiences and growth throughout The Killing Jar.

What Did I Think Of The Killing Jar?

So, fun side story! I was listening to this audiobook while driving to work one day and a deer came out of nowhere and in a matter of ten seconds, my car was totaled. Somehow, magically, I walked away without a scratch. Also, all of my things inside the car were fine. ALSO! Somehow the audiobook just seemed to stop right when the crash happened. You would think I would not want to continue the audiobook because it would remind me of a scary moment in my life. However, I ended up finishing and really liking Jennifer Bosworth’s The Killing Jar. I thought that this book was super creepy and super creative. Sure, parts of it are hard to stomach. That’s life though. Ultimately, I would recommend listening to this book to anyone in the mood for a chilling read. In fact, it would be a perfect autumn book.

How’s The Narration?

The Killing Jar is narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. Maarleveld is a new narrator for me. She’s not so bad. Her voice is compelling and not repelling. I thought she did well with emotion and tension. I felt like this audiobook went by real quick. Of course, I did listen to it at 1.25 speed, however, that really worked well for the narration and story. If you do decide you want to read Jennifer Bosworth’s sophomore effort, audiobook is the way to go.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

I basically picture Kenna’s power looking like this.

Other reviews of The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth:

Novel Novice – “sucks readers in immediately”

Candace’s Book Blog – “really captured a different sort of paranormal”

The Sassy Geek – “an exceptionally fantastic book”

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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