I enjoyed Jem, closed out and vulnerable and funny. The development of the relationship between Jem and Spider was so sincere and well done in its progression from reluctant camaraderie to genuine young love between two outcasts. What is the point of getting attached if she knows when their lives will end? It has shaped her worldview, forced her to stay away from people, to never let anyone in. This ability is more of Jem's personal burden she has to carry. It is not a super-special world-saving power and it doesn't have much bearing on the story.

Jem's ability has an almost allegorical meaning here. The two are hiding and hoping for a better future for themselves. She can't allow her friend spend his last days in jail. The other important driving force of the flight is Jem's knowledge that Spider's death is only mere days away. They think that escape is their only way out. But Jem and Spider are the kids of the lower class, children of addicts who maybe dabble in crime, and they do not have much faith in authorities (and rightfully so). Their flight is not necessary and maybe even stupid. Numbers is a story of two poor, rough British kids who find themselves on the run when, thanks to Jem's ability to see every person's death date, they flee the scene of a bombing and are accused of causing it. Let me tell you what this novel actually is about. Everything about this book's packaging - the cover, the blurb - screams Sci-Fi! Saving the world! Action! Angsty love! No wonder every negative review of it I've read says - Well, I expected Numbers to be this, but it turned out to be that, so I am totally disappointed. Numbers is yet another victim of misleading marketing.

Numbers by rachel ward