THE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Written By: aaesthetic-

» Status: Completed
» Type: FanFiction, Calum Hood, 5SOS
» Genre: Teen Romance, Mystery
» Warnings / Triggers: Anxiety-Panic Disorder

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As an author, I find one of the hardest parts about writing a story, is the beginning. Figuring out how to capture an audience within the first chapter, especially when you're not a renowned, creditable author like John Green or JK Rowling, can be extremely difficult. I'll admit, I can be quite the picky reader. I put more books down than I pick up, because if I can't be enthralled by the first several paragraphs, I stop reading. THE REPLACEMENT PROJECT was no exception to this rule, but instead of taking me a few paragraphs to decide whether or not I'd continue reading, it took me one sentence.

THE REPLACEMENT PROJECT begins with a mystery that immediately captured my attention. I asked questions in my head- Why? Where? How? I knew the only way for my lingering questions to be answered, was to keep reading. We first meet our protagonist Cara Morales, on a sunny afternoon in Sacramento, California. She's running, she's panting, and she's chosen to wear skinny jeans on the same day her life turns upside down.

Cara's twin sister Elena, has gone missing.

Did I mention the Morales twins aren't your typical teenaged girls? They're the Mayor's daughters. A search party ensues in hopes to recover Elena, but with her notorious history of being an elite social butterfly, Cara believes her sister is just up to no good. Their parents however, seem to be more concerned with the family's ritzy reputation, and operation replacement project commences.

By the way, it's only been one chapter so far, and the pace doesn't slow down from there. Cara is forced to be her perfect, beloved twin sister, but it takes more than just wearing Elena's clothes to convince the world of her existence. Especially when her boyfriend, 5 Seconds of Summer bassist, Calum Hood, comes home from tour.

From there, it's a journey brimming with emotional whiplash. There's cute moments, there's heart pumping thrills, and then there's soul-searing pain. As a character-driven reader, I gravitate towards stories with characters that are not only 3-dimensional, but are relatable too. And Cara Morales, is just as relatable as she is inspiring. The world is on her shoulders. She's doing all she can to save her family, help solve the mystery behind her sister's disappearance, and she's falling in love with a boy who isn't really hers. Cara's mental health is completely disregarded, and the pain that comes after, really shattered my heart.

This book is 25 chapters of awesomely-written goodness. Each chapter flowed perfectly-- weaving into one another flawlessly. The story's voice, Cara's essence, is addicting. Through her eyes, we learn about the strength of family, the power of friendship, and the heartbreaking truths of young love. THE REPLACEMENT PROJECT deserves your attention and after reading this spectacular story, its wonderful author @aaesthetic-, will earn your respect too.