ARC Review
Publication date: August 15, 2015
Publication date: August 15, 2015
16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.
Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
Description and book pic from Goodreads
My Review
What I Loved:
Aurora: She is a great character. I love that the author makes her so realistic. Many times in books authors will make teen characters a little over the top; either super complacent (which teens just aren't) or so bratty you can't stand them (which luckily most aren't). Aurora is just the right mix, a little snarky and head-strong but an overall good kid.
Rafe: So many readers of the female persuasion are completely captivated by what we refer to as our 'book boyfriends'. There is just something girls love about great male characters that sweep the female lead off their feet and Rafe is a great example of this. A man of mystery, amazing fighter and totally committed to Aurora. If only it were that simple! Not giving anything away though so read the book!
Not So Much:
Harry Potter: So I know that the plot line is completely different from Harry Potter but I just couldn't help but get that same sort of vibe when Aurora enrolls in the magic school. It could be that I would feel the same way about any book featuring a magic school since I loved all the Harry Potter books. Who knows?
More depth: The plot is great and the writer is amazing but I wished that there had been a little more depth to the story. It almost had more of a novella or serial feel (which for the record I do not enjoy) instead of a novel. The author skimmed over so much potential story, especially with Aurora's time at school. I like to really get in to the character's heads and understand the reasons behind what they do in the story and I just didn't get that in this book.
More depth: The plot is great and the writer is amazing but I wished that there had been a little more depth to the story. It almost had more of a novella or serial feel (which for the record I do not enjoy) instead of a novel. The author skimmed over so much potential story, especially with Aurora's time at school. I like to really get in to the character's heads and understand the reasons behind what they do in the story and I just didn't get that in this book.
Parent Guide:
This book is great for middle school ages and up. No swearing or adult themes. It is a typical story of good versus evil and the evil queen uses dark magic so that may need to be taken in to consideration as I know there are some parents that do not allow their kids to read about magic.
My Rating
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