Monday, May 25, 2015

Review: Enchanted (Summer Solstice #1) by K.K. Allen

Book Blurb:

After Katrina "Kat" Summer’s mother dies a mysterious and tragic death, Kat is hurtled into life at Apollo Beach. Her estranged and cryptic grandmother Rose fills Kat with legends of her Ancient Greek Ancestors from which the Summer family descends. Kat’s world begins to unravel as secrets from her heritage are exposed—secrets that her mother purposefully concealed.

Leading to her birthday, the day of the Summer Solstice, Kat becomes frightened when enigmatic visions and disturbing dreams haunt her. When her visions become reality, her fear turns to terror as powerful forces threaten the lives of those around her.

Amidst the turmoil, Kat meets Alec Stone, her gorgeous neighbor, who becomes her sole solace in an evocative world of mythological enchantment and evil prophecies that lurk around every corner …

My Review:

3 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Supernatural, Witches--

Kat has had a rough time since the sudden and tragic death of her mother. After bouncing around in foster homes, Kat learns that she has a Grandmother who she has never heard of and who wants Kat to come live with her. Kat has many changes to overcome in her new situation, but the truth about her family comes as the most surprising.

I listened to this book on audio over the course of a month or so, and even after spending time away from the story, I found it easy to slip right into the plot and characterizations. I have found myself losing interest or disconnecting with previous audio books in the past and I was surprised that I was still engaged with this one even when I had large intervals in between listening sessions. I give props to the author for keeping the story flowing as well as the narrator for not annoying me and my criticism radar.

This was a different take on witches, or Solsisteces as they like to be called. Magic is not something you can be taught or chant about, but instead it is who you are. I liked the mix of magic, mythology and teen drama. Kat seemed like a regular girl who was amazing at coping and very polite. I know if I had lost my only known family member at was shipped off to strangers at 15 I probably would have had a tizy. She seemed older than her years and responded pretty rationally to everything thrown at her. I will admit that the story picked up the pace once Kat turned 16 and the truth was revealed.

There was tons of buildup and back story to the history of the witches, but not too terribly much action in this book. There was more action as well as character development in the last few chapters of the book which I found to be very engaging. There is also a forbidden romance in bloom, which I fear will be ruined before it has the chance to start. The ending of the book was pretty dang surprising and suspenseful and of course it ends with a cliffhanger and no answers.

Overall, this was an ok supernatural book geared towards younger teens, heavy on the history. I see potential for this series to grow and I look forward to more to come.

I received this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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