Review: Not my normal genre...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2014
Ok, so I stepped outside my comfort zone with this one, and I'm not entirely sure why it caught my eye so I can't explain it...The lead Ria is not entirely likeable in the beginning - a little spoilt brattish and harsh with her judgements - but in a realistic way that has a certain charm. Instead of being instantly on the side of the underdog, she had a much more normal reaction of if it's dangerous to me, kill it. Frankly, it was refreshing, but also a little alienating because I am so accustomed to the heroine being empathetic - but that's more a reflection of my indoctrination by stereotyping than any reflection on the book or author.Once I accustomed myself to her, I was drawn into her world. I thought I would find it unsophisticated and a bit boring - I'm in my 30s reading about late teens in University, there's a point at which the concerns of teens seem trivial ie what outfit to wear, and how to handle romantic interludes - but, like watching Buffy, or Twilight, there's an appeal to reminiscing.Under the teen angst, there's a sophisticated story about a world divided by a magical apartheid - those who have "pure elements", those who have elements too weak to manifest, and those who are afflicted by a magical disease. Reminded me a little of Andrew Irvine's Afflicted: PSI.We are revealed the intricacies and secrets of her world as Ria discovers it, and she has lived a fairly sheltered life.The romance is exceptionally well played. I don't know if I'm on Team Michael or Team Adrian at this point, both have their own appeal.I finished #1 about 30 minutes ago, and I'm writing this review having purchased #2 - so I highly recommend it.