Review: Slow start, but a great read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2013
This is one of those books where I'm having a really hard time putting in to words how I feel. Obviously, by my rating, I enjoyed it but I seem to be lacking the right words. The first half of the book really dragged for me. If I hadn't known someone who had already read it & spoke such high praise for it, I might have stopped. But I kept going and boy oh boy was I glad I did. The second half was over in no time and I wanted, actually needed more.I was slightly turned off with the characters ages, for I feel weird reading about characters who are 14 years old. Don't ask me why, because really it's only 2-3 years younger than most YA characters but it just seems too young. However, putting that aside, this whole book was great. Maybe them being 14 didn't bother me as much because there wasn't really 'romance' involved. (Another YA book with characters this young had a lot of kissing scenes and stuff...)The one thing I loved most about this book, besides the characters, was the description of this world we're taking to. She paints such a beautiful picture that you can't help but just imagine yourself walking along these characters, taking in the amazing sights (and the horrors, as well). It was enough detail for your imagination to start working the way it should but not too much where your imagination felt limited. It was the perfect blend and I truly, truly appreciate when authors do that.The characters were all relatable, especially Charlie, in my opinion. Sure, not a whole lot of us have been through what he's been through. With his mother dying after giving birth to him, his father being killed when he was ten and him bouncing around from foster family to foster family but somehow, you can still relate to his struggles. Alex is incredible. Not only is she strong but she's smart. She's also got an absolutely adorable crush on Charlie. Charlie, being a guy, doesn't really catch on and it's just so cute to see it progress. Their newest and awesome friend Richmond is incredibly entertaining. He can't keep a secret to save his life, which is always funny and he's usually always so optimistic you can't help but like him.However, Derkein is a favorite of mine. He's much wiser than his age would show (well, his true age, that is). He suddenly becomes a father figure not just to Charlie but to all three, young kids and it's heartwarming. Charlie and Richmond, who are in similar situations, finally feel like they have someone they could trust and build a relationship with. Truly heartwarming.I would recommend this series to anyone who is looking for one hell of an adventure. Stick through this story to the end and I can tell you, you will come out wanting more, as well.Reviewed by Jessica @ Step Into Fiction