Review: Exciting,Emotional, Fun
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 14, 2013
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.It's very rare when a book can make me cry. Jessica Frances manages to do just that in the first couple of chapters of Taken By Surprise. Her ability to draw a character and make you feel a situation is astounding. But don't think this is some heart wrenching melodrama. Taken By Surprise is a heart pumping action-adventure, science-fiction, thrill ride. Not to mention a little romance.At first glance, a first person, multi-point-of-view book didn't appeal to me, and when we changed POV the first time, I was sad to leave the protagonist. However, I was soon drawn into the next character's world, and when it changed again, I got kind of mad! Each new switch had me longing for the previous characters world because I fell in love with all of them. I must say…Well done Ms. Frances! So don't let that throw you off this book.The plot is fantastic. I love me some time travel and trying to wrap my mind around it. I enjoyed delving into this particular theory and the outcomes. I won't spoil it. Add into that super powers, an origin story, secret rogue government agencies, and "make you want to punch the author" cliff hanger ending, and you have one exciting first installment of a series.I have two nitpicks. First, about halfway through the book I started noticing the American characters saying things like, "straight away" and "proper". I looked up the author and verified that she was from Australia. (Love Australians! Go Cats!) From then on the language difference was a hilarious distraction. Especially when the Texan did it. I'm Texas born…we don't talk like that. But that is minor.My biggest beef is my disappointment in the protagonist. I don't mind when the main female character starts out frail, afraid, and needing saving. But by the end of the story, I need to see her come into her own. I understand this is a series and she has plenty of time to become the heroine, but the ending fell flat for me when she remained the victim and never had one moment of self discovery or act of valor.Even with that, I immediately looked up the author to see when the next book will be out. I can't wait to see what happens next!While there is no bow-chicka-wow-wow in this book, there are some steamy (well done) scenes that are probably best left for older teens and up to read. (If the protagonist had become strong by the end, I might have even let my 12 year old read it. I’m always looking for a book with female heroes for her). There is very little cursing, but lots of violence and blood, but not gore.All in all a fantastic read that will keep me watching this author.