Review: Good Start for a Potentially Amazing Series c:
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 12, 2012
Disclaimer: The fact that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review has not affected my rating.I enjoyed the first 25% - 45% of the book thoroughly - it highlights the struggles and friendships Maddie has to go through after she suffers by losing her father. For example, you watch Maddie settle into a comfortable and relatively enjoyable lifestyle, by making friends, going to dances, attending college, potentially gaining a second family etc. You also meet Darryl Carter - I found his story and point of view especially interesting, even though some of his thoughts were quite disturbing. He definitely brought more action and caused many developments.During that part of the book, Maddie's character was moving, strong, and brave. Having lost two parents, but still continuing with her life was quite remarkable in my opinion. Moreover, she's able to camp overnight in mountains, in freezing snow - I wouldn't be able to do that, even with the help of my parents. And even after that, she's able to *spoiler* run from a murderer (Darryl) after being stabbed - if I was in her position, I would cry, beg for mercy, etc. - but I wouldn't be able to fight. That's what I admired about her *end spoiler*However, after Book 1 ended, I felt the story went a little downhill. On the positive side, it was interesting to learn about the Guardians and Vesturon (aliens is quite rare in PNR nowadays... I'll give Hargrove that!) and their technology. Moreover, I found the bonds that the Guardians had with their families were admirable, and classic in terms of loyalty. However, I found Rayn's insta-love towards Maddie, as well as her reaction towards Rayn, a little cliche and slightly annoying. Moreover, Rayn and Maddie seemed perfect to me (except for Maddie's clumsiness, I suppose). I also felt that the story didn't really go anywhere, except during the end and when *spoiler* Rayn was taken to Vesturon *spoiler*. Nevertheless, I suppose I enjoyed this book, and I would read the next book because of the cliffhanger and the impending mystery regarding the Council, and the potential for the developing of characters like Xarrid, Sharra, Tesselar, and Rykerien.Relatively quick (I think), sweet, full of romance, and easy-to-read, Survival is a relatively enjoyable read, and recommended for teenage girls who gush over paranormal romance (like Twilight)