5 out of 5 This is undeniably my favourite book of 2014. I was recommended this book by a collegue of mine when I was shelving multiple copies. I was a bit on the outs because the blurb really didn't describe much. I am so glad I took a swing in the dark; because I struck a cave of gold. This book is one of the most refreshing, different and left-winged book I have EVER read. The story generally follows the lives of Karou; who up until now has kept her two lives balanced. On the one hand, she's a 17 year old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Being raised half in our world, half in 'Elsewhere', she has never understood Brimstone's dark work - buying teeth from hunters and murderers - nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn't whole. 'Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.' (Goodreads) |
When she meets Akiva; angel, warrior and errand boy to destroy Brimstone's world it obviously starts off as a battle; as every great romance does (:P). Karou starts to uncover the secrets of her boundaries and everything her Brimstone hasn't been telling her about these two 'worlds' in war.
As Akiva and Karou grow closer, the lines of enemy and lover become blurred and Karou has to decide between family and future. Towards the end of the book, Karou's true identity and unexplainable eye tattoos on her palms are explained and it is the biggest shocker every written in YA history.
I must say I loved Karou kick-ass nature; she is a role model for all women, extremely independent, strong and self-confident. Her fight scenes are amazingly descriptive and kick-ass. It made me love her so much more as she wasn't some weak princess that needed saving or someone to do things for her; she damn well went out and did them herself !!!
This story was just the most left-winged fantast cross angel mythology cross romance cross action (LOL so many crosses) book I have ever read. It mixes legend, myth, modern understanding and interesting locations and ideals; ending up in the masterpiece known as a Laini Taylor book. I absolutely loved the massive uniqueness of this book; the descriptive imagery and interesting character traits made it an undeniably engrossing, obsessive and amazing read that I could not put down.
I actually only just finished it and had to share it with you guys, I have already bought book 2 and 3, and can't wait to sink my teeth into those pages.
I would love to write pages and pages and pages reviewing this masterpiece, but I absolutely just can't do it justice. Take my word for it and read it, it will completely change your view of YA and life itself !!! :) haha
It has absolutely thwarted my expectations of every YA book (heck every book) I have ever read; it certainly deserves its place on Dymocks top 101. It deserves so much more publicity than it receives.
Well done Miss Taylor !!!
You have a new life-long Fan !!!
Hayley xx