I binge read this whole series (at least all the ones that are published) last weekend! I've been hooked and STILL haven't been let go by these stories or these characters. I'll also admit that I've been rereading throughout the week, taking my time and going slower so I can absorb all the awesomeness of this series, in a slower fashion. It's just as good the second time around as the first!
I'll be posting my review for each book in the series over the next few days, so keep checking back.
SERIES: Fallen Crest Series
SERIES PLACEMENT: #2
AUTHOR: Tijan
AGE GROUP: Mature YA, New Adult
GENRE: Romance, Coming of Age
RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2013
PUBLISHER: Self Published
PAGES: Approx. 287
COPY PROVIDED BY: Purchased
MY GOODREADS REVIEW LINK
RATING: 4 Stars!
CLIFFHANGER: Yes!
BOOK BLURB:
Samantha and Mason are together. Everyone knows it. Not everyone is dealing with it. While Mason’s ready to give them the middle finger, there’s one not going away. Her mother. Threats are issued. Ultimatums are given. Even blackmail is used, but only Samantha can put a stop to Analise. However, when a trauma from her past is triggered, she may not have the courage or strength to do what’s needed. If she doesn’t, Mason’s future could be destroyed.
4 “Family” Stars!
The Review:
Stepping straight off the drama-express from book one, I wasn’t sure what I was in store for in this second book. I knew I would probably love it as much as I loved the first one, even if ... or maybe because ... it was filled with crazy situations and unbelievable character actions. I was eager and excited to read it. I’m happy to say, I was not disappointed. Though this book felt more subdued than the first one, the plot was well constructed, the story was fast paced and exciting and the writing was just so well done! I enjoyed how the characters seemed more touchable and realistic, leaving me loving this story as much as the first, just in a different way.
Where did Sam go...
I will say, some of the energy felt missing in this book as Sam was a much weaker character, but she also had a lot of issues to work through and a lot of emotional mountains to climb, so I’m glad we got to see so much of her struggle. It made her more real and the situations more dire. Other than Mason and Logan, she had very little in the way of a support system. Her family and friends were either missing in action because of their own jealousies or self-involvement or they were causing even more trouble for her. My heart broke for Sam as more of her past is revealed. You realize she hasn’t had the best parenting when we meet her mom in book one, but Analise needs to be institutionalized and possibly incarcerated for the things she’s done and is still doing. She tears Sam’s world apart, along with anyone else who gets in her way. That woman was a nut-job. As for Sam, I was pleasantly surprised that her past and her running/eating issues were sussed out and explained which is something I felt was lacking from the first book. The author does a great job letting us get deeper into Sam’s psyche and her issues.
I also enjoyed the introduction of some new characters as Sam finds her footing once again.
Logan’s jealousy...
...is front and center in this book. You couldn’t help but feel for him. He never lets it consume him or even get him down for very long but it runs shallow and drifts to the surface from time to time. His ex did a number on him and his relationship with Mason, probably even more so than either of them realize. And that’s huge considering Mason is Logan’s lifeline in a world of users and hanger-ons. They are bonded and watch out for each other but Mason has Nate’s friendship, Sam’s love, the public’s admiration, had his ex-girlfriends lust at one point... and it doesn’t help that he’s leaving for college soon. And though Mason would stand in front of Logan and protect him from anything, all those things Mason has, leaves Logan feeling left out sometimes. It showed in this book, which shows just how complex and well written these characters are. They love each other, would do anything to protect each other, but even in the closest of families, there’s strife of some sort. That doesn't mean they stop loving or caring. Mason, Sam, Logan and even Nate, are family. When all else fails around them, they have the Fearsome Foursome to get through it all. And I LOVED that!
On a side note, Nate is still a mystery. His character was delved into a little more in this book and what we learn has you questioning what you thought you knew, so I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the future.
Now on to Mason and Sam...
These two have to battle opposing forces, who want nothing more than to control their lives and separate them. I loved how Mason was adamant that no one was going to come between them, though I was expecting him to break out more of his Mason-like moves. Things are happening around him and even he, with all his popularity and notoriety, can’t seem to find his way out. And for that, I was glad, because it gave Sam a chance to figure things out for herself. But I won't lie. I’ve come to care a great deal about these characters and watching Sam struggle like she did in this book, was heartbreaking. All those angsts and emotions compounded with all the tension in this book was felt throughout my entire body and mind by the time I hit the last page. The author took me on that journey through her great writing and storytelling and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. I’m moving on to the next book in the series right now!
....
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.