This dark and gritty futuristic YA novel had an intriguing premise with a slow build up but not enough explanation of the world this story takes placeThis dark and gritty futuristic YA novel had an intriguing premise with a slow build up but not enough explanation of the world this story takes place in. ACE/ARO assassin, Isobel, has escaped her abusive parents and the murderous guild that has turned her into a lethal weapon. She craves a normal life but her bloody past just won't let her go. When she makes a fateful error she is thrust into a new battle for survival against a deadly enemy. It might have been mentioned in the story and I missed it, but I only know Isobel was ACE/ARO from the own-voice author's notes at the end which, by the way, were well worth the read as it gave me some more context for the story. I'd recommend reading them beforehand. From memory there are no spoilers. A darkly violent but entertaining YA thriller.
UPDATE 12/07/23 - Reread and still such an engaging story.
Original Review 3.5 Stars (I decided to round it up to 4 because I really do love Evan!)
SometUPDATE 12/07/23 - Reread and still such an engaging story.
Original Review 3.5 Stars (I decided to round it up to 4 because I really do love Evan!)
Something I noticed in this second book is that the writing is actually very good. I had more time to notice because this story was less engaging than in book one. Don't get me wrong, it was still thoroughly enjoyable but I felt like the 'bad guy' was a little bit cartoonish at times. The action sequences were so brilliant and I will definitely continue on with the series as it is adrenalin filled entertainment.
UPDATE 12/07/23: Reread and loved it more second time around! I think it's because I knew where relationships were heading and how things were going tUPDATE 12/07/23: Reread and loved it more second time around! I think it's because I knew where relationships were heading and how things were going to unfold.
Original Review I'm quite late to the Orphan X party but I'm still gonna throw a few streamers into the air and blow into one of those annoying party kazoo thingys. Story summary: Butt-kicking, gun toting, hot 'bad' guy turns good because of his code of honour to protect the vulnerable and exploited and any damsel in mortal peril and in the meantime baddies attempt to thwart him at every turn while he wrestles with his inner dark demons all while cuddling kittens. Awwww. Cue the flag (country of your choice) fluttering in the background as our muscled, dark glasses wearing hero walks slowly on to the next city and the next person in need of saving. *slow claps* Loved it. Books 2 and 3 on hold....more
Well that was a brilliant Hanna crossed with JCW: (view spoiler)[sexual content, described murders, kidnapping and torture of children (hide spoiler)]
Well that was a brilliant Hanna crossed with Jason Bourne type action thriller!
I loved the main characters and the story was so engaging. This would make an excellent movie or TV mini series. Seriously, I kept finding my husband and telling him how entertaining this was and what was happening at various points. Just an exciting cat and mouse thriller with kick-arse assassins and a shadowy organisation. Fun times! ...more