Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars
'Forsaken' is one of my favourite reads for 2011. It is a refreshing change from YA books which are full of vampires and shape shifters. Jana Oliver has created a fantastic world where demons run wild and it is up to trappers like Riley and Beck to help rid to world of their evil. A mix of religion, magic and reanimation; 'Forsaken' is an amazing story with so many unknown areas to be explored, especially when it comes to trapping and hunting. But it's not just demons that are causing trouble; questions to do with meddling angels and uncovering the mystery of the holy water problems still need to be solved.
Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…
Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.
But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?(Description from Goodreads)
I love how different, and yet familiar, the demon trapping is. It's hard not to think of 'Supernatural' when demons are mentioned (especially with all the hype around 'Demonland', the demon hunting TV show in Oliver's story). But Oliver's trappers don't have the luxury of fancy cars and easy kills. For them, trapping is a dangerous occupation that can leave so much sadness in its wake.
It's hard not to feel sorry for Riley. She keeps being put through tests. Testing her position as a trapper in the Guild and testing her ability to handle pain and sadness surrounding friends and family. I think she's an incredibly strong leading lady; who manages tears, laughter and love on a daily basis, as well as juggling mundane human activities (like shopping for clothes and going to school) with the life of a trapper. It can't be easy, but she's pulling through, one step at a time.
I love that we get to see the world of demon trapping through both Riley and Beck's eyes. The changing perspectives keep the story interesting and full of action, but also give you the chance to be in 2 places at once. Beck and Riley work so well together, can't wait to see more of their interactions.
In most books there's always a few fabulous guys to fall for, and this one is no different with 3 guys to look out for: Beck, Simon and Ori; all with their own appeals. My personal favourite is Beck, he's amazing; definitely high on my list of book-crushes. There aren't many young guys who would look after a friend's daughter, even when they're not always welcome; not to mention that he seems to be interested in more than just looking after a friend.
Fantastic book. Can't wait to see what happens next.
5/5 stars
Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/156098750
Oh I loooovvveeee this series. I looovveee Jana Oliver.
ReplyDeleteI will have some signed goodies up on blog soon as they have just left USA, so in the air.
Look out for them and enter:D
Michelle
@Novels On The RunI know! Jana's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to keep an eye out for your goodies.
Kim