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forsakenfates's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Book 5 complete for O.W.L.'s 2019 Care of Magical Creatures - Land animal on the cover
Initial Thoughts: This book is conflicting for me. I wanted to love it because the world and the concept are fantastic and right up my ally. But there is just something about this book that I did love. It also suffered from the same fate of the first book, where the ending was rushed and I felt like everything happened in the last 1/4 or so of the book. I wanted an action-packed book that was filled with the quest of finding Bas but that was not what I got. However that being said, I did really enjoy the writing and I do love these characters. I just wish the execution was a little bit better.
Book 5 complete for O.W.L.'s 2019 Care of Magical Creatures - Land animal on the cover
Initial Thoughts: This book is conflicting for me. I wanted to love it because the world and the concept are fantastic and right up my ally. But there is just something about this book that I did love. It also suffered from the same fate of the first book, where the ending was rushed and I felt like everything happened in the last 1/4 or so of the book. I wanted an action-packed book that was filled with the quest of finding Bas but that was not what I got. However that being said, I did really enjoy the writing and I do love these characters. I just wish the execution was a little bit better.
celsius273's review
4.0
I was under the impression that this book would be a standalone, Daryn’s narration of the events in Riders from the Seeker’s perspective. If you’re under that impression too, well I’m sorry but this book is actually a sequel to the first book and is narrated by both Gideon and Daryn. In that vein, I think this book does a rather poor job of bringing you up to speed on the first book’s plot and I had to go back read my own review to get a quick synopsis.
Though now that I think of it, there are only like 2 events from the first book that actually matter for this book so technically you don’t need to know that much, but I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that it’s much more enjoyable to know what happened in the first book before starting a second book no matter how disconnected they are.
Anyways, onto the meat of this story. As I said, both Daryn and Gideon are narrators for this story, and for the most part their narrations corroborate each other and stick to a single storyline. So following the events of the last book, the four horsemen are down to three and have been separated from Daryn. Both parties are conducting their own searches for their missing member, Sebastian (famine), while simultaneously preparing themselves to move on with their lives. The mood is bleak and you can feel how badly everyone wants to bring back their missing brother.
Through a series of missteps, Daryn falls back with the horsemen and together they journey into the dark world where Sebastian has been stuck for eight months. I say dark because not only is the very world hell bent on mind fucking them all, there are terrifying creatures and the looming threat of Samrael, the demon locked in the world along with Sebastian. As the three horsemen and Daryn tromp around this evil dimension, they face their inner selves head on and in the end, it’s the psychological threats that will do them in. The ultimate battle of good vs evil goes down at the end, and it’s a nerve wracking and agonizing affair.
Of course with all the mind trickery going on, all the characters have to deal with their flaws and fears and that’s where the strength of this book comes. I complained about Gideon in Riders because of his intolerable need to assert his masculinity and expressed hope that he was changing by the end and thank the lord because he has really matured in this book and has come to understand how to be considerate and how to actually care for others. It’s beautiful him and Daryn because now I’m screaming at the both equally when things go poorly - aka it’s not always Gideon’s fault that stuff is bad!
As for the others, Daryn is really the only one we get insight on, but I think her transformation was genuine and touching as well. We learn a lot more about her background growing up and how she fell into the life of a seeker and about the things that still plague her and we get to see her face those things down. I felt her suffering and why she felt the need to close off, and I rejoiced when she overcame it all and that’s all you can really ask a book to do: make you feel things.
I think the last 10% of the book was the best because - without giving spoilers - there’s tension and lack of information going around and as anguished as I was at how things were progressing, I completely understood why which makes it all the better. When I’m feeling annoyance at a book because I want to fix things but understand why the story is falling the way it is, I really can only admire the author for being able to make me feel things that viscerally. Needless to say, once you get to the end you’ll understand exactly. All I wanted to do was fast forward to make sure that everything would be okay in the end (which is not a guarantee in today’s YA) and it was rather agonizing waiting to actually reach the ending.
On the whole, Seeker is much more character oriented than Riders, but if you want a creepy and on the edge paranormal novel, you’ll find that here too. This duology is one I’d highly recommend both for it’s unique subject and for its execution. Really a job well done.
Though now that I think of it, there are only like 2 events from the first book that actually matter for this book so technically you don’t need to know that much, but I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that it’s much more enjoyable to know what happened in the first book before starting a second book no matter how disconnected they are.
Anyways, onto the meat of this story. As I said, both Daryn and Gideon are narrators for this story, and for the most part their narrations corroborate each other and stick to a single storyline. So following the events of the last book, the four horsemen are down to three and have been separated from Daryn. Both parties are conducting their own searches for their missing member, Sebastian (famine), while simultaneously preparing themselves to move on with their lives. The mood is bleak and you can feel how badly everyone wants to bring back their missing brother.
Through a series of missteps, Daryn falls back with the horsemen and together they journey into the dark world where Sebastian has been stuck for eight months. I say dark because not only is the very world hell bent on mind fucking them all, there are terrifying creatures and the looming threat of Samrael, the demon locked in the world along with Sebastian. As the three horsemen and Daryn tromp around this evil dimension, they face their inner selves head on and in the end, it’s the psychological threats that will do them in. The ultimate battle of good vs evil goes down at the end, and it’s a nerve wracking and agonizing affair.
Of course with all the mind trickery going on, all the characters have to deal with their flaws and fears and that’s where the strength of this book comes. I complained about Gideon in Riders because of his intolerable need to assert his masculinity and expressed hope that he was changing by the end and thank the lord because he has really matured in this book and has come to understand how to be considerate and how to actually care for others. It’s beautiful him and Daryn because now I’m screaming at the both equally when things go poorly - aka it’s not always Gideon’s fault that stuff is bad!
As for the others, Daryn is really the only one we get insight on, but I think her transformation was genuine and touching as well. We learn a lot more about her background growing up and how she fell into the life of a seeker and about the things that still plague her and we get to see her face those things down. I felt her suffering and why she felt the need to close off, and I rejoiced when she overcame it all and that’s all you can really ask a book to do: make you feel things.
I think the last 10% of the book was the best because - without giving spoilers - there’s tension and lack of information going around and as anguished as I was at how things were progressing, I completely understood why which makes it all the better. When I’m feeling annoyance at a book because I want to fix things but understand why the story is falling the way it is, I really can only admire the author for being able to make me feel things that viscerally. Needless to say, once you get to the end you’ll understand exactly. All I wanted to do was fast forward to make sure that everything would be okay in the end (which is not a guarantee in today’s YA) and it was rather agonizing waiting to actually reach the ending.
On the whole, Seeker is much more character oriented than Riders, but if you want a creepy and on the edge paranormal novel, you’ll find that here too. This duology is one I’d highly recommend both for it’s unique subject and for its execution. Really a job well done.
sarahjanejudson's review
5.0
I LOVED this book!!!! Please please PLEASE tell me there's another coming?! This series really surprised me & has been different. But I've loved every bit of this adventure!!!
banana83854's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this interesting conclusion to the duology. Would recommend if you're in the market for a unique YA fantasy.
bookladysreviews's review
4.0
*I received this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
First of all, I want to start by saying that, even though it's not necessary to read Riders in order to pick up Seeker, I would definitely recommend it! It would have been very helpful if I personally had read Riders first so, I feel like this is something I have to clarify before moving on to the review.
I really found the idea behind this book very unique and fascinating. It's completely different from anything I've read in the past so, I really wanted to give it a try and see whether I'd enjoy it or not. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. I found it very enjoyable and interesting to read. The world building was amazing and the story developed in a way that kept me -mostly - on edge.
Also, I found the characters to be very likable and easy to connect with. Which is very important for me, as a reader! They were very well written, which I feel like made the development of the story so much better and captivating. The book itself is told from both Daryn and Gideon's perspectives, who are our main characters in Seeker. I loved each of them for different reasons and loved their relationship and how it progressed even more.
Daryn is such a bad ass heroine! I can never get enough of them by the way! She has so many great qualities but, she also has her flaws, which is something that makes her even more relatable and easy to identify with. She's such a fierce heroine, which makes you so much more invested in her and her loyalty and determination to right the wrongs of the past and save humanity in the process. Gideon is also a wonderful character! He's loyal, courageous and strong, but has his imperfections as well, which makes him even more realistic and so easy to fall in love with! I loved the fact that he grew into himself and his relationship with Daryn.
The romance between the two was very slow and intense. It actually made you anticipate it even more and nothing was set in stone. Slow-burn relationships are my favorite and I shipped this one so hard! I feel like these two were perfect at growing separately but not apart, which is something truly admirable. They made a wonderful team and completed each other perfectly. Seeing their romance blossom and become stronger with each chapter, made the experience of reading Seeker even better!
The plot was very original and authentic, which isn't something you come across often nowadays! Probably my favorite thing about Seeker! It took me a while to get into the story but, as soon as I did, I was completely hooked. After I started wrapping my head around the history of the Seekers and everything they stood for, it was so much easier for me to get invested in the story and fall in love with it and its characters. Which is why Seeker got a four-star rating from me instead of a five. Last but not least, the ending was absolutely thrilling and completed the story of the Seekers perfectly!
Veronica Rossi did an amazing job at creating this intriguing world and taking readers along for the ride! It was full of awesomeness that I definitely didn't want to spoil in this review and I really enjoyed it! Magical, beautifully written and perfect for fans of YA novels!
First of all, I want to start by saying that, even though it's not necessary to read Riders in order to pick up Seeker, I would definitely recommend it! It would have been very helpful if I personally had read Riders first so, I feel like this is something I have to clarify before moving on to the review.
I really found the idea behind this book very unique and fascinating. It's completely different from anything I've read in the past so, I really wanted to give it a try and see whether I'd enjoy it or not. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. I found it very enjoyable and interesting to read. The world building was amazing and the story developed in a way that kept me -mostly - on edge.
Also, I found the characters to be very likable and easy to connect with. Which is very important for me, as a reader! They were very well written, which I feel like made the development of the story so much better and captivating. The book itself is told from both Daryn and Gideon's perspectives, who are our main characters in Seeker. I loved each of them for different reasons and loved their relationship and how it progressed even more.
Daryn is such a bad ass heroine! I can never get enough of them by the way! She has so many great qualities but, she also has her flaws, which is something that makes her even more relatable and easy to identify with. She's such a fierce heroine, which makes you so much more invested in her and her loyalty and determination to right the wrongs of the past and save humanity in the process. Gideon is also a wonderful character! He's loyal, courageous and strong, but has his imperfections as well, which makes him even more realistic and so easy to fall in love with! I loved the fact that he grew into himself and his relationship with Daryn.
The romance between the two was very slow and intense. It actually made you anticipate it even more and nothing was set in stone. Slow-burn relationships are my favorite and I shipped this one so hard! I feel like these two were perfect at growing separately but not apart, which is something truly admirable. They made a wonderful team and completed each other perfectly. Seeing their romance blossom and become stronger with each chapter, made the experience of reading Seeker even better!
The plot was very original and authentic, which isn't something you come across often nowadays! Probably my favorite thing about Seeker! It took me a while to get into the story but, as soon as I did, I was completely hooked. After I started wrapping my head around the history of the Seekers and everything they stood for, it was so much easier for me to get invested in the story and fall in love with it and its characters. Which is why Seeker got a four-star rating from me instead of a five. Last but not least, the ending was absolutely thrilling and completed the story of the Seekers perfectly!
Veronica Rossi did an amazing job at creating this intriguing world and taking readers along for the ride! It was full of awesomeness that I definitely didn't want to spoil in this review and I really enjoyed it! Magical, beautifully written and perfect for fans of YA novels!
novelheartbeat's review
5.0
4.5/5
No second book syndrome here, folks! Wowza! Seeker was just as explosive as Riders was!
"Real gold is the value of truth. It's friends you respect who respect you back. It's what we have - you and me. That's real gold."
My favorite part about this book - besides the horses, of course - is the very strong sense of family that the group of Riders and Daryn have going for them. They literally risk their lives to look for Sebastian. So many feels!! I love that they always had their backs no matter what. There was banter, but there was respect. The bond between them was apparent, and I adored that!
Speaking of feels, I absolutely LOVED the interaction between Gideon and Riot. I LOVE RIOT SO MUCH, YOU GUYS. I love that they had a bond, and an understanding between each other. *sniffs* The part at the lake broke my heart a bit!
Spoiler
Honestly, I was legitimately worried for a minute that something was going to happen to Riot and I would SO NOT BE OKAY WITH THAT. Also since I'm talking spoilers anyway, I was shocked by how much Low's death meant to me. I actually shed a tear! I was super invested in this book without knowing it.The character development in this book was phenomenal. Daryn struggled with her issues, but it felt like there was clear progress there as opposed to the first book, where she just ran from all of her problems. I like that she actually faced them, and you really feel her internal struggle. This book felt a lot more meaningful than the last. There was no small amount of learning to trust, of inner strength, and also of catharsis, which I love to see in stories!
The Rift was SO creepy! And so were the Harrows! *cringes* I love how intense those scenes were. It was also disturbing that the group kept seeing the "relics" from their pasts, and that the Rift was messing with their minds. The world building sucked you in!
Spoiler
And the truth behind how the Harrows were created was crazy. It's a shame Samrael was pretty much still evil, but I love the catharsis at the end! Bravo!Also side note, I loved the references to Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games!
Favorite quotes
When I'm with Riot this way I'm invincible, unstoppable. I know in my soul that God gave him to me - an ally, mentor, and friend.
I love this horse as much as I've loved anything. He gave me my life back. He healed my soul.
BRB I HAVE SOMETHING IN MY EYE.
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
kleturgez's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amarylissw's review
4.0
Lovely sequel. It's been a bit since I read the first book but I quickly got back into the series. Loved the character development. The only problem (and not really a problem) I had with this book is that I felt like it might've benefited from being longer — or at least a longer ending. Overall, a very enjoyable series. I enjoyed reading both Gideon and Daryn's POVs this time.
mizwriterlady's review
5.0
More reviews at The Once and Future Reader
THIS IS A SPOILER FREE REVIEW
I am so disappointed that this is just a duology! I've really gotten attached to the characters and I want to see even more of the world. While I think the story came to an end nicely, I could still go for more. Really, though, I just can't wait for what Veronica Rossi comes out with next. She's an author I can rely on to produce stories worth reading.
What Worked for Me
All that I enjoyed with Riders holds steady for Seeker. I loved the characters--their abilities and their wildly different and distinct personalities, but also the way they all function together as a unit; the writing, which was efficient in a way that made me wonder how so much could have happened within 350 pages; and the world, which took a different turn in this one as the four + Daryn ended up in "the Rift." The plot was exciting and came together nicely, and the romance didn't go topsy-turvy in a fit of melodramatic pique that always seems to happen in second books.
Fortunately, my issue with Daryn from book one went away in Seeker, as I suspected it would. Still. I wouldn't say we'd be best buddies. There's still something slightly off-putting about her that keeps me from totally connecting. But I like her character, her strength and sense of humor, as well as her moral compass and the way that it isn't foolproof and is subject to self-doubt like anybody's. Having half this book in her point of view gave a deeper insight into her character that I liked.
The best part was what Seeker pointed out something I'd like to see more of in YA/NA books: a frank demonstration of how open communication, honesty, and emotional vulnerability with friends leads to healing. I absolutely loved how the four horsemen + Daryn functioned, the way they cared for each other. They were all dealing with so much and found themselves in many a tough spot and got through it by leaning on each other. They didn't shy away from being too "mushy" or hiding behind defense mechanisms. They helped each other cope and because of it, they grew stronger.
Seeker's "message" of love and understanding in the face of evil was two hairs short of being hokey, but it worked for me. It wasn't a cheap plot device; it wasn't tongue in cheek. It was genuine and pure and left me feeling better about the world than before I started reading.
What Didn't
As much as I love Veronica Rossi's writing style, I've noticed that (in both this novel and Riders) there's a lack clarity in a few scenes where the progression of events is so fast that I didn't understand what was going on. These things aren't debilitating, but could have been cleared up with a sentence or two.
Takeaway
I hated to see it end, but it was lovely while it lasted.
Quotes
THIS IS A SPOILER FREE REVIEW
I am so disappointed that this is just a duology! I've really gotten attached to the characters and I want to see even more of the world. While I think the story came to an end nicely, I could still go for more. Really, though, I just can't wait for what Veronica Rossi comes out with next. She's an author I can rely on to produce stories worth reading.
What Worked for Me
All that I enjoyed with Riders holds steady for Seeker. I loved the characters--their abilities and their wildly different and distinct personalities, but also the way they all function together as a unit; the writing, which was efficient in a way that made me wonder how so much could have happened within 350 pages; and the world, which took a different turn in this one as the four + Daryn ended up in "the Rift." The plot was exciting and came together nicely, and the romance didn't go topsy-turvy in a fit of melodramatic pique that always seems to happen in second books.
Fortunately, my issue with Daryn from book one went away in Seeker, as I suspected it would. Still. I wouldn't say we'd be best buddies. There's still something slightly off-putting about her that keeps me from totally connecting. But I like her character, her strength and sense of humor, as well as her moral compass and the way that it isn't foolproof and is subject to self-doubt like anybody's. Having half this book in her point of view gave a deeper insight into her character that I liked.
The best part was what Seeker pointed out something I'd like to see more of in YA/NA books: a frank demonstration of how open communication, honesty, and emotional vulnerability with friends leads to healing. I absolutely loved how the four horsemen + Daryn functioned, the way they cared for each other. They were all dealing with so much and found themselves in many a tough spot and got through it by leaning on each other. They didn't shy away from being too "mushy" or hiding behind defense mechanisms. They helped each other cope and because of it, they grew stronger.
Seeker's "message" of love and understanding in the face of evil was two hairs short of being hokey, but it worked for me. It wasn't a cheap plot device; it wasn't tongue in cheek. It was genuine and pure and left me feeling better about the world than before I started reading.
What Didn't
As much as I love Veronica Rossi's writing style, I've noticed that (in both this novel and Riders) there's a lack clarity in a few scenes where the progression of events is so fast that I didn't understand what was going on. These things aren't debilitating, but could have been cleared up with a sentence or two.
Takeaway
I hated to see it end, but it was lovely while it lasted.
Quotes
Low’s a six-foot-five, two-hundred-fifty-pound lethal giant. Like Bas, he’s always looking for his next laugh. Low doesn’t take anything seriously except missions and his three-year-old son back in Texas. The guy drops everything when his kid calls and gets this heartbroken, happy look on his face. I’ve wondered if my dad felt that kind of pain when he talked to Anna and me back home while he was deployed. Jared Suarez is ninja-quiet and calculating. He was a blue-chip high school baseball recruit—a catcher like I was. In a way, it’s still Suarez’s vibe. When Cordero’s not calling the shots, Suarez steps in with the strategy and manages things. With the exception of Jode, who needs to question air before he breathes it, the rest of us pretty much follow Suarez’s lead.
Then I get to another item with my name in it and my head explodes. Is this for real? My lips have “limitless power”? I’ve kissed her twice. Both times I was so shocked it was happening that I didn’t even give my best effort. And this is my starting grade? I can’t even process. This tops everything. Out of everything I’ve ever accomplished, this is the best thing.
Daryn is giving me a level gaze, waiting for my reaction. “This is a really good list, Martin. Really good. I especially like number fourteen.”
“I was being hyperbolic. Exaggerating for literary effect.”
“Just own it. No shame.”
She smacks my arm.
I laugh. “I’m not kidding. Fourteen is the best item here by far. Except it also says that I look at you ardently, which isn’t true. Whatever that even means.”
“Gideon, whenever you’re ready to get your horse,” says Jode. “We need a flame. This campfire won’t start itself.”
“Set us on fire, G.” That’s Marcus.
Then it’s Jode again. “Yes, Gideon. You’re so hot.”