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A review by themumwhoreads
The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
3.0
Review also published on my blog StudentSpyglass
Plot: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
When Allison’s long lost father shows up claiming that her mother’s schizophrenia has a supernatural basis, Allison can’t help being skeptical. Eventually drawn in by the possibility of a cure, she listens to Liam’s point of view, and discovers a world she’d never even dreamed of. This is where Howard’s writing shines, with beautiful, evocative imagery.
I really enjoyed the magical world Howard has created in The Forgotten ones. The Irish folklore used is really interesting, and stands out if you’re looking for something that isn’t based on vampires, werewolves or angels. It sort of felt like a younger Nora Roberts novel, though there is less of a focus on the romance.
Allison was a character you couldn’t help but like, strong-willed though a little remote due to her circumstances. She does her best to care for her mother and help her grandparents, even if that means pushing aside some of her own desires. Ethan is one of those desires Allison’s trying to ignore, but he doesn’t make life easy for her. I really liked Ethan, and I really wanted things to work out for him and Allison, so I’d have liked to see a little more of the romance side throughout the story. However, Allison’s changing relationship with her father Liam was wonderful to read.
There were lots of minor characters, which I occasionally struggled to keep track of, but I loved the pronunciation guide at the beginning for the Gaelic names. The story took a little while to truly draw me in, (probably because I don’t usually read contemporary), but once I was sucked in I finished it very quickly. It’s a quick, easy read with a cliffhanger ending that will definitely leave you wanting the rest of the series!
Side note: although technically a New Adult novel, this had a definite YA feel to it, so if you’re nervous about the NA side, don’t be!
Plot: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
When Allison’s long lost father shows up claiming that her mother’s schizophrenia has a supernatural basis, Allison can’t help being skeptical. Eventually drawn in by the possibility of a cure, she listens to Liam’s point of view, and discovers a world she’d never even dreamed of. This is where Howard’s writing shines, with beautiful, evocative imagery.
I really enjoyed the magical world Howard has created in The Forgotten ones. The Irish folklore used is really interesting, and stands out if you’re looking for something that isn’t based on vampires, werewolves or angels. It sort of felt like a younger Nora Roberts novel, though there is less of a focus on the romance.
Allison was a character you couldn’t help but like, strong-willed though a little remote due to her circumstances. She does her best to care for her mother and help her grandparents, even if that means pushing aside some of her own desires. Ethan is one of those desires Allison’s trying to ignore, but he doesn’t make life easy for her. I really liked Ethan, and I really wanted things to work out for him and Allison, so I’d have liked to see a little more of the romance side throughout the story. However, Allison’s changing relationship with her father Liam was wonderful to read.
There were lots of minor characters, which I occasionally struggled to keep track of, but I loved the pronunciation guide at the beginning for the Gaelic names. The story took a little while to truly draw me in, (probably because I don’t usually read contemporary), but once I was sucked in I finished it very quickly. It’s a quick, easy read with a cliffhanger ending that will definitely leave you wanting the rest of the series!
Side note: although technically a New Adult novel, this had a definite YA feel to it, so if you’re nervous about the NA side, don’t be!