A review by meganmreads
The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
3.0
The Forgotten Ones was an adventurous YA story steeped in magic with Irish roots.
Allison had a relatively difficult life due to her mother's schizophrenia. Her mother hadn't been normal and engaging since Allison was 7 years old. Allison blamed herself for her mother's condition since it seemed to manifest around the time of her birth. Because of this, Allison was a bit of loner who pushed people away because she was preparing herself for a lifetime of caring for her mother. Her grandparents, aunts, and cousins all tried to help Allison relax and learn to live, but Allison was stubborn.
Her life continued normally as she attempted to brush off her feelings for her friend Ethan, which I enjoyed reading about. Things quickly became abnormal in Allison's life when her long lost and somewhat young looking father showed up at her doorstep asking for her mother. With him came an amazing story and an adventure that would take Allison to places she never imagined existed. His presence answered many of Allison's questions about her mother's past, too.
I'd hate to give much more away because the twists certainly surprised and interested me while reading. I was a big fan of anything that got Allison to admit her feelings for Ethan, though. The story started out feeling more like a contemporary novel since Allison was dead set on caring for her mother and ignoring her feelings for Ethan and attempting to avoid fun at all costs, but as soon as her long lost father turned up, the entire plot shifted into something much more exciting and magical. From magical political plots to dangerous creatures, the story had an action packed plot full of trouble.
Overall, The Forgotten Ones was an enchanting and adventurous story with a slight romance. While Ethan and Allison spent most of the novel avoiding dealing with their feelings, the angst and emotion was still there. I gave it 3 stars because it took awhile for the plot to pick up. Allison took forever to admit there really wasn't any harm in having a relationship, which also drove me nuts. And just when I was glued to the story, it ended rather abruptly. I typically give higher stars for books that keep me interested in continuing the series, but because I read this in between stand alone novels, the need for a sequel aggravated me and I always have to be honest!
I would recommend The Forgotten Ones to fans of YA magical stories with romance. It had some unique aspects and a plot that really kept me turning the pages. I definitely can't wait to read the next in the series.
Review published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason: http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-tour-giveaway-review-and-favorite.html
Allison had a relatively difficult life due to her mother's schizophrenia. Her mother hadn't been normal and engaging since Allison was 7 years old. Allison blamed herself for her mother's condition since it seemed to manifest around the time of her birth. Because of this, Allison was a bit of loner who pushed people away because she was preparing herself for a lifetime of caring for her mother. Her grandparents, aunts, and cousins all tried to help Allison relax and learn to live, but Allison was stubborn.
Her life continued normally as she attempted to brush off her feelings for her friend Ethan, which I enjoyed reading about. Things quickly became abnormal in Allison's life when her long lost and somewhat young looking father showed up at her doorstep asking for her mother. With him came an amazing story and an adventure that would take Allison to places she never imagined existed. His presence answered many of Allison's questions about her mother's past, too.
I'd hate to give much more away because the twists certainly surprised and interested me while reading. I was a big fan of anything that got Allison to admit her feelings for Ethan, though. The story started out feeling more like a contemporary novel since Allison was dead set on caring for her mother and ignoring her feelings for Ethan and attempting to avoid fun at all costs, but as soon as her long lost father turned up, the entire plot shifted into something much more exciting and magical. From magical political plots to dangerous creatures, the story had an action packed plot full of trouble.
Overall, The Forgotten Ones was an enchanting and adventurous story with a slight romance. While Ethan and Allison spent most of the novel avoiding dealing with their feelings, the angst and emotion was still there. I gave it 3 stars because it took awhile for the plot to pick up. Allison took forever to admit there really wasn't any harm in having a relationship, which also drove me nuts. And just when I was glued to the story, it ended rather abruptly. I typically give higher stars for books that keep me interested in continuing the series, but because I read this in between stand alone novels, the need for a sequel aggravated me and I always have to be honest!
I would recommend The Forgotten Ones to fans of YA magical stories with romance. It had some unique aspects and a plot that really kept me turning the pages. I definitely can't wait to read the next in the series.
Review published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason: http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-tour-giveaway-review-and-favorite.html