Book Tour: Terra by: Gretchen Powell (Promo, Review, & Giveaway)

Terra by: Gretchen Powell (Terrestrials #1) (2012)
Publisher: Hopewell Media
286 pages
Genre: YA/Dystopian/Science Fiction
Buy The Book: Barnes and Noble | Amazon
Read a Chapter Sample

Synopsis

A broken and desolate Earth. A young girl simply trying to survive. A lost boy with a powerful secret.

A discovery that will change everything.

In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.

Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own. With him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.

The first book in debut author Gretchen Powell's anticipated Terrestrials series, Terra catapults you through a story filled with blood-pumping action, intrigue, and surprising twists that will wrench and warm your heart. As the hidden truths of this world unfold, the new dangers looming on the horizon are sure to leave you waiting breathlessly for the sequel.

(Mild language; recommended for ages 12+)

My Review

I was a little hesitant at first about reading this book, the synopsis sounded interesting but sometimes I’m not very good at enjoying a book that is too “out there.” Luckily for me, this book rocked my world and was just right in almost every way. As it turns out, I had no problem reading this book, and once I was about 100 pages in I couldn't put it down. Nothing and I mean nothing could keep me away. The shocking revelations along with the heart pounding pace had my head spinning and my fingers turning the pages at an alarming rate. By the way, you can’t tell this is a self-published novel so don’t let that turn you away from this wonderful read.

Let me begin by saying that the characters were insanely wonderful. Terra at times could get a little frustrating with all of her questions, but overall she was a strong female lead that I couldn't help but like. Her younger brother was even more likable, along with several other smaller characters that really made the book well rounded and seem real. Adam, the oh so lovable main male character in this novel, had me swooning over him. And that my friend is always a good sign of a good book.

The world that Powell created was interesting and intricate. The only issue I had with this was how long it took me to grasp and figure out the world she created. It took me a while to really understand the world Terra was living in. This is why I gave the book only four and a half stars. That and the feeling I had that there should have been just a little more something, making the book a little longer, maybe a little more sustenance. Something small was missing. Maybe I'm just greedy and I wanted more.

Just a warning, I loved the ending, but man am I frustrated. The ending had me seeing red, not because it wasn't good, it was really good, but because I have to wait for the next book. I felt like Terra, having a million questions that no one is answering.

I have already started recommending this book to fellow readers. You should buy it right now! I’m not kidding. It’s a great read especially for those that like dystopian novels with a little romance thrown in. Reading this book won’t take long and I promise it will be worth your time. 

Rating: 4.5/5   

Author

Gretchen Powell grew up in far-off places. She is 24 years old, half-Chinese, and the owner of two adorable miniature schnauzers. They wear many sweaters.

By day, she types and types (and types and types) for personal, professional, and cathartic purposes.

By night, she binges on episodes of Doctor Who and sleeps fitfully.

Sometime in the mid-afternoon, she writes a blog, called "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!" about food, fitness, and her life.

She loves words. And Harry Potter. And especially the words IN Harry Potter.

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