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Allusive Aftershock by Susan Griscom (Dec. 2012)
Genres: YA/Contemporary
274 Pages
Source: I received a free copy of this book as a part of Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Source: I received a free copy of this book as a part of Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon
Synopsis: What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!
Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.
But, Max–her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet–hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.
When Max leaves her stranded in his parents’ wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.
But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?
My Review
Allusive Aftershock was an emotional roller coaster that I don't regret riding. Allusive Aftershock surprised me in a delightful way. I'm a sucker for survival stories and I don't see a lot of those dealing with natural disasters so I was really excited to read this book. Earthquakes, survival and a somewhat awkward yet cute romance makes this book a great read.
The plot offers something new to fans of young adult contemporary novels. It's heartbreaking, shocking, intense, and is filled with really great descriptions. It's jam packed with a lot of survival scenes (the author isn't afraid of making people get hurt making it more realistic since a big earthquake has hit) and some romantic ones as well, not to mention a few light-hearted moments that keeps the book from getting too depressing.
Adela is a strong character but also slightly annoying. I can't quite put my finger on it but there is just something about her that rubs me the wrong way towards the beginning of the book. She does become pretty awesome though and really handles the crazy situation she finds herself in rather well. Courtland and Max act just like typical teenage boys, but also grow as the story unfolds.
I may have mixed feelings on how the romance was handled considering it was pretty awkward and comes about pretty darn fast, but it was also really cute and given the circumstances the characters were in it was pretty believable.
When it comes down to it I think you should read this book snuggled up under a warm blanket or by a fire because it's just that kind of book, a great read for a Fall night.
** Thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Susan Griscom for a free copy of this book! This in no way affected my honest review.
The plot offers something new to fans of young adult contemporary novels. It's heartbreaking, shocking, intense, and is filled with really great descriptions. It's jam packed with a lot of survival scenes (the author isn't afraid of making people get hurt making it more realistic since a big earthquake has hit) and some romantic ones as well, not to mention a few light-hearted moments that keeps the book from getting too depressing.
Adela is a strong character but also slightly annoying. I can't quite put my finger on it but there is just something about her that rubs me the wrong way towards the beginning of the book. She does become pretty awesome though and really handles the crazy situation she finds herself in rather well. Courtland and Max act just like typical teenage boys, but also grow as the story unfolds.
I may have mixed feelings on how the romance was handled considering it was pretty awkward and comes about pretty darn fast, but it was also really cute and given the circumstances the characters were in it was pretty believable.
When it comes down to it I think you should read this book snuggled up under a warm blanket or by a fire because it's just that kind of book, a great read for a Fall night.
** Thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Susan Griscom for a free copy of this book! This in no way affected my honest review.
Author
Susan Griscom daydreams often. And sometimes her daydreams interfere with her daydreams not to mention real life. Because, let’s face it, her character’s lives are so much more exciting. Sometimes it’s young adult or new adult or just plain old mainstream fiction and sometimes it’s paranormal romance, where her playing field delves into a different milieu than the usual vampires and werewolves. Some day she might write about fangs and fur, but for now she prefers sticking to strong heroes and heroines confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and abilities beyond the norm, mixed with some steamy romance to get the blood boiling.Susan lives in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and her humongous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and hers; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, and seven grand angels.
Susan loves when a story takes hold and pulls her into the fantasy, that’s magic.
You can visit Susan at http://susangriscom.com or email her at susangriscom1@gmail.com. She loves hearing from her fans.
Giveaway
Thank you very much for the awesome post and review. I'm glad you could be a part of the tour.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for writing such a unique survival story and for stopping by! :)
DeleteThis sounds like a real emotional ride I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Kay! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity! I really enjoyed it. :)
DeleteHmm, if I may be candid (when am I not?), that cover and title are not doing this book any justice. I'll add this one to the TBR but it's not a priority. I'll pick this one up when i'm in the mood for a survival story!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the cover could have been way better. :/
Delete