Title: Stolen Away
Author: Alyxandra HarveyPublisher: BloomsburyPublication Date: 5 Jan 2012Source: Review CopyRating 4/5Synopsis from GoodreadsFor seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.
The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.
REVIEW
You may already be aware that Alyxandra Harvey is one of my favorite authors. I adore the Drakes Chronicles. Alyxandra never fails to deliver strong characters, terrifically quirky yet realistic and relatable.
Told in dual narrative with alternating perspectives of Eloise and Jo. Although the story focuses on Eloise's family connections I have to say that Jo seems to be the stronger character. Both of them have a public persona they show the world yet are different in private where they feel comfortable to be who they really are. The way in which Eloise hid behind her red lipstick and rockabilly outfits brought her to vivid life in my imagination. While Jo presented a tough exterior her actions and demeanor at her grandparents farm gave her a well rounded softness of character.
The friendships and the way in which the main characters are there for each other, with the inclusion of Devin, was a powerful theme through the story. The pop culture references added to the character building and aided the realism of the plot.
The portrayal of the faery courts although akin to the world built in The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr brought an added depth of description to them. The thirst for power and how it can consume altering a person was powerfully portrayed. The interactions even with the peripheral characters was beautifully tied together. Some very interesting twists all added to the pace of the plot. It did not falter and every single detail was brought together. Amazing plot control.
I adore Alyxandra Harvey's descriptive writing enhanced by masterful use of simile and metaphor.
Although the plot reached a satisfactory conclusion I have to say that I would love another book to answer follow up questions regarding relationships and the faery court. I wonder if Alyxandra can be bribed with cookies or cake [ : D ]
Told in dual narrative with alternating perspectives of Eloise and Jo. Although the story focuses on Eloise's family connections I have to say that Jo seems to be the stronger character. Both of them have a public persona they show the world yet are different in private where they feel comfortable to be who they really are. The way in which Eloise hid behind her red lipstick and rockabilly outfits brought her to vivid life in my imagination. While Jo presented a tough exterior her actions and demeanor at her grandparents farm gave her a well rounded softness of character.
The friendships and the way in which the main characters are there for each other, with the inclusion of Devin, was a powerful theme through the story. The pop culture references added to the character building and aided the realism of the plot.
The portrayal of the faery courts although akin to the world built in The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr brought an added depth of description to them. The thirst for power and how it can consume altering a person was powerfully portrayed. The interactions even with the peripheral characters was beautifully tied together. Some very interesting twists all added to the pace of the plot. It did not falter and every single detail was brought together. Amazing plot control.
I adore Alyxandra Harvey's descriptive writing enhanced by masterful use of simile and metaphor.
Although the plot reached a satisfactory conclusion I have to say that I would love another book to answer follow up questions regarding relationships and the faery court. I wonder if Alyxandra can be bribed with cookies or cake [ : D ]
I loved this book too!
ReplyDeleteI didnt love this one as much as you but it was ok, great review as usual! :D
ReplyDelete