RELIC (Books of Eva #1) by Heather Terrell
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Soho Teen
288 Pages
Received: Review copy from Soho Teen
Format: Hardcover
Rating:
Description: A dystopian/ high fantasy mix with a high stakes challenge. Eva’s brother, Eamon, dies a few months before The Testing. Eva unexpectedly takes his place, shocking everyone. Maidens are supposed to be ladies: destined for curtsies, embroidery, and marriage. Not The Testing. She’ll be the first Maiden in 150 years.
There are more dangers waiting for her outside the Aerie than she knows, more than her friend and servant Lukas could have prepared her for. No one could predict the threat she unleashes with the Relics she finds.
Review: I know several people have posted negative reviews for this book. I was really worried that this book was some kind of waste of time. I was happy to find that this wasn’t the case. By no means is this book perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever read a perfect book. And no, this book is not “great” but it is good.
The strength of this book is really the world building. I love the story of the past, a great creation tale of the current world the characters find themselves in. I really found the characters’ misinterpretation of things like Apple really entertaining and endearing. The sinister feeling that accompanies the discovery of the truth really made me want to read the next book.
That being said, there are some problems with the story. Throughout most of it there’s a feeling that there is something missing. I’m not sure if that’s because there is something we don’t know yet (like who the heck killed Eamon?!) or if there’s some important aspect that has been over looked.
There are a few scenes where important moments are not given the time they need. They happen and then the plot moves on without mentioning it again. This has become increasingly common in YA and I think it needs to be said that it doesn’t work. Please, please, please give a reason for the scene. Have the scene effect the character or do something for them, don’t just throw it out when it’s over. I think I have a new book pet peeve.
Still, I think this is a good book. The world is really fascinating to me. The plot may have its weak points but they aren’t so bad that it ruins the enjoyment of the story, not for me anyway. I’m invested, I want to know what happens. I give it a three and a half stars and if you like dystopian or fantasy, give it a read. You may find that you, like me, don’t think it’s so awful.
Coming Soon….
City of Glass Review
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