The Forgotten Ones (The Danaan Trilogy #1)
by Laura Howard
Summary: Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.
When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.
Source: I received a copy of this book for Kindle from the author in exchange for participation in a blog tour and an honest review.
Review:
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.
Favorite Quotes:
“She had met my father during her last year of college. She had traveled to Ireland for her final semester to study music at Trinity College in Dublin.”
I read this book on the plane ride home from my vacation to Ireland. I wasn’t expecting the characters or the mythology to involve Ireland, so I loved this quote because it made my ears perk up!
“‘I will find a way to undo what has been done, or I will die trying.’ He took two steps back. ‘I understand your anger. You’re completely justified. But know this –you will see me again.’ He nodded curtly and strode down the from walk. Just like that.”
I don’t know why, but I liked his resolve and stubbornness here.
“‘Just one time.’ he said quietly. ‘What?’ ‘Say yes, just one time.’ Ethan slowly moved behind the counter, his eyes never leaving mine.”
I love Ethan’s character and the relationship angst going on.
“The woman smiles, and cocks her head to the side like a bird, grabbing his chin and pulling it upward until his eyes meet hers. As he speaks, the woman’s face contorts in rage. He winces and she loosens her fingers, leaving behind a bloody trail where her fingernails have cut him.”
This quote was violent and descriptive and I always appreciate that.
“‘You worried about what I might do, didn’t you?’ I said, the realization striking me as I spoke. He cleared his throat and shrugged. ‘You’re the first daughter I’ve ever had.’ he said.’”
I love the father daughter dynamic.
“It was like stepping into Oz and I was Dorothy. Everything here was richer, more vibrant than I could have imagined.”
“I brushed my fingertips along a flowering vine that hung between two low tree branches. I gasped –I could actually feel like pulsing from not only the vine, but the tree it hung from.”
“As we continued over the top of a grassy hill, I could see a valley with a sparkling river snaking through it. Beyond the river, the land was rippled with green hills, and speckled in each hill were doors and windows, similar to Niamh’s. Farther alone was a steeper hill, or maybe a low, green mountain.”
These quotes resonated with me because of my recent trip to Ireland. I know the character was describing another, fictional place, but her descriptions match the ones I have of the landscape in Ireland. It was the kind of place a mythological creature could have stepped out of and it would have looked normal and right.
About the Author:
Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.
Author Website
Twitter @laurahoward78
Facebook Fan Page
The Forgotten Ones was published early on April 29, 2013.
It was originally scheduled to be published on May 15.
It is currently $2.99 for Kindle.
Goodreads
Amazon
Giveaway:
Labels: Blog Tour, Review, YA
