This review is for the entire series so far (Relentless, Refuge and Rogue). I will NOT rehash the plot. You need to read the books. ;) I will however tell you bits about why I liked the books and what I liked about them.
The entire series was, surprisingly and refreshingly, well written and original. I am eagerly awaiting the next book, Warrior. Karen Lynch hit it out of the park with this. I love all the characters and loved watching the plot and relationships grow through all 3 books. There are a lot of plot twists and turns but the story doesn't get diminished or confusing.
Don't hesitate to get all 3 at once. Once you get started you won't be able to stop. There are many YA Paranormal books that try to be like Twilight. I am not sure why either. This series is complex and original. No copycats here! There are similarities in the Relentless series to Twilight but they are these: Vampires, Werewolves, boy meets girl and happily ever after. The rest is WAY WAY better and way way different. No glittery vamps,no brooding werewolves, no stupid love triangles, and most importantly, a real love story that develops over time and isn't INSTANT. There is a connection between them but it doesn't HAVE to happen, (sorry any more info would be a major spoiler and we can't have that).
Sara is strong and determined (not silly and whiny). She is a loyal friend and a gentle soul at heart. Despite the horrors around her and her own strange budding powers, she is still grounded and retains her humanity and a desire to do the right thing. She is, however, a teenager and has her own emotional teenage moments. I am glad that Ms. Lynch wrote that in. It makes Sara much more believable.
Like I mentioned before, her loyalty towards her friends and family is steadfast. I love the relationship she has with Roland and Peter. We should all be lucky enough to have BFFs like that. They love her and have her back 100%. They don't even hesitate to follow her on epic and dangerous quests.
Although unconventional, her relationship with Remy is beautiful. Their adventures together show a sweet and honestly compassionate side of Sara.
Sara's relationship with Jordan is more "normal" teenage girl stuff. It isn't forced or immediate. Jordan is a kick ass and take names kinda gal and you can't help but love her. Her friendship and loyalty towards Sara comes about gradually but in the end she is willing to lay it all out there alongside her and her friends.
Nikolas is just....AMAZING. He screams strong ALPHA male but is so incredibly patient and sweet with Sara. He can be a serious and ferocious warrior one minute and then a tender caring man the next. He really seems to understand how hard it is for Sara to adapt to all the "new" stuff around her and he tries to do what is best, even if it goes against his own desires. He never loses focus on her. He never wavers there at all. He never gives up, no matter how hard she pushes him. And in Relentless and the beginning of Refuge, SHE PUSHES HIM! By the time they get to Rogue, you see his unwavering love and support for her. It is beautiful. There are many heart stopping and tender moments from Nikolas though the entire series that make you wish he was YOUR boyfriend.
Chris is also an amazing character. The one flaw in this series is, we don't see enough Chris time. Maybe Karen will write a spin off for him? (HINT HINT Ms. Lynch) Fingers crossed. He is loyal to Nikolas and is always right there when needed and never hesitates. His calm demeanor and open friendly outlook are a good contrast to Nikolas when he is "in the rage". (read the books to know what "the rage" really is. :)
The flow of these books was perfect. Ms. Lynch described the "world" without losing us in a flurry of descriptive adjectives. You get enough information to see it in your mind's eye and believe it. It is fast paced and full of action. What a fun read. I just purchased all the books within the last 2 months and have read the series 3 times already. If I want to read a book more than once, that is a good thing. Reading it multiple times, that is a sign of a REALLY REALLY good book and believe me, it doesn't happen often.
I would love to read spin off stories about Roland, Peter, Jordan, Chris and even Remy. I hope Karen Lynch is thinking the same thing.
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