The Hunted #1
by Jordan Dane
Release date: December 18th, 2012
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult
Format read: eARC
SUMMARY
Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.
Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.
A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.
Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.
A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.
MY REVIEW
Indigo Awakening is an original and intriguing start to The Hunting Series...
Jordan Dane really captured my attention with the concept, or perhaps we can call it a conspiracy theory of sorts, on 'Indigo Children, which are children who are believed to have a supernatural abilities. I had never heard of this, and to see the many articles, websites, etc. and theories based on the possibility of these children existing made Indigo Awakening even more alluring to read.
(My one personal disclaimer regarding this book: I have to admit, the eARC made the story a bit difficult to follow. The story-telling jumps from different points-of-views, primarily from the three key main characters, Rayne, Lucas and Gabe. But as we are introduced to more characters, we do get a peek into the minds of almost all of the other characters as well. At times, switching from one voice to the other made it difficult to easily transition and I had to re-read or I was confused as to who was thinking/speaking. I am really hoping that this was just a glitch in my eCopy and that the finished product is more visible and easier to notice.)
Jordan Dane really captured my attention with the concept, or perhaps we can call it a conspiracy theory of sorts, on 'Indigo Children, which are children who are believed to have a supernatural abilities. I had never heard of this, and to see the many articles, websites, etc. and theories based on the possibility of these children existing made Indigo Awakening even more alluring to read.
(My one personal disclaimer regarding this book: I have to admit, the eARC made the story a bit difficult to follow. The story-telling jumps from different points-of-views, primarily from the three key main characters, Rayne, Lucas and Gabe. But as we are introduced to more characters, we do get a peek into the minds of almost all of the other characters as well. At times, switching from one voice to the other made it difficult to easily transition and I had to re-read or I was confused as to who was thinking/speaking. I am really hoping that this was just a glitch in my eCopy and that the finished product is more visible and easier to notice.)
When Rayne finds out that her younger brother Lucas has escaped the mental institute that their older sister had him committed to, it's time for Rayne to step up and take matters into her own hands. After losing her parents in an accident, their oldest sister has dictated their every move, but Rayne is now determined to find her brother and save him from whatever their sister and her 'church' had planned to do with him next.
While looking for Lucas, Rayne gets into some trouble and is saved by Gabriel... she is both frightened and intrigued by him. And even though her whole body screams to run the other way, she can't find it in herself to run away from him. There is something about Gabe that is so familiar to her; plus, he has an unexplainable connection to Lucas. She won't abandon her plans on finding and helping Lucas. And, if along the way she can learn more about Gabe, help him, she will.
The story-telling in some ways is fast paced, and in others, a bit choppy too since it is told in numerous points-of-views. You will definitely need to pay close attention since things tend to move faster and switch around as you get further into the book.
When the story was told from Rayne, Lucas, Gabe and the others like them, I liked where the story was going and felt connected to them, felt their connection to one another, their emotions and was able to sympathize and understand what they were going through and see their transformations. These kids have had to run and hide to protect themselves, even from their own families. They have had to grow-up quickly and find ways to survive. They are very mature for their ages, and it broke my heart to see them so alone and work so hard to keep their family together and safe.
When the story would bounce to the 'bad guys', it was difficult for me to be exposed to them. Their thoughts were vile and evil, and I disliked them very much - which is exactly how I was suppose to feel, uncomfortable and disgusted.
What I loved the most is each time I was introduced to a new 'indigo' we not only learned a little bit about their personality, but their power too. No two kids where the same - some where stronger than others. And at different levels too... and most of their powers have yet to mature. This is definitely something that I will be looking forward to seeing in the next book.
The ending to this book is both heartbreaking and bittersweet. No cliffhanger here, BUT, there are a lot of unanswered questions, a lot of stories that have yet to be told, and it also leaves you with a hint of what you can expect in its sequel. One that I am definitely looking forward to.
If you are looking for something different, out of your comfort zone, with some mystery, action and a new spin on the supernatural - this is the one for you to pick up and read right now!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jordan Dane
Jordan Dane launched her back-to-back debut suspense novels in 2008 after the three books sold in auction. Ripped from the headlines, Jordan's gritty plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue and dark humor. Publishers Weekly compared her intense pacing to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag—and named her debut book No One Heard Her Screamas Best Book of 2008. INDIGO AWAKENING will be the third YA novel written by Jordan Dane.
This sounds like such a great read and I love that there is no cliffhanger yet it still leaves you wanting more...sounds like a perfect start to a new series!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that I would like. Thanks for the informative review.
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