Indie Author Promo and Giveaway: The Forgotten Ones: Laura Howard
Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
Allison would rather to be alone with a good book than engaging in group activities that take her too far away from her mom. I liked her, although sometimes she made me a bit frustrated. Al knew exactly where her life was heading and she didn't want anything to knock her off course, including the hot flirty boy she has been in love with since school. Her sights were set on enjoying the quiet at home while taking care of her schizophrenic mother. The author however, had different plans for Allison. Those plans included Allison rescuing those she loved while learning about her true self.
While I absolutely adored this story, I did have a few hiccups while reading it. Like some of the other reviewers, I struggled a bit with the mixture of fairy world and romance. The first half of the book had a great start to a growing relationship between Ethan (who ladies I promise you will love and drool over!) and Allison. I really enjoyed their interactions and flirty chemistry. Their run/chase type relationship made the book fun and light, endearing both characters to me. Then towards the middle, the romance aspect fizzled out, and just the paranormal aspect was left. Since, I am not much of a paranormal reader, I kind of felt a little lost. Out of my element. Personally, for me I needed the romance to continue throughout the story. Although, without revealing any spoilers, I totally get why Laura couldn't continue strictly down that route. Therefore, this is more of a personal preference than anything to do with the author and her writing style. With the twist in the story, it wasn't feasible for that to happen.
Howard's detailed telling of this world left me enchanted by Tir na n’Og and the faeries within this world. Tir na n’Og offers an action packed adventure that places you in a magical fantasy world of good and bad faeries. I easily became invested in the unique and whimsical feel of the characters, it helped to move the story along quickly while Allison raced to beat time and put her world back together. I hope that as the story goes on in future editions, Laura will expand more on the legend of the fairies, allowing us deeper insight into their world and personalities. (On a side note Aodhan was my favorite character in the story...please Laura can we have his story?!)
Would I recommend this book, heck yeah I would! Now, if I could just get my greedy little hands on book 2, I would be most appreciative. :P Just a quick FYI there is a cliffhanger, but it wasn't a frustrating one. I promise you won't be banging your head against the wall or throwing your e-reader, BUT it will make you want more.
Thank you Laura Howard for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of the Forgotten Ones for my honest opinion.
Giveaway:
(1) Kindle ebook of The Forgotten Ones
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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