August 9, 2015

Blog Tour Book Review: Torn by Avery Hastings

at 8/09/2015 12:00:00 AM


In an America split into the genetically superior and inferior, a fiercely ambitious ballerina and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks must stop a deadly virus that is spreading quickly.

Determined to escape from TOR-N, a corrupt Narxis research center, Davis meets another recovered patient, Mercer, whose sweet smile and quirky sense of humor give her hope in humanity again—and a way out. As they make a perilous journey seeking clues that could lead to a cure, Davis and Mercer's friendship begins to evolve into something more... but she's still struggling to let go of her feelings for Cole, whom she believes is dead.

Meanwhile, Cole has plans to change his identity in order to compete in the Olympiads—where Imps have now been invited to compete against Priors. He begins training with Mari, the intense and rebellious daughter of a retired fighter, but through trials and tests that are both exhausting and exhilarating, he finds himself in over his head—literally.

Will both Davis and Cole have the strength to resist temptation? Will they have the courage to face the answers they're seeking? Will their love survive across the divide

Amazon  |  B&N  |  Indie Bound  |  Book Depository

My Review


BEWARE SPOILERS BELOW

After reading book one, there were questions left unanswered...obviously. Our Romeo from the lower class and our Juliet from high society have been separated and in this book they are separated from each other and off doing their own thing. Davis (our Juliet) is under the impression that her Romeo (Cole) has kicked the bucket. She has been quarantined onto a ship with other people who have the Narxis strain and is sent to this mysterious island for "treatment." Cole, on the other hand is very much alive and is searching for a cure. I was under the impression that he assumed Davis was dead, but still believed she was alive somewhere. It bugged me a little that the pair were separated for most of the book, but I was happy when they met up again near the end of the book. I do see the importance of their separation. It developed their character and their experiences shaped who they were as a person. Overall, it was a good read.
4 stars


Start at the Beginning with Feuds!



In this breathless story of impossible love, perfection comes at a deadly cost.

For Davis Morrow, perfection is a daily reality. Like all Priors, Davis has spent her whole life primed to be smarter, stronger, and more graceful than the lowly Imperfects, or “Imps.” A fiercely ambitious ballerina, Davis is only a few weeks away from qualifying for the Olympiads and finally living up to her mother’s legacy when she meets Cole, a mysterious boy who leaves her with more questions each time he disappears.

Davis has no idea that Cole has his own agenda, or that he’s a rising star in the FEUDS, an underground fighting ring where Priors gamble on Imps. Cole has every reason to hate Davis—her father’s campaign hinges on the total segregation of the Imps and Priors—but despite his best efforts, Cole finds himself as drawn to Davis as she is to him.

Then Narxis, a deadly virus, takes its hold--and Davis’s friends start dying. When the Priors refuse to acknowledge the epidemic, Davis has no one to turn to but Cole. Falling in love was never part of their plan, but their love may be the only thing that can save her world...in Avery Hastings's Feuds.

Mini Q & A with Avery Hastings

1)     With the completion of Torn, will you continue writing about The Feuds or will you move on to something else?



It is time for me to move on! I feel as though Cole and Davis’s story has reached its natural conclusion. I’m not sure what’s up next—it’s exciting to start fresh.

2)     Who are your writing inspirations?

My writer friends here in New York (and elsewhere) inspire me every day. So many of them are juggling full-time jobs and families in addition to writing beautiful novels. Their hard work motivates me to push myself harder! In terms of writers whom I don’t know whose work I admire: Alice Munro, Ruta Sepetys, Michael Chabon, Elizabeth Wein, and Jennifer Egan, among others.

3)     Have you ever "fangirled"? If so, who and how did it happen?

Not really, but only because I never recognize anyone. I recently sat next to Ethan Hawke for about an hour at a coffee shop without realizing it was him. We made eye contact and everything and I kept thinking, “Do I know that guy? Am I supposed to say hi?” Finally I made the connection, but I still didn’t feel any kind of rush. Once I did get a little nervous handing a pencil to Mary-Kate Olsen, though. =) And I think if I ever ran into Stephen King at a party, I’d freak out a little internally. 

About the Author

Avery Hastings is an author and former book editor from New York City. Avery grew up in graduated in 2006 from the University of Notre Dame and earned her MFA from the New School in 2008. When she's not reading or writing, Avery can usually be spotted lying around in the park with her affable dog. Like her protagonists, she knows how to throw a powerful right hook and once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. In addition to New York, Avery has recently lived in Mumbai and Paris, but is happy to call Brooklyn home (for now).


0 comments:

 

The Consummate Reader Copyright © 2010 Designed by Ipietoon Blogger Template Sponsored by Online Shop Vector by Artshare