Becoming (Daughters Of Saraqael, #1) in UtopYA Reading Challenge

Jul 28, 2013 A Book Vacation rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. To see my full review:

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his is a very well written novel that takes place in two planes, or worlds, if you will. The beginning half of the novel centers around Amber and her life on the human plane as she gets ready for graduation and taking the next steps in her life. Thomas fleshes out her characters, Amber and Gabriel, during this time, making the reader fall in love with them as we get to know them on a deep level. Having grown up together in foster care To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

his is a very well written novel that takes place in two planes, or worlds, if you will. The beginning half of the novel centers around Amber and her life on the human plane as she gets ready for graduation and taking the next steps in her life. Thomas fleshes out her characters, Amber and Gabriel, during this time, making the reader fall in love with them as we get to know them on a deep level. Having grown up together in foster care, watching them thrive and fall in love was extremely gratifying, and I really enjoyed their characters. I especially love Gabriel. He’s a great male lead and Thomas does such a great job making him believable and real, just like she does with Amber. I loved both leads very much, though Gabe steals the show, in my opinion.

Now, whereas this novel begins on the human plane, it ends of the Estilorian plane, giving equal time to both “worlds,” though they’re not technically separate worlds, from what I understand. It’s more like equal existences in an alternate reality, if I understand correctly. But, regardless, the world building is epic! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Estilorian place, and while I don’t necessarily understand everything about the plane because I’m not really scientific, I’ve believe I have good enough sense of it all based on what Thomas reveals through Ini-herit and the other characters during the transition period of the novel, and from the prequel, Prophecy, as well.

The ending of Becoming was a little rough for me as I was convinced that Thomas was going to do something drastic to the characters, and I nearly threw the book across the room in tears. However, rest assured, Thomas doesn’t do anything to the plot that isn’t needed, though that probably don’t assuage potential reader fears… just know the end it perfect.

I’m very excited to read the next novel in this series because I liked Amber’s sisters, but didn’t feel I learned enough about them individually as this novel focuses mainly on Amber. But, I believe Thomas has written this series to follow a different sister in each novel while still flowing in sequence, which is awesome! I first was introduced to this type of serial style by Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series, which follows a different brother in each book, yet spurring on the overall plot, and it’s an epic way to tell a story. Amber’s had her turn, and while we’ll still learn about her in the next segment, the focus will move to Olivia, which makes me really excited because she intrigues me. ...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Bethany Lopez rated it it was amazing

Shelves: go-to-author, paranormal-love

I loved it! The story was intriguing and wonderful! I am a huge fan of trilogy's, especially when they involve love stories combined with fantastic elements. I am really proud and in awe of what Raine has accompished here and I love the fact that the other two books are available now... instant gratification! I loved Amber and Gabriel and cannot wait to get started on Central. ...more

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