The Named in And So It Begins Reading Challenge

Mar 28, 2010 Nicole rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For some reason just can't love this book... The writing was not the best, but still pretty good, so that's not it. I think maybe it was that there were so many emotions, but they were left unexplained and that grates on my mind when I don't get the full story emotion-wise. The story is very unique in YA literature. Curley was able to create a story where time travel was actually considerably possible. Time travel is a tricky thing because so many things could go wrong, which she addresses, but For some reason just can't love this book... The writing was not the best, but still pretty good, so that's not it. I think maybe it was that there were so many emotions, but they were left unexplained and that grates on my mind when I don't get the full story emotion-wise. The story is very unique in YA literature. Curley was able to create a story where time travel was actually considerably possible. Time travel is a tricky thing because so many things could go wrong, which she addresses, but I thought the ingenious part was that they would take on the appearance and persona of someone that already lives in the time they're going to! That way there's no one extra to add in the history books and people aren't as suspicious of them.

Isabel is a name that I'm hearing more and more in YA novels. It's a beautiful name without a doubt, but I feel like it's beauty is starting to wear off as it gets overused. But I liked her character a lot in this one. The fact that she can take care of herself (physically at least) without needing the help of any boy is refreshing. I just wish she would make up her mind as to whom she loves: Arkarian or Ethan. When Ethan kissed Isabel, I thought that meant we would be getting somewhere in the love department, but I was disappointed. It was interesting to find out that Arkarian is her soulmate and not Ethan, but you kind of saw that coming. It just feels a little weird to me because when I picture Arkarian I see him as much older because he's lived for over 600 years and Isabel has only lived for 16 or 17 of those years. That's just a little creepy for me, but maybe it's the best example of love conquers all.

Ethan... not much to say because apparently he's figured himself out already, which no one has at that age. I thought it was kind of stupid that he was given his wings at the end, even though the Tribune told him that they were suspending his wings definitely. I realize what he did added the extra member that the Prophesy foretold, but isn't part of being in charge not going back on what you said? And I wish he would get over Rochelle. Not only did she turn out to be working for the Order, but she also broke up a life-long friendship. She must play some romantic soulmate thing in his life in the later books. And Marduke is just an a$$. There's really no other way to categorize him. He's bent on revenge on Ethan's dad, Shaun, and will kill anyone to do it. And over some girl! Men are never that emotional. Thank goodness Marduke's dead, but I have the feeling the Goddess of Chaos will find a way to bring him back to life.

I'm excited to see what the next book in the trilogy has in store. Here's what I'm hoping for: more action and more romance. Is that too much to ask for? We'll see. ...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it really liked it

I want you to sit back, relax and imagine what it would be like if you could change the past ? However , in changing even the slightest thing in the past can hold drastic consequences and set off a domino effect into the future. What if by chance, your great- great x 4 ancestor dies , you have two options A) Not be born at all or B) Born into a different family and entire environment.
Meet Ethan, he has the gift and is one of "The Named" , his ability is to time-travel .When he has the chance to ...more

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Aug 01, 2009 A rated it really liked it

Shelves: boys-and-girls, sci-fi-fantasy, series, magic, history, morality, paranormal, demons, family, time-travel

Medium-well. I really liked Isabel. Ethan was a bit of a cad at times. I can't see where all the mixed romance lines are headed (they're almost braided together, knotted in places, and sometimes severed)--but I mention this as a good thing. If it were too predictable (which it can be in spots) I'd have to take away a star. I think the beginning is a bit misleading. Definitely will read the rest of the trilogy (maybe even this week!) ...more

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