Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
- Method of Obtaining: I obtained my copy via Netgalley.
- Published by: Delacorte Books
- Release Date: 10/9/2012
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City’s two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents’ sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn’t remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can’t conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.
- I’ve seen this cover on quite a few blogs and it sparked my interest.
I also recommend:
- Across the Universe by Beth Revis
- Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
When I started reading Mystic City I wasn’t thinking I would be thrust into a futuristic New York City – so after being initially taken by surprise, I settled into a story which, other than some fundamental changes, could easily reflect things happening during our own time.
Aria Rose, a young woman who is suffering from amnesia, is struggling to be the Juliet to the Romeo of a family who has been her family’s enemy for generations. The engagement is set, the wedding is moving forward, but Aria is not feeling as if things are how they should be.
And so Hunter is introduced to the story – and we have that love triangle that has become the standard in young adult literature.
Love triangles aside, there was some real depth to this story. There is the struggle between high and low classes which include a form of torture in order to keep that class structure intact. There are themes of revolution, true love and sacrifice, and selflessness which keep the story one that survives any parts which might tip over into the cliche.
I really enjoyed the kickoff to this series and will be watching for Lawrence’s future novels as they are released. It was nice to be more futuristic and still have that fantasy feel – and it was also nice to see the setting one that was familiar here without taking the city into a post-apocalyptic type feel.
Don’t just take my word for it! Check out what these bloggers say!
Bewitched Bookworms | Candace’s Book Blog | Annette’s Book Spot
