Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Review: Forecast

FORECAST
Sisters of Fate #2
Rinda Elliott
Paranormal Young Adult
ebook
HarlequinTEEN
Available now
Source: from author for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
The Lockwood triplets are charged with helping to save the world—but at a high cost.

Coral is always in the middle, always the family peacemaker. She’s the sister with the most to prove. When a freak snowstorm halts her Florida summer, signaling the Norse end of the world, she tracks down Taran Breen—a would-be warrior carrying Thor’s soul. A boy who’s fought his temper all his life and is now a suspect for murder.

One who looks at her as no other has before.

As roaring seas surge and terrifying underworld creatures emerge for battle, can Coral control her goddess magic and protect Taran? Because now she has a chance for more than her crazy life—as long as she and Taran win….

It is written that three Sisters of Fate have the power to change the world’s destiny.

But only if they survive…


MY THOUGHTS
Forecast is the best kind of second installment, playing perfectly off the prophecy of the three sisters introduced to us in Foretold and expanding upon it while still providing us with a complete story arc all its own. The events of Coral's story unfold simultaneously with those of her sister Raven's (whom we met in Foretold), but though we know some very important truths about the girls' mother thanks to our time with Raven, everything else Coral and Taran face is completely new. This story could easily be picked up out of order thanks to Ms. Elliott's ability to subtly recap events, getting any potentially new readers up to speed without being heavy handed with repetition those familiar with what the girls are facing don't need.

Coral is adorably colorful, both in personality and fashion, tossing herself right into the middle of Taran's not-insignificant problems with flair and gusto. She's incredibly knowledgeable with various spells and remedies thanks to some of her mother's magical ability, and she keeps an impressively cool head when faced with a crisis that requires her knowledge. She's not as reluctant to share information with Taran as Raven was with Vanir, approaching the soul of Thor issue fairly quickly so they can better focus on what's expected of all of them with regard to Ragnarok. Her banter with Taran is of the smile-inducing variety, the two of them dancing around one another with no shortage of innuendo (unintentional on her part, more than intentional on his) flowing between them, and we can't help but be grateful for their humorous moments in the middle of mythological chaos.

Taran, as expected based on the soul of the god he houses, has what one might describe as a few anger management issues–his fuse short and easily lit–but even with a tendency to lead with his fists, he's easy to fall for. It's clear he's fairly in the dark with regard to his temper, aware it's a problem but not entirely sure why there are times he can't get a handle on it, but never once does that temper extend to those who aren't deserving of it. He engages in frequent battles of wit with best friends Josh and Grim (who are absolutely hilarious highlights of this story) and flirts shamelessly with Coral, though the way in which he does so comes off as irritatingly charming for its effectiveness rather than insincere, traits that when combined with the visual of Chris Hemsworth in our heads rockets him to the top of our book boyfriend lists.

Overall, Forecast is as action-packed as its predecessor, giving us new pieces of the girls' prophecy to put in place while reminding us here and there of what we learned with Raven to make sure we have as complete a picture as possible before we enter into the final showdown with third and final sister Kat.

Rating: 4/5
 

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This book was sent to me by the author free of charge for the purpose of a review
I received no other compensation and the above is my honest opinion.

41 comments:

  1. I've been a sucky commenter for weeks now. :-( Trying to get better. I missed Foretold. I can't remember the first book at all. Do you think it's worth picking up?

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    1. I very much enjoyed the first one Alison! They're both quick, fun reads:)

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  2. I haven't started this series yet, but I'm intrigued - especially since its predecessor sounds strong, too. I love the fact that this one is full of action, and it sounds like Coral is a gem of a character. Beautiful review, Jenny!

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    1. I adored Coral:) Taran was fabulous too, as were his two best friends. I want a novella for each of them!

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  3. I do like Ragnarrok...if you can like that, ha

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  4. So happy to hear this didn't suffer from the dreaded middle book syndrome. This series sounds wonderful Jenny!

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    1. No middle book syndrome at all Ali! I think it helps when each book focuses on a different set of characters, but still there was the perfect amount of recap before we jumped into the thick of things with Coral!

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  5. Yay, for middle books that don't suffer from sequel syndrome. I love the sound of both Taran and Coral individually and together, and it sounds like the secondary characters are just as well developed. I'll see if I can give this series a try soon, Jenny.

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    1. She writes great characters, period. Main and secondary. I highly recommend these books Z!

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  6. Coral sounds a bit more fun than her sister. And it's good that Taran doesn't let his anger out on those who don't deserve it -- that's a bit different than the history of the god he houses!

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    1. I thoroughly enjoy this series Mary! Yes to Norse mythology.

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  7. Oh I need to read this series, Jenny. It sounds like so much fun and I think I would really like these sisters. Also, Taran has Thor's soul? Umm swoooooon! <3
    I also like how this has mythology. Coral especially sounds like a lovely main character. I'm already rooting for her just from reading your review. I'm off to see if B&N has the first book.
    Gorgeous review, Jenny! :)

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    1. YES NICK! SWOOOOOOOOOOOOON. I couldn't help but picture Chris Hemsworth the entire time. Maybe I tried to lick the page whenever Taran was mentioned. What of it?! DON'T JUDGE ME ;-)

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  8. I like the sound of Coral. I don't think I've really noticed this series much (or at all). I'll have to look up the first book!

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    1. I hope you do Candace, I'm a big fan of this series!

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  9. I do not know this book. I do not know this series.

    *SIGHS*

    It's been a long summer, Jenny. A freaking long summer and my brain is sucked dry. But this series sounds pretty good ... Hmm ...

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    1. I feel your pain. Every time I visit a blog I feel like my comment starts off with "I really need to read this series..." I need more hours in the day:)

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  10. I remember when you reviewed the first book. I think I like the sound of the male characters especially the two that provide the comedic relief.

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    1. Josh and Grim were epic. I want them for my very own:)

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  11. Wow! Great review! I hadn't heard of this series yet... but I am totaly intrigued now!

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    1. I'm so glad I could put it on your radar Becca!

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  12. I'm not sure about Tarin but bring on the mythology! I love these kinds of books so I will believe you and know that I will still fall for Tarin in the end. I'm so curious about this book now!

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    1. I know he sounds tricky, but I think you'll like him Melissa. Definitely fit for the book boyfriend harem:)

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  13. This series sounds pretty cool. I enjoy stories about prophecies.

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  14. Oh this book sounds like so much fun Jenny! You always seem to be on track with some great series, so I'm thrilled that Elliot was able to provide a fantastic follow up with this book! I hope this series continues to go on strong for you! Fab review as always! :)

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    1. Just one book left Jasprit! It makes me want to cry a little, I don't want to say goodbye to these girls, but I'm hopeful Rinda will write more YA for me to devour!

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  15. Oh yes!! I so had dear and drool-worthy Chris Hemsworth in my mind when imagining Taran/Thor here! I loved his cheeky grin and banter with Coral and absolutely adored his friends!! And I loved what new things we got here and how the myths were all entwined in the narrative!
    Fantastic review, Jenny! I cannot wait for Foresworn!

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    1. Yessssssssssss Pili! Wasn't it fantastic? I need for it to be FORESWORN time:)

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  16. I love colourful characters!! They bring joy in my reads haha. Also, both covers in this series are so pretty. *.* Looks like a very good read and sequel. Plus, action? I'm in! Fab review :)

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    1. They're gorgeous aren't they? Love them. And I hope you give these a try Lola!

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  17. I had to go back to familiarize myself with your review of the first book and now that I have, I can recall thinking that some of the elements might not work for me, but on a whole it sounds like a pretty enjoyable series! I love Norse mythology and it sounds like the author is doing a good job translating it to teen fiction. Thanks for this review, Jenny!!

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    1. I'd only read one or two other books that featured Norse mythology before I picked these books up, and I'm a huge fan now Aylee!

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  18. WOO HOO! Let me know if you need more recommendations! I have tons:)

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  19. This does sound like the perfect kind of second installment, Jenny. I'm glad it lived up to your expectations. I really hope I find a way to work this series in soon---sisters, prophecies, and showdowns . . . what's not to like? ;)

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  20. I haven't heard of this series but I'm certainly curious about it now. I love when a second installment happens to continue the excellence of a trilogy as that always speaks to the strength of a series for me so I'm certainly adding this to my TBR. Fantastic review, Jenny!(:

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  21. Somehow this series hasn't made it onto my radar, though reading your review some of the characters sound familiar, so I must have read a review of book one. Glad to hear you're enjoying this so much! I keep saying this, but it sounds like another series to add to my neverending list. Coral seems like a wonderful heroine, and I'm excited to see her chemistry with Taran. Lovely review!

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  22. *waves* I am so sorry Jenny this summer with planning my daughter's wedding has me me awful and visiting blogs I simply adore like yours. Most days I only visit blogs who visit me, and I am sorry. Sept 27th will be here soon enough and things will return to normal. This series is new to be, but I am very curious about the characters.

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  23. I just read the first and last paragraphs because I haven't started this series, but saying its the "best kind of sequel" is certainly appealing. I need to check these out a little more. Thanks for peaking my interest.

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  24. I totally have to check this book out. Love your thoughts on it Jenny.

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