Monday, September 10, 2012

Fury by Elizabeth Miles (The Fury #1) ARC review

Genre:Young Adult, Paranormal Romance + Greek Mythology
Publication.Date  August 30th 2011
Pages:352
Published By:  Simon Pulse
WebsiteElizabeth Miles

Fury - Goodreads
My review copy:Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Where to get: Barnes and Noble | Amazon      | Book Depository




Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
     It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...
     Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
     On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
     In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
     Em and Chase have been chosen.
(goodreads.com)





The Furies, Drea said again. The light caught her eyes, making them gleam golden. Three girls. Three spirits. Three demons. Three witches. Whatever you want to call them. They're here, for sure. They're these three spirits that have been around forever.”
 “I'll only stay for a few minutes, she told herself, clenching the steering wheel as if to show the strength of her convictions. There's nothing wrong with a little harmless flirtation. Everybody flirts. Gabby would flirt with an armchair if she could.
Out of the snowy fog emerged one girl, then two more. Chase couldn't help but let his jaw drop a bit; these chicks were amazing. The one in front, a redhead with fair skin, was smiling. The other two - one withe-blond and a little curvy, the other petite with wavy, honey-colored hair and a scarlet ribbon tied around her neck like a choker - stood behind her with serious expressions on their gorgeous faces. All three of them seemed to be enveloped in some sort of white light; probably the moon playing tricks with the snow.


     
     Let me start off by saying: I love Greek mythology! I love mythology in general, but Greek mythology is, in my opinion, the most interesting one. It’s so full of fantastic myths and legends, with a vast variety of intriguing characters. Needless to say, I enjoy reading books featuring Greek myths. Every once in a while I come across an author who did a great job retelling one of my favorite myths. That happened before with Aimee Carter and her lovely book, The Goddess Test, and now it happened again with Elizabeth Miles. Her debut novel, Fury, was a thrilling and absolutely gorgeous read. Lauren Kate, the bestselling author of the Fallen series, said that Fury seduced her and I totally second that! Fury is no doubt one of the sexiest YA books!

     The book takes place in Ascension, Maine (my favorite US state! I just love books that are taking place in Maine!), during winter break. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers who attend the same local high school. Emily, the main protagonist of the story, falls for her best friend’s boyfriend. She knows that it’s wrong and that she will probably regret this later, but the chemistry between them is so strong and it’s the first time she actually feels the butterflies in her stomach when she thinks about a guy. It’s too sweet, too tempting to resists

     Life hasn’t been easy for Chase either. He’s a sweet and likable guy, great at sports and kind to people around him, but because of where he lives, he’s stuck with the “trailer trash” label. This makes it hard for him to blend in with all the rich kids who often make mean jokes about him.  He used to have a close friend, Sasha, who shared a similar fate to his own. They understood and supported each other, and Chase started falling for her. It seemed that the feeling was mutual, until one day Sasha’s mom married a rich guy and they moved into a big, fancy house. Her social status drastically changed, she no longer was a fellow “trailer trash” kid, no longer acted like his best friend. Sasha pushed Chase away and made it clear (in front of her new group of friends) that she’d rather die than hang out with him again. Humiliated and heart-broken, Chase had done something cruel and unforgivable to get back at her. 

     It happens to the best of us. Sometimes we do stupid things that we later regret. Sometimes we say mean things without realizing that words are powerful and they can cut deeper than a knife. We all make mistakes, but sometimes sorry isn’t enough. And sometimes the past catches up with us and we have to pay for what we did.  

     I really enjoyed reading Fury. It was like R.L Stine’s Fear Street but with a great paranormal twist and spiced up with Greek mythology. Doesn’t it sound delicious? Well, it absolutely is! It was sexy, full of tension, fast-paced and enticing. Elizabeth Miles did a great job retelling the Greek myth about Furies (Erinyes), she made them so freaking awesome! Beautiful and hot yet so deadly and cruel! I loved them. I think this book would make a great motion picture and I so hope it will be filmed one day! 

     I didn’t really get attached to Ems. She had a lot of flaws and I often felt irritated by her actions. I wouldn’t say that I disliked her, but she wasn’t my favorite character either. I loved J.D and I really enjoyed getting to know Chase. Despite the things he has done, Chase was a very likable and three-dimensional character. And well, at least he had a good reason for acting the way he did, unlike Emily, who was just  plain selfish. But let’s make one thing clear – Elizabeth Miles portrayed her as an immature back-stabber for a reason and I realize it was absolutely essential to the story. I sympathized with Chase, and although I can’t say the same thing about Emily, I think her character has a great potential and she will probably grow on me in the next instalments of this series. I’m looking forward to that! 

     The cliffhanger ending left me speechless. I did not expect it at all. The only complaint I have here is the fact that Gabby forgave Emily way too easily. It just didn’t seem right, no one forgives and forgets THAT fast, especially since Miles clearly emphasized how much Gabby’s boyfriend meant to her. But, overall, it was a really great, gut-wrenching and emotional ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!






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About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

42 comments:

Natalie said...

I was debating buying this book yesterday but held off because I havent read many reviews of it....guess I'll have to go back and get it now! :)

Kathy said...

This is now being added to my list of books I must read RIGHT NOW. I loved your review.

I really love the sound of this, and enjoy Greek mythology as well, so I am sure I am going to love it.

The characters seem so deep, and complex which I am going to love.

Thanks for an awesome review!

Lark Andrea said...

I have this ARC to read next. I am looking forward to it after your review.

Andrea @ Reading Lark

~Sara @ Just Another Story said...

I have read so many mixed reviews about this book. I really appreciated it. I was thinking I'd get to it eventually, but now I am more excited to get to it.

Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic said...

I'm not sure about this one because I'm still confused. I can be so slow sometimes. Guess I need to just read it.

Maidenveil said...

I love Greek Mythology too! when I heard that Fury's like a retelling of Greek myth, I immediately added it to my tbr. ;)

poisnivyred said...

LOVED the review! I’ve been dying to read this book, all the reviews have been great! I also love the cover… redheads really like books about other redheads ;)

Bookish in a Box said...

Fury sounds incredible! I love paranormal and Greek mythology and can't wait to read a blend of the two.

candice (thecrjreviews) said...

Another great review for this book; I think Fury clicked up a few notches on my TBR list.

Love the quote:
"Everybody flirts. Gabby would flirt with an armchair if she could."

I am loving all the re-tellings of Greek Myths.

Unknown said...

Ooh, it has Greek mythology, a love triangle and an evil cliffhanger? I absolutely must read this one. :)

alovelywriterxo said...

I never knew Fury had Greek Mythology! I love that factor in books nowadays! :D Definitely a must read now!

x
Sierra(:

Kaylene said...

This book sounds so good! I love Greek Mythology! I can't wait to read this one!

Literary Chanteuse said...

This sounds really good! I love the mix with Greek mythology!

Brenna said...

Ahh, I'm happy to hear that you liked it! I've read such mixed reviews, but I love the premise for it, so hopefully I do enjoy it when I get around to reading it :)

SpadesHighReads said...

I totally agree with your interview, it took me a while to get into it and Em was really annoying thank goodness for J.D... I didn't like what Chase did, but I was really starting to like him maybe even a hint of #bookCrush lol The ending was kind of a bummer but I hope Book #2 would get better.

GFC Follower: SpadesHighReads

Munnaza said...

I'm a huge Greek mythology fan too, so I've been looking out for this book for awhile now. The characters sound interesting, even Emma (though I can totally understand what you mean - I always get irritated when characters in books and films make stupid mistakes, and I almost always feel embarrassed for them to such an extent that it's painful for me to read or watch them do these things, like I'm mortified by association XD ). I think it's interesting that you mentioned RL Stine in your review. I'm hoping this means that the book is also a little creepy, which is awesome because the Furies are supposed to be terrifying in myths, and I'd love to see that in the book as well.

Thanks so much for the review. It really sounds fascinating and exciting, and I can't wait to check it out.

Lori M. Lee said...

I've read a lot of mixed reviews about this book, especially concerning the MC Emily. But I also love Greek Mythology and I've yet to come across one about the Furies! I can't wait to check this one out for myself.

Denise Z said...

I have heard a lot about this book pros and cons and it definitely has my interest peaked. I have not read a book yet based on Greek mythology and would love to read this one for myself. Thank you for the wonderful comprehensive review today.

Chen Yan Chang said...

I love Greek Mythology so it's always awesome when authors write their interpretation of it! I haven't read this book yet though. I also heard of the mixed reviews of this book, but FURY's cover really caught my eye.

Teenagers usually do stupid things, but by incorporating the furies into the story, it's freaky!

SweetShenanigans said...

Love anything YA- especially with greek mythology incorporated! I'm debating whether I should get it now...

Tiffany Holme said...

This book constantly goes in and out of my shopping bag lol I fell in love with the cover first but after reading what it was about got excited. Haven't read it as of yet but want to.

FairyWhispers said...

another book set in the winter again..

Unknown said...

I am hesitant to read this. Maybe a library read. Too many people seem to not like it :/

Anonymous said...

im getting mixed reviews about this book but the cover is so pretty, and since you enjoyed it ill also give it a try =)

Anonymous said...

wow thats very interesting!! a greek mythology! im aboslutely in love with the cover though! i love her red hair! thanks for the amazing review hun!

primrose said...

Wow a must read indeed!

iLuvReadingTooMuch said...

Totally loved this book, and yes i agree: I got irritated with Em, but LOVE Chase :D and that ending...WOW didn't see that coming! can't wait to get my hands on the next book :) Great Review!

Affie - the kitteh of the opera said...

I read this too. Not my favorite book but definitely a good one. And the cover looks preeety on my bokshelf :)

WickedWillow said...

i really enjoyed this book. Nice review.

Aydrea said...

Glad you liked the book, I read a lot of reviews where people didn't like it. I think it sounds good though!

Karli said...

Glad you liked the furies. I'm hoping they'll satisfy the mythological craving I've been having lately! And a cliffy - even better! So excited to read this. :)

FireStarBooks said...

I am happy that you enjoyed the book. I know many didn't. I am a HUGE fan of Greek Myth and many books really disappoint but I am really excited to read this one. Thank you Evie! :)

Enbrethiliel said...

+JMJ+

I know a Fantasy writer who is very skeptical of modern stories that take traditionally evil monsters and turn them into sympathetic characters. (His favourite example is dragons.) I was reminded of him now when I pondered the possibility that Fury is the book that will redeem Greek mythology's angry, fearsome furies.

Then again, we can say they come "pre-redeemed." In the myth of Orestes, they are turned into the the Erinyes or Graces. If I do read this book, I'll be more interested in the Orestes figure than in the literal rendition of the Furies.

Mary Preston said...

I love the cover on FURY & Greek Mythology is always interesting. Thank you for your review.

Jaime Lester said...

I have heard so many conflicting things about this book, it is almost ridiculous. There is either love to the extreme or hate to the extreme. The books that get that kind of reaction, that is the book that I always want to read for myself. If a book can bring out such extreme emotions, it must be a very well written book. I loved The Goddess Test as well, and if you liked Fury too, I think I will have to jump on this one. Thanks for your review!

ZaraAlexis said...

Wow! I've never seen or heard of this book, but was instantly drawn to its cover. I love that gorgeous red hair! And what I find really intriguing now, based on your review, is what the heck did Chase do that was so terrible to get back at Sasha? NOW, I HAVE to read it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

E_V_E said...

I love Greek mythology too! so this could be book for me 8)
the cover is so beautiful! her hair, oh 8_)

gracelo said...

I love mythology in general c: I'm glad you liked this book, because I was a bit on the fence with all the mixed reviews floating around.
And my thoughts on the cover: I like this one much better than the other cover I've seen! It might be the colour, or the font . . .

Unknown said...

I just finished reading Starcrossed which is about greek mythology too and I liked it!It's great to leaern more about myths and I can't wait to read this! I'd love to add this one on my list. Thanks for the review!

Jaime Lester said...

So, I just finished up Fury today. I thought that it was a pretty decent story. I like the Furies. I liked the story behind this book. I think that it was well written. I think that my issue with the book was the characters. With the exception of JD and Drea, I really didn't like anyone. Ems got a little better towards the end of the book. I think she has some hopes of being a better person in Envy. I hate that I couldn't form an attachment to the characters. That is a must for me to actually love a book. I am hoping that we get more of Drea and JD in the next book. And hopefully Em and Gabby are better too. We shall see!

Unknown said...

I am really looking forward to read this book, i like mythology in general but when it gets to greek mythology i'm just happier!!

Sarah Elizabeth said...

oh no! not a cliffhanger ending! I might have to buy the second book before I read this one! :)

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