Review: Hyacinth

Reviewed by Shelly
 

This one’s a little darker than its predecessor; the violence is a little more sinister, but the story is definitely better for it. Before I go on, you should know that I’m most likely going to reveal things from the first story as this a continuation and not independent so I would definitely suggest that you give Blue Violet a read first.

Selene has taken over as ruler of the Vyusher since the death of her evil twin brother Gideon, who if you remember was just as nutty as they come. She’s at a vulnerable stage in her life where she’s not able to control her own dreams. Thinking that the only way to protect her people is to get away from them, Selene decides to go away. After decades of hating her, Griffin -- member of the Svatura -- just wants to avoid Selene at all cost because of the role she played in his family’s death.

Selene’s powers are extraordinary, even to the Vyusher, and to her credit, she still has a compassionate and giving soul which is why Gideon was able to get away with doing to her what he did. Such a tool! I initially had quite a bit of trouble with her relationship with her brother, as their dynamics was really twisted and it just didn’t add up. Prepare yourself for that – wow! Again, such a tool he was. I thought the evolution of her character from even the first story was progressive (no wishy washy nonsense), understandable and increased my enjoyment of her.

The subtle nuances in Selene and Griffin’s relationship were handled well and paced wonderfully – enough to keep the pages turning late into the night. If you remember from the first story, she came to Griffin in his dreams and we find out a lot more of why she did that; more importantly we find out the story about the how and when she remembers Griffin and how she came to feel the way she did about him. I felt her pain - sucks loving dude when dude doesn’t like himself or you for the way he feels.

The relationship between Selene and Ellie was interesting and not unexpected in light of Ellie’s forgiving and loving nature. Without Ellie’s unfailing friendship, I know I wouldn’t have liked the story as much as I did. Because she’s had so little love and affection in her life, Ellie really filled that void of the sibling and it was sweet to watch the way Selene blossomed.

As unlikable as Griffin was written, it was hard not to like him. I could see him really trying to believe in something with his heart even when his memory and his eyes tell him different. After all the years of meeting only in their dreams, when they finally do meet, the connection he felt for and with Selene was instantaneous, mutual, and strong. It actually proved to be a bit too strong for him -- on them both, really -- making the acceptance and forgiveness that much more trying. It was hard to hate on Griffin knowing how both he and Ellie suffered without their parents. He did have to grow up, though, and watching him move through the motions of accepting Selene despite her past --- so cute.

It was great catching up with Alex and his fiancé Ellie, those wonderful Jenners, Adelaide, and Nate. I think I might be crushing on Ramsey, the red-haired firestarter, just a teeny tiny bit. Lila, you better get your man before somebody else does. Even though this is YA themed (i.e. no sexy time) Owen does a credible job of capturing and keeping my attention from beginning to end. Can’t wait for the next one --- not sure who it’s going to be, but I’m hoping it’s Lila’s story.

Happy Reading Folks!

Rating: B

*ARC provided by author for review 

Click to purchase: Amazon

Hyacinth

by Abigail Owen

Release Date: February 23, 2013