Heather’s Bookshelf: The Rave
Author: JR Traas
Released: 02/01/21
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Scifi
“There were, after all, two types of family: the one you were born with, for better or worse, and the one you got to choose—your best friends, your tribe, your whatever-you-might-call-thems.”
“The Rave” introduces Alina K’Vich, a seventeen year old Aelfraver (hunter of beasts and demons). Alina has lost almost everything: her parents, grandfather, and most of her things. She is on the verge of losing her family home and is near broke when an unlikely opportunity presents itself. Alina decides to join in on a Rave with a reward that could change her life. Of course, she will need to find the target and capture them before all of the other Aelfravers.
Alina travels under a forged license to the capital, New El, where she quickly finds herself in conflict with an Aelfraver from her past, in a new partnership with a super rich and powerful ally, and under the eye of a mysterious zealot. She also connects with a young thief living on the street that is much more than what she appears to be.
Alina must come to grips with events from her past, while she negotiates her present relationships, if she is going to save her future.
Trigger Warning: violence, murder
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the take on magic (Niima), Alina’s use of it, and some of the interesting futuristic elements like the city dragon guardian and the next level VR. But my favorite aspect of the story was the development of the characters. Alina herself is self conscious and powerful, skilled and novice. She’s a fantastic protagonist. A couple of the ancillary characters also stand out. The friendship that develops between Alina and Cho is endearing and organic in its development. Mezami provides an element of surprise and interest. I loved that each character’s background is revealed in pieces that also add to the overall storyline. I did find the initial portions of the story that followed Tolomond to be a little drawn out and reminiscent of Dan Brown. I felt that the ending was also really nicely done, leaving the possibility of other stories open while wrapping up the main tale. (I also liked the inclusion of the Elemental Glossary at the end of the story.)
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
Great protagonist in a surprising and interesting world.
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