Official Review: The Hybrid by Venus Morales
Posted: 04 Aug 2015, 20:36
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Hybrid" by Venus Morales.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
In a world full of vampires, gods, phoenacians (half-phoenix/half-vampire), deamonons, and archangels, Venus Morales introduces the immortal life of Arielis (Ari) Abrasax. The Hybrid is Morales's latest young adult novel and the first in The Hybrid Series. In her hometown of New Orleans, Ari, daughter of Ares (god of war) and granddaughter of Hera and Zeus, is unique. She is the only known hybrid princess, half goddess and half phoenacian, in her magical world.
Being a young princess, Ari has had experiences that someone her age wouldn't normally have. She has fought deamonons with her best friend (Ily), stood up for herself against the god of war (aka her dad), been up to Olympus, and lives in a building entirely by herself. However, one area of maturity she lacks in life is control over her emotions. As a young adult, she meets two very attractive, very different young men that awaken strange, new feelings within her; one man is a protective, careful archangel, and the other one is the mysterious, dangerous, dark prince of the underworld. Ari realizes she needs to make a choice between the two, but who will she choose?
In the meantime, Ari returns to her mother's phoenacian clan in the Bayou to claim her crown and rightful place as Queen. In order to earn her place as Queen, she must face some competitive trials to prove her worthiness. She is allotted seven days of preparation. While preparing, Ari is faced with a couple of issues. The first problem is that there are people who don't want her claiming the throne and will stop at nothing to prevent it from happening. Another is that Ari's inner darkness is one short pull away from taking control over her for good. This strong-willed lead character finds herself unsure of who to trust and what to do.
I really enjoyed reading The Hybrid. I especially like the character relationships Morales includes in the novel. One of my favorites is the one between Ari and her father. Even the formidable god of war, Ares, has a weakness: his daughter. She reminds him so much of his late wife; yet she has a spunk that he finds endearing. Morales does a wonderful job portraying the love they have for one another throughout the novel. Another strong connection that was brought out nicely is between Ari her best friend, Illariyia. They banter, are sassy, and rag on each other frequently, but the love and trust they have for one another is very special.
One theme that occurs in The Hybrid is summed up in the words of the Deity: “Sometimes, child, not telling someone the full story right away is the right answer to protect them” (end of chapter eight). I feel this quote relates Morales's world to our own world. Just like parents with a small child, many people don't give their loved ones the full story until they are ready for it. This particular theme comes up frequently in the novel, helping the reader better relate to the fantasy world.
The only part of the book that was a bit confusing was the disconnect between the beginning of the story and the rest of the book. In the beginning of the book, a significant event occurs that I feel needs to be solved and further explained. The story line seemed to take an abrupt turn and that opening scene is never mentioned again. It could very well be that Morales is planning on expanding this part in her later books, but I felt left in the dark about that event and kept wanting more details.
I rate The Hybrid 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book to young adults who like a page-turning thriller with a strong leading character and a love story. I found Morales's creative world intriguing and gripping. I would consider following the series through, especially to find out what results from those beginning pages!
******
The Hybrid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
In a world full of vampires, gods, phoenacians (half-phoenix/half-vampire), deamonons, and archangels, Venus Morales introduces the immortal life of Arielis (Ari) Abrasax. The Hybrid is Morales's latest young adult novel and the first in The Hybrid Series. In her hometown of New Orleans, Ari, daughter of Ares (god of war) and granddaughter of Hera and Zeus, is unique. She is the only known hybrid princess, half goddess and half phoenacian, in her magical world.
Being a young princess, Ari has had experiences that someone her age wouldn't normally have. She has fought deamonons with her best friend (Ily), stood up for herself against the god of war (aka her dad), been up to Olympus, and lives in a building entirely by herself. However, one area of maturity she lacks in life is control over her emotions. As a young adult, she meets two very attractive, very different young men that awaken strange, new feelings within her; one man is a protective, careful archangel, and the other one is the mysterious, dangerous, dark prince of the underworld. Ari realizes she needs to make a choice between the two, but who will she choose?
In the meantime, Ari returns to her mother's phoenacian clan in the Bayou to claim her crown and rightful place as Queen. In order to earn her place as Queen, she must face some competitive trials to prove her worthiness. She is allotted seven days of preparation. While preparing, Ari is faced with a couple of issues. The first problem is that there are people who don't want her claiming the throne and will stop at nothing to prevent it from happening. Another is that Ari's inner darkness is one short pull away from taking control over her for good. This strong-willed lead character finds herself unsure of who to trust and what to do.
I really enjoyed reading The Hybrid. I especially like the character relationships Morales includes in the novel. One of my favorites is the one between Ari and her father. Even the formidable god of war, Ares, has a weakness: his daughter. She reminds him so much of his late wife; yet she has a spunk that he finds endearing. Morales does a wonderful job portraying the love they have for one another throughout the novel. Another strong connection that was brought out nicely is between Ari her best friend, Illariyia. They banter, are sassy, and rag on each other frequently, but the love and trust they have for one another is very special.
One theme that occurs in The Hybrid is summed up in the words of the Deity: “Sometimes, child, not telling someone the full story right away is the right answer to protect them” (end of chapter eight). I feel this quote relates Morales's world to our own world. Just like parents with a small child, many people don't give their loved ones the full story until they are ready for it. This particular theme comes up frequently in the novel, helping the reader better relate to the fantasy world.
The only part of the book that was a bit confusing was the disconnect between the beginning of the story and the rest of the book. In the beginning of the book, a significant event occurs that I feel needs to be solved and further explained. The story line seemed to take an abrupt turn and that opening scene is never mentioned again. It could very well be that Morales is planning on expanding this part in her later books, but I felt left in the dark about that event and kept wanting more details.
I rate The Hybrid 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book to young adults who like a page-turning thriller with a strong leading character and a love story. I found Morales's creative world intriguing and gripping. I would consider following the series through, especially to find out what results from those beginning pages!
******
The Hybrid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!
Review is very good, though, as well as the book (I suspect). I think it is written in a nice way to invite young adults to take a journey into Greek mythology, something they might not be quite accomplished with.