Author: Kelly Hashway
Series: Book One in the Touch of Death Series
Published By: Spencer Hill (Jan. 15, 2013)
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Book Description:
Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.
My Thoughts and Review:
I have been fascinated with mythology for almost as long as I can remember. I love all the different variations on the lives of the gods. How they came about, their lives, their loves, their destruction, their betrayals, I just love it all and jump at any chance I get to read about them so it was no wonder the whole idea of Touch of Death appealed to me. Descendants of Medusa? Count me in!
I was really hoping that I would get something fun, different and completely unique and that is exactly what I got with an added bonus of a little love story thrown in for good measure and of course the ability to raise the dead. What more could a girl ask for?
There were a few cliches in this one, girl already has boyfriend, meets new guy, is attracted to him. Plain girl with special powers, mean girl hates her and wants her guy, that sort of thing, but honestly, it wasn't too bad and nothing that wasn't easily over looked because the rest of the plot line was so entertaining and original.
I loved all the spins on Medusa and her bloodline. About her not being a villain so much as a victim. I liked the almost motherly role she plays in Jodi's life and the fact that things are constantly happening in this doesn't hurt either. The ending does make me very curious about where the series will go from here but I would like to find out, I would like to see what happens and what adventures are in story for Jodi and Alex and I can't help bu be intrigued by Hades and must confess, that I would love to see more of him.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review*
I've always been fascinated by mythology as well, Greek mythology in particular, so this is definitely something I would enjoy. Love Medusa as a victim rather than a villain, and despite some of the cliches, it just sounds like an enjoyable read. Fabulous review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI am curious about the spins on Medusa and am glad you enjoyed this one despite some cliche characters.
ReplyDeleteMythology usually tends to draw me in too! I love Greek and Egyptian mythology especially, and am always looking for more books to add to the pile. :) Although this has a lot of those cliches we see countless times, I'm glad none of it was too frustrating and that you had fun with this book overall. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sam, I think all the mythology made up for the cliches and I was able to enjoy it more than I would if it hadn't had it. I am looking forward to the second book!
ReplyDeleteI think you would like the Medusa side of it for sure Heidi!
ReplyDeleteI think I might have this one... I'm actually kind of burnt out on mythology but it's a subject I like when done right. This sounds like it's a bit different than others though and like one I may really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI also love mythology, and you really don't see Medusa enough in these books, so it's cool to hear she has a role in this one. Glad you were able to overlook the cliches and enjoy this. When the plot and characters are really good, I'm always able to forgive a few offending cliches. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI've almost read this one a couple of times, but end up choosing something different at the last minute. Maybe I should JUST DO IT next time. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun book. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI love mythology! But oh yes the whole girl has boyfriend is attracted to new guy and has evil girl hating her is just so cliche.
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