Author: Meg Cabot
Series: Abandon Trilogy #1
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Point
Pages: 304
Source: KPL
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
Stars: 3/5
New from #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, a dark, fantastical story about this world . . . and the underworld.MY THOUGHTS:
Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.
Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.
(summary taken from Goodreads)
Meg Cabot will always continue to be one of the wittiest authors on my watch, and that doesn't change with this sweet re-telling of the Hades and Persephone myth!
Although Abandon was a little slow to start, it was such an easy book to fly through in one sitting. I loved how you could never tell exactly where it was going. You just had to sit back and enjoy the ride, which was really refreshing! The only thing I found hard to swallow was how many flashbacks were incorporated in the story because it slowed down the pace.
Our heroine, Pierce, was such a kind, caring, and considerate girl, but I felt like she was made from a mold I'd seen so many times before: shy and a little too selfless. The story was very well-written but I never felt like Pierce's voice shone through and that made it really hard to connect with her. I wanted to see more of the strength that the author implied was there!
But John — complete with his dark and broodiness that made him a totally swoon-worthy character — was the perfect love interest for Pierce! ♥ Their whole relationship was so incredibly sweet, and near the end, I found myself smiling at their interactions. This may have been a Hades/Persephone re-telling, but they put their own captivating spin on it.
Thoughtful and sweet, Abandon may not have been a favourite, but it was a beautiful start to a bound-to-be enticing trilogy. You should definitely give it a shot! I'm really excited to see where Meg Cabot will take this story with the future installments! :)
BUY or BORROW?: This was more of a borrow read for me, but if you're a Meg Cabot fan or a huge Greek mythology lover, then you might want to look into investing in this book!
-Mimi
Posts
It sounds more of a borrow read to me too. Been on the fence whether to read this book or not. Anyway great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Meg Cabot books. I've heard so many positive things about her books. I won't try this one first.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is more of a borrow book XD> I actually didnt like this boook :( I think I have a problem with Meg Cabot's writing style because it is so hard for me to get hooked by her books (even when those are incredibly popular) SO as you say, if people is a Cabot fan, they might prefer to invest in this book =)
ReplyDeleteGreat review my dear! this book wasnt my favorite eatiher but I do believe it has the potential other people is looking for ^__^
take caere and happy reading my sweet Mimi!! muah!!!!!!
It's interesting how there has been such a flood of Persephone/Underworld retellings lately; I wouldn't say this is the best one but I am a HUGE Cabot fan so it mostly worked for me. I think your "Buy or Borrow" assessment is right on.
ReplyDeleteI just have to say Mimi that I find you adorable. Even when a book isn't your favorite, you write such a sweet and enthusiastic review that just makes me wish I could hug you, drag you to a bookstore, and then sit in the YA section and talk books to you all day:) I know this story got a lot of mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it. I'm partial to all things Greek mythology though, so I went in wanting to love this one and did. I agree it could be slow at times though. And John? LOVED him, can't wait for Underworld!
ReplyDeleteSounds like this one has some untapped potential! I don't own this one so I'm thinking perhaps a library read or something. Pierce does sound pretty awesome, and hopefully she'll grow into herself in the sequel. Wonderful review, Mimi - direct and in-depth!
ReplyDeleteOooh I miss Meg Cabot! It's been a while since I've read anything by her. I LOVE the way she writes. Love love love! Abandon sounds promising, even if it doesn't seem to have gotten everything right. Thanks for your review, Mimi! I need to read this :D
ReplyDeleteGreat review Mimi! I've been wondering if I should check this one out for a while now, and I definitely think I should. I love the whole myth of Hades and Persephone - this one sounds like it'll be interesting. Thank you for sharing! <3<3
ReplyDeleteOooohhh I want to read this! I read Insatiable and overbite and totally loved it!
ReplyDeleteMIMI!!! Your thoughts = my thoughts EXACTLY! (Why am I not surprised? This is why I trust your opinion so much! <33333) Meg Cabot was my writing hero when I was growing up, but I just couldn't get into this one either and it made me so sad! Pierce and I just couldn't click at all. But I'm with you about John: He was the most incredibly sweet Hades ever! Their relationship was what made me adore Abandon!
ReplyDeleteEpically awesome review as per usual, Mimi-Doll! You always write such considerate and gracious ones, even when a book isn't for you. (: <333
Great review mimi. I rated it the same and I agree it's a good book but it's not fantastic. Just a good, passable story with nice characters.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Mimi! It definitely still sounds amazing despite not being the most wonderful book ever. I actually really loved some of Meg Cabot's books years ago but I haven't read anything recently. I wonder if I would still enjoy her style? :) I must check this out!
ReplyDeleteI was really excited about this one before it released, but then I read a whole bunch of mixed reviews which made me put it on the backburner. I am a fan of Greek Mythology though, so I'll have to get started on this series at some point! I love how you put such a positive spin on your review even though this wasn't your favourite book. Very sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard many mixed things about this one (especially considering the pacing), but whenever I see it featured on a blog again, I want to read it though. I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reminding me that this is still part of my to-read list! :D
ReplyDeleteCarina
Fictional Distraction
great review! won't buy it and can't borrow it/ so a no for me
ReplyDeleteu rock
I might have this on my shelves, I'm not sure... but I remember hearing it's kind of a middle ground book. Not amazing but good. I'm glad you enjoyed anyway! I gotta say, I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteI think I gave it the same rating , it was a nice read but nothing that blew me away. But, John was swoon worthy awesome!! The story sometimes was hard to follow and a little complicated for my liking, but I hope the next book will be a little better!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read a Hades/Persephone re-telling, and it looks like Meg Cabot's take would be a perfect place to start! It's good to know that the couple here have their own feel that set them apart.
ReplyDeleteI've always had an interest in Greek mythology. The funny thing is I Hades and Persephone never crossed my mind while I was reading the description. But when you mentioned it in your review it clicked immediately. You actually have me interested because of that. I'm curious to know how the author develops and plays this story out. Sounds like a lovely little romance.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this around for some time, and it's even been published here in Spain! But I get when you say that about not having connected with the main character, but loving all the romantic moments and the actual love interest (I NEED to read romance in books!) and it's a bit frustrating. I still don't know whether I'll read this or not... maybe I'll just borrow it from the library and see if it's for me or not :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and your buy/borrow rating is awesome! It really gives me the reason to buy or not that book next.
I haven't read one single Meg Cabot book so far and after reading your review I think I won't start with Abandon. So I'll just try to borrow it, because I still feel like reading it. Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteSelfless heroines kind of annoy me because they're so realistic but I'll be reading this one probably before book 2 comes out because I adore Meg Cabot's novels. My favourite from her all her series is still The Mediator.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many mixed things about this one!! *sad face* its kept me from actually taking the plunge and buying it..
ReplyDeleteMimi, are you quite sure this isn't the most amazing book that ever was? You've seen that gorgeous cover, right?? :D
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this was a more middling read for you, sweetie, but at least it sounds like it kept your attention enough to keep going with the series! I do that sometimes too, I just can't seem to help myself. I appreciate the honest review. :)
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
I own this book. Haven't read it yet but I am dying to. I love Greek myth. Thanks for the honest review, Mimi :)
ReplyDeleteI have a confession to make: I've never read a Meg Cabot book. *gasps* Will you still be my friend? Pleeease? :D
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, even if I wanted to read one of her books, and I do, this wouldn't be a good place to start. I don't particularly enjoy Greek mythology, probably because it was crammed down my throat all through high school and Uni.
Where do you think I should start?
Thank you so much for your thoughts on this, lovely. <3
Eeeep I loved JOhn and yes i found it so hard to connect with Pierce as well. Though Im still anxious to read the second book. Great review Mimi. xoxo
ReplyDeleteƸ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ
I feel the exact same way about this book! Are you a mind reader? Or maybe just my subconscious? :P I did enjoy it, but the way she executed the flashbacks just didn't work out for me. And yeah, Pierce is nice enough, but... nothing WOW. I am intrigued by John, though. I want to know more about him!
ReplyDeleteBut still, like you, I'm eager to see where this is headed next after how things ended. Fantabulous review, Miss Valentine!
Mimi! You're a reading MACHINE! How do you do it?!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds fun... I so know what you mean about the character you've read over-and-over, but it sounds fun nonetheless? They can't all be perfect, I suppose, but I LOVED your review (like always), and I'm glad you still liked it regardless :)
it sounds like a nice read but I understand it must be difficult to have a slow start and to not connect with a character. Tough I'm glad it improves. I haven't planned to read this one but who knows? Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi! I was just looking around your blog and I went to your "Contact Me" page and at the bottom you wrote that your Goodreads profile is set to private because you aren't 18 yet. There's a way you can have a public profile without being 18; Just don't add your birthday. And that way people who aren't your friends can follow your reviews as well. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally love your review. I read this book (well, actually, it's more like read half of it :p) and I didn't like it at all. I hated the flashbacks and Pierce was just annoying. Great review, as always! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review, Mimi! I love it that the hero is a swoon-worthy character! Meg Cabot is a really productive author and I really enjoyed reading her books! Especially her Mediator series. <3 I'm glad that there are some things you still enjoy in this book! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's so AMAZING how fast you read, Mimi! And I always love reading your review, it makes me happy and want to read book right at the moment! <3
I really liked this book! I'm a HUGE Meg Cabot fan, so I'll probably love anything that talented woman writes. Sorry to hear that this book didn't completely WOW you, Mimi. :( I loved the way this book put its own spin to the Hades/Persephone tale, like you mentioned. Marvelous review, Mimi, as usual! Hopefully, you'll like the second book in the series a little bit more! <3
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed this one, Mimi, even though it didn't blow your mind. I've been super curious about it myself, but never quite sure if I should pick it up or not, since I've heard some less than good stuff. I'll definitely have to consider it some more! Great review:)
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE Meg Cabot. Her books always put a smile on my face and I remember so many days just spent curling up with one of them. I'm glad to see that Abandon doesn't break the trend of good books even if it wasn't a favourite or anything.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, John sounds like such a great character <3 I can't wait to read all about his relationship with Pierce and how it works with the original Hades/Persephone myth.
It's kind of interesting that you mention Pierce being shy and selfless since Kate from The Goddess Test is just like that too and I'm pretty sure the books -- both about the Persephone myth -- came out at the same time. Interesting LOL.
Great review! :) You do such an awesome job of bringing out the good points despite those that you don't like as much.
Sonia
OH and I e-mailed you... my e-mail account is pretty moody though and sometimes doesn't send them on the first try so let me know if I need to re-send.
DeleteI wasn't exactly a big fan of this book either (actually to be honest, I don't really remember much about it) but I'm definitely interested in where she'll take this series too! I'll always have a soft spot for Meg Cabot, even when her books are a hit or miss for me. I loved reading your review and what you found wrong with the novel. Haha, I seriously can't remember much about the main character so she didn't really make an impression on me. I know Meg Cabot is definitely capable of strong, sassy female characters so I hope Pierce shows it too! Fantastic, honest review, Mimi. :D
ReplyDeleteOoohhh this is another Hades/Persephone re-telling? There seems to be a lot of those lately! hahaaa, I MIGHT give this a try one day...but Meg Cabot unfortunately isn't one of my fav. authors (i.e. I don't particularly like her books) sooo...I don't know if I'll enjoy this one or not :S Still...glad you liked this! Awesome review, Mimi!<3
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