Monday, March 19, 2012

Review: Torn

Book: Torn
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy #2
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 291
Source: Kaylee (This girl is completely made of awesome!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
Stars: 4.5/5
Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world.  Step into the world of the Trylle, and prepare to be enchanted…

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…
She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.
Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.
As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “One Day, Three Ways,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.
(summary taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS:

You know you have an amazing sequel when you love it more than the first book and that's exactly the case with Torn! I wasn't expecting to be as blown away as I was but I ended up loving it from the beautiful cover to the heartbreaking end.

From the very first page, I already knew I was going to lose sleep reading this book! It still gives enough information to remind you of what happened in Switched, but the recap isn't boring or overwhelming. We also get to learn more about the Trylle lore, with its beautiful and magical trolls that are separated into two quarreling kingdoms (both of which have automatically made it onto my list of Fictional Places I Want To Live In).

In the first book, Wendy was only discovering her Trylle heritage and she was admittedly a little childish with her actions. But in Torn, you watch her grow and develop and have to go through so many sacrifices to protect her kingdom that you can't help but love her! My heart was on an inconsistent rhythm, but it was always in sync with hers.

Wendy's birth mother, Elora, also surprised me with how much I grew to like her. And even though you watch Wendy's forbidden romance with Finn dwindle before your eyes, which is as painful and heartbreaking to us as it is to her, we get to meet Loki (who completely stole me heart)! How can you not fall for a guy who's fun and sardonic yet still adorably sweet??

Beautifully written and crafted, Torn is a book that I think everyone should have on their shelf! The lore is original and enchanting, the romance is sweet and heartbreaking, and Wendy's sacrifices will tear you apart. I can't wait to get my hands on the final installment! :)

BUY or BORROW?: Definitely a book worth buying! If not for the gorgeous cover, then buy it for the coolest trolls you will ever read about in your life! ;)

-Mimi

32 comments:

  1. YAY! So happy you loved Torn and Loki! I LOVE Loki! I also lost sleep over these books. I read them when they were self published so I read one every night for three nights. I couldn't get enough. I loved the character developments of Wendy and Elora. They both grow and change so much. You can't help but feel for them and understand their mistakes since they are trying so hard to be a good Queen for their people. The Trylle are also such an interesting concept and I would love to visit them too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MIMI. *fangirl squee goes here* OMG, MIMI. You were so right about this series. While I didn't love, love, love the first book, I totally dug the second one. It was like crack for me. And the third? DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED. Loki is DA BOMB. I was so glad when she ditched Finn. he's so typical and broody and blech. Loki on the other hand? I. Can't. Say. Enough. Good. Things. HE IS AMAZING. He is perfect. I love him.

    Asher

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great! I'm glad to know that you love this sequel. I'm going to read this series in a few weeks and reading your great review makes me even more eager.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You're making me so jelous. Before I read your review I wanted to read this series, but now I REALLY want to read it. I can tell you really enjoyed it and that's great! Awesome review Mimi! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have books 1 and 2 next on my to-read pile . . . so I can't wait to start reading them. Great review! Glad you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Mimi - I'm so glad you loved this one as much as Switched! Just wait until you read the third novel Ascend, it's absolutely breathtaking and wonderful. I have to agree with you about Loki too! He's the best!

    Excellent review Mimi and thank you for sharing! <3<3<3

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yay! Great review! I've heard so many amazing things about this series and I haven't even started it yet. (I know I should.) Thanks for posting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yay for a sequel being better than the first book and not suffering from second book syndrome! This review had me emotionally all over the place, I haven't read book one but I'm already upset about the Wendy/Finn relationship and curious about Loki:) Fantastic review Mimi, I'm really looking forward to reading this series, and I'm glad to know we see a lot of growth from Wendy in this one!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, Mimi, it's not like I needed an extra push to read Switched, I already own it and all, but you gave me one nonetheless. To know that you enjoyed Torn even more helps even more. Also, I love it when an author doesn't get lost in endless recaps. Sometimes I appreciate them, but if a long time has passed from when I read the previous installment, I just pick it up and refresh my memory.
    Amazing review, my dear. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. So great to hear that this book surpassed the first one; I have read so many second books that didn't live up to my expectations based on the promise of the first one.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a gorgeous review like always, Mimi! After reading another amazing review from you on this series, I just know that I have to get myself a copy! I mean, changeling and troll sound absolutely amazing! I didn't even know why I haven't bought myself a copy sooner! x)

    Hopefully I'm going to love this book too! Can't wait to find out how awesome it is! <3

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jeepers! I still haven't read the first book, which is just nuts since I've watch a lot of interviews with the author on youtube. She's awesome, and from TEXAS!! I really need to show my support and read these book soon. I love it when the sequel is better than the first book. That gives you so much to look forward to. And I especially appreciate it when more of the lore is revealed. I'll definitely try to pick up this series soon and even donate the books to my library once I'm finished with them.

    ReplyDelete
  13. OMG cant wait to get started with this book! I have the whole series so I dont have to suffer the nailbiting season! it sounds so unusual, and coolest trolls? eeeeeeep! Great review my Mimi! <3

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the detailed review. I haven't read the first in series yet, but will have to get to it. Torn sounds like a great read.
    -FABR Steph@FiveAlarmBookReviews

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm always in love with the cover, so gorgeous. I really need to get into this series, it sounds so good. I'm glad you enjoyed this one as well, I hope it will be the same with the third. Great review Mimi!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Brilliant review as always. I don't know how you manage to make to excited to read a book that I've already read, but you have! :D I loved this too! I agree that Wendy definitely grows a lot more in this book and that was great to see. I love the cover for this book, by the way. It's seriously gorgeous! :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have really been wanting to pick these books up. The covers are beautiful and the story just seems so different and unique. I'd love to know more about Trylle lore and it seems the author does a fantastic job at creating and developing these stories and worlds. I've so got to grab these books soon! Awesome review MiMi, you're going to have me going broke!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I can't wait to read this one! I enjoyed the first book and this one sounds like it is just as good. I wasn't a big fan of Finn in the first book and I keep hearing a lot of things about Loki so I'm very excited to "meet" him. I'll definitely have to pick this one up soon. Fantastic review :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Don't you love it when the sequel is even better. I am excited to read this series, it sounds so unique.. trolls and such. I love the new covers as well. I recently one a copy of the first book so I should be reading it soon. Thanks for your fun review. Have q great Monday Mimi.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really enjoyed this book too it was a great series and I LOVE the new character Loki he is SEXY!! Wonderful review Mimi darling!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh what a wonderful review, this so makes me want to read it right now! I really liked the first one and I'm curious to see if I might also like her mother so much more and this one!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You've got me SOOOO excited Mimi!!!! My goodness...I need to get to Switched ASAP!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ahhh! Mimi! I started this the other day and was hooked (particularly happy to hear there's lots more Loki, I'm loving him already!) but stupidly I set it down in the middle of a book slump. WHY?! I don't know. I honestly do. not. know. I have to pick it back up soon, because I enjoyed the first, but you're telling me it's even BETTER and your gushiness is making ME gushy about it already. You have a talent, my dear. For writing infectious reviews :D

    If it makes up for that fact that I set this aside - I'm reading GG #2 at the moment and LOVING IT!

    ReplyDelete
  24. WOW! Okay, to be honest, I stared Switched awhile ago but I didn't really umm... didn't finish it; its kinda creepy. However, I'm happy to see you love this series. And after reading your review, I've decided to give Switched a try. Plus, Loki sounds like a hottie! hehe :)

    Fabulous review, Mimi!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You already read it? Wow, you're fast! I read your review of the first book and decided I should totally read it. And since it's been published here, even with more reason! You don't know how happy I am that they conserved the original covers. They are just so pretty!

    And I agree with you. In some books the recap is too much for me, and in some others there is no recap whatsoever, but I'm glad to hear this one has just the right amount of it :)

    And wow, you picked my curiosity again with the trolls. I want to read a book like that! I hope you have an amazing start of the week. Enjoy your day/week/month... ♥

    ReplyDelete
  26. You like Elora now? WOW. She must do some serious good works in TORN, huh? (I loathed her in SWITCHED.) Either way, my copy of TORN is sitting on my desk...lonely...waiting to be read. *sighs* I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Mimi. We tend to like a lot of the same things, so yay!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm glad you liked this book so much.. I loved this trilogy! And Loki... swoon! Can't wait for you to review Acsend - I bet you'll like it too :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Awwwww, Mimi! Did you know that you're probably one of the sweetest, cutest, most well-written reviewers out there?? I'm practically dancing in my seat that you loved this book! (And I may or may not have stalked you on Goodreads where I found out that you added it to your list of favourites LOL.) There's no way a girl can resist a guy like Loki -- it's physically impossible! (x

    Fantabulous review, Mimi-Doll! <333333333 If I hadn't already read (and luuuuurved) this entire series, you review def would've made me want to buy this book! (:

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ooohhh this is DEFINITELY a series/trilogy I'll be reading SOON! I'm so curious about Wendy & Finn's forbidden romance <3 Now, all I have to do is find a copy of Switched SOMEWHERE, devour it & THEN I CAN READ TORN! I'm soo glad that the second book is even better than the first <3 Love,love, LOVE your review, Mimi!<3 Will be reading this soon :DD

    ReplyDelete
  30. Aww now I feel bad for not having even started Switched! It's close to the top of my TBR I swear! I am quite intrigued by this troll society though and isn't Loki such an awesome name?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh wow, I definitely need to get a copy of Switched ASAP! The series sounds beautiful and I love the idea of TROLLS as a mythical creature. I think my experience with trolls in fiction is limited to that one in Harry's first year (wingardium leviosa! <3) and... was it trolls that were in Wings by Aprilynne Pike? ANYWAYS. Yes. Trolls sound fabulous and like an excellent change of pace.

    The characters sound lovely too! I love seeing character growth, so even though Wendy was kind of annoying in the beginning, it's nice to see that she redeems herself. AND LOKI! First of all, what a cool name. Second of all, WHEN CAN I MEET HIM? <3 (When I get a copy of Torn, I guess LOL.)

    I am super intrigued about this series now so thank you for that! :) I can't wait to get started!

    Sonia

    ReplyDelete
  32. WHA?? BOOOOO! I tried commenting, but my stupid innernets SWALLOWED MY COMMENT! NOOOoO!

    OK, so I was kind of determined to ignore this book, but you've brought me to my senses! It sounds amazing! Splendid! M A G I C A L! I can't wait to meet Wendy or Loki or Finn! I'm kind of in love with it already! Wonderful review as always, my dear! ♥

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts! I love hearing what you have to say, and I always try to comment on one of your blog posts in return! :)

It's really nice to meet you!