Underworld
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Pages: 336
Series: Abandon, book two
Source: ARC from publisher
About the Book: Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.
Not this time.
But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.
Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.
But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.
And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.
My Thoughts: It is a truth universally acknowledged that if Meg Cabot writes a book I will devour it. I really enjoyed Abandon, the first book in the series, and couldn’t wait to pick Underworld up. It did not disappoint.
One of my favorite thing about this series is the way it incorporates Greek mythology without simply being a retelling. Pierce and John’s stories mirror Persephone and Hades’ but are not exactly the same. Meg Cabot has really blended various aspects of different myths and crafted an interesting back story for her characters. These weave together to create a tale I find interesting and engaging.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the setting. Isla Huesos is the perfect backdrop. Actually, I felt like the history and lore of the island made it more of a character than simply a setting. I love that it’s based on Key West (on of my favorite places I’ve ever visited!) The island flair bleeds in to the story and really sets the tone for many of the scenes. I find this especially impressive since the other main setting is, you know, the Underworld! I feel like it would have been easy to overlook any other setting in comparison. I was so pleased that his was not the case and that both settings were so strong.
Underworld totally gave me the mythology fix I needed while still keeping me on my toes! It’s a great addition to the trilogy and I cannot wait to see how it all ends!
Giveaway:
Scholastic was awesome and sent me a paperback copy of Abandon. Since I already have a signed hardcover copy (ohmystars. I MET MEG CABOT!!!) I am giving the paperback away here! Use the rafflecopter widget to enter. Must be 13 years or older. US only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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