artsy musings of a bibliophile

Review: Oppression by Jessica Therrien Blog Tour + Giveaway

by

ABOUT THE BOOK
Oppression by Jessica Therrien
young adult fantasy published by ZOVA on 28 February 2012 

first book in the Children of the Gods series


Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She’s been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she’s closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal.
For Elyse, these things don’t make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she’s been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability.
Or so she thinks.
Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her.
Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable–except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to centuries of traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning–and she’s not entirely willing to play by their rules.

THE RATING

THE REVIEW

Once in a while you get to read a book that completely and utterly takes your breath away. Oppression was that kind of a book for me. It is just perfect the way it is and I never expected it to be so good. I am so glad I got to read it! Elyse and William, the protagonists, go through such character development that it is astounding to see them grow to adjust in a flow.
Elyse is such a beautiful name for the heroine (although, I read in an interview of the author that at first, it was supposed to be Ruth which, in my opinion, is equally beautiful). Whereas, William is the kind of a guy who has a perfect combination of everything from emotions to the take on life. I love it when the characters offer an aura of mystery and depth to the reader. I could actually feel why Elyse did what she does and why William thought like he did. The rest of the characters gave a little to the story as well and build it up so well that it felt good to read about them all. I actually am in anticipation of how things will go for the Descendants from now.

The prophecy and the oppression that has been a part of life for the likes of her makes things dangerous for Elyse, William and the others. But is Elyse willing to play by their rules? Think again because she’s one hell of a tough girl when she wants to be. I never liked a female protagonist more than I like Elyse. William is charming and a perfect hero to read about. I liked reading about the scenes involving the persuasion.

I took Mythology a year back but reading Oppression made me fall in love with it all over again and seeing what Jessica Therrien did with it is just awe-inspiring. I never could stop reading and well, I finished the latter half in a single sitting! Each of the powers are so creatively thought up from their respective ancestors that it is very enjoyable to read about them.
Oppression is a beautiful start to an awesome series and it offers so much potential to grow in a universe of its own. The ending is just perfect and is a complete story as far as the first book goes. Jessica Therrien created a universe that I would love to read about. A new favorite of mine, and one of the bests 2012 has to offer, I highly recommend Oppression to fans of young adult fantasy.

THE QUOTES

‘The oracle can see all things that will be, but only the things that will cause profound change stay in the forefront of her mind, things that will change the course of the future. It’s a hard job, knowing what will happen. When things don’t play out the way they should, do you watch the sequence of unfavorable events unfold or do you step in and try and change the tide?’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Therrien is the author of Oppression, book one in her YA paranormal romance/adventure series, Children of the Gods. Oppression was published by ZOVA Books in February of 2012.

Jessica is a graduate of San Diego State University. She lived in Taiwan for a year where she learned Chinese, but she lives in Chula Vista now, where everyone speaks Spanish instead. Although she spends most days in a cubicle at her day job, her alter ego is a writer, who loves the arts with a passion.

Jessica is currently writing book two in her Children of the Gods series.

Jessica Therrien can be found at
Buy Oppression (Children of the Gods, #1)
| Amazon | B&N | Book Depository |

Click the image for the blog tour schedule.

THE GIVEAWAY
Enter here! It is international.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Jessica Therrien for providing me a copy of Oppression for review.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I have to say that I love the connection of Young Adult topics and mythology. I've always been interested in old stories, fairytales and everything connected to that and mythology is especially interesting in my opinion. Just lately I read Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer which is another book dealing with that rare combination. It's definitely a good book, too. And I have to say that I can't wait to lay my hands on Oppression, too.

    Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway!

  4. Well, this was my first YA/Mythology book and needless to say, I loved it!

    OMG, I have been waiting to read Arcadia Awakens as well; I love the cover! I will definitely check it out now that you mention it's good! =D

    Sana

  5. I have read one mythology/YA book and I didn't like it. Which is sad, because I REALLY want to read a well written YA book about myths/gods. I hope Oppression is one of them, because it does sound awesome. 🙂

    Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway, both you and Jessica!

    Agnieszka @ Nook of Books

  6. i haven't read any mythology..but i think its sound awesome and great books..

    thanks for the giveaway..

    success for you

    icha09 at gmail dot com

  8. I purchased the Nook version this morning and I am looking forward to reading it. I used to be interested in mythology when I was younger but I never stuck with it. I'm curious to see how this book plays out!! 🙂

  9. I love all the twists that YA is giveing mythology! This book sounds like it's going to be a good read!!

  18. I think it looks pretty interesting! I'm excited about reading this book and maybe learning something new about mythology while I'm at it 🙂

  19. I think it's awesome. I haven't read anything mythological and YA in one book yet so it will be very interesting I think!

  20. I've always had a thing for Mythology in YA and in general. I can't wait to read this!

  23. I like mythology, and i hope other people my age could also appreciate it….
    I find it more interesting when mythology is involved, because you can't beat the classics…..

  25. Love how this sounds! And I have this healthy obsession with myth, too – so this book promises to be amazing! Great review, too. Thanks!

    Ron @ Stories of my life

    PS. Thanks for stopping the other day by my blog! Will be around yours quite often from now on, I think! 🙂

  26. Yes, can't wait to read the second book!

    Thanks a lot and the reviews on your blog are awesome! =D

    Sana

  27. I love books that tie in any form of mythology. I've always enjoyed hearing and learning about mythology and legends and things of that sort, it's intriguing.

  28. I like books that take me out of reality as so much of what is happening now is depressing and it gives me a break

  29. I love mythology and bringing it to YA books seems like a natural conclusion to me. After all, mythology is a more grown up version of fairy tales.

  47. I think is great, most of the 'kids' or young adults read for fun and all, but what about if the books mix this kinds of topic or history in books… we can all learn a little bit more about legends or about the past! Thank you so much for the giveaway! (ileana on RF)

  48. I haven't read any mythology books but it sounds like a good combination! 🙂

  50. I've been really excited for this book ever since I stumbled upon its summary a few months back and I would so very much love to win it.

    I love the concept of YA meets Gods. (:

  51. I think it will be interesting. I mean I remember studying about the Greek mythology and I really love there history.So I'm looking forward in reading this. Thank you for the giveaway!

  52. I think it sounds interesting i love learning more about Greek Mythology!!

  53. I think it sounds awesome!! Mythology has always interested me and I love it when YA books take inspiration from legends/myths/fairy tales. They always end up being so cool! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  55. Wow! The premise of this books sounds intriguing. We tend to be fascinated with those who are more powerful than ourselves, with gifts and abilities beyond our understanding. I wonder what the prophecy is! Oh! Now I HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! Kudos to Jessica Therrien for coming up with this idea. Love it!

  58. I think its wonderful. I've yet to read Oppression but from the judging summary, it sounds really interesting!

  59. I need to get this story on my Kindle! I love Greek Mythology, especially in Young Adult fiction stories! The quote, by the way, it's deep- It makes you think.

  60. Greek mythology meets YA is like the best thing EVER. I love Greek mythology. I love YA. And I just can't resist a book that sounds as intriguing as Oppression – people inheriting various talents from Greek gods and goddesses? How wicked awesome does that sound?:)

    Thanks so much for the fantastic post and the opportunity to win a copy of this beauty 🙂 I really loved your detailed review! You got me even more excited for this book than I already was prior to visiting your blog today! <3

    Evie Bookish

  62. I haven't yet had the chance to read it yet, but it looks wonderful and I would love to find out 🙂

  63. I haven't read it yet, but I'm always interested in how authors use mythology in their books. With Greek mythology, I take it pretty personally 😉