Crux

Great addition to YA urban fantasy

Birdie is an unlikely, reluctant hero asked to embark on a journey that takes her in and out of ancient history filled with ominous Vikings (picture a scruffy Alexander Skarsgard!) and lore that we only read about as myths. For Birdie, they are all too real and the consequences are deadly. Reece does a magnificant job twining the two timelines together, allowing us to feel ourselves being sucked into first one world, then the other and back. We feel the same push-and-pull that Birdie does, both in her quest and with the characters this tough loner comes to care about. Creating believeable side characters is another of Reece's fortes. Readers will alternately love, hate, and want to smash their fists through the characters' faces. Dylan, Kate and Scud--and even the brief appearances of Shondra and a human Fenris--are reminders of what Birdie is missing, what she once had, and what she stands to lose. Birdie's eventual (and insistent) love interest, Grey, is swoonworthy, sure, but he also grows throughout the book, aiding Birdie in her evolution while making strides in his own life. Kudos to Reece for showing restraint in their relationship and making readers smolder page after page (wink, nudge). Finally, Reece pulled off a number of plot twists that I totally didn't see coming. Looking back, I really should have. The clues were all there, yet they took me by surprise. I love that! Crux is a smart, heart-rending and empowering addition to YA urban fantasy that will appeal to Cassandra Clare fans, lore fans and really, anyone who appreciates tough characters that know how to tug readers' heartstrings. Pick this one up, people. :)

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Crux left me speechless. There are so many different part of the

Crux left me speechless. There are so many different part of the story, but they come together beautifully to make this breathtaking book. The mix of the realistic bits and the fantasy bits in this book is fantastic.

Crux is about a girl named Birdie, who is homeless. One day a man goes walking down the world offering wealth. Birdie decides to follow the man to get money, that decision will change her whole life. The guy she followed throws a ton of money in the air, and then after everyone cleaned up the money he gives Birdie a pouch. Thugs that also got on from the strange guy follow her and to keep safe from the thugs she sits at a table with people she doesn't know. That is how she meets gorges, mysterious Grey Mathews. Whats in the pouch, what does it lead her to, and who is this mysterious guy that throw the money and gave her the pouch.

The story it's self was good, but I felt like I could not connect with the characters, and I was sometimes lost. Having so many different parts in the story was a good and a bad thing. How perfectly the story came together was a good thing about the different parts in Crux. The characters act a bit different when the book changes parts, which made it hard to connect with the main characters. Also it was very easy to get lost with the changing storyline.

This book is action packed, with crazy twist near the end of the book. I really enjoyed this book. Even though I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would've liked. This perfect book for fantasy lovers.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

I would like to thank J.Taylor publishing for providing me with

I would like to thank J.Taylor publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for review.
Summary from Goodreads: She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight. Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night. In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together. Her heritage did. Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.
This story was really engrossing. I love Reece's use of language. Her descriptive ability is amazing. There was not a time in this book that I wasn't able to picture exactly what Reece was describing. She is lyrical and poetic while at the same time she inserts a bit of humor into the story, no doubt to somewhat lighten the mood. The flow of the words truly kept me wrapped up in the story and I didn't want to put the book down.
Birdie's character is amazingly strong, yet unsure at the same time. She certainly has that teenage angst we see in most young adult novels but at the same time, you can see she has maturity beyond her years. I think the fact that she had to live on the streets toughened her. Yet, she is still quite vulnerable and untrusting. She doesn't want to open herself up to anyone for fear she will get hurt. She seems to accept her fate without question, knowing full well fighting to save her heritage may cost her her life and the life of the one she loves.
Grey is the perfect male lead. He's confident and sexy, he's caring and loving and he knows what he wants. He's not afraid to go after it and put aside what others might think. He has an immediate connection to Birdie and he never waivers in how he feels for her. He is utterly swoon worthy and strong with an enormous want to protect Birdie. Grey is willing to risk his own life to save Birdie, how can you not love that in a male lead character?
Jeff, Birdie's mentor, is mysterious. He holds secrets he won't tell Birdie, no doubt to protect her. He is that rich, eccentric man you see in such stories as Little Orphan Annie and The Sound of Music. He is calm and collected and there is more to him than meets the eye.
Throw in a great supporting cast of characters who are well developed and how can you not love this story?
The story line is flawless. Reece escorts you through her book with what seems like effortless prose. She reveals just the right amount of information at just the right time, building a story that is completing intriguing. Reece spins a tale of historic lore and weaves in romance and fantasy which captures the reader, never letting go. She creates characters who are believable and lovable, characters you care about. Reece also brings about a range of emotions from making me laugh, to making me scared, to making my heart ache.
This book gets 4.5/5 stars from me. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I know this is a stand alone, and it left me wanting more: more Birdie, more Grey, more story. Julie Reece has definitely become one of my top authors. I am looking forward to future books from her!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

WoW! I can't believe that this is a stand alone! I could definit

WoW! I can't believe that this is a stand alone! I could definitely do with some more of this book that's for sure.
First of all, I want to thank the amazing Julie Reece and J.Taylor Publishing for providing me with an ARC ebook. I was utterly blown away when I received it and I am totally grateful to be given the opportunity to read it before the release date. I was not disappointed one bit.

This book had me captivated, enthralled, swept away and blown away. Julie Reece's ability to weave a story and describe it perfectly, had me feeling like I was literally in the moment with Birdie. All my senses were heightened and it enriched the story even more. It also has left me in love with the characters, both Birdie and Grey. Oh, words cannot express the love I feel for him. He is intoxicating and alluring, swoon worthy and oh so invitingly sexy. The tension and the teasing between these two bounced right off the screen. Every sensual caress, or nibble of a bottom lip, or the scenes where Grey had cornered Birdie up against a wall, *dies* sent me spiralling into a frenzy. It left me wanting more, and needing more. I have to have more! Okay, I think I need to calm down for just a second and give you a rundown of the story, spoiler free of course, because you all need to read this.

Birdie's life has not been easy, and at the age of eighteen, she finds herself homeless. But, Birdie really doesn't give you the chance to feel sorry for her. She pretty much is a surviver, who tries not to take crap from anyone and stands up for those in need, even though she is one of them. Well, her luck is about to change when she encounters a very strange and eccentric man, named Jeff, who just throws a large sum of money out on the street. Birdie finds this most odd and very peculiar indeed, but cannot resist collecting some of the money. This one action begins a chain of events, which changes Birdie's life forever. All of a sudden she is hunted down by thugs, and Jeff wants her for a very special mission, and Grey Matthews, the sexy and smart and cocky Mr Rich guy, wants nothing more but to protect her. She literally stumbles upon him while begin chased. I'd like to fall in his lap please.

But, Birdie wants none of it. She wants nothing more, except to try and have a normal life, for once. She's a tough cookie that one. She knows what she wants and sets out to get it. She can most definitely look out for herself. With the money she got off Jeff, she finds a place to live and enrols to go to college. Although, in the back of her mind, she cannot forget Jeff and the things he said to her. Or, Grey Matthews, for that matter. She knew he was out of her league, and the thought of him was driving her, and me, insane. And soon, Birdie discovers that, what Jeff set out in motion that day, was her destiny. She was meant to follow the paths of her descendants and try and do the one thing, that they couldn't. Could she do it? Well, I think you all need to find out for yourselves, when you pick this up as soon as it is released. I am telling you, that you will not be disappointed. If anything, you will be begging for more of this amazing story. Just like me!!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

In the immortal words of current YAs everywhere…OMG! I

In the immortal words of current YAs everywhere…OMG!

I had the pleasure of reading Crux by Julie Reece as a beta and I thought it was fantastic. The ARC of the final version blew me away.

From the moment the man with the mystery bag appears until the very last word, Reece held me spellbound, jumping seamlessly between Birdie’s real world on the streets of Atlanta, to a land overrun with menacing Vikings. Her quest, not one for the timid, is real in every sense of the word, and I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once. The story is unique and unfolds quickly, dragging the reader along effortlessly.

Reece’s descriptions are amazing, giving us clear pictures with few words. Her characters are alive and they have a way of embedding in your heart and mind. Like Karou in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games and Jace and Clary in the City of Lost Souls, you will never forget Birdie or Grey.

This novel has everything a YA urban fantasy should have: action, snooty, lovable friends/family, thugs, a hot love interest and kick-butt pacing. The love story unfolds gently over time and it’s not without its problems. Grey is to die for gorgeous, charming, kind, and will even make adult women salivate and swoon.

Reece pulls off some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming even though the clues were there all along. Thank you, Ms. Reece, for making sure I was so invested in Birdie and her mission I didn’t see the signs until she did. Brilliant writing!

CRUX is one of the best YA novels I’ve read in a long time. If you are a fan of Cassandra Clare, Laini Taylor, Rae Carson, Patrick Ness, or Veronica Rossi, you’re going to fall in love with this novel.

Keep your eye on this author, folks. She’s destined for the NY Times Best-seller list!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Fantastic Debut Recommended for All!

Julie Reece's fantastic debut novel, Crux, is action-packed and has the sweetest romance I've read so far this summer! Birdie's anything but a meek girl ready to back down when faced with a challenge. No, she's the strong heroine readers dream of and she's ready and willing to take on an impossible task.

Birdie's story is one of a kind. It only takes one moment for her life to change, for the better and the worse. She goes from homeless to college enrollment, and from alone to being surrounded by protective Grey Matthews and a new set of friends. For someone who doesn't have much faith in herself, Birdie learns to trust others and let them into her life. At first I thought Grey was going to be cold and dismissive, but he proved himself to be dependable and one of my favorite characters next to Birdie. With all her good fortune comes a role in history Birdie could have never imagined she'd partake. Inheriting a peculiar, powerful amulet makes Birdie a potential Wielder. The wielder of the amulet has a destiny intertwined with a historical battle between Viking King Thorolf and his son Haddr, who fights for the English.

Crux is completely original and addictive. Birdie's voice is young and cool giving Crux a fresh tone that will appeal to all ages. A fun romance and adventurous read, Crux will stay with readers long after the last page is read!

*ebook received from publisher in exchange for an honest review*

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

How Julie Reece was able to write such a remarkable/epic/wonderf

How Julie Reece was able to write such a remarkable/epic/wonderful..
AMAZING adventure in 285 pages is beyond me, this standalone novel
grabbed me by the collar and wouldn’t let me go until I finished! If
you’re looking for an amazing adventure of courage, romance, and
overcoming evil then look no further cause Crux is the book for you!
Crux is through the eyes of Birdie, Birdie is homeless and knows what
it’s like to have a rough life. This was all before some crazy guy gives
her and a few other people a bunch of money, now everything has
changed. Not only does she finally have somewhere to stay and food in
her belly, but she also finds out she is supposed to defeat some evil
guy, she is being hunted by a group of thugs, and if that wasn’t enough
to stress her out, there’s also the hot guy Grey that she can’t figure
out, but he wants to be her guardian and protect her. Ahh Crux, what
an amazing story you turned out to be! First I want to start with my
favorite part of Crux, and that was easily our main character Birdie.
She is so unique! Right from the start I felt she was such a breath of
fresh air, she had a tough life…and still throughout the novel she would
say that she knew she had it better than others and was okay with the
life she had. Most main characters I feel would not be so grateful, most
YA main characters I feel these days are all about the ‘pity party’ if
they have had a bad life or experience. Not Birdie tough! She was
grateful for the life she was given even if it wasn’t perfect and even
though she went through so much, she still constantly put everyone
else’s needs before her own. Birdie was an amazingly strong main
character and I can only hope I can meet another main character with
such an amazing attitude! While Birdie was my favorite, she was deff not
the only one I loved, when I finished Crux I felt sad having to say
goodbye so soon to characters I got to know SO well in only 285 pages.
The romance in Crux was another thing that I myself very much enjoyed;
never did anything between Grey (*swoons*!) or Birdie feel forced or
unnatural. While Grey and Birdie were very different from one another,
they still seemed to just fit together so perfectly throughout Crux.
Last but certainly not least Crux was an amazing adventure from start to
finish, while the very beginning does start a little slow it deff picks
up later on (so stick with it!!) I have never EVER read a standalone
that was able to take me through a whole (epic) adventure beginning to
end without it feeling rushed, and yet Crux did just that! When I
finished Crux I could not believe that what I had just read was ONE book
and not a series, Julie Reece is an amazing author and really knows how
to captor a story and put it together beautifully! All in all, Crux was
a very pleasant surprise and I would recommend it to anyone looking for
a remarkable adventure with a slightly steamy, but still sweet romance!
Sidenote: I would also recommend this to anyone that maybe doesn’t feel
like reading a series or starting a series, but still wants an amazing
read. Crux is by far the one of the best (if not the best) standalone
novels I have ever read! Copy provided from publishers in exchange for
honest review

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Crux Crazy!

“My life is unsettled, dangerous. Shelter girls are pariahs, society's throw-aways, and now, people are after me.”

Rebecca better known as Birdie is quick to consider herself "damaged goods". Having been bounced around foster homes and now homeless, Birdie's humble beginnings are about to come to an abrupt end. Her curious nature and a centuries old curse leave her with little choice but to fight for the new beginning she rightly deserves. However, the road ahead is paved with mystery and ends in bloodshed, so with the help of her gorgeous new Guardian and her enigmatic mentor, Birdie prepares for the fight of her life.

This is a truly brilliant story that can be read by urban fantasy fans of any age group. The characters are completely three-dimensional and full of personality with clever dialogue. Couple that with a fast-paced, engaging storyline and developing romance and the pages couldn't turn fast enough. It would be a mistake not to mention my new guy crush on the incredibly likable Grey. He has all the qualities of a hero with a dash of the familiar bad boy thrown in. He’s perceptive enough to know when something is going on, determined enough to find out what it is, and will immediately jump into any dangerous fray if it means helping/protecting Birdie. The chemistry between Grey and Birdie is simply amazing.

After reading this wonderful story all I can think is I want more. The story feels fresh and I especially enjoyed how the author wove adult conflicts with young romance. The author is now on my watch list and this story is definitely being stored on the keeper-shelf.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A treat for your reading urge! The first time I saw the cover a

A treat for your reading urge!

The first time I saw the cover and blurb, I wanted to read this ASAP! This book is full of surprises, a treat for your reading urge. First 3 chapters, I was hooked! This book blew me away!

The story is about a homeless girl name Birdie. She was on the street when a dazed man throws money in the air. A group of people was eager to get the money off the streets, then a woman was pushed accidentally and Birdie came to her rescue. The dazed man suddenly took interest in her and gave her a package. 3 large scary men saw the package and wanted to get it from her, so the chase began. What’s inside the package? Who is she really? You have to read this book to find out.

The world building is fantastic! It was written flawlessly. I love how the book is infused with adventure, action and romance. Three elements that made this book a wonderful read. The writing style and pacing is good. There were no dull moments. As for the surprise, I thought the book is based on a present day with no supernatural of mythical content. Oh boy! I was so wrong. I give Julie two thumbs up for merging the two worlds (Myth and present).

As for the characters, they are well developed. They are realistic so I like them instantly!
Birdie is the heroine here. I don’t like her name at first but came to love it in the end after finding out her real name. Her personality and the way she talks made her my favorite character. She’s brave, independent and cool. Jeff, the dazed man is so mysterious. My curiosity towards his character made him my second favorite. As for Grey, he gave me fainting spells! Who wouldn’t? This guy has black hair and glacial blue eyes. He is on my “Book Boyfriend List”. There are more characters in this book that I like. You have to read this book to find out more about them.

The love angle is good! It was believable! Not too cheese-y, it was just right for my liking. This book can definitely give you butterflies in your stomach.

Overall, Crux is a fantastic read. I recommend this book to readers who love myths, action and romance. I will keep an eye out for this author! I can’t wait to read another book from her.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This was an excellent story! I was really intrigued when I first

This was an excellent story! I was really intrigued when I first read the blurb, so I was sure that I would like this novel, but ended up loving it. The story itself was well developed and creative. Birdie has had a hard life, going from foster home to foster home until the age of eighteen, and then she was on her own, literally. For a few months she was living on the streets and surviving the best she can, but then one day, there's this huge change in luck, and that is when a mysterious man rounds some people up together (including Birdie) and gives them free money; Free Money! Wow right? Well, there's a dilemma, as there were also greedy people at that gathering, and they chase after Birdie to get her portion. As Birdie runs, she runs into the Mathews family, whom includes Grey Mathews. As the story goes on, there are still the thug type people after Birdie, but there's also something that she learns from that mysterious man who gave all that money to strangers. Birdie learns some pretty interesting, magical, mythological stuff, and it's all very intriguing. The only thing is, is she willing to fight in a war and possibly lose the best friend she has ever had (Greg)? That is something you have to read for yourself, and let me say, it's worth the read!

What I also liked in this novel, were the characters. They were written really well, as you can even relate to some characters including Birdie and Greg. I loved reading this in the present tense and from Birdie's POV. It just helped so much, to be in her head, as she experiences things she has never experienced before, and to just go along her journey was just wonderful, thrilling even. Her personality is in ways relatable, and I love connecting to the characters, as I then feel more connected to the book. And Greg...I really really liked him. He's just a great guy, and so nice, gentle, and sincere with Birdie. This is definitely a romance not to miss! And you may like that there's a musical quality to Greg so watch out for that; I loved it! So all in all, there were great likable characters and cool action/fighting scenes that may make you wish you were in the story too. Reece's writing is electrifying, and I can't wait to read another one of her novels! This is definitely one I recommend! :)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Birdie is a homeless girl who has aged out of the foster system,

Birdie is a homeless girl who has aged out of the foster system, suddenly thrust into an ancient Viking battle between father and son. She is given an amulet from Jeff, a strange man that reminds her of a previous teacher, which shows her scenes from the past and grants her supernatural powers that will help her destroy the amulet and end the war once and for all.

Birdie is likable, and Grey, her almost rock star boyfriend, is sweet and perfect. Fenris, Birdie's not so canine companion, was adorable. The father/son battle is mirrored in her boyfriend's struggle with his father, which is a fun subplot.

I only had two minor quibbles. I didn't feel her reason for following Jeff, setting the story in motion, was a very strong one. I also found it strange that she kept running into the same people in a city the size of Atlanta. But as I said, these are small issues that can easily be overlooked. Overall, Crux was a quick, fun read with an engaging protagonist.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Julie Reece’s CRUX is a refreshing and gritty young adult

Julie Reece’s CRUX is a refreshing and gritty young adult novel with glimmers of the paranormal, glimpses of the historical, and more than a dash of romance and mystery.

When homeless eighteen-year-old Birdie stumbles across a mysterious stranger giving away money, her life is forever changed. Now people are trying to kill her, and she must do the one thing she never thought she could do: trust strangers, particularly Grey Mathews. And that’s just the beginning as Birdie is ensnared into a past much bigger than she could ever realize.

CRUX drew me in with the fantastic voice. At times vulnerable and other times sarcastic, Birdie is a refreshing character. Opposed to Birdie is Grey Mathews, who seems to have everything, but he makes for a thrilling and sexy character. The characters in CRUX could have easily had their own novel. Besides characterization, Reece excels at description. She creates the right amount and uses fresh metaphors to carry the most impact on each scene. The plot is intricate with the historical details mingled into the present. I loved the use of Norse mythology and history. For the most part, the novel kept me reading and anxious to discover what would happen to Birdie and Grey.

CRUX by Julie Reece amazes with its intricate plot and characters who stick with you.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Magical Read-the best I've read this year!

I'm still in bliss from reading Crux by Julie Reece. I have to say that Ms. Reece has to be one of the most talented authors on the planet. I know I'm gushing right now, but I loved this book that much.

Reading Birdie's story was like catching up with an old friend. Birdie rocks my socks, and Grey (the male lead) is sizzling hot. I loved his fierce loyalty to Birdie, especially because she was so real with insecurities most women have and some that broke my heart.

Birdie thought her life was hard before she met Jeff, this weird guy that gives her and a bunch of other random people money on a whim...or so it seems. But Birdie doesn't know that she is part of a cyle that's been going on for ages. She gets caught up into a world of magic and mahem and she is one great heroine! I loved her snark, her ability to roll with her everchanging landscape, and to just allow herself to feel when most people would be closed off by the things this girl had gone through.

This is one of those magical reads that takes you out of your world and plunks you right next to Birdie, Grey, Kate, and Scud along with a mongrel named Fenris. I loved the characters, and I loved this world where superheroes can come to life and save the day.

One heck of a read, Ms. Reece. I am honored to have been able to read the ARC of Crux, and I can't wait to read more from this amazing author! She really is one to watch.

Thanks to Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics Group, J. Taylor Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review Crux.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Crux

Hi! I have to say, thanks for all of the amazing reviews! I'm not Julie by any means...however, I have met her and I am related to her! She is an awesome person! I hope you read Crux and enjoy it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My Cover Lust was justified!

I really really love this cover, and a 5 star rating on GR from a friend tipped the scale in favor of giving Crux a try.

Thank the heavens......I can't believe I almost missed the opportunity to spend some time with Birdie. You can go read the cover blurb if you want more a detailed synopsis, but it was awesome. A great story start to finish, Vikings, curses, true hearts and a really amazing dog ;)

It's not at all smutty either, so no worries, you can read it AND share it with your kids...BONUS!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Review of Crux by Julie Reece 5 Stars I was first introduced to

Review of Crux by Julie Reece
5 Stars

I was first introduced to this novel as a proposed Chapter-A-Day Read for Goodreads Group Never Too Old for YA Books. I must admit I hesitated upon reading the blurb: homeless in Atlanta? Strange guy giving out money (like that 1950’s TV show, “The Millionaire”)?-but I decided, since it’s a Chapter-A-Day read, I’d give it a try. So I bought the book-and guess what? It is great! I’ve really enjoyed it-just seemed to take so long to finish reading a chapter or two at a time LOL (I’ve noticed that before). However, “Crux” is well worth the reading-and if you’re not reading it for a chapter-a-day program, then do yourself a favour and race through it at one setting, or two. It’s vividly imaginative and creative, weaving in paranormal elements and “unknown” magical – pagan history together with the gritty details of homeless life in a big Southern city, facing crime, violence, abduction, murder. There’s plenty of explication of “how the other half lives,” whether that “other half” is wealthy and living it up in Buckhead; or grindingly poor, eking out a survival existence on the streets.

“Crux” is definitely a winner, and I am anticipating more from author Julie Reece.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The cover threw me. It made me think tacky YA, espite all of th

The cover threw me. It made me think tacky YA, espite all of that I picked the book up. What a fabulous read. Do not let the cover dissuade you, the characters are amazing and the author keeps you intrigued the whole time. I am a fan of Ilona Andrews, CE Murphy, Kate Locke and Lilith St. Crow and I enjoyed this book tremendously!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Crux is a wonderfully imaginative story, completely original wit

Crux is a wonderfully imaginative story, completely original with kick-but characters that are wonderfully easy to relate to (right down to the dog) Even the bad guy is the sleazy gotta-love-him type. There is a strong romantic plotline and the attraction between Grey and Birdie is both completely believable, and undeniable. This is probably the most cleanly written relationship I have EVER read. There was no doubt in my mind, for a single second that the characters were attracted to each other, and acted the way the way they did…

… and Grey… DANG. For the first time ever I can understand how women can swoon over a guy from a book. I don’t know if she just hit on exactly the type of guy I like or what… but his “package” (tee hee) has more to do with his actions and personality than his looks. Awesome Character.
Birdie, the female lead is a great “kick butt” chic. She comes from a troubled past, doesn’t think of herself as strong, but all of the sudden the weight of the world is on her shoulders. This is a “super hero like” story with a likable and believable teen in the role of hero.

This was an awesome book with a roller coaster ride feel and a unique, exciting premise. Julie Reece brings us a new world in an alternate-universe kind of way, happening right under our noses. I really enjoyed every bit of this story, but I have a few nit-picks...

Tense: This was written in present tense. Ugh! Sorry, but it drove me a little batty. Now, don’t get me wrong. The author did it well. Once I got used to it the tense was okay. The problem is I needed to “get used to it” every time I started reading the book. I’m not sure why this is, and I am willing to admit that it could just be me. Within a page of reading every night, I was swept away by the story and forgot the tense… but since it jarred me every time I picked up the novel, I need to subtract a star for it.

The ending was action packed and exciting. Lots of swords and mayhem and even a few heads getting lopped off for those of you who are in-to that sort of stuff. It was all done without the gore factor though, and the person doing the lopping was not enjoying it one iota. Even with the violence, I have added this to my 12 year-old's reading list, just to see if he enjoys the book as much as I did. (He reads at a YA level)

Pick up Crux for great character development, relationship building, realistic dialog, pacing, and just for an all-around fun read.

Ugh

Why don't people get that they're writing a review not a freaking novel. Short and sweet people. Remember that next time you write one otherwise 99% of us won't read it.

Interesting Read

Overall I enjoyed this book.