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Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.
Publishers Weekly, September 3, 2012:
"Debut author Lawrence’s writing is assured."
School Library Journal, January 2013:
"This book marries a fast-paced plot with likable, developed characters, set in a future Manhattan that is all too believable...The plot takes other twists and turns as the protagonist learns about the Mystics and the scope of her own family’s power. Hand this book to fans of Gabrielle Zevin’s All These Things I’ve Done and other urban dystopias with strong female characters."
From the Hardcover edition.
This is one of those books that grab your attention right in the first chapter. One of the books that has a heroic protagonist with a sexy love interest and a set of secondary characters that you cannot help but feel something for. Plus, the cover for this book is absolutely stunning... totally does it justice. Overall, Mystic City is a magical and thrilling book that will rouse all of your emotions.
Aria Rose awakens one day and is told that she overdosed on a drug called Stic, which is pulled from mystic energy. She is told that she is engaged to Thomas Foster, the son of her parent's political rivals. Aria doesn't remember being engaged to Thomas nor does she remember being in love with him or her parents and the Fosters uniting. As much as she tries to remember her memories before her "overdose" she can't seem to grasp them and the ones that do slip forward don't seem quite right. The night is about to confront Thomas about it, she is attacked and saved by a rebel mystic. Hunter is built, blonde-haired blue-eyed and feels like someone Aria can trust. As she starts to see more of Hunter and learn more about the world around her she soon understands that Hunter may be key to unlocking her lost memories and that she can't trust everyone around her... a war just may be coming.
I really loved this book. I absolutely love the magical feel of the world of mystics. It quite beautiful actually. The unfortunate side of the city is the political feud that keeps the city under lock. All the Roses and Fosters are, are power hungry animals. All but one... Aria. Aria is the type of protagonist you root for. The one who is the "black sheep" of the family, yet her heart is in the right place and she fights for what she believes is right. As Aria grew to hate her family and the people around her, I did as well. It's truly amazing what people, who you think love you, will do for power. And despite almost everything going against Aria she constantly prevails and fights and I absolutely adored her for it.
Other than our protagonists though, we have people like Kiki who I loved her funny outgoing personality, yet sometimes I wanted to slap her for her naivety around Aria and what was going on. Also people like Benedict and Davida who you need and end up loving by the end of the story. There's also Turk who is probably one of my favorite secondary characters in Mystic City. Hellloooo sexy mohawk boy with powers. Turk is the funny, outgoing best friend who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. A boy with a golden heart who I just wanted to hug. Then finally there is Hunter. Oh Hunter, I want you. First, I love his name. Second, blonde hair blue eyes and built. Third... he has a heart of gold and the mind of a warrior. I just could not get enough of him. He always tried to do the right thing for himself and Aria. His protective side and the way he could sacrifice himself just because it's the right thing... just killed me. Definitely a new book boyfriend.
Overall, this is one of those books that has the adventure, romance, and thrilling moments I live for. There were so many parts that I just couldn't put the book down and so many parts where I was nervous to see what was coming next. Completely loved Mystic City and cannot wait until I can get more of this world.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 26, 2013
This story started off with an intriguing situation, a solid, believable dystopian world and lots of potential to be an exciting and interesting book. But it fell flat so early on in the book that I lost hope really quickly. The characters are two-dimensional and shallow with absolutely no depth into personality. They just felt like the author threw them into the story so as not to leave Aria all alone all the time. I could not stand Kiki whatsoever and considering the fact that Kiki and Aria are best friends, I could not find one instance where Kiki did anything for Aria that showed me how close they were. They just gossiped and shared jewelry and went out to parties together. Bennie and Aria's brother were also unrealistic and I didnt find one place in the book where they showed their love, I don't even recall them holding hands in the book. Aria's parents were stereotypically cold and uninviting and we were never given a glimpse into what was behind her parent's actions throughout the book. Aria's romance with Hunter was awful and I found myself skipping entire pages so as not to read the cringe-worthy dialogue between the two characters. The author made him forcefully "mischievous" and a "jokester" who held a lot of secrets and was "mysterious" as well. Every scene with him was atrociously put together and the conversations between Aria and him were unrealistic and at times very rushed. Her feelings for him came from absolutely nowhere and you could tell what was going to happen between them from practically their first encounter (and just to add something, their first kiss was absolutely ridiculous and not sweet or romantic at all and I felt like it was one of the worst parts in the book). I would not recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dystopian romance books because of lack of surprises throughout the plot and the awful character developement. If you want to read a good dystopian romance, read the Razorland series which I highly recommend.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 18, 2012
Thats the one thing thay came to mind when i read this. I found myself guessing everything that was going to happen. It was interesting at times and a good quick read but i just felt like it lacked depth for me. I finished the book and had no urge to read the next one, though i will i just wasnt as interested in this world. All in all it was a good start hopefully the next book will be better.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I really wanted to like this novel. Romeo and Juliet meets dystopic world with paranormal elements...? That already sounds tantalizing. Girl can't remember anything? Mysterious and intriguing. Plus, my friends all know that I have a thing for sparkles and shinies, and the cover of this book is drop-dead gorgeous. If I lived in Aria's world, I might become a collector of Stic, not for the high but just to look at the pretties.
Mystic City gave me too many details when I didn't want them and too little when I needed more. I didn't need to see Aria run down to dinner in the middle of reading Davida's notes, for example. I just needed to learn more about Davida. Other times, Aria does things without explaining why she does them. There's also Hunter who tells Aria to stay far away from him and then goes and does the opposite himself. It felt as though I was reading a running commentary on the events that take place instead of living them with Aria, and it's an inconsistent commentary with Aria's mind flititng from one idea to another. I couldn't relate to her or any of the characters. They're flat and strongly rooted in good or evil. I had a hard time feeling the underlying motivation for their beliefs and actions, including the big romance of the book. While I can see why Aria would be instantly attracted to Hunter, I had a hard time believing it.
Aria is a sheltered princess. She grew up in a rich family and doesn't know how to protect herself. She goes into the Depths without thinking about what she'd do if someone jumps her--she doesn't think about the dangers. Many times, she'd be dead if there weren't people looking out for her. She's also an idealist, which isn't bad in itself, but she doesn't have the power to change things. At the end, it seems as though she's finally found her path. However, it took far too long for her to figure out everything and assert her position.
The book is recommended for fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner. However, don't get your hopes up if you liked these. There is far less action and character development in this book than you'd be expecting.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 17, 2012
Fun & fast-paced. Great love story & a creative world.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 14, 2013
It took me awhile to finally finish reading this book. I kept getting interrupted by other books but I am soo glad I finally did finish it! It was great. There was a futuristic romance fantasy adventure sort of feel. Good suspense... Mystic City kept me guessing! I can't believe book 2 won't be out til fall 2014! I want to know what happens next! I will say I felt the characters were believable in their actions and that the story played through well. There were not really any slow bits which I loved. Romance storyline played out well. All in all another great ya read! Check it out!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2013
This book pulled me right in. You should definatly read this book youll love it! :)
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Posted February 17, 2013
Great book. It was pretty predictable... I found myself knowing exactly what would happen next all the time... but still, it was written well. All of the characters have their good and bad qualities even if some did lack depth. The romance was as good as can be written by a man and the guys were sexy enough (well hey there Hunter and Turk.!).
I liked the idea of the story. It's a lot like many others in the way of a girl losing her memory, realizing that everything she's grown up with is a lie, etc etc, but it has a few aspects that were completely new. The idea of "mystics"- magical people- being siphoned of their energy was interesting, and the Romeo and Juliet storyline worked well.
Basically, this book wasn't very original. But it was well-written and hard to put down. It was captivating, thrilling and romantic with a hint of scifi and a dystopian touch. I will be looking forward to the next in the series!
Anonymous
Posted February 16, 2013
Love this book can't wait for the second one!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mystic City is a unique dystopian novel that is set in post-global warming New York. This book captivated me, and after the first few pages, I was hooked. The characters are amazing and, for the most part, well-developed. The world-building is done fairly well, and the concept itself is extremely unique. If you're a fan of dystopian fantasy, this is one book you do not want to miss!
Aria is an excellent leading character. There were times that I wanted to smack her, but overall, she was strong and intelligent. Her friends, however, were anything but. Kiki is obnoxious and such a cookie cutter character that I couldn't stand to read about her. Bennie is okay, but nothing terrific. Thomas is a jerk, and I can't stand him. I adore Hunter and Turk, though! Also, some of the secondary characters, such as Elissa and Benedict are extremely interesting. The Roses and the Fosters are both terrifying, and I could not believe the awful things that they do in the name of power.
The plot is unique and captivating. I had the mystery figured out with Aria pretty early on, but I still couldn't put the book down. I had to know when she'd figure it out and who else knew what was going on. I also had to know what else was going to happen before she figured everything out. That being said, there still were plenty of surprises! Some of the events really shocked me, and it was all I could do not to flip to the end to see how things end up. Needless to say, this novel is extremely suspenseful. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. Lawrence definitely kept me guessing, and that's a good thing!
The world-building is okay, but sometimes I felt that there was so much description that the author was showing more than telling. For the most part, things are pretty balanced, though, and a lot of the descriptions may be edited out before the final version is released. The pacing is pretty spot-on, though it does drag a little bit in the beginning. I would have liked for things to come together more quickly. For the most part, though, I have no complaints. The ending is excellent. It ties up a lot of the loose ends, but leaves room for the sequel.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopian fantasies. You will not be disappointed!
Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2013
Absolutely loved this book thought it was amazing hated all the times aria was with thomas. Hunter was amazing. Was so sad during some parts of this book but dont want to spoil it so people will just have to read this wonderful book.
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Posted January 4, 2013
The first thing that caught my eye was the cover its gorgeous!! After reading the back i decided to give it a try it sounded really interesting. I was not let down the story never dragged and I loved the characters! I cant wait fir the next one!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Another Romeo & Juliet type tale that I absolutely devoured. Set in a Dystopian world where the aristocrats rule the world, and people born with mystic abilities are shunned to a life of hiding or live a life of not really living. And what better than to have one of aristocratic birth and a mystic who is part of the rebels fall hopelessly in love with each other. But don’t even begin to think that it’s that easy. Oh no, dear readers…
Aria awakes to a life that she can’t remember. An upcoming marriage to a man that she doesn’t even remember falling in love with, especially since her family, the Roses, and Thomas’ family, the Fosters, have been feuding for generations. And then to wake up to the fact that both families are elated with the upcoming union. Racking her brain for little signs that will help rekindle the memories of this love that both she and Thomas have for each other…until she finds a locket with a note containing just one word … “remember”. Not like it helps jog her memory, but it does ignite a fire in Aria to find answers.
And where else to start but at her betroths of course. As with every strong female character (of late), Aria risks her safety and ventures forth to Thomas’ home to try and find some answers, and perhaps to have him help her remember their love. But before she gets even close to his home, she is confronted and attacked by a group of mystics. Enter Hunter. A mystic who has not been drained and so is not legally registered. Hunter…the same mystic who saves her life by using these very mystical powers to thwart the attackers. Hunter…who I absolutely crushed on in Mystic City. He reminded me of every bad boy/good boy/leading male in so many books. He’s mysterious and sweet, and we are allowed glimpses of his shy side, and his romantic side.
It’s from this encounter that Aria now can’t seem to stay away from him. She goes out to try and find him various times (much to the dismay of her parents). And who wouldn’t blame her? If Hunter had saved me from an attack, I wouldn’t want him to leave my side either. But slowly, little pieces of the puzzle come together, and we see that the life Aria thinks she knows, may not be what she really knows. And it’s with the help of the mystics that finds out the truth about her family, the Fosters, and Hunter.
Although the Romeo & Juliet, star-crossed lovers thing seems to coming out of the woodwork lately, I just don’t get tired of it. I love stories involving forbidden romance. And Mystic City is definitely one that is worth the read. The world created by author, Theo Lawrence, is a world like no other. A world where magic exists. I would have to agree that Mystic City is an X-men meets Romeo & Juliet. I don’t know where the Hunger Games part comes in to play though…
At any rate, the characters found in Mystic City are ones that readers will not easily forget. I mean, what up with Aria’s father! In my mind he was a big mafia boss type guy who would do anything to keep his secrets safe…even if it cost him his daughter. And Thomas? When I first met him in the story, I was thinking “Oh yah, he’s great…and it’s gonna turn out to be a love triangle…”. NOPE! He’s a jerk with only one agenda…power…hence the union between his family and Aria’s. Aria’s friends are nice enough, but I really couldn’t stand them. They seemed fake and boring, and reminded me of just your typical upper class snobs that you see in the movies. But the mystic characters? Those ones I did like. They all had a personality of their own. They seems more alive. With a diverse set of characters, readers will surely find ones that they can either relate to, or enjoy reading about.
With the various twists, turns, and gasp worthy scenes, Mystic City by Theo Lawrence, is one story that you will not get enough of. I recommend this book to fans of Romeo & Juliet and X-men. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!
Anonymous
Posted December 11, 2012
Set in a futuristic society full of magic and mafia type families, unlike anything out right now. Ended as a stand alone, but with enough open ends for another (which i would love).
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.violetalyss
Posted December 2, 2012
Theo Lawrence did a good job of making this story have mystery elements that didn't let me put the book down. I loved it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mystic City was one of those books where you couldn't think about anything until you found out the ending of the book. I keep putting off writing this review because I honestly don't know what to say! Not because it was bad or anything, but because I just don't know where to start. Therefore, I'll begin with Aria, the main protagonist. Aria Rose is a scion of one of the rivalry families. That being said, you already know that she's one of the richest families as well. One day she wakes up with huge gaps in her memories, and soon realizes that she overdosed on "stic". Not only that, but apparently, she's also engaged to the son of the other rivalry family, Thomas Foster.
Everything was so addicting after that. Aria's family say that she's in love with Thomas, but how come Aria can't remember falling in love with him at all? Being born in a rich family, I understand why her family were happy about the idea of reuniting and getting stronger, but is that really what Aria wanted? All these questions bubbled (is it bubbled?) my head, and I couldn't wait to get my answers. The world building was beautiful. Being in the future of New York, everything is above grounds. They all move from one building to another, not even knowing what trees or grass looks like. The ground surface, where us real people live on, is where the drained mystic's live. Mystic's are those who have supernatural powers. Each one having a different power. It's kind of hard to explain, but the government got rid of all mystics by draining their energy. Honestly, I loved the thought of mystics and how Theo Lawrence did a great job in writing about them!
There's so much suspense in this book, and I loved every bit of it! We also meet Hunter, who is a rebel mystic (which means that he got away from the government without being drained). When Aria meets him, she feels a sudden pull towards him. Then things get more complicated, and so on. Overall, I really enjoyed Mystic City. I will admit, it was kind of hard for me to get into it in the beginning, but then I really loved it to the max! Can't wait for what happens in the next book!
TheBumbleGirl1
Posted October 26, 2012
This an amazingly well written futuristic retelling of Romeo and Juliet!
There really is no other way for me to describe it...
This story takes place in a an apocalyptic-Manhattan known as Aeries, where the upper elite live in apartment buildings built on high stilts above the Depths, which is what the city used to be and is now drowning and decaying, where the poor and outcasts live. Just like in the original Romeo and Juliet drama, Mystic City has two feuding families - the Rose family and the Foster family... but wait, there's more! A third party is trying to join in the war of who will rule the city - the Mystics. But more on them in a bit.
Aria Rose wakes up one day, and has no idea what is going on and how she got into her current situation. Confused, she doesn't remember what caused her "accident", why she doesn't remember anything and most of all, she has a fiance?! And to make things even more complicated, her fiance is Thomas Foster! Wouldn't she remember having a secret love affair with their family's nemesis! And how is it that both families have taken to their deceit and love affair so easily and quickly. And how is it that she can remember everything except for the last week of her life, and him - things just don't add up...
Aria is desperate to make a connection with Thomas - shouldn't she be able to feel her love for him even if she can't remember anything? When he looks at her, or even touches her arm - shouldn't that touch burn through her and remind her of what they had? or have? She decides that if she did it once before, she can do it again - she must sneak over and speak to Thomas in private. Maybe then, going through what she has supposedly done may times before, will help her regain her memories.
As she's trying to sneak through the city by going through the Depths and tries to remember what paths she would have traveled to get to Thomas, where they must have hidden and met, she gets into some trouble... and then she meets Hunter - a rebel Mystic.
Mystics are humans with magical powers - they have been outcast-ed as dangerous and uncaring, the government has forced them to register and their abilities are drained and used to power the city.
Aria has been taught in school that these people are menacing, dangerous and to be feared. But when she meets Hunter, and others, she sees for herself that the things that she has been told since the day she was born has all been a lie... and why does Hunter intrigue her so much? Why is it that every time he touches her, it burns right through her? Is it because of his powers...
I have to admit, I was a teeny bit disappointed in the love story here. Led to believe that there would be a love triangle of some sort, no, no there isn't. So for those of you who hate love triangle, rejoice!
There was so many clues as to what really happened to Aria and who her true love is - and she failed miserably so many times to realize any of it. Could it possibly be that she buried her head in denial, unable to accept what her family is capable of? Perhaps. But, there was just too many instances and it made me really frustrated with her... I would have liked to have seen more passion in the end. I was a bit disappointed with their "undying love" moment. BUT, I do have to admit, that after all is said and done, Aria does come into her own and completely owns up to everything. From the beginning she was determined to discover everything on her own, and now that things have changed, she is determined to face what has happened and take on full responsibility.
I am SO looking forward to the next book in this series! Overall, Theo Lawrence did a fabulous job - I really enjoyed the storytelling and world building he did here. And the gorgeous cover really does have an impact and represents Mystic City perfectly. Can't wait to find out what will happen to Aria, Hunter and their families.
Anonymous
Posted January 4, 2013
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Anonymous
Posted October 10, 2012
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Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2013
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Overview
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries,...