W. J. May

Quote: "Your father's demons will try to tempt you, but don't listen. you're going to be more powerful than your father ever was and that is why he fears you."

What would you do if you were planted in a new place around people that look at you like you're going to sprout horns, and every where there are whispers at the mention of your name? Rae Kerrigan, is sent to Guilder Boarding School with no explanation from her Uncle, away from the one place she was comfortable just blending in, to a show more place where she stands out because of her father's past. Now, hoping she can prove the doubters wrong she is still worried that she will be evil like her father when she finally gets her tatu. I really like the concept of this book. The idea that they have this power within them that manifests itself in the form of a tatu not tatoo. The powers that they have range from flying to shape-shifting, and no power is impossible in this world. The storyline paced pretty well considering this is the beginning of the series and we are introduced to Rae's new life through her eyes. I loved all of the characters, especially her roommate Molly who is whirlwind of a character, and Devon, the sweet heartthrob. Rae was real, and as a reader I could understand her frustration and discomfort for being singled out at this school of the super-gifted. She is a strong character that has her own issues to confront, and add to that the weight of her father's bad deeds, she has a tough road ahead of her. Can Rae overcome her father's dark legacy or will the evil that lurks in the shadows stifle the light within? That is to be determined, I look forward to the next installment in the Chronicles of Kerrigan.

This is a story of loss, love, hope, self-confidence, trust and sacrifice. show less

I have inhaled the entire Kerrigan world - 18 books in less than a week. Loved the storyline, the characters, and the plotting UNTIL the last few chapters of this book. I think I was wanting Simon to be redeemed without sacrifice - all the characters went through so much and became so much better human beings because of their suffering. I felt that the ending cheapened what they (and I as a reader) had felt, done, shared through 18 novels. I'm writing this as I am closing Precious Time. show more Maybe I will feel differently with a little distance. Overall, this was a wonderful series and I'm going to read Gabriel's story as soon as I can get it! show less

The ending was a bit too easy for me, but I guess this whole series is a bit too easy on a lot of things. However, as a whole, this series entertained me and as an easy read it works good enough.

What I Loved:

I loved the idea of a tatú! I want one! Seriously. Besides the awesome idea of tatús, the plot was engaging; if I pick it apart it's not 'original' at all, but put together it's very fresh and original. I really sympathized with the main character, Rae, and was very surprised with how much I ended up enjoying the story.

What I Didn't Like:

I don't want to give spoilers... let's just say I never liked "Snape," no matter how good his intention or how much he was 'redeemed' by the show more author later on. That doesn't justify his earlier actions. This same sentiment is shared with the behavior of the kids at Guilder as well- only they don't have any honorable reasoning to back them up.

My Overall Opinion:

I really sympathized with Rae-- if not from the very beginning, then very quickly after. She was a lost girl, sent to a different country and arriving at a school where she is the only one that doesn't know what's up. To follow my Harry Potter analogy- imagine if Harry wasn't told what Hogwarts was, but was sent there by the Dursleys and given all his school stuff when he got there. And really, if you liked Harry Potter (who didn't) there are a ton of things in Rae of Hope that reflect elements of everyone's favorite boy wizard.

I didn't care much for the way the other students treated Rae, especially in the beginning. While she does eventually make friends with a few, I just felt really sorry for her. She had no idea what her family's history was, and they really shouldn't judge her from that. Still... even with this happening a lot and being an annoyance, the book itself was really good. Great job, I can't wait to see what W.J. May comes out with next.

Disclaimer:

This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion. show less