Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Blog Tour: The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier Review & Giveaway

The Willows: Haven
by Hope Collier
Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance / Urban Fantasy
Ages: 14 and up
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews.

Description:
When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?

My Review:
It took me a little while to get into this book but when I did I really enjoyed it. Ashton was a character I could really like and sympathize with. Gabe was a little harder to understand and even after reading the whole book I am not sure what to think of him, but he was certainly intriguing. I hope the sequel comes out soon so that some of my questions about him can be answered. All of those mysterious hints.

I loved that there were naiads and dryads instead of the more "popular" supernatural creatures. Naiads (water nymphs) have always especially interested me when reading mythology, so it was nice to see them featured so prominently in this book.

I liked Ms. Collier's writing style and her character development was really good. Though I wish she had given Kyle just a little bit more of a chance with the love triangle...oh well, I liked Gabe, I really did. It is just that I liked Kyle a tiny bit more. My only problem with the story was that the plot and romance was sometimes a little confusing. Other than that though, it was a fun fantasy with an interesting premise.

This is a very promising first book in a series that I would recommend to any lovers of fantasy and romance.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 2.10 for mild swearing.

Sexuality:
I give it a 3.10 for a couple of scenes that came very close.

Violence:
I rate it a 6.10 for murder and kidnapping.


And now, for the giveaway! I get to share an e-copy of The Willows: Haven with one random commenter! All you have to do is leave a comment saying what intrigues you most about the book with your e-mail address. For an extra entry, spread the word somewhere and leave a link. This giveaway ends on Oct. 6th, 11:59 Pacific Time.

Follow along the tour for more chances to win! Tomorrow's stop will be at FantasyFairy. At the end of the tour, there will be a video interview with Hope Collier and a chance to win a signed copy of The Willows: Haven with swag. You can click on the tour button above to see the full schedule of stops. Good luck to you all!

                                          Lieder Madchen

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for participating! I've heard other with the same feeling about Kyle. I'm Team Gabe myself. haha

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  2. cool lov nymps. doters of zeus right
    hav not read abouth them yet


    rogcaprino [at] hotmail ==dot==com

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  3. Sounds like an interesting story, and I admit I am intrigued by the naiads, as well -- something different for a change! :)

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  4. I have to be honest i have read the reviews and it sounds like a real different story to read. One that can take my trouble days away. can't wait. Love ebooks Thanks for the chance to win, Joannie jscddmj[at]aol[dot[com]

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  5. I want to read about naiads and dryads. I've had so little exposure to these that I would love to read more about them. Thanks for the chance to win.

    crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com

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  6. what fascinates me are the nymphs. i've never read a story with them before, so i would like to rectify that ^^
    also, you are making me curious about kyle and gabe. i love triangles ;)

    witchvela at web dot de

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  7. What intrigues me most is the mystery surrounding Ashton's past and heritage. Would love to find out more! Thanks for the giveaway.

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. I have never read anything like this. Dryads? Nymphs? I am so looking forward to this book!
    Thanks for the chance:)

    bchild5 at aol dot com

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  9. I found this giveaway by accident. :o) What lured me in first was the cover. I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. hehe. Then I read your review. I've never read a book like this. It sounds great! whatsbeyondforks at gmail dot com

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