Tuesday, February 17, 2015

REVIEW: The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain



The Shadow Prince (Into the Dark, #1)
Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.


Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.




MY THOUGHTS
This is a very interesting take on mythology and the Persephone myth! I have never read another idea quite like this one!

Haden Lord lives in the Underrealm and has been disgraced by all of his people, even his own father, the king. So it is a surprise for everyone when Haden is chosen as the Champion, whose job is to go to the mortal world and bring back a boon (a girl). As there are no girls born in the Underrealm). But this time is different as Haden has to bring back a specific girl: Daphne Raines. Bringing this girl back could mean the future of the Underrealm, and bring back Haden's honor.
Daphne Raines has lived in a small town all her life and has never been allowed to leave it (thanks to her mother). Then, her famous father that she never knew shows up, proclaiming that Daphne has to live with him. She moves to a whole other town and into an arts school. But things get odd when mysterious murders occur and she suspects that another new student has something to do with it.

My favorite thing about this book is the awesome world-building and ideas. I also mentioned a few of them in my little mini-summary, but there is so much more involved in this book. Overall, all the the ideas are completely unique and the way they were used in this book was very well done!

This book was told in alternating point of view from both Haden and Daphne. Haden is basically Zuko (from Avatar: The Last Airbender, for those who don't know). He did something as a child that everyone basically judges him for, so he does everything he can to restore his honor, to no avail. He sees being the Champion as his opportunity. I felt a bit sorry for him and hated how much those of the Underrealm treated him. Especially since he shouldn't have to regret what he did (I will not say what he did exactly, as that would be a spoiler). It was very interesting to see him in the mortal world, as he had no idea how to be mortal and what many objects were. As he didn't know how to act, he did act like a jerk at times, though mostly because he isn't really used to the way humans act.

Daphne is a pretty average YA main character. There's not much I can really say about her. She has the usual YA story. It really bothered me that she was just so perfect and I couldn't quite understand why she left with her dad that she didn't know (I know her dad has legal paperwork, but I kind of wish she would have fought more). Overall, she is an okay character.

The romance wasn't bad. I, again, can't say much on it. Not because of spoiler, but because of how I just don't have very many feeling towards it. Did I want them to be together? Sure, but this isn't a new romance. I've read many books with very similar romances, so it didn't wow me.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was a very interesting take on mythology and the ideas were so unique! The main girl character and the romance are the usual for YA, but they still worked with the book. As for the sequel, I am definitely planning on reading it!

I hereby give this book
3.5 Wheels
Meaning: I liked it, but it wasn't quite amazing.

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