Review and Blog Tour & Giveaway: Justice Buried by Hilary Thompson

Welcome to my stop on the Justice Buried blog tour! I participated in the Book Blitz last month, so I will send you here for author info and the novella info! But be sure to read on for my review, and the giveaway!!

Amazon

Goodreads

304 pages

Published January 15th 2014 by Createspace

Source: Received in exchange for honest review

My Rating: 4 stars

From Goodreads:

The people need Justice, but she’s not listening. One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to return and save them from their Fates. Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior – too bad for them she isn’t a believer. Trea fights against her false destiny: she rebels against her family and friends, then refuses her arranged marriage to the charming but deceitful Lexan. Learning her life is in danger, Trea is forced to trust Lexan – until she discovers a power she never knew she had, and one he already knew he did. As betrayal closes every door, Trea decides she must submit to her stars and accept her fate. Then a handsome stranger offers her an unexpected escape and the chance to create her own destiny.

So obviously, I was drawn in by this amazing cover. Seriously, gorgeous. And then upon reading the description, I knew I was in. I found this book to be quite refreshing, because I have yet to encounter an astrology-infused dystopian. Perhaps there is another, but I certainly haven’t come across it!

The main character, Astrea, is in a bit of a pickle. Her life has been dictated for her, based on some equinox/zodiac situation that was put into play long before she was even born. I have a feeling that the subsequent books will provide answers to the multitude of questions I have about these shenanigans. But, because no one wants to be told what to do and who to marry, she isn’t particularly happy with her situation, with Lexan, her groom-to-be, or Keirna, the leader of Asphodel.

I kind of loved all of the characters, even the ones that were “love-to-hate” situations. Astrea may have been immature, but since she is sixteen, I kind of expect her to have some growing up to do. Lexan intrigued me throughout, and I want to know much, much more about him. And, to address the love triangle, yes, it exists. Stian is the only character who I am not sure I cared for. But maybe there will be more about him at a later date that will make me feel differently. Confession: I have absolutely no issues with a love triangle, so it didn’t bother me at all. Some readers who adamantly despise love triangles may feel differently, but I simply don’t mind them, as long as they make sense to the story, which this one most definitely does.

The plot was definitely enjoyable, moved at a quick pace, and was intriguing. I needed to know what was going on, so I wanted to keep reading. Sure, there were a few predictable moments, but overall, my attention was definitely kept.

There were two things I didn’t like about the book: 1. I wanted more information on why the heck they were so into this whole prophecy/astrology business. I kind of needed to know, but am hoping it will be forthcoming. 2. I kind of don’t get Astrea’s waffling back and forth all the time. Let me rephrase that: I get it, but it is annoying.

Those minor qualms aside, this was a solid book with characters that I was genuinely invested in and a storyline that I cannot wait to see unfold. Because I have a lot of questions!