Funny that I keep seeming to read books that have common links in such short proximity to each other. Granted, these were not similarly themed or anything, but I mean, horses aren’t in your everyday YA! And neither sets of horses are regular, everyday horses either. They come with special features! Of course, very different special features.
Riders by Veronica Rossi
Series: Riders #1
Published by Tor Teen on February 16th 2016
Pages: 384
For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.
Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.
They fail.
Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.
But will anyone believe him?
I adore Veronica Rossi. Her Under the Never Sky series is one of my all time favorites, and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Obviously, I was tremendously excited for Riders, even though it’s definitely a departure from UTNS in virtually every way. But that’s okay! I feel like it shows a lot of versatility on the part of Ms. Rossi to be able to bring such different worlds to life.
Anyway, Riders is why we’re here! I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It’s got a lot going for it, but there were a few things that held me back, so I am going to go into detail about all of that.
The Things I Liked:
- A Believable Male Point of View! Yes, this exists 😉 In seriousness, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Gideon’s POV, even if he wasn’t always my favorite character. He felt authentic as a character, as did his voice. I also loved that he was an Army ranger, and that he was struggling with a lot of things personally that made him relatable.
- Daryn was great, and I enjoyed the (very light) romance between her and Gideon. Daryn felt like the Mama Bear to this group of boys- she was protective of them for sure, and she knew all the things. And Gideon was smitten, which I found adorable. It wasn’t one-sided, but Daryn was also very reluctant to start any kind of relationship. Still, I felt the sparks between them, and I liked it!
- The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse thing was downright intriguing- especially because they had actual horses! I am still a little uncertain about all the specifics, but I feel like we’re going to see a lot of answers coming out in the sequel, so I am up for some mystery! Oh, and the horses all do stuff to help their horseman! Which, I want one of those, clearly.
- The book moved at a great pace. I was nervous because the story is mostly told from the perspective of Gideon recounting the events to the government officials, and sometimes that form of story can move slowly, but this one definitely didn’t suffer for it.
The Things I Didn’t:
- Even though the method of telling didn’t make the book move slowly, it took away some of the anticipation and excitement. For a large chunk of the story, the reader knows at least part of the ending- since the book basically starts with the end. While it was a unique approach to telling the story, I feel like I would have been more invested if I didn’t know certain things.
- While I liked how different the other horsemen were, I wish I’d gotten to know them a bit better. Again, this is something that I hope comes through more in the sequel, because I would have loved to get to know more about them. Sebastian was definitely the most fleshed out (and my favorite!) and I was glad that we got to know a bit more about Marcus by the end. But Jode… I hardly knew ye.
- Some of the outcomes felt a little “easy”. I can’t say, for obvious spoiler reasons, but some of the things that happened toward the end of the book made me pretty skeptical. Granted, it is a paranormal/fantasy situation, but a few things went down that my common sense couldn’t move past, so I figure it’s worth mentioning.
Bottom Line: I liked this more than I didn’t, for sure. Because I am definitely going to read the sequel, as I am interested in learning all about the outcome of this very unique world, and of course, to revisit this great cast of characters!
Titans by Victoria Scott
Published by Scholastic Press on February 23rd 2016
Pages: 320
Format:ARC
From Victoria Scott, author of FIRE & FLOOD, comes a thrilling story of impossible odds.
Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.
She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.
But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.
As is the case in the above review, I adore Victoria Scott’s books. Titans is no exception! There are some key elements that just made this book stand out for me and made it quite refreshing.
Family and Friends
Oh, how I adore books with strong family ties and great friendships. And guess what? The entire premise of this book is built on just that. It’s family (and maybe a bit of stubbornness and pride) that leads Astrid to enter the Titans race to begin with. It’s friends and family who build her up, who pull her through. And it isn’t a clique of high school girls either. These are friends for life, you can feel it. Victoria’s writing makes you feel it.
Some of these people have been in Astrid’s life forever- her family, of course, and her best friend Magnolia, who is absolutely everything a best friend should be. Their friendship makes me believe in the strength and sanctity of a close female friendship. Some of these people Astrid met specifically because of the Titans race. Rags, Barney, Lottie, they are complex and gorgeous characters who help Astrid along the way, but in fact, they all learn from each other. I want to tell you how damn beautiful it is, but you’re going to want to experience it for yourself. Not one of these characters is perfect, but at the core? They’re good souls, and they are so incredibly authentic- the type of characters that you simply don’t want to leave behind when you close the final pages of the book.
Astrid’s relationship with her family is messy. They love each other, that’s a certainty, but there are struggles. Again, this mimics real life so, so deeply. The love between Astrid and her mom is so sweet, so complex, and seems like such a legitimate mother-daughter relationship. Astrid’s need for her father’s acceptance is also huge– and touched me on a personal level.
Astrid’s Growth
While I liked and connected to Astrid from the start, I felt like she needed to know so much more about the world around her. She’s proud and strong-willed to the point that she can get in her own way. The people that helped to guide her had such personality ranges that it felt very reasonable for Astrid to pick up these lessons. Lottie was teaching her how to be more “high society” while Rags was teaching her how to maneuver Padlock, her Titan, in his usual gruffness. But it clicked for Astrid, more and more as time went on. I loved this line:
“‘I could be like one of those rich track kids if I had someone to teach me.’
Rags shoots me a look like he’s disappointed. ‘You don’t want to be like them, Astrid. Be a girl who likes a little dirt under her nails. Be a girl who isn’t afraid to eat with her hands and speak her mind.’
I think on what he’s telling me. Then I say, ‘Why can’t I be both?'”
This is just a glimpse into what Astrid learns- about herself, the world around her, and those she holds dearest. She’s a character you simply can’t help but root for, because not only does she want to succeed, she works hard at it.
Astrid doesn’t have a love interest in this book, and I feel that while I was kind of sad about it, it probably was a good choice for the book. Romance would have pulled away from the best parts of the book- and perhaps taken the focus off the story as a whole.
The Race Was an Incredible Microcosm
While the race itself was fun and exciting, because come on, mechanical horses are incredible, I found the sociological aspects of the whole thing most intriguing. There is a huge disparity between the “haves” and the “have nots”. Normally Astrid would be watching the races from outside the fence, her family falling into debt because of her father’s gambling. But while she was given the opportunity of a lifetime with her chance encounter with Rags, it’s clear that not everyone is going to root for the underdog.
No, they prefer to hobnob with the other elite. Nobody wants to see what goes on beyond the tracks, what happens to the real people who live in Detroit. They’re viewed as “less than”, and even though Astrid is in the race now, it’s no different. Money talks in this arena, as it does in life, and Astrid doesn’t have a penny to work with. And while the prize would change that, would these people ever even allow it?
The races were fun to read about, especially as Astrid pushed her limits- and her luck. A few of the semi-final races seemed to run together just a bit for me, which is the only problem I had at all with the book. But as a whole, the races were exciting- especially the first few and the last few!
Bottom Line:
Read it, read it now. Well, okay, read it in a few days when it comes out. After reading Titans, I had a restored faith in humanity, in the power of friendship, family, and just an overall appreciation in the ability to better oneself. Also, you’ll love Padlock. Because no one out there can write amazing fantasy animals like Victoria Scott!
**Quote taken from uncorrected proof, subject to change.
You have been reading books with ties to each other lately! Actually, both of these books are ones I am anticipating and wanting to read myself. You have made Titans sound incredibly interesting, and a plus for me definitely has to be family ties. I just love my family and love when YA depicts families well too <3 But there seem to be a few issues with Riders… but nothing I'm not willing to overlook just to try this one out! Great reviews, Shannon <3
I know, it is WEIRD! There was the weight books, and then the books ALL about families, and then the three books that were released on the SAME DAY all about grief- that was extra weird! And now horses?! Awwww I love that you have a great relationship with your family! This family has struggles, but they do love each other. It’s very realistic! Hope you love it- and Riders too!
Oh Goody! Although both of these books look amazing, I only preordered one of them. Looks like I chose right. Great reviews! I love that the characters are well developed in Titans. Although, having a male POV that sounds legit kinda makes me want to read Riders.
Oh YAY! I cannot wait to see what you think of it! And I liked Riders- it’s hard because some things I LOVED and then some things irked me. But I definitely liked more than I disliked, so it could be worth a shot!
I’m with you on Gideon’s POV. It was very well-done in my opinion too. I also wanted to know the Horsemen a bit more intimately and I’m hoping the sequel will be the book when that happens. I think now that the world and plot has been set up up to an extent, it’s going to flow much better in the sequel.
And wow! I have to say that I wasn’t really interested in Titans because Fire & Flood wasn’t the best book for me (although I loved her Dante Walker series!), but you made such a strong case for the book. I feel like I can’t NOT pick the book up, Shannon! You know how much it means to me when friendship and family is a big part of the story. And the fact that you also feel like these are friends for life means that I’m going to love the portrayal of friendship in this! I’m so intrigued by the fact that she doesn’t have a love interest too. I don’t normally go for books with no romance, but I’m curious about this!
Lovely reviews, Shannon!
YESS I really hope we get more horsemen details! I also feel like the sequel is going to be stronger, so fingers crossed!
Titans is VERY different than Fire & Flood- and I actually was afraid I wouldn’t like it because I DID like F&F (well, after I got through the first 25% which I thought was stupid and almost DNFed). This is much more… grown up. Astrid is SO different from Tella. I REALLY hope you like it if you read it! 😀
I have only read Titans so far, and really liked it as well! But I love that you combined these two horse-related reviews. I have an e-galley of Riders that I need to read, hoping to get to it soon! Great reviews for both of these!
Aw thanks! I am so glad you enjoyed Titans too! And I hope you like Riders, I look forward to your thoughts !
Awesome reviews. I loved horses as a kid, but not so much as an adult. Riders keeps popping up on my Goodreads feed. The apocalypse thing is tempting, but I’m not sold yet.
Thanks so much! I thought horses were cool- because I think one of the Baby-Sitters Club members liked them? Maybe it was some other series? Idk. But I was never a rider of horses, just a fraud 😉
I have a huge affection for horses so I’m intrigued by both of these novels and your reviews.
(I actually own a horse and spent some time out at the Barn last night giving her a good grooming!)
Aww yay! I really hope you like them both then! That is amazing that you own a horse, too- and so sweet that you were grooming her, I bet she’s gorgeous!
UtNS is on my tbr shelf I SWEAR 😉 That being said, I want to read BOTH of these so I was excited to see that you had them both in one review here^^ WIN. It was interesting to compare between the two, and though I wish you would have liked Riders a little more, I’m confident in the fact that you’re definitely reading the sequel. Even more excited for both of these now 😀 Awesome reviews!!
Hahha! UtNS is soooo good. A warning though- the first two or three chapters were BAD. Like, not long, less than 30 pages probably, but I seriously put the book down (I had one of those Amazon “try it” things) and wasn’t planning to read it- but then it got REALLY good REALLY fast.
And thanks so much! Yes, I will definitely pick up the sequel to Riders, which is why I am pretty sure it was more positive than negative too 😀
I haven’t really gotten to spend much time with horses, to be honest…but I always thought they were beautiful.
Awesome reviews for both of these books! I have a copy of Riders and haven’t read it just yet…it’s actually next on my TBR list, but I’ve seen so many “meh” reviews for the book, I’m not as excited as I was…another reason I don’t like reading reviews for books before I read the book itself, I guess. I also haven’t read the Under the Never Sky series, so I’m in the dark as to how awesome her writing can be. I just got approved on Edelweiss for Titans today, so I’m excited to read that one, too!
Oh I agree, they are definitely gorgeous animals! I feel you about the “meh” reviews. Actually, one of my friends read it, and didn’t say anything about it to me until after I read it (which was nice!) and she felt very meh also. I think the good news is, I also haven’t seen many “I HATE THIS” reviews. So maybe that’s a plus?
Read UtNS, it is very good! VERY different from Riders, but very good. And YAY for Titans, I hope you love it!
Ok I’m going to admit something really embarrassing here — I kept getting these books confused because of the horsey covers!
These both sound super interesting, though, and I’m going to check out Titans! Great review and I loved how you juxtaposed the covers, etc. Shannon!!
Oh do not be embarrassed! I checked and double checked like, 10 times before I sent the reviews to the respective publishers!
And hank you!! I hope you enjoy Titans- and Riders if you ever desire!
So I really wanted to read The Titans because HORSES and I quite like Victoria Scott…but I hadn’t read the blurb till now???? And I’m kind of fuming??? It sounds like a complete rip-off The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater?!?! Like just take out “mechanical horses” and add in “paranormal man eating horses” AND IT’S BASICALLY THE SAME PLOT OMG. :O Now I’m a little bit worried to read it. But I probably still will because I don’t wanna accuse a book of ripping something off unless it did?! Ahem. SORRY. LITTLE SPIT FIREY MOMENT FROM CAIT HERE OMG. XDXD I loved your reviews though!! OF COURSE. LIKE ALWAYS. How are your reviews so endlessly entertaining and convincing?! :’)
Oh DEAR. See, I umm haven’t read Scorpio Races yet. So this I did not know. I shall have to read Scorpio Races ASAP and let you know. It seems to be the only way.
Also, you are too kind! 😀 And I am VERY curious about this now. I feel like if it WAS super close, a LOT of people would be angry? Right? Like, people who read both books? Maybe I should head over to Goodreads and see if anyone IS mad.
Horsey books have become one of my favourite (in theory, because lets be real I have not read many) ever since reading The Scorpio Races! I’m divided a bit about Riders, because I don’t know if I would enjoy it or not — but Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is pretty hard to say no to. Titans’ cover doesn’t draw me in, but your review certainly does – I love races as a microcosm of things omg – I need it!! I’ll probably look into it cos it sounds similar to The Scorpio Races aka my fave Stiefvater book by a mile.
Hahahha at first I was like “wait- are horsey books a genre unto themselves now?” Bwhahha. With Riders, I feel like the 4 Horsemen thing hasn’t been fully explored yet. Like, we know it’s a thing, but not all the details.
And Titans was really great. It’s actually one of those books that the more I think about it, the more I like it, which is rare, because usually it’s the other way around 😉
I haven’t read the Under the Never Sky trilogy yet (I know, I know… hanging my head in shame) but I was interested in Riders as soon as I saw the synopsis. But I’m feeling like every review I’ve been seeing has been kind of lukewarm. Lack of fleshed out characters seems to be a common thread in the reviews I’ve read. I’m still on the fence about this one. On the flipside, I’m seeing raves for Titans and yet the synopsis isn’t doing much for me. Gah! But how can I say no after your review? I’m dealing with total FOMO right now. Oh, my life…
DOOOOO IT. It is so good. (After the first couple chapters- ignore those 😉 ) I absolutely agree with you that the response as been lukewarm for Riders. And I get it. It isn’t BAD, so people aren’t outright disliking it, but it’s also not getting many 5 stars either. ANd bwahaha read Titans! It’s actually a book that I have started liking even MORE after I finished it- like I upgraded it to my “best books” shelf last night! Which is rare- usually books get downgraded! 😀
Looks like I made good decisions about which one of these to request for review. I need to get to Titans quick, since it’s coming out soon. Yikes!
Hahhaha that is funny! You did a good job 😉 I hope you enjoy it!!
I am here for your Riders review, obviously. I think I will read Fire & Flood one day, but as usual, TIME. I remember when Salt & Stone was out and you were so excited. Wow it has been a while.
OK BACK TO RIDERS. I influenced you a lot hahah, oops. Oh well. I think it is good to think about these things though, right? Right. I think the thing the really irked me was the ending, definitely. Like, NO ONE CARED? I don’t know if I will read the sequel. I am just, not as invested. Please read Seeker for me (lol at that title though)
You did influence me I think! But not in a bad way- just in a “oh, right, THAT shit” way. I mean, I still liked it, and I still didn’t love it after talking about it, so there’s that 😉
And YESSSS with the ending. That was the hardest for me too. Shouldn’t they all be like, locked up in the looney bin or something? ::Shrugs::
And did they HAVE to name it Seeker? I mean, don’t they know our history with that shit? Speaking of, now that we know the history behind the OTHER Seeker, I don’t even think I am going to skim it, because screw those rich scientologists and their million dollar deal. SCREW EM.
I’m a Veronica Rossi fan, so I’ll be picking up Riders soon, I hope! And Titans sounds really cool, plus that cover is awesome! Horses are fun to read about, my favorite horse-related books being The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, and then, from my childhood, the Heartland series. As for riding horses — I did it twice, once when I was 6 and once when I was 9, and then I was like, “Okay, horses are great and all, but I will admire them from the ground.”
BWHAHA SAME with the horses! I have a picture of me on a pony at like, 10, and my mom said I cried for an hour before because I was so scared. And then we went riding during my senior year of high school with the swim team, and somehow MY horse was the one that took off in the opposite direction. And I freaked out, as you do 😉
I really hope you enjoy these! Especially since you’re a fan of horse related books!
Ok I’ll be honest I am only here for Riders! I was interested to see what this book would be like and it does sound like it is worth a read. I always worry that after a successful series, the follow up series is a bit meh but I think I’ll check this out!