by Jo Holloway
YA Contemporary Fantasy (verging on magical realism)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story is very contemporary to the point that through most of it, it didn’t feel like I was reading fantasy. Yes, there is this mystical other race that the MC is helping, but it all seemed to be very human problems. The pyx (pyxes?) are prevalent throughout, so it’s definitely fantasy, but my preference would have been more focus on that than the other mundane pieces. I would almost call it magical realism.
This book is truly YA and hits the “academy” trope slightly. It deals with school-age scenarios with family and friends through Cara’s POV. And honestly, at times, Cara annoyed me with her self-absorption. She’s a good “Bella-esque” character. (Twilight, for anyone who isn’t familiar.) Although this book does not delve into romance. I understand that later ones in the series do.
Bottom line: Healthy relationship building, friend-group oriented, contemporary fantasy suitable for MG-HS readers.
Plot & Characters
Solid, if a bit focused on the mundane aspects. The combination not leaning more toward fantasy is the reason for my slightly lowered rating.
Romance Elements
Swoonworthiness
None, really. A bit of teenage angst. However, very realistic for early feelings toward people with whom a person might have a romantic interest.
Heat
None at all.
Fantasy Elements
Worldbuilding
Modern world. Academy + home life. Not much needing to be built.
Magic & Magic Systems
The way the pyx interact with humans was fun. The taking over an animal consciousness was a nice little mechanism in this story. It has the “what if your dog could speak to you” vibe.
Writing & Narration
Astrid’s voice is naturally smooth, and that makes for a really easy read where the characters and world shine. This book is no exception.
Synopsis
An immortal race needs her help … if she believes they exist.
Cara thought she had finally learned to ignore the animals no one else sees. A new school in the fall is her dream come true … Somewhere to start over, somewhere no one knows her. She should have known it was doomed the minute she heard the first voice.
Now there’s a weird gleam in her dog’s eye, two suspicious guys who keep turning up, and a voice in her head. While it tells her of a hidden race of immortal beings known as the Pyx, Cara does her best to ignore it and the others who join in. Fitting in is hard enough without the local fauna chatting in her head.
But the voices are insistent. Across Portland, Pyx are disappearing, and Cara is the only one who can help them. As bizarre encounters pile up, Cara begins to wonder if the only way to stop the voices, is to start listening.
The only problem is, if the Pyx are real, then so is the danger. So how exactly is Cara supposed to save them?
SECRETS is the first book in the GREEN & GOLD series, perfect for fans of modern young adult fantasy, hidden worlds, and unexpected friendships, filled with whimsy and mystery.
Join Cara’s surprising journey of discovery in this coming-of-age fantasy novel, where strangeness and suspense ride alongside spirit and hope.
My Ratings
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About the Author
Jo Holloway is a Canadian author who grew up in Victoria, B.C. and now lives with her husband and dog in Calgary, Alberta. She holds a BSc in Microbiology, and a day job in IT in healthcare. Although always an avid reader, becoming an author was completely unexpected. Some stories just demand to be written. She loves to relax with a good book, hates to cook, loves cheese, hates soup (you read that right, and she stands by her anti-soup stance), and loves animals which should be obvious by now.