Today, I’d like to share my thoughts about Scorpio’s Grace by Rosie Wylor-Owen. Book 1 in Rosie’s new urban fantasy series Scorpio’s Grace Saga. My thanks to Rosie for the free ebook.
Quote from Scorpio’s Grace
“Out of the corner of her eye, Olivia’s duvet moved. Freya’s heart sank. Twelve years since she had escaped Kander, she had hoped fervently after Olivia’s birth that she would never have to watch her mother battle for their freedom. In the blink of an eye any hope she clung to was dashed”
What’s Scorpio’s Grace about?
[book-info]
Read: 17th April – 5th May 2020
Publication Date: 6th November 2019
My Overall Rating: 5/5
Plot: 5/5 – Flow: 5/5 – Character Development: 4/5 – World Building: 5/5
Scorpio’s Grace is the first book in a new Urban Fantasy adventure by British indie author, Rosie Wylor-Owen. This book is set in England, a fair amount of the action taking place in London.
What did I like about Scorpio’s Grace?
I follow Rosie’s blog – The Secret Library Book Blog – and love reading her posts. However, this is the first time I’ve read one of her books. She was kind enough to send it to me as the second book in the saga is due to be released soon. I’m so glad that she did! I loved her writing style; the prose she used, the way she built and paced her plot and balanced the physical conflict with the emotional. I really loved that she “showed” us her characters’ personalities rather than just telling us what they were like. Letting them exhibit these traits in their behaviour in every scene as the story unfolded is far more accomplished.
The urban fantasy world that Rosie has created is a melting pot that ignited my imagination.
She’s filled her world with various supernatural species all unknown to the human race. Druids wield different magical gifts. The Nexus create and enforce the laws that keep humans safe and ignorant of the dangerous world they inhabit. I love that all is not as clear cut as it seems. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the grey area.
We’re thrown into the action from the first chapter. As a mother myself, I felt my own heart pounding in fear. Our protagonist, Freya, quickly showed herself to be resourceful and able to protect herself. She’s a character that I could believe in and I liked her a lot. She exhibited all of the personality traits that I admire and need main characters to have – intelligence, resourcefulness, resilience – and while she is able to defend herself with deadly force, she still has a loving soul and puts others first.
Scorpio’s Grace kept me guessing.
I didn’t know how it would end or who would survive. I was gripped and couldn’t stop turning the pages. Some of the themes in this book are quite dark and gritty. Highlighting the underbelly of humanity. However, it’s written with such emotion, sensitivity and eloquence that it pulled me in further. I actually found myself holding my breath while reading quite a few pages in this book. 😉
Was there anything I didn’t like?
Obviously, I loved this book as I rated it 5 stars. 😉 However, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t mention the couple of niggles that I had reading it.
Firstly Elijah. He’s supposed to be a skilled bounty hunter for a supernatural policing organisation called the Nexus. However, his knowledge of the seedier side of the world and skills fell far short for me. Throughout this story, he felt more like a hindrance although I never doubted his feelings and loyalty for Freya.
Secondly, they say ignorance is bliss. However it frustrates me no end when protagonists are kept in the dark about important stuff “for their own good”. In this story, the shoe is on the other foot. Our protagonist, Freya, is keeping stuff from someone she obviously cares about “to keep him safe“. In my opinion, this puts him in more danger not less – forewarned is forearmed.
I love that the immediate threat to Freya and her friends is dealt with without resorting to a perilous cliffhanger! 🥳Woop!Woop!🥳 However, this is the first book in a new series so there’s plenty of questions left to answer. The remaining threats to their safety have only grown and there are mysteries to solve. However, in my opinion, this is fabulous; it leaves enough background story arcs to continue into the next book and beyond.
Basically, what I’m saying is…
I loved this action-packed urban fantasy story! It’s got everything that I look for in a 5 star read. Great scenes that get the adrenaline pumping. An intelligent plot to get the little grey cells whirling. Nail-biting tension and well-written characters on both sides of the fence.
Warning:
There are some very dark topics regarding black market trafficking, child kidnapping and graphic scenes in this urban fantasy story. Therefore, I’d recommend Scorpio’s Grace to adults who are not offended by this sort of content.
If you’re a fan of strong, independent, kickass characters, a story with Hitchcock-esque tension and true to life relationship drama then Scorpio’s Grace by Rosie Wylor-Owen is the book for you!
So, has my review of SCORPIO’S GRACE (SCORPIO’S GRACE SAGA #1) encouraged you to find out more? I hope it has. 😉 Click on any of the links to check out the book yourself or find out more about the author.
[about-author]
Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to read my review. I hope that I’ve tempted you to add Scorpio’s Grace to your ever-growing TBR piles. 😉
Rosie has written a great book within one of my favourite genres. Before you go, don’t forget to check out some of my other bookish favourites.
I hope you have a great day. Remember to stay safe & healthy, and loose yourself in a great story.
Flora x
