Title: TitansAuthor: Victoria Scott
Pub. Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 320
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Rating: 4/5 stars
Synopsis:
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.
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.
Review:
Victoria Scott has never let me down with one of her books, and her new novel Titans is certainly no exception! I have read every book Victoria Scott has written, and have loved every single one of them. She has a very refreshing style of writing that takes a simple story/idea and turns it into something utterly fantastic! Every story, especially this one, is unique and stands out among the YA crowd. From beginning to end, Titans is a great novel that is heartwarming with a dose of humor mixed in.
While this story is a little slow, this mainly occurs in the beginning. However, the set up in the beginning of the story is necessary for the rest of the novel. I felt Victoria did an excellent job at laying the groundwork for the story and setting its overall tone, however I did want to just get into the story where Astrid is actually taking part in the race. But once she does start participating in the races, the story takes off and you are on the edge of your seat, rooting for Astrid at every turn! Each race becomes trickier, riskier, and more daunting. There are many pitfalls along the way for Astrid, and you never know what will happen. After all, this is a race in which many risk their lives...and you have to wonder, will Astrid do the same?
I loved every character in this novel, but especially Astrid and Magnolia. Their friendship is more than a friendship. They are sisters at heart, and it showed countless times throughout the novel. Every girl should have a friend such as Magnolia. The bond between them was so strong, and I loved that this was the "relationship" of the book. Magnolia supports Astrid in her dreams and goals of helping out her family, and she never once wavers from that support. But what's more is that Astrid is determined to never give up so that she can not only help her family out, but also Magnolia's family! This was something I greatly admired of Astrid. She wasn't selfish. She was just a girl who wanted to do the right thing, and if she could achieve a dream or two along the way, why not go for it? Honestly, I found her to be a very inspirational character. You don't see many characters such as Astrid in books these days, and I appreciated that Victoria gave us such a character.
There is no romance in the story (well there is but not for Astrid), and I was very happy that this was the case. I know that some readers might want her to have someone, but for me, it would have felt out of place and it would have taken away from Astrid's character. She truly is a remarkable character that deserves to be appreciated for who she is. The lack of romance also allows the strong female friendship to stand out more!
The other relationship that is featured in this novel is between Astrid and her Titan, Padlock. I absolutely adored Padlock, and I loved the idea of the Titans in general. I found this to be so unique and different. I loved learning about them and the story behind their creation. The entire race was so thrilling and exciting, and Victoria did a great job at describing every element so that we understood the risky venture that the riders were embarking on.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to those who are fans of Victoria Scott, or those who are looking for something fun and different. I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before! Except for the beginning, overall the novel is fast-paced and full of exciting, heart-stopping moments that will leave you rushing to the conclusion to see how the book ends. Add this to your TBR now!
While this story is a little slow, this mainly occurs in the beginning. However, the set up in the beginning of the story is necessary for the rest of the novel. I felt Victoria did an excellent job at laying the groundwork for the story and setting its overall tone, however I did want to just get into the story where Astrid is actually taking part in the race. But once she does start participating in the races, the story takes off and you are on the edge of your seat, rooting for Astrid at every turn! Each race becomes trickier, riskier, and more daunting. There are many pitfalls along the way for Astrid, and you never know what will happen. After all, this is a race in which many risk their lives...and you have to wonder, will Astrid do the same?
I loved every character in this novel, but especially Astrid and Magnolia. Their friendship is more than a friendship. They are sisters at heart, and it showed countless times throughout the novel. Every girl should have a friend such as Magnolia. The bond between them was so strong, and I loved that this was the "relationship" of the book. Magnolia supports Astrid in her dreams and goals of helping out her family, and she never once wavers from that support. But what's more is that Astrid is determined to never give up so that she can not only help her family out, but also Magnolia's family! This was something I greatly admired of Astrid. She wasn't selfish. She was just a girl who wanted to do the right thing, and if she could achieve a dream or two along the way, why not go for it? Honestly, I found her to be a very inspirational character. You don't see many characters such as Astrid in books these days, and I appreciated that Victoria gave us such a character.
There is no romance in the story (well there is but not for Astrid), and I was very happy that this was the case. I know that some readers might want her to have someone, but for me, it would have felt out of place and it would have taken away from Astrid's character. She truly is a remarkable character that deserves to be appreciated for who she is. The lack of romance also allows the strong female friendship to stand out more!
The other relationship that is featured in this novel is between Astrid and her Titan, Padlock. I absolutely adored Padlock, and I loved the idea of the Titans in general. I found this to be so unique and different. I loved learning about them and the story behind their creation. The entire race was so thrilling and exciting, and Victoria did a great job at describing every element so that we understood the risky venture that the riders were embarking on.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to those who are fans of Victoria Scott, or those who are looking for something fun and different. I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before! Except for the beginning, overall the novel is fast-paced and full of exciting, heart-stopping moments that will leave you rushing to the conclusion to see how the book ends. Add this to your TBR now!
Happy reading :)
~Cassie
I heard this novel was really great. Glad you liked it and I hope to check it out--one of these days!
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