The Forgotten Ones
The Danann Trilogy #1
by Laura Howard
Publisher: Self-published (April 2013)
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, New Adult, Young Adult
Format: eBook (177 pages)
Source: Received from Pure Textuality and author for honest review
Purchase: Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5 Stars)
Allison O’Malley’s plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison’s mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn’t trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother’s sanity.
At A Glance
Fun concept, not so great execution.
The Good
Allison would do almost anything to help her schizophrenic mother. She would turn down a hottie who wants to date her, trust a father she has never known and his crazy stories of the fae, and face any magical creature to save her mother and the ones she loves. The only person Allison forgets to care about is herself.
Though many things bothered me about Allison, I found myself respecting her strength when it came to her mother. She really plans and lives her life to solely take care of her mother. I admired her persistence despite people trying to drag her other directions. I also found Allison being a normal girl (for the most part) pretty refreshing.
But the best part of The Forgotten Ones was the fae (Tuatha de Danaan) aspect. Some were scary as hell and others were just so damn interesting. Most of the fae see us humans as playthings and easily thrown away. Yeah, can you imagine being around beings who think of you as a pet? Creepy! The folklore was well told and made me crave more knowledge about these magical creatures.
The world Howard created was really beautiful. I could easily visualize and even feel what she wrote about. I can see this story get even more complicated and exciting as the series goes on. I’m interested to see where Howard takes us next. The ending was a little bit of a cliffhanger but it didn’t bother me.
The Bad
The Forgotten Ones felt very disjointed. The first half read like a contemporary romance and was somewhat slow. The second half was a rush of fantasy and felt forced. There was a good portion of romance in the beginning and almost none after the halfway point.
The plot as a whole had little direction. It had that wondering feel. The characters just wondered around instead of planning and preparing. I never felt that sense of urgency even though a lot of situations called for it.
The “final battle” was meh. It was actually a little confusing too. Allison and the bad person talked…and that’s it.
Allison herself was pretty meh too. She was boring and I didn’t get why anyone would be interested in her. She was very mean to Ethan, and I don’t know why he ever put up with her as long as he did.
Also, I was expecting a new adult read, and sure the protagonist is in her 20s, but this book felt 100% young adult. Not necessarily a bad thing but wasn’t what I was expecting.
The Snuggly
Allison and Ethan have nothing in common and should not be together. End of story. Allison kept pushing him away and when Ethan finally got the hint and moved on Allison had the right to be mad. The whole romance felt forced. And the snuggly is very YA, just kissing.
Final Thoughts
I am fifty-fifty right now. Mostly, I don’t think I am interested enough to read the next book in the series. But I could see this series really taking off with more structure and action. I did want to mention that the reviews on goodreads are consistently good, so many people will love this book. It just wasn’t perfect for me. Recommended for those who don’t mind the bad parts I mentioned.
“The sky in Tir na n’Og was bluer than I’d ever seen it at home.
It was like stepping into Oz and I was Dorothy. Everything here was richer, more vibrant than I could have imagined.”
“I swallowed the truth, wondering if the fact my life had just turned into a Disney movie would be considered all right.”
“As I blew out my candles, I wished for the same thing I did every year—to be strong enough, and capable enough, to take care of my mother.”
Jaclyn Canada
Sorry to hear that this was a meh read for you. It does sound like a interesting concept and I really enjoy reading about Fae – whether they are depicted as good or evil. It’s disappointing to hear about the battle scene, but at least the world-building was well done. Excellent review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks JC,
This one was hard for me because so many people loved this book so I feel like I was missing something.
Novels On The Run
I have this one to read. Gosh I read the Bad points. Ok , I said I would read it, so I shall. Thanks for your honest thoughts!
Mich 😀
Jennifer Bielman
I really hope you love it. It really has potential.
kimbacaffeinate
Great review, I think I have this, and am concerned about the flow and world building. I appreciate your thoughts on it.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, the flow was the worst part for me.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Aah, thanks. This is actually the first I’ve heard of this one.
Jennifer Bielman
Oh really? I had seen it around a lot a couple months ago.
~Jennifer~
I have this book to review for an AToMR tour. I’m scheduled for Saturday June 29. I haven’t read it yet, but the cover and synopsis looked and sounded great. Sorry it wasn’t a fantastic read for you. 🙁 I wonder what I’ll think about it.
Jennifer Bielman
I wonder too. I think it’s easily loveable you just have to let some things slide.