Review: The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Return (Titan #1)
by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: Feb. 16, 2015
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Group: New Adult
Source: Physical ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 335 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…
It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.
Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.
But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.
Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.
It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.
Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.
But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.
Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.
Jennifer L. Armentrout's writing is seriously like crack to me. I can devour her books in no time! The same holds true for The Return. Even though I went in not having read the Covenant series, I was still plenty engaged and she does a wonderful job of filling in the gaps for those of us who may have not read it yet for some strange reason.... Don't worry. This year it's happening. Now that I've read about Seth in this capacity, I desperately want to go back and see how everything officially went down.
I really loved Seth's character. I need to remember the Seth he is NOW when I go back and see him at his worst. He is still deeply affected by his choices, which is one of the reasons he tries to hold Josie at bay when it came to their relationship. He has some deeply rooted insecurities and I love that Josie was able to break through those barriers and just embrace the guy he is, flaws and all. Even after she finds out about his past and how things ended with Alex, she still accepts him.
This book is wrought with sexual tension and I do love Jen's decision to make it new adult. These characters have grown from the previous series and are at a more mature age, so the more mature content works. Having read her NA and Adult titles, we all know Jen knows her way around a good, sexy scene and holy smokes did this book get hot!
Josie was such a great female protagonist. She may not have the physical strength, but the girl has loads of inner strength that she doesn't even know she has. It broke my heart to see her loneliness, but she really was a kindred spirit for Seth. They were able to identify and connect to one another on a completely different level. I loved that she was realistic too. She doesn't become this warrior instantaneously. She wants to learn how to defend and protect herself, but also give herself a sense of purpose instead of being this helpless girl. I loved that about her.
I really like how the Greek gods come into play in this series and the idea behind halfs, pures, aether, etc. I am also super interested in seeing the Titans come into play because man are they some scary mofos! I am super excited to dive into The Power and see where Armentrout will take Josie and Seth next!
9 comments
I've been curious about this book, but I also haven't read The Covenant series. I'm glad to hear I can read this without the previous books. I am SOOOO checking this out. JLA's writing is like crack for me too. :)
ReplyDeleteYAY! It makes me so happy that you loved this one. After Covenant (WHICH GET ON IT GIRL) I was still very angry with Seth but he won me over in the end, which honestly surprised me. I love this series, but you know I love all things JLA haha. Great review!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved that I was able to really see Seth in this one. I didn't like him that much in the Covenant series, but this series is really changing how I feel about him. I love learning who he is and watching him grow. Plus, I just love this world! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one :)
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
Great review! I really really need to start this series. Seth was my favorite in the Covenant series. Such a complex and mysterious character!
ReplyDeleteOOoh nice! I loved the Covenant series! It was actually my first read by Jennifer! And I STILL need to read this one! But since book two is coming out shortly and I've ordered a copy from Apollycon since I cannot attend (SOB!) I'll be waiting on its arrival to binge the two! Sure there's still more to wait for, but a mini binge will be good for me! Lol! Glad you liked this one! I am a big fan of all her paranormal titles! So I'm excited to finally get to this one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read Jennifer L. Armentrout's books, but I didn't get around to it yet. This one sounds like another winner.
ReplyDeleteMajanka @ I Heart Reading
Yesssssss. Seth. I loved this book. You're not the only one out there who hasn't read the Covenant series. (Ok, so I read the first couple A LONG time ago, but didn't stick with the series.) I keep saying I'm going to go back and read it in its entirety. Some day.
ReplyDeleteWell now I can't wait to see how you'll make out with the Covenant Series! I'm actually just starting the last book right now, but I sort of fell out of love with the series personally. I think I just waited too long in between books and lost the flow of things. I'm determined to finish it though and hopefully the last book will bring ALL OF THE FEELS BACK. Despite that, I still really want to read The Return - I love that it's NA and revolves around Seth. Thrilled you loved this one so much Jessica, we'll have to compare notes once I get around to it :D
ReplyDeleteOoooh, you haven't read The Covenant books?? I cannot wait for you to read them!
ReplyDeleteI was Team Aiden in the Covenant books and I wasn't too keen on Seth, I didn't hate him (much) but oh boy, did JLA change my feels for him in this one! I so feel for Seth now!!
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