ARC Review: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer

Arcadia Awakens (Arcadia, #1)
Release Date: February 14 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: ARC Paperback
Pages: 452
Genre: YA/Fiction/Supernatural
Series:  Arkadien (#1)
Source: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.


My Thoughts:
Arcadia Awakens is a modern day Romeo and Juliet mixed with some supernatural elements and the Italian Mafia.

This was such a thrilling read. I could not get enough of Rosa and Alessandro. The plot twists were absolutely extraordinary.

I loved Alessandro from the moment he appeared. He is so sweet and caring but he is torn due to his responsibilities to his family and his legacy.

I was a little hesitant on Rosa at first. I wasn't exactly sure what to think of her. Her sullen and depressed attitude did not sit well with me. I did enjoy her snarky and witty comebacks.

It took a while to learn Rosa's backstory but as soon as I did I finally understood why her character was like that and it made perfect sense and I began to appreciate her character so much more. By the end of the book Rosa comes into her own more than I thought she would.

The fact that Rosa and Alessandro fall for eachother but cannot be together killed me. But of course unrequieted love makes for great reading.

I could not put this book down. It was full of action, betrayal, secrets and lies and has got to be one of the most fast paced, heartpounding reads that I have gotten my hands on in a long time. Kai Meyer is a master of his craft. A not to be missed novel.

2 comments:

  1. I'm excited to read this, and I hope it happens soon. It sounds like a very unique book :)

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  2. I have heard many great things about this book, and can't wait to read it! I won an ARC copy from Goodreads... and will read it after I get done with my review request :D Your review makes me want to read it even more.
    Kayla @ Simply Kayla's Book Reviews

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