REVIEW: Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by Jessica Therrien

 

Author: Jessica Therrien

Series: Children of the Gods

Pages: 346

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Zova Books

Amazon: Oppression

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable--except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning--and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.

REVIEW: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Oppression, the first book in The Children of the Gods series from the author Jessica Therrien.

18 year old Elyse has a secret, she ages five times slower than a regular human and she is able to heal others with her powerful blood. She has lost many she has loved over time and is reluctant to form bonds, although her best friend from childhood is still with her and the only person who knows of her secret.

When Elyse meets William, she is shocked to discover he is just like her and informs her of others of their kind – both good and bad. I loved William’s ability (I won’t reveal what it was) as well as his protection and connection to Elyse.

Oppression was a gripping story which showed Elyse finding out more about her heritage, accepting who and what she was and also finding out she could possibly be the person needed to fulfill a prophecy which could see peace restored amongst the descendants of the gods. It was a fascinating and unique concept and the mythology was written extremely well.

The action starts from the very beginning and doesn’t let up which kept me eagerly turning the pages and keen to learn more about the world Ms Therrien has created. I also love a book which has a lot of dialogue, it was witty and entertaining.

Each of the characters in this book were amazing, Elyse is a likeable heroine, not kick-butt or strong but believable in her reactions, mannerisms and behaviors – she is intelligent, caring and extremely protective of those close to her. William was absolutely wonderful, the way he treated Elyse was so sweet; I adored him. There were a whole slew of secondary characters that we get a glimpse of and each played an important and enjoyable role, I was really keen to learn more about Kara; I felt really sorry for her.

Oppression is a stunning debut for Ms Therrien and promises to be an amazing series. Her writing is engaging, the plot is well paced and pleasurable, and I was immersed in the story – which is something I love.

The ending has left me intrigued; I am really keen to read the next book in the series to find out what is to happen to William and Elyse.