Author: R.T. Lowe
Available Formats: eBook & Paperback
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: 05-20-15 Pages: 494
Reeling from a terrible accident that claimed the lives of his parents, Felix arrives at Portland College hoping only to survive the experience. In time, however, his reality star roommate shows him there is more to higher education than just classes, shared bathrooms and bad dorm food, and Felix gradually dares to believe he can put his past behind him. But a fateful storm looms on the horizon: In the nearby woods, two hikers become the latest victims in a series of gruesome murders; a disfigured giant embarks on a vicious cross-country rampage, killing teenagers who fail his 'test'; and an ancient society of assassins tasked with eradicating the wielders of a mysterious source of power awakens after a long silence. Only one man--the school's groundskeeper--knows that the seemingly unrelated events are connected, and that an eighteen-year-old boy stands in the center of the storm.
My So-Called Review:
I am a huge fan of YA/Fantasy books that have the ability to actually pull in the YA male audience and keep them wanting to read. There are some great series out there that boys, teens and men can get into like Harry Potter, Maximum Ride, Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones but the problem with these series is that the first two is read by most boys before they enter high school and the other two are typically read after. Sure, I know there’s some guys that will read LOTR and GOT during high school but most of the ones I’ve talked to about it say they’re just too long and complicated to keep their attention. So where are the great fantasy series that girls will naturally gobble up and that guys age 15-18 can get equally excited for?? Enter The Felix Chronicles: Freshmen by R.T. Lowe. While reading this I kept thinking “finally, finally!!” this is something I can recommend to ALL our teens that walk in the school library looking for something a little different, a little dark, and a little more.
This is the story of Felix, a college freshmen who is having to learn how to manage life after the death of his parents. He’s attending Portland College and is starting to make a few friends as he settles into the college life despite his recent grief. I really enjoyed Felix’s character, he’s such an all-around likeable guy and portrayed very realistically. The supporting cast of characters are equally enjoyable and were wonderfully fleshed out and real. My favorite of course was Allison, Felix’s best friend from home who’s always stood by him. I loved that there was no love triangle in this story although I wouldn’t be upset to see Felix and Allison together by the end of the series ;)
Despite the seemingly good times of college life darkness is beginning to spread and strange things are starting to happen, very strange indeed! There’s a sinister serial killer on the loose, one that I have to admit was rather fascinating and I really wanted more of! People are also disappearing into the woods; there are stalkers afoot, secret societies, scary monsters, magic and even assassins! Crazy right? And how does all of this relate together? It’s all tied somehow to Felix, although he really has no idea. I really don’t want to give too much of the storyline and plot away, this is one where it’s best to know just the basics going in. You may be a little confused at first but be patient and have faith in R.T. Lowe, trust him because this author really knows what he’s doing here! Everything he writes has a purpose and a meaning, even if it’s not clear right away.
At nearly 500 pages, some would think The Felix Chronicles to be too long of a read but I actually want my fantasies to be big books, I feel you need it in order to get proper world building. Besides, this is an extremely fast-paced story full of tons of suspense and action! Be warned now, there is a ton of dark violence in this book, some of it quiet disturbing in a fantastically creepy sort of way :) Yes, I love this type of creepiness! One of the things I loved most though was all the fast-paced fantasy and horror stuff that was then mixed with plenty of humor, so refreshing!
This is the story of Felix, a college freshmen who is having to learn how to manage life after the death of his parents. He’s attending Portland College and is starting to make a few friends as he settles into the college life despite his recent grief. I really enjoyed Felix’s character, he’s such an all-around likeable guy and portrayed very realistically. The supporting cast of characters are equally enjoyable and were wonderfully fleshed out and real. My favorite of course was Allison, Felix’s best friend from home who’s always stood by him. I loved that there was no love triangle in this story although I wouldn’t be upset to see Felix and Allison together by the end of the series ;)
Despite the seemingly good times of college life darkness is beginning to spread and strange things are starting to happen, very strange indeed! There’s a sinister serial killer on the loose, one that I have to admit was rather fascinating and I really wanted more of! People are also disappearing into the woods; there are stalkers afoot, secret societies, scary monsters, magic and even assassins! Crazy right? And how does all of this relate together? It’s all tied somehow to Felix, although he really has no idea. I really don’t want to give too much of the storyline and plot away, this is one where it’s best to know just the basics going in. You may be a little confused at first but be patient and have faith in R.T. Lowe, trust him because this author really knows what he’s doing here! Everything he writes has a purpose and a meaning, even if it’s not clear right away.
At nearly 500 pages, some would think The Felix Chronicles to be too long of a read but I actually want my fantasies to be big books, I feel you need it in order to get proper world building. Besides, this is an extremely fast-paced story full of tons of suspense and action! Be warned now, there is a ton of dark violence in this book, some of it quiet disturbing in a fantastically creepy sort of way :) Yes, I love this type of creepiness! One of the things I loved most though was all the fast-paced fantasy and horror stuff that was then mixed with plenty of humor, so refreshing!
So, is The Felix Chronicles the perfect read for teen girls and guys, ones that are looking for something with a little meat that walks along the darker side of fantasy? Absolutely! This is an extremely exciting, terrifically twisted, blood curdling good time! I’m so glad to have been given the chance to read it and I’m looking forward to digging in to book 2 as soon as it comes out! I will absolutely be recommending Felix for fans of dark fantasy ages 14 & up and it’s one that I’d LOVE to see stocked in our school library as soon as possible!
Thank you so much to Xpresso Book Tours and to author, R.T. Lowe for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
About the Author: R.T. Lowe grew up in a small town in central Oregon where he frittered away his days on a cattle farm reading, writing and daydreaming about things without hooves. R.T. holds bachelors degrees in History and Psychology from Willamette University and a Law degree from Columbia University. He now lives in Newtown, Connecticut with his wife and three kids.
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