Salvation

Salvation by Anne Osterlund
4/5 stars
Speak, 2013
276 pages
YA Contemporary

Source: Library

I've read and reviewed all of Osterlund's previous work so of course I knew I'd be checking out her latest, especially since it is her first foray into my favorite genre, YA contemporary. Early reviews were very positive so I knew I was in for a good time.

Our main character is Salvador Resendez, known as Salva. A ery popular, very good student living under the high expectations of his immigrant father and now deceased mother. His world collides with walking disaster Beth who has her own troubles but whose years long crush on Salva encourages her to hope for more when he seeks her academic assistance.

The plot arc of this book felt like a lot of other contemporaries to me, where there doesn't seem to be too much happening (unlike the fighting and sneaking around that can occur in fantasies and dystopias) but each little event is building up to something. The Shakespeare project they undertake is amazing as is their big scene together and its repercussions. Then we have several confrontations, leading up to something big.

My dissatisfaction comes from that big event near the end, which felt shamelessly manipulative. I don't want spoilers and I'll freely admit that I cried over what happened and the consequences I imagined. Happily the epilogue helped restore this book to my good graces with a powerful message about speaking up and raising your voice for those who are unable.

I also appreciated the low socioeconomic class of the protagonists as well as Salva's Mexican heritage (many other characters are either from Mexico or of Mexican dissent)-yay for some more diversity in YA! Salva and Beth were both great characters who I found it easy to like although I'm not sure I felt that Beth received enough development. Her purpose seemed to be more to help Salva instead of being her own person.

Bottom Line: Definitely enjoyed reading this; it's just not my favorite Osterlund.

Bonus tip: I highly recommend friending Anne on goodreads as she gives fantastic book recommendations and bookish insights!

Other Opinions:
Candace's Book Blog
Katie's Book Blog
The Authoress

Exile

Exile by Anne Osterlund
Speak, 2011
295 pages
YA; Fantasy
4.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Summary: In this companion to Aurelia, Aurelia has managed to escape the palace walls with her life and has embarked on a tour of her country accompanied by the ever loyal Robert and a guard. As she begins exploring though, she discovers deep miscarriages of justice, extreme poverty and violence, and fears about her future and the future of her country.

This is the sequel to Aurelia, a book I mostly enjoyed but thought it was lacking something to really make it sing. And at first I thought this book would be the same way. Happily it soon picked up, bringing me deep in to the story and then leaving me hanging. When is the third book coming?!

Anyway back to the story. In Aurelia, I loved Robert and his growing feelings for Aurelia as he fought to protect her from the many threats on her life that she suffered due to her position as the Crown Princess, presumed heir to the throne. But Aurelia herself didn't interest me. She did though in this book. Her compassion for her people as she travels in exile without pomp and circumstance drew my admiration. And the descriptions of her beauty, strength, and how she seems to glow with an inner light gave me additional reasons to like her. As Aurelia's character became more defined and vibrant, I was drawn into the story more!

Then there is the romance, of which I am a BIG fan! I loved Aerin and Dane in this author's Academy 7 and was similarly enthralled with Aurelia and Robert in this book.  It's not instant; it's deeper based on getting to know each other. And while each thinks the other is attractive, they are also drawn to the inner qualities such as his knowledge and how he can follow through on difficult decisions and her desire for justice for all of her people. They have many obstacles to overcome (different classes and the continued threats on her life) but I'm rooting so hard for them!

The plot itself is something that had the potential to go very astray for me. It's about Aurelia and Robert journeying through her lands. That can be so boring: arrive at place, have adventure, leave, repeat. But that did not happen here as the adventures varied so greatly and added to the suspense over Aurelia's precise situation. Of course I do enjoy court intrigue, which isn't much in play here because they are away but does reemerge later in the book.

Overall: A slow beginning almost lost me but it soon picked up and the ending has me begging for the third book to arrive...like yesterday! WANT NOW!

Cover: That girl is really pretty although she's supposed to be darker-skinned.

Academy 7

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
Speak, 2009
259 pages
YA; Science-Fiction; Romance
5/5 stars

Source: Library

Summary: Aerin is a fugitive from slavery; Dane is a privileged son. While these two seem to have little in common, they quickly become competitors and friends bonded by intellect and the mysteries of their past at the exclusive Academy 7.

I enjoyed Osterlund's Aurelia so I wanted to check out her other book. I liked the blurb that talked about what seemed like a boarding school plus romance is always good and a splash of mystery.  However I did not realize it was sci-fi, which was a very pleasant surprise although for those who aren't big fans, it's not the biggest element.

I really liked both of the main characters.  Dane is dark, broody, and hot! While a skilled pilot and debater, he also has a tortured family history that causes him to rebel and at times to waste his natural gifts. Aerin also has a dark backstory after spending years as a slave before managing to escape.  She is so determined and worked harder than all of the other students in order to prove her worth.  Additionally I loved their interactions together as neither holds back, whether zinging barbs or fighting in class.

One tiny quibble is that there is supposed to be "a secret as big as the entire universe" as teased on the back cover.  I think that's hyperbolic but what they discover has very big consequences for Aerin and Dane's understanding of their respective families and themselves.

Overall: Highly Recommended! Hoping for a sequel!

Aurelia

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Speak, 2008

246 pages

YA; Fantasy

Source: The library

Summary: Aurelia is crown princess and someone wants her dead! Robert returns to the palace in the place of his father, former royal spy, in order to investigate those attempts. But his investigation stirs complicated emotions in the two young people and uncovers many secrets.

Thoughts: I feel like the title is misleading as I ended up feeling much more connected to Robert while Aurelia was more of a cipher. I think it would have been more accurate to include both of their names or just to focus more on him because he emerged as more interesting and sympathetic. I liked Aurelia but I didn't feel like there was enough focus on her, considering the title implies that it's all about her. I was also disappointed in the supporting characters-horseman Drew sparkled but the rest of them were pretty flat and didn't add to the book. I love fun supporting characters so I was sad about that.

I've read some reviews where people felt the middle was a bit slow-I thought the beginning was slow while the middle meandered in a lovely way. The ending was very fast-paced but without an adequate conclusion. The motive and plotter are uncovered but there's no suitable punishment and while Aurelia should be safe, maybe she won't be. Speaking of the plot, I figured out part of it! But not the main person, unfortunately for me.

Overall: 4/5. Cute story-definitely suitable for younger YA readers.

Cover: I think it's really pretty, the mask is relevant, and the title font is beautiful.