Book Review: Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike

Holy love triangle!

And I really do mean every word above. I know there is a certain grumbling that comes when one mentions “love triangle” especially in young adult lit. Yeah, a lot of books utilize it, but I can’t say I hate love triangles. Because when a love triangle is written very well, that means the characters are captivating and the story emotionally charged. On the other hand, I’ve read many love triangles that made me roll my eyes an infinite amount of times with its cliché dialogue and phony feelings. Luckily for Earthbound, it’s the former—a complex, ambitious and truly emotional triangle that has a big impact not just on the three involved, but the whole world.

Tavia Michaels is a survivor. Actually, the sole survivor of a fatal plane crash that killed everyone on board, including her parents. She sustained major injuries, both physical and emotional, but has the help of her step aunt and uncle, her psychiatrist and new friend and librarian Benson. Between physical therapy and spending time with Benson, Tavia is finally learning to move on, as much as she can anyway, until one day she sees a mysterious guy. Curious, she tries to figure out who he is and why she feels so connected to him. All the while, Tavia can’t help her growing feelings for Benson. In addition, she keeps seeing triangle symbols and discovers she has the ability to make things appear. This ultimately leads her to realizing a conspiracy is at work against her, teaming up with Benton and the evasive mystery boy, she tries to seek the truth of what’s going on and what it could mean for her future.

As mentioned, I hadn’t expected Earthbound’s story to be as ambitious as it was.  I always appreciate an ambitious plot because 1) it’s risky and 2) even if it’s not executed to its fully capacity, it’s still engaging. That’s what Earthbound is: engaging. I really had NO idea what was going on and where this story could possibly be going. Although it takes a long while for things to begin to make sense and fall into place, it ends up being something way different and pretty wowing.

Yes, obviously the love triangle is a major part of the plot and in many ways the narrative’s main driving force. But the triangle is much more than a complex love entanglement, the symbol itself plays a big role in the story. It’s all weaved into the notion of destiny and whether a person—no matter how powerful—has control over it. In addition, while set in the present, it has an historical element that I definitely found interesting and hope the author continues to go back to in the rest of the Earthbound series.

Even if the idea of another YA love triangle makes you groan or roll your eyes, take a chance on this one. It’s good and has a ton of potential. The author Aprilynne Pike impressed me with the dark and thought-provoking Life After Theft a few months ago, and she does it again with Earthbound. The ending will leave you looking forward to the next part of Tavia’s journey.

Rating: 8.5/10

Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike hits shelves July 30, 2013! Support The Young Folks and purchase it at our TYF Store powered by Amazon.

Book Info:

Publisher:  Razorbill (July 30, 2013)
Length: 352 pages (Hardcover)
Series:  Earthbound #1
Source: ARC (Provided by Publisher)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Supernatural, Thriller
Completed: July 2013

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