Review: Abandon by Meg Cabot

Abandon (Abandon Trilogy #1)
by Meg Cabot
Publication Date: 26 April 2011
Publisher: Point
Format: Paperback
Rating:4/5

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away... especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most. But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld. |Goodreads|

Abandon is a new take on the Greek myth of Persephone, who was abducted by Hades and forced to live in the Underworld with him. My passion for Meg Cabot books has already been expressed in our first Author Spotlight, but I just have to praise her again. Whenever a new Meg Cabot book is published, there is no question about it, I just go out and buy it. And Abandon was no different.

I really enjoyed this book because of its pace. There are so many books out there at the moment dealing with the whole paranormal romance thing. One is a human, the other is a being from an alternate universe, their worlds collide and they are caught in between, you know the drill. Normally these types of stories take half the book for the two main characters to even realize that they are in the same room, let alone falling in love with each other. But with Abandon you pick up the book and, Bam!, you are in the middle of a really hostile relationship between a mortal girl and the "lord of the Underworld". The story doesn't drag on and gets quickly to the point, with tons of intrigue involved as well. It kept me guessing but not for too long , so I never lost interest. 

I loved that it was also refreshing. We are so used to paranormal romance being a 'love at first sight' thing but with Pierce and John (the underworld dude), their relationship (if you can call it that) has some serious issues. And it's really rewarding for the reader to see them work through everything. Don't get me wrong, this book isn't all sunshine and rainbows at the end but that's what I really liked about it. It was deep and enthralling when it needed to be and lighthearted and enjoyable in parts as well.

If you are looking for a quick yet enjoyable read, I would recommend Abandon because it only spans a couple of days, so there's no chance of you losing the plot or getting bored. It also appeals to those who love paranormal romances and a little bit of myth and legend involved in stories. It is the first in a trilogy so be prepared for some cliff hangers. Be on the look out for the second installment, Underworld, out Spring 2012. I definitely will be!