Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

October 7th, 2012 Kimberly Review 77 Comments

7th Oct
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
Mystic City
by Theo Lawrence
Series: Mystic City #1
Genres: Dystopian
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

I was drawn to the gorgeous cover of Mystic City and the synopsis with its promise of a dystopian world. Theo Lawrence has a new fan. I absolutely immersed myself into the world he has created and cannot wait for the next installment in this series. From his phenomenal world building, writing style and likeable characters Lawrence completely drew me in to this fantasy world laced with paranormal elements, hatred, oppression and rebellion.

The tale begins when we meet Ari Rose. She is the youngest scion of one of Mystic cities most powerful families. After a Stic overdose in which she almost dies, she wakes to find herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parent’s sworn enemy. The upper city of Manhattan is basically divided into two political camps those who support the Roses and those who support the Fosters. When a mystic from the Depths begins a political campaign for the upcoming election, the families decided to join forces through the marriage of Ari and Thomas. Ari is confused, she cannot believe she would have tried a drug, let alone overdose and she has no memories of Thomas. Despite her concerns, her parents keep pushing the wedding plans. When Ari meets Hunter, a swoon-worthy rebel mystic who lives in the Depths, she begins to recall lost memories. Convinced he holds the key; she begins to try and regain her lost memories. The tale that unfolds is breathtaking, filled with danger, lies, actions and romance.

When I first met Ari, I wasn’t sure what to make of her, but as she regained her memory she became surer of herself and her personality fully emerged. I ended up really liking this brave girl, as I discovered more about her and the stand she was prepared to take. She is selfless and sweet. Hunter was confident, mysterious and smexy, except when it came to Ari. From the beginning it’s apparent she is important to him and that he cares about her. I found him to be noble, protective and I became attached. Thomas seemed like a spoiled rich kid, who tried to manipulate and mold Ari. When he didn’t get his way, he tried to buy her happiness. Ari’s maid Davida was fascinating and added to the tale. Ari’s friends and those she meets in the Depth helped propel the tale and each had distinct personalities. Turk and Kiki were my favorites. I look forward to learning more about them. The people in the Rose’s circle were fascinating and it was interesting to figure out who to trust.

The world-building and plot stole my breath away. I love world-building and Lawrence painted a Manhattan skyline that blew my mind. From the upper city to the Depths, I found the world mesmerizing. Filled with gadgets, scanners and a complex society I was in sheer heaven. I adore when a writer is able to create the world in my mind with a stroke of a pen. His attention to detail from the character’s dress to the murky tunnels delighted me. Having been to Manhattan, NY several times I was able to imagine this new world with its extreme weather and partially immersed buildings. The society was intriguing. We are slowly given details about how this dystopian world came to be, the mystic’s role in it and the caste system. I simply gobbled all of this information up. The plot was perfectly paced, with plenty of twists and turns. The romance is sweet and unfolded slowly. The characters are well fleshed out and we even see growth as Ari begins to fill in the missing pieces. I am completely enthralled with this new series and cannot wait to get my hands on book two.

I highly recommend Mystic City to fans of dystopian, fantasy and romance. I have pre-ordered a finished copy for my book shelf. I might add this is the first, non-eBook I have ordered all year since I am trying to go digital, but I want a physical copy of this one.

Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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77 Responses to “Mystic City by Theo Lawrence”

  1. Vonnie

    Wow, I haven’t heard of this book but I’m glad I checked it out. The cover is stunning and your review is awesome. I’m adding it to my list.

  7. kimbacaffeinate

    Exactly, I always wait and read it a few weeks out from a scheduled review date and it made me think maybe I should read them as soon as they come in..LOL

  8. Jennifer Messerschmidt

    A dystopian fantasy with a great romance sounds fantastic! I’ve heard really great things about this one lately. Really curious what secrets Aria will uncover about her world. From the synopsis I had a feeling that her family tricked her into believing she was in love with Thomas. I love the idea of the world building and the city partly underwater. Can’t wait to read this one now!

  10. Lili

    I was so excited for this book and had my eyes on it for a while, and then I kept seeing all these relatively low reviews and started getting worried, but you have definitely got me excited for the book! Thank you so much for sharing this review with us and giving us the opportunity to win it!

  12. thegeekyblogger

    Awesome Review! I love that it isn’t just one genre but more of a cross-pollination 🙂

  15. erin f

    thanks for the awesome review! I’m dying to read this book 🙂

  17. Crystal

    This book had me at fans of matched,Hunger games,x-men, and Blade Runner series! I love them all LOL! Great review I’m glad you enjoyed it.I can’t wait to read a bout the stellar world building you described. it has definitely moved up on my TBR list! 😀

  19. Liz

    I love dystopian, and this definitely sounds different. I like exploring a new world too, so you have me super excited to read this one!

  23. Bella's Shelf

    I am ambuzzador for The Paladin Prophecy. I secretly hoped for this book, but I like my book, its the underdog of the 3 and I can relate to its feelings..lolz..
    Thanks for the giveaway <3

  26. Nick

    This seems like a really good book, Kim. I haven’t heard you praise a book this much since a long time, so I’m guessing this is actually phenomenal. I kind of regret not requesting it off Net Galley, but I’ll make sure to get a copy when it comes out. 🙂
    I can’t wait to read about the descriptions of the Manhattan skyline. I adore descriptive writing so this should be a hit for me too.
    Fantastic review, Kim! 🙂

  31. Sandy

    I requested this one from NetGalley when I first started using NetGalley, but I got denied. I’m really excited about this one though. I’m so glad you really enjoyed it.

  33. Kristin Clifton

    Serious?! Another 5?!!!! Amazing! I’m picking it up!! I’ve been steering clear of the popular dystopians lately b/c they’ve just not been delivering for me but this one sounds really action packed. I also like the characters – they sound very intriguing (indeed).

    thanks for another awesome giveway (and awesome review!!)

  36. Rebecca Preston

    Wow! Five stars! I adore the cover and the promise it gives of a darkly beautiful world-building and atmosphere. I like how it has a sort of distorted Romeo and Juliet setup. You’ve definitely convinced me to read it.

  37. kimbacaffeinate

    Oh yes..you totally need to read this. The whole Romeo, Juliet, Eastside, Westside atmosphere is there. This was a fantastic blending of genres and the world building was breathtaking!

  39. MaryAnn

    I’m so excited for this one! I skimmed the review, but didn’t want to run into anything that might give it away for me. I’m hoping to start it soon! I am excited that you gave it 5 start though! That makes me even more excited to start!

  40. kimbacaffeinate

    You never have to worry when reading my reviews, i never reveal more than the synopsis..since i do not want to spoil anyone’s reading experience….what fun would that be!

  41. Holly W

    I have heard nothing but good things about this book, and I loved your review, love when an author gets the world building right, it is not an east task!

  43. Chrystal

    This book looks like it’s totally up my alley. Great review – now I really can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Thanks for the chance to win one. 🙂

  47. A Belle's Tales

    This cover is beautiful! I love the synopsis and I especially love your review! You’ve got me wanting this one 😀 Thanks for the giveaway!

  48. Christa Seeley

    I’ve been so excited to read this one ever since I first heard about it! And I’m so happy to hear it has excellent world building. There’s nothing worse than a dystopia with lack luster world building

  49. kimbacaffeinate

    This was so cool I could literally see the world in my mind and while all my questions were not answered I am drooling already for book two!!

  51. Ashley M

    This has been on my TBR list and your review makes me want to buy it even faster. Bye bye next paycheck

  56. Holly B

    Ahhhh, I can’t wait to read this!! I’ve been drooling for sooo long, absolutely cannot wait. I’m glad you liked it so much!! I love, love, love fantasy (it’s my first love and probably still remains my #1 genre), so if you were impressed with his world-building, I’m ALL IN! It’s a difficult thing to accomplish, and I slavishly follow any author who can do it right. I’m so excited to read this!! Yay! OH, and as always, love your word choices… yes, this mom of three just used the word “smexy” in a review!! ROCK ON!

  58. Denise Z

    I am so with you on the cover, caught my eye a while ago. I really enjoy a good dystopian and it seems there are more coming out now and I definitely want to read Mystic City. Thank you for sharing with us today.

  59. kimbacaffeinate

    I loved the world building in Mystic City and the paranormal elements. I love dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels and 2012 has produced some awesome ones. Enjoy!

  60. Sharon

    A great review Kimba! I quite enjoyed this book despite finding some of the elements a tad confusing.

    I am definitely eager to pick up the next book.

    Thanks for sharing

  62. Mary DeBorde (M.A.D.)

    I cannot WAIT to read Mystic City!
    The crazy weather and partially submerged buildings – oooh –
    that paints such a vivid picture! Loved your review and many thanks for the sweet giveaway! <3

  64. Julie H.

    Great review! I’ve been wanting to reads this one for a while now. I’ve heard really good things about it. Thanks for the awesome review and giveaway!

  66. Beckie

    Wow, I keep reading more and more awesome reviews for this book. You sounded like you truly enjoyed it. The world building sounds amazing and I totally love a book where the romance is not rushed to hurry along the story. Thank you, Kimberly for such a great and well written review. 🙂

    – Beckie @ Bittersweet Enchantment

  68. DeeDee Griffin

    Your review has me excited to read this book! I love a good dystopian romance!

  71. Jenea Whittington

    Awesome review. I am so glad you liked this one too. Mmmm Hunter is amazing isn’t he. 🙂 I have had this for a little while, and didn’t read it till last week. When I finished it I was kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Can’t wait for the next book. I need more!

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

  72. Michelle

    I love the cover of this book too! It is so beautiful, I am also really excited to see that you loved this book. I have seen some really great reviews so far. I think I will ask for it for my birthday 🙂

    Thanks Kimba

  73. Darlene's Book Nook

    I love dystopia! Mmmm, Hunter sounds yummy 🙂

  74. NatFrampton

    I love the sound of this. That cover really is amazing too!

  75. Michelle

    This sounds fantastic, awesome review Kimba! If it’s good enough that you’ll buy an actual copy then I’m definitely going to check it out. 🙂

  76. SweetMarie83

    WOW, good enough to buy yourself a physical copy? I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, but yours is the first review I’ve stopped to read and now I’m really excited to read the book! 🙂