Book Review: Fury

Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1)

By: Elizabeth Miles

Published By: Simon Pulse

Page Count: 352

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Armchair BEA

Audience: Young Adult

There seems to be a ton of mythology books hitting the YA market. I, for one, am very excited about that since I have always found Greek and Roman mythology to be fascinating. I can still remember poring over my copy of Edith Hamilton's Mythology in AP English and my imagination running wild. It's nice to see these stories being revived in modern form. Hopefully it will allow a new generation of readers to appreciate the old tales.

Elizabeth Miles has done a great job of bringing the furies into the modern era. These powerful and often vindictive women have reigned on Earth for centuries delivering their brand of justice on those who have committed wrongs. These woman have been a source of fascination for many and now they get a chance to rise once again; the small town of Ascension, Maine will never be the same. I wish that there had been more of a focus on the mythology. I didn't feel like I really got enough of it until the last section of the book. I am hoping that it will be more of a focus in future books.

The story revolves around Emily and Chase, two Ascension high teens, who have been marked for punishment due to some scandalous deeds. Their worlds are turned upside down by their actions and the appearance of three mysterious girls. I enjoyed that the story is told through alternating perspectives so the reader gets to follow both Emily and Chase as their stories unfold. Maine was the perfect setting for this novel and added elements of cold and darkness which gave me the chills in some scenes.


However, I did have some issues with this read. I wish that there had been more of a focus on the mythology. I didn't feel like I really got enough of it until the last section of the book. I am hoping that it will be more of a focus in future books. Also, I agree that what both Chase and Em did were wrong, but I didn't believe that they deserved the punishments they were given - especially Em. In addition, I didn't really like any of the characters in the beginning besides JD so it took awhile for me to get vested in the story. Eventually, I liked Emily and was on her side, but I never really got to a point where I liked Chase. I felt sorry for him at times, but I still didn't understand his actions and attitude throughout most of the book. Finally, the book dragged for me in the beginning and it wasn't until the middle that I really started to enjoy the read. I am anxious for the next one and will read the entire series, but this book did not live up to all the hype for me.

One Last Gripe: Zach was such a jerk. I didn't like how he didn't receive any of the blame for his actions until much later and then he left town before he really had to face the music.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Watching Emily change throughout the course of the story into someone who was much more mature and conscientious 

First Sentence: High above a freeway, a girl gripped the overpass railing.

Favorite Character: JD

Least Favorite Character: Zach

Summary:

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.