Titans

by Victoria Scott

In a heart-stopping new novel from Fire & Flood author Victoria Scott, one girl bets her entire future on a race that she has no hope of winning. Ever since the Titans appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan's world has revolved around the mechanical horses. It's not just the thrill of the race. It's the engineering of the horses themselves and the way they're programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she'll ever touch.She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid's who wager on them.But when Astrid's offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year's derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it's more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horses, Dystopia, Animals, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Victoria Scott is the author of nine novels. Her books have been YALSA-nominated, appeared on the Spirit of Texas ​Reading ​Program​, and have received starred reviews - the highest honor - by top literary critics. ​Her stories have been translated and sold in thirteen countries​, and FIRE & FLOOD is currently an Amazon Teacher's Pick. ​

In 2018, Victoria founded Scribbler, a company that helps aspiring authors write their first book. Scribbler has shipped over 100,000 boxes internationally, grossed millions in revenue, and was featured by BuzzFeed​ and Good Morning Texas​. Victoria holds an MBA, and is currently writing a futuristic thriller. She lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from readers. Find her on IG, Meta, and X under @heytoriscott.

Reviews

[Victoria Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this story, I wanted to cast a spotlight on a girl named Astrid and her best friend, Magnolia. I've always been moved by female friendships, and how loyal two girls can be when facing uncertainty. In my own life, when tragedy struck, it was my girlfriends who stormed to my side, or brought over pints of ice cream, or threatened to shank a dishonest boyfriend. And when I didn't have a friend like this, I yearned for one.

So in TITANS, you'll find a story wrapped tightly around two girls who have each others' backs, always. You'll find an ornery, old man who's willing to take a chance in training a young girl, and a cast of secondary characters that will hopefully make you laugh, and perhaps shed a few tears. Oh, and let's not forget one lovable, robotic horse. May you fall for him as I have.

At the end of this book, I hope you remember that while it may be frightening to take big chances, you should always bet on yourself to win.

Now, are you ready to ride?

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.


***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Titans by Victoria Scott
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

What I Liked:

I must say, Victoria Scott writes books for me. I don't think I've been disappointed yet, and this is my sixth book I've read by her. There is something very refreshing about her writing style, and I'm pretty sure it accurately reflects her as a person. I adore the voice of Scott's characters, and the tone of all her books - humorous and heartwarming.

Astrid has always been fascinated with the Titans, but she knows that the closest she'll ever get to them is on the other side of the fence of the track, watching. Those who are rich can afford a Titan, as well as the fees to enter the Titan Races. But this year, the fifth year of the races, Astrid is offered the chance to race a first edition prototype of a Titan. Astrid needs the two-million-dollar prize money to help her family keep their home, as well as to help her best friend Magnolia's family. Can Astrid go the distance with the Titan? Or will she risk herself - her life - in the process?

The beginning of the story, before Astrid gets the opportunity with the Titan, was a bit slow. The author does an excellent job of setting the scene, the tone of the story, but I wanted the pace to move a little. When Astrid meets Rags, the older man with the old Titan, the story starts to pick up.

It's not long before Astrid is training on the Titan (nicknamed "Padlock"), and running in the preliminary and qualifying races. She needs to secure a sponsor, and she does, in the form of Lottie, who apparently knows Rags (and Barney, who is friends with Rags). This book goes through race after race, and each race gets more challenging and daunting and risky.

There are so many characters in this book, and I really liked nearly all of them. Astrid is bold and temperamental and stubborn. Magnolia, Astrid's best friend, is creative and fun. Rags, Astrid's manager, is grouchy and stubborn too. Barney, friend of Rags and former engineer of Titans, is good-humored and kind. Lottie, the sponsor, is honest and a paragon of class. Hart Riley II, one of the jockeys and competitors of Astrid, is hilarious and charming and wicked.

I adore Astrid and Magnolia's relationship! They are best friends, and this never wavers throughout the story. Magnolia and her family is just as badly off as Astrid's - Magnolia's father was also laid off, and they are close to losing their home. Yet Magnolia is determined to support Astrid while Astrid is training and racing. And Astrid is determined to win the races not only to get the money to help her own family, but also Magnolia's. This book has such a strong female friendship, which I really liked!

Speaking of relationships - there is little to no romance in this book. At least, not for Astrid. There are other characters that find some romance, but unfortunately, our main character is not one of them. You could take this as a positive aspect or a negative one! It'll appear as both, in my review. I like that Astrid stood on her own, in this story. But I also wouldn't have minded some romance.

I adored Padlock! And the Titans aspect in general. I personally haven't read anything with this concept before (I've seen some people compare this idea to The Scorpio Races? I've not read the book, so I wouldn't know). The author does an excellent job with the world-building, setting the scene, providing sufficient information about the mechanics of the steel horses. Padlock specifically is a wonderful fixture in the story.

I won't say more on the plot because this book is a standalone, and wraps up neatly, as a standalone might. I thought the ending was satisfying, like I said, wraps up neatly. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, the races, the lovely characters, and the strong female friendship. As well as large secrets and intriguing history!

What I Did Not Like:

I already said this but I was kind of sad that there was no romance centering around Astrid! I mean, I think it's great that a story can stand without having romance; not every female character needs to have a man next to her (or whatever, so on). BUT, I thought for sure that the author was going to go in a certain direction, with Astrid and a secondary character. But she didn't, and I was honestly very disappointed. I think, maybe if this hadn't been insinuated at all, I wouldn't have been bothered by the "no romance" aspect. It's totally okay not to have romance in a book! But not okay if you imply it between two characters and then that doesn't actually happen.

Would I Recommend It:

I personally like all of Scott's books, and I think this one is probably among my favorites of hers, if not my favorite. I love that it is a standalone! No merciless ending or horrible waiting for the next book. The story stands on its own and was worth the read - especially in terms of the female friendship! I loved the amount of girl power in this book. I don't necessarily think this story is a must-read, but it won't disappoint!

Rating:

3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. I love a story about a girl who overcomes all kind of odds and circumstances in order to walk among those who consider themselves her betters! I also love a story that keeps me guessing until the very end. Lovely work by the author!

[Natalie Monroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I'm thirteen years old the day I first witness the Titans run."

*sigh* I absolutely loathe writing reviews for three-star books. They're not awful, they're not good, they straddle that irritating line of indifference.

That's mostly what I felt about Titans: indifference. The concept itself is quite good. Steampunk (?) horse races and a promise of focus on female friendships.

Astrid and Magnolia's relationship is never as fleshed out and complex as I wanted it to be. Magnolia is the stereotypical female best friend, the protagonist's personal cheerleading team and maybe hair and makeup crew. She's usually gorgeous (check), a social butterfly, and into traditionally "feminine" hobbies (check). Though I liked she ended up with the potential love interest, not Astrid.

I recently read Heir of Fire and Nehemia and Calaena's relationship was magnificent. Granted it had its problems, but that's what made it great. It was nuanced and developed. They had their own goals and sometimes those conflicted. I have to compare Manon/Abraxos and Astrid/Padlock's bonding, too. The first was beautiful and the latter is meh and sudden.



It would have been so much cooler if Magnolia was in the race, too. They both need the money to save their family homes, so neither can back out. Only one can win. The Hunger Games twist already adds a much needed layer of tension to the story. What if Astrid gets a sponsor and Magnolia doesn't? What if someone's Titan was newer than the other? The tale of how their friendship can withstand the pressure of the race and monetary problems is one I want to read.

The whole thing has a very middle-grade feel. The bar for YA is getting higher and higher these days and I'm glad authors are pushing the boundaries of how much teens can understand and accept.

The rich-poor gap theme is handled with the subtlety of a badly delivered punchline. It makes no sense for the creator of the races and the rich jockeys to outright despise poor blue-collar Astrid. Most of the bet money comes from the working class. As President Snow says, hope is the cruelest thing of all. Have them invite her in with open arms, all buddy-buddy in front of the cameras and to her face, then talk about her behind her back. See how much more complex the story already feels?



The ending is too neat, though it's more of a personal preference. I like imperfect endings. A dim window of hope and possibility. Astrid's dad changes, her parents' relationship is saved, and Dani's abusive boyfriend is given the boot. All that's missing is a big red box.

With that being said, I'm pleased Padlock isn't magically resurrected. That moment where Astrid wears the Evobox necklace and falls next to her heart is lovely. I'm confused as to why Padlock can't be rebuild like in Big Hero 6 though.

I wouldn't go as far to say it's not worth a read. Ultimately, Titans is about family and I'd sell that over a slapdash romance any day.

ARC provided by Edelweiss. Quotes taken from an uncorrected galley proof nd may be subject to change.

[Shannon Miz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
4.5

I adore Victoria Scott's books. Titans is no exception! There are some key elements that just made this book stand out for me and made it quite refreshing.
Family and Friends 
Oh, how I adore books with strong family ties and great friendships. And guess what? The entire premise of this book is built on just that. It's family (and maybe a bit of stubbornness and pride) that leads Astrid to enter the Titans race to begin with. It's friends and family who build her up, who pull her through. And it isn't a clique of high school girls either. These are friends for life, you can feel it. Victoria's writing makes you feel it.

Some of these people have been in Astrid's life forever- her family, of course, and her best friend Magnolia, who is absolutely everything a best friend should be. Their friendship makes me believe in the strength and sanctity of a close female friendship. Some of these people Astrid met specifically because of the Titans race. Rags, Barney, Lottie, they are complex and gorgeous characters who help Astrid along the way, but in fact, they all learn from each other. I want to tell you how damn beautiful it is, but you're going to want to experience it for yourself. Not one of these characters is perfect, but at the core? They're good souls, and they are so incredibly authentic- the type of characters that you simply don't want to leave behind when you close the final pages of the book. 

Astrid's relationship with her family is messy. They love each other, that's a certainty, but there are struggles. Again, this mimics real life so, so deeply. The love between Astrid and her mom is so sweet, so complex, and seems like such a legitimate mother-daughter relationship. Astrid's need for her father's acceptance is also huge- and touched me on a personal level.
Astrid's Growth
While I liked and connected to Astrid from the start, I felt like she needed to know so much more about the world around her. She's proud and strong-willed to the point that she can get in her own way. The people that helped to guide her had such personality ranges that it felt very reasonable for Astrid to pick up these lessons. Lottie was teaching her how to be more "high society" while Rags was teaching her how to maneuver Padlock, her Titan, in his usual gruffness. But it clicked for Astrid, more and more as time went on. I loved this line:

"'I could be like one of those rich track kids if I had someone to teach me.'

Rags shoots me a look like he's disappointed. 'You don't want to be like them, Astrid. Be a girl who likes a little dirt under her nails. Be a girl who isn't afraid to eat with her hands and speak her mind.'

I think on what he's telling me. Then I say, 'Why can't I be both?'"

This is just a glimpse into what Astrid learns- about herself, the world around her, and those she holds dearest. She's a character you simply can't help but root for, because not only does she want to succeed, she works hard at it.

Astrid doesn't have a love interest in this book, and I feel that while I was kind of sad about it, it probably was a good choice for the book. Romance would have pulled away from the best parts of the book- and perhaps taken the focus off the story as a whole.
The Race Was an Incredible Microcosm

While the race itself was fun and exciting, because come on, mechanical horses are incredible, I found the sociological aspects of the whole thing most intriguing. There is a huge disparity between the "haves" and the "have nots".  Normally Astrid would be watching the races from outside the fence, her family falling into debt because of her father's gambling. But while she was given the opportunity of a lifetime with her chance encounter with Rags, it's clear that not everyone is going to root for the underdog.

No, they prefer to hobnob with the other elite. Nobody wants to see what goes on beyond the tracks, what happens to the real people who live in Detroit. They're viewed as "less than", and even though Astrid is in the race now, it's no different. Money talks in this arena, as it does in life, and Astrid doesn't have a penny to work with. And while the prize would change that, would these people ever even allow it?

The races were fun to read about, especially as Astrid pushed her limits- and her luck. A few of the semi-final races seemed to run together just a bit for me, which is the only problem I had at all with the book. But as a whole, the races were exciting- especially the first few and the last few!

Bottom Line:
Read it, read it now. Well, okay, read it in a few days when it comes out. After reading Titans, I had a restored faith in humanity, in the power of friendship, family, and just an overall appreciation in the ability to better oneself. Also, you'll love Padlock. Because no one out there can write amazing fantasy animals like Victoria Scott!

**Copy provided by publisher for review
***Quote taken from uncorrected proof, subject to change.

[Taschima]

Doesn't this sound like The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater?

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters, the concept, and the writing so much. This was my first Victoria Scott book and I can't wait to dive into her other books.
Titans is similar to The Scorpio Races, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but I didn't feel like it was coping it (I have seen a review that compares the two books and they do have a lot in common but I didn't really notice how similar they are while I was reading it.)
I love how Astrid continued so race even after she was told she wasn't welcome and told that girls shouldn't be racing. I love what she stood for and how she was so determined to race.
I loved the fact that there wasn't any romance in this book, especially because it would have been unnecessary. It's so rare to find YA books without romance, even when it's unnecessary to have romance.
I really appreciated how this book had a lot of focus on Astrid's friendship with Magnolia. I don't often see that and I think it's important to show that friendships don't stop or get put on the back burner just because something exciting happens.
Overall, I can't think of anything negative to say about Titans. I really, really loved it and I can definitely see myself rereading it in the near future. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a book without romance.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off...that cover! I'm loving the electric blue and black. And let me start off by saying that Titans would be a perfect Scholastic Book Fair book. You remember the days when your Scholastic book order forms came home with you from school, right? You milled through the selection hoping one book spoke to you and you begged your parents to let you get it. You promised you'd read it, unlike some of the others you'd ordered and ended up collecting dust or were sold in a garage sale. This is the book you want to read, love, share with your friends, and tell them to get their own copy because it is a keeper. Honestly.

Titans isn't just about racing robotic horses. There are many situations readers will relate to and that's a huge part of why I love this book. Astrid (the protagonist) is a relateable character. She's from a blue-collar middle class family trying to make it one pay check at a time, that is until her father looses his job. Gambling addictions have altered these characters lives and the way they view the world and the people around them. She has her best friend Magnolia, who, despite her families financial issues, finds an outlet to help her family with her creative talents. She's bubbly, and maybe a little outspoken, but she has drive and proves to be a great friend to Astrid.

Astrid resents the situation her father's gambling put her and her family into. Her older sister is in a relationship with a guy who is a controlling jerk. Astrids world is collapsing around her and her family seems to be falling apart at the seams. It isn't until an opportunity presents itself that Astrid has hope to change her families future.

Astrid is so likeable. She has a heart, she holds the weight of everyone's burdens on her shoulders, she's determined to find a way to a better life for her, and her family. Rags and his friend Barney offer her an opportunity of a lifetime: to ride a Titan. And since Magnolia and Astrid's fathers are out of work and the pressures of eviction lay at the forefront of their minds, she agrees to train and ride the Titan. In order for her to enter the races, Astrid needs financial backing. It's not cheap. Then enters Lottie, whom I absolutely loved by the way! She may be the financial assistance Astrid needed, but Lottie taught Astrid and Magnolia about becoming better in many ways, but also staying true to themselves and setting goals, staying strong, and defying the odds.

"Strength is forgetting everything I've taught you and becoming a machine. It's reaching inside yourself and finding you are not someone to be toyed with. It's taking every doubt you have and crushing it beneath your heel.
"You, Astrid Sullivan, are an Oleander--beautiful, graceful, intoxicating.
"May God have mercy on the person who touches you, and brings their fingers to their lips." (This is just a glimpse of the quote that made my heart skip a beat. Lottie is an amazing mentor and taught very valuable lessons to Astrid and Magnolia.)

Astrid had many road blocks along the way. But she leaned on her friend and trusted in those who believed in her the most. It broke my heart that her father wasn't the man she needed him to be. She sought after his approval and loving arms only to be denied and mocked. I actually couldn't stand her father. He made my blood boil. Here's a quote that made me angry and broke my heart. As much as Astrid wants to win, and as angry as her dad is at her, what he says out loud pierced a hole in my heart for her.

"I've been going to those races since I was thirteen years old. And now I'm riding them. I'm doing well, and I can do even better." I suck in a deep breath. "I can win, Daddy."

My dad does the worst thing he could--he laughs. He laughs, but his eyes brim with sadness as he glares at Rags. "She can't win. You know it, and I know it. She'll only get hurt."

And let's talk about that infamous Titan, Padlock. This robotic creature grew on me and I adored it. Astrid's relationship with her Titan was slow building. Realistically, she saw it as a machine, not a real animal that feels emotion. And along their journey Astrid opens her heart up to Padlock and allows herself to trust and care for him. There were some cute moments between the two.

In the final stretch, you really understand just how amazing Astrid is, and how big her heart is. A memorable character is one who stands out. It could be something you relate to, or even could be on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Either way, you just don't forget about them for quite some time. This book has multiple memorable characters.

Races came and went. But what really drove me to love this story besides the action was everything else, including the very little romance (it's a nice change of pace). The emotion behind the characters actions, the reasoning as to who they were in the story. It's almost too difficult to put into words. But trust me, this is one fantastic book!

[alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Fiery Reads.

When I first heard about this book, my first thought was a comparision between Titans and The Scorpio Races. It's a dangerous thing, to compare your one of favorite books to another, and I'm afraid I fell victim to that. I thought Titans would be similar to The Scorpio Races, and in a way, it was very similar, but it was also very different, and not necessarily in a good way.

The general concept of the story isn't very original, hence why it gave it "has potential" in my review at a glance. It sounds very similar to The Scorpio Races--characters ride vague horse like creatures are in a race to win a shit ton of money for their families--but there are a few big differences. For one, Titans is more sci-fi, if not completely contemporary, as the horses are machines. It's also set in Detroit, which is a real city, which I thought was interesting. I also liked that the book stressed the themes of family and friendship, as these were both big things in the book. Basically, the concept of the book had potential, and I thought it did okay on its own, but it's still vaguely reminiscent of The Scorpio Races.

As for pacing, I thought it was okay. It took me forever to get through the first 50 pages or so (like, 4 or 5 days, forever), but that might've been because I was in a reading slump. Other than that though, I thought the pacing was done really well.  The actual races were fast paced and well written, and the in between scenes were slowed down to a more steady pace. This really is a book with varying pace, but it suits the plot well.

The characters were a mixed bunch, in terms of characterization and how well developed they were. The main character, Astrid, was well developed, with clear goals and strengths and weaknesses. My only complaint was her knack for using mathematics and science during the races; it just seemed a little too convenient for her to be able to pass trials so easily by using her intelligence. As for the other characters, they were either really flat or pretty well done. Some of them, like Magnolia or Rags, were well developed, but other side characters like Barney, Lottie, Hart, etc. felt like they only had one or two traits and that was it. I liked some of them and others bothered me. It was pretty half and half, to be honest.

There was no romance in the book, minus some between the side characters that happened mostly off the page. I understand that the book wanted to focus more on the relationships between family and friends, but it felt like this book was missing something. I feel like it could've benefited from having some romance, but that's just my personal opinion. I completely acknowledge that some people will enjoy the lack of romance, but I didn't (I'm a romantic girl at heart).

Kind of going off what I said above, I don't think this book is the one for me, but I can definitely see it being something other people can fall in love with. I thought the lack of romance dulled the story a bit, and I didn't love all the characters, but I know some people will enjoy reading about the relationships between friends and family without romance distracting them, and will really love reading about Astrid and her squad.

Overall, Titans was an average read to me. I liked some of the characters and thought the pacing was well done, but I didn't like that there was no romance and some of the characters felt flat to me. This wasn't the dream book I made it out to be, but I know that some people will really love it. Maybe it's not for me, but it might be the book for you.

[Glory · Rating 4 out of 5]

А вы читали когда-нибудь монохромные книги? Вот чтоб с атмосферой старого кино, со всеми этими крапинками и волосками на экране. Может, даже с текстовыми вставками, как в немом кино. Когда важен именно этот текст. Музыка. И лица.

"Титаны" - это черно-белый роман.
Не потому что не хватает красок, нет, просто... такая вот создана атмосфера. Несмотря на всю современность, тебя словно отшвыривает в прошлое, куда-нибудь в начало 20 века, и никакие мобильники и механические скакуны этому не помеха.
А на самом деле роман довольно яркий, интересный и запоминающийся.

Место действия - Детройт. Между слоями населения огромная пропасть, и главная героиня Астрид как раз обитает где-то в самом низу. Ее семью жизнь и так не баловала, а тут еще светит выселение из дома. Гордый и глупый отец бьет себя в грудь и кричит, мол, справится сам, не принимая ничьей помощи. И тащит близких все ниже.
Меж тем, именно здесь проводятся скачки на титанах - большой и тайной страсти Астрид. И так бы ей и наблюдать за всем издалека, лишь мечтая стать жокеем, кабы не встреча с загадочным стариком и новый бзик владельцев трассы, дескать, в этом сезоне один из участников будет пропущен без гигантского вступительного взноса, главное, чтобы у него был титан...

В книге очень-очень мало фантастичности и вообще каких-то левых элементов.
Прежде всего она о людях. Об отношениях в семье (с родителями и сестрами), о дружбе (особенно о дружбе, Астрид и Магнолия - это нечто особенное)), о наставничестве (старик становится тренером и... тоже другом, да), ну и о титанах (лошадки-лошадки-лошадки).
Здесь много о силе духа, об упорстве, о важности поражений и о ценности каждой, даже самой крохотной победы.
И почти никакой романтики xDDD Ну, у других героев что-то там происходит, а вот у Астрид иной путь. Хотя намек был, но автор словно передумала и решила, что героиня еще слишком молода)))

Впрочем, мне всего хватило. Может, хотелось бы чуть ускорить темп, но это мелочи.
Если сравнивать... похожие ощущения я испытывала при просмотре "Храбрых сердцем не сломить".
Вроде ничего особенного, а цепляешься за жизни героев и идешь за ними как привязанный.

Советовать не буду. На любителя, да. Большинство заскучает))

[Jessica Reigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had one issue with it. Zero romance. I need something in my books. If there had been romance, this would've easily been a five star book. While I really, really enjoyed the BFF relationship between Magnolia and Astrid - I needed that romance.

Take away that detail - this book was fantastic, thrilling and extremely enjoyable. Devoured it in a day and I'm not even sorry.

Full review to come...

Review posted at Step Into Fiction

Listen, if I would've done my research before reading this book I would've known there was no romance. But I didn't and I was disappointed. The romance doesn't have to be the focus of the book but I need romance in a book I read. I find myself missing something when there isn't any. Would I have read this book had I researched a little bit more? I don't know. I think so, because it sounded interesting but I would've had different expectations. But I feel a little misled, after reading what she wanted to focus on. One of them was family - I don't think there was a lot of focus on the family. Friendships, absolutely. Family? It was kind of like an afterthought. There were scenes and there were issues but it was always in the background.

I loved the relationship between Astrid and Magnolia. I always love reading a strong female friendship in books because I don't feel there are too many. There are friendships, true but not ones that are so close they're like sisters. Not everyone has friends like that and so I don't expect to read about that in every book so it is nice to see it when I do. I also really enjoyed the relationships she formed with her 'team'. Especially Rags, he was a hoot.

What I didn't like (and I wouldn't have expected anything had I known about zero romance before) was there was this focus on this guy, Hart, and there were times when you thought maybe it would turn in to something else and then once you got to a certain point, you realized how pointless he was, as a character. It was really weird and confusing. What was the point of him? I don't know.

BUT.

The story. The idea behind the story. Brilliant. I devoured it. The idea of riding mechanical horses is fascinating. The fact that Astrid is riding a different horse from everyone else. A horse who has emotions and feelings and basically, is like a real horse without, ya know, a heart and blood and stuff. It was really well done and really addicting to read.

Because of the story and because of the relationships we did have, I still enjoyed this book. Had there been a romance of some sort, I would've probably given this five stars. It just felt like it was missing something for me and I was little disappointed because of this. But I wouldn't persuade you not to read this, even if you're like me and a sucker for romances in any book you read. I'm certain you'll still enjoy it.

Thank you so much to Scholastic for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[M.andthebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rezension: (kann Spoiler enthalten)

Danke an den Verlag und das Bloggerportal für das Rezensionsexemplar!

Also der Klappentext klang ja schon echt genial, ich meine: mechanische Pferde?!
Da kann ich halt einfach nicht nein sagen, denn ich war unheimlich gespannt, was das für eine Geschichte wird. Und sie hat mich echt überraschen können!
Ich fand Astrid super sympathisch, sie ist einfach die totale Kämpferin und so unheimlich stark, das fand ich einfach toll. Auch ihre beste Freundin, die ihr immer unterstützend zur Seite stand war mir sehr sympathisch, sogar ein gewisser mürrischer Unterstützer🤭
Wie sich die Beziehung zwischen Astrid und ihrem Titanen entwickelte fand ich sehr spannend zu beobachten und mir gefiel auch sehr gut, dass wir sehr viel über die schönen Seiten des Rennens erfahren, aber eben auch über die Schattenseiten und über all die Arbeit, die dahintersteckt. Das hat für mich das ganze Setting/Feeling noch viel glaubhafter gemacht.
Während der Rennen wurde auch die Handlung noch soo viel spannender und actionreicher, ich konnte förmlich spüren, wie Astrid durch den Parcour ritt.
Zu guter Letzt muss ich auch einen Punkt, der mir gefallen hat, noch besonders hervorheben: Ich fand es unglaublich toll, sie stark sich nicht nur die Figuren, sondern auch die Welt und die Handlung entwickelt haben. Alles hat sich so stark weiterentwickelt, man konnte richtig sehen wie Astrid zum Beispiel gelernt hat, mehr in den Titanen zu sehen als nur ein Mittel zum Zweck oder wie sich auch ihr Vater zum Positiven verändert hat.
Die Story war einfach toll, auch wenn das Ende super traurig war. Sie war emotional, actionreiche, spannend und eine unglaubliche Achterbahnfahrt!

5 Sterne

[A. Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now imagine that this horse is made out of steel...

OMIGOD THIS WAS SOOOO GOOD! It was so exciting and I was always surprised by what came next. Plus, horses! I love horses! I love the relationship that Astrid and her Titan had! (Is it a spoiler if I say his name? Not sure.)

Slightly more articulate review to come later (if I have some time). But definitely read it, guys! It's a fantastic book that you won't want to miss, especially if you love horses.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

I didn't know what to expect with this book, and I think that was actually a fantastic thing because I ended up constantly wondering where Scott was going to head with the story ... and I was never disappointed. Titans is less fantasy and more urban fantasy. It takes place in a near future version of Detroit when the economy there has pretty much collapsed. Her family is struggling to keep afloat after her father loses his factory job (and after their savings has been eaten away by gambling debts). Astrid wants desperately to help, and a chance comes her way to do so - but it's dangerous, and her father certainly wouldn't approve. Not when she's planning to race an eerily lifelike mechanical horse in the very races that have helped strip their family of their financial reserves. Still, Astrid can't sit by and do nothing. This is her opportunity to save her family and live out a lifelong dream.

What Fed My Addiction:

Astrid.
What's not to love about Astrid? She was an incredibly strong female lead - she did NOT let anything hold her back, whether it was the rich jockeys who looked down on her, the danger of riding a two ton horse through truly perilous obstacles, or facing down her dad's wounded pride. Astrid's intelligence gave her an edge in the competition, but it was her heart that truly set her apart from her rivals - everything she did, she did for her family. To make sure that her little sister was taken care of and to prevent them from losing their home. Of course, Astrid wasn't perfect. She had a hard time giving up any modicum of control, and she suffered from both trust and guilt issues. But these aspects of her personality just made her that much more human and had me rooting for her even more!

The racing.
Padlock wasn't an ordinary mechanical racehorse (gee, that's not something I ever thought I'd write). His ability to exhibit emotion seemed unbelievable to Astrid at first, but she eventually softened to him and even learned to trust his instincts - though that was a hard transition for her. The races themselves were exhilarating and incredibly dangerous - I feared for both Astrid's and Padlock's lives often!!

Friendship and family.
Both friendship and family were HUGE themes in this book. Astrid's family was somewhat falling apart because of the pressures that their money issues were putting on them. This was definitely NOT a fairy tale perfect family, but in the end their love and devotion won out and the overarching theme was that of redemption and family bonding. And the friendships in this book were phenomenal! First off, there was Astrid's best friend Magnolia - this was the true picture of what a friendship should be. These two stuck together through thick and thin and always had each other's backs. One of the best friendships I've read in a book! Then there were the friendships (practically family relationships) that Astrid formed with her manager and the other people on her racing team. It was truly a group effort that got them through - and I loved every minute of it!

No romance!
This might come as a disappointment to some people, but I was actually kind of thrilled that there was no romance to steal the focus from the main story (okay, unless you count a couple of minor romances between secondary characters). At one point, I was pretty sure a romance was brewing, but I loved the direction that Scott took the story instead!

What Left Me Wanting More:

Nothing.
I honestly can't think of anything that I would have changed about this book. Was it perfect? Probably not - but when I can't call a single flaw to mind, I know it's a five star book!

I now understand why Scott has so many dedicated fans. I will certainly be reading more from her. This book was superb - it often sent my heart and my emotions into overdrive! I give it 5/5 stars.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wind tears through my hair the way I always imagined, whispering for me to close my eyes, but I won't. I don't want to miss a single second of this. I've never felt so free. So fast. So bold. So beautiful.

Titans isn't my usual fare - there's no kissing, no great romance, no relationship angst. But there IS love - the love a girl has for her family, her friends, and for her horse. Victoria Scott is absolutely at her best when she's writing about the very special bonds that humans have with their animals - if you've read her Fire & Flood series, then you know what I'm talking about. Titans recaptures that magic and lends its own unique fantasy and sci-fi aspect when you consider the fact that Astrid's horse isn't actually... alive.

Astrid is a character that all girls can rally behind. She might only be 17, but she's willing to make hard choices and make big decisions, all to help pull her family out of the crushing debt that is threatening them. Astrid defies her parents in order to ride a mechanical horse in a series of races - races that grown people have died in in the past. This girl is very nearly fearless.

I say "nearly" because Astrid is most definitely afraid of some things - losing and letting her family down, for one. Trusting her horse, which she names Padlock, is another. Astrid trusts precious few people in this world. She knows it's something that must be earned, and she's convinced that there's no way a hunk of metal can do that.

But, come on. This is VICTORIA FREAKING SCOTT. Which means, this horse is special with a capital 'S'. Padlock might be an old model, but he has something no other horse on that track has. He has a bond with Astrid that flies in the face of science. And THAT is truly the best part of this whole book.

"Padlock, I want to tell you something." My voice is barely a whisper, and already my throat is thick with lingering emotion. "I'd never be disappointed in you. No matter what happens this season, I'm proud to call you my Titan."

There are a host of colorful side characters - there's Astrid's artistic BFF Magnolia, her manager Rags and his work partner Barney, her sponsor Lottie, and her biggest competition Hart. I developed an affection for each of these characters as they help Astrid and Padlock in their own unique ways. And then there's the deliciously awful villain Arvin Gambini. I promise, you will burn with the desire to see him pay in the most humiliating way possible.

The world building in Titans was done beautifully. We're given the picture of this downtrodden Detroit neighborhood, beaten back by layoffs and a sluggish economy. There's a very definitive line drawn between the haves and the have-nots. Astrid is the poster child for the have-nots, and her efforts to beat back the rich people who taunt and oppress her and her family will have you cheering for her along with everyone else in the book. She is most definitely the underdog in this race, so every victory is super special, and every defeat will squeeze your heart.

"Strength is forgetting everything I've taught you and becoming a machine. It's reaching inside yourself and finding you are not someone to be toyed with. It's taking every doubt you have and crushing it beneath your heel."

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mechanical horses... with feelings??  You betcha!  Best friends together forever?  Yup.  Detroit front and center?  So awesome...  Do I really need to write a review?  Oh, alright...

The Titans are mechanical horses that race on custom tracks in an area of suburban Detroit that is positively depressed.   Most without jobs, the last thing some of these fans need is an incentive to gamble their life savings away.  But the excitement is too much of a draw, even for thirteen year old best friends Astrid and Magnolia, who manage to sneak out of their homes to watch the races up close at the fences for the first time in their lives.  Astrid is hooked!

Fast forward four years and life is bleak for these two friends.  Both have families in turmoil but rely on each other for daily support and dare I say... love?  Yep, I truly adored the friendship at the backbone of this standone story from Ms. Scott.

I'll admit, it didn't hurt any that the story setting is my backyard.  Picturing the neighborhood, race track, and practice track isn't hard to do for anyone with a simple knowledge of suburbs of a big city.  Ms. Scott did a fantastic job of painting her Detroit sad, dirty, and bleeding hope.

At the heart of the story, though, is Astrid and her desire to save her family from being homeless.  She believes she's brave enough, smart enough to program the horse to beat all the other horses on the track.  But when a chance to race is presented to her, there's just a tiny hitch in the plan.  She can't not take the chance for her family.  It really is an amazing ride Astrid (and Magnolia) take us on as they grow up very quickly but in the end, remain the awesome to the core genuine human beings.

What floored me the most, that Astrid understood (and that Ms. Scott snuck into her story) the principle that should be the American way: Instead of sitting back and hoping to be rescued (gambling), Astrid is putting in an effort and working hard.

With just the right amount of supporting characters to add drama and complications to the story, Astrid has her work cut out for her.  Besides the best best friend in the world for support, she has my favorite curmudgeon, Rags.  When he showed up on that first page, I quickly fell in love with the old man.

I was shocked and dizzy by the amount of story and detail in this story.  It is non-stop, from one moment to another, from one race to another, from one conversation to another.  I really don't want to spoil anything but holy crap, the imaginative tracks these "horses" ran on!

I'm trying very hard not to give too much away about the story, but at the same time at least hint at how good this story is and not give too much away.  Hey, at least you know it's a standalone!!

Now, Ms. Scott, can I talk you into a jewelry line?  I'd love to buy a certain necklace...


 Review appears on

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het begin was wat traag en ingewikkeld, maar Scott heeft me daarna absoluut voor zich weten te winnen met dit Hunger Games-achtige verhaal! Erg mooi hoe de band tussen hoofdpersoon Astrid en haar Titaan is neergezet, maar ik vond het ook heel sterk hoe de personagedynamiek en Astrids struggles met haar thuissituatie en backstory naar voren komen. Oh, en yay voor het ontbreken van een liefdesverhaallijn! Uitgebreide recensie: http://thebookreview.nl/recensies/sci...

[Kate Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a sports fan. Hockey, baseball, soccer, football...I couldn't care less. But give me a race with an interesting track (no NASCAR circles please), a cool racing vehicle (mechs are a plus), and a twist (add in some super awesome danger!) and you've hit on K8's favorite things. For some reason, race stories like Skid by Doug Solter and the TV show IGPX completely fascinate me. I can feel the adrenaline of each race as I cheer on our main character as they scrape tooth and nail to get to the finish line. Titans is that kind of racing novel.

The full review can be found at http://katetilton.com/titans-victoria...

Review is of an ARC.

[Teresa Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

Titans delivers an engaging read with a great concept. It also delivers fantastic, yet quirky, characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. This is a quick read that is very easy to get lost in. It has a very addictive quality to it and I loved that.

Our main character Astrid is great and I really loved her. She is incredibly strong and determined and I admired her in so many ways. I cannot imagine being 17 and in her position. Her family is on the brink of being evicted and when she has the chance to take part in the Titan races she doesn't even hesitate. But that isn't even the crazy part, her plans for the winnings and really her drive for the whole thing is to save her home and her friend's home. That is not normal 17 year old thinking and I loved her for that. I loved that her first thought was never for herself but for everyone around her.

Speaking of everyone around her, this book delivers a fantastic set of secondary characters. I absolutely adored Magnolia. She was a fantastic friend to Astrid and I cannot stress how much I loved the portrayal of a positive female friendship. No jealousy or drama... they were truly there for one another and did nothing but build one another up. I really loved this so so much. I also adored Rags, Barney, and Lottie. All three of them are great and were such a support to Astrid. Her family though. They made me rage. I have a few choice words for her father but I will not subject you guys to them.

What I also loved about this one was the pace. It moved along very quickly. The chapters were super short and I really liked that. It just kept the pace going. I also love that this book doesn't fit into one genre really. I struggled with where to shelve it. It definitely has sci-fi elements because of the mechanical horses, but then it's fantasy because this whole concept isn't something that exists, it had action, but then it read like a contemporary. I mean, the mechanical horses don't exist in our world, but this book really felt like our world simply with the addition of the horses and I thought that was cool. And just in case anyone cares, in the end I shelved it as a fantasy since that is where Amazon had it shelved.

Now speaking of mechanical horses... Padlock... I loved Padlock. The Titans element was so incredibly cool and I fell in love with Padlock. I want my very own please and thank you.

All in all, Titans is a really good read and is definitely worth the read. The concept is cool and it moves at a great pace. #TitansJockey forever!

[Beth (YA Books Central)]

"Tonight,
the Titans will run...."

Titans is an young adult book that has science fiction, action, and a fascinationg story-line. Titans revolves around a young girl named Astrid who is fascinated with the titan races that uses mechanical, scientifically designed horses to race against each other. The closest Astrid gets to the actual races is watching them from behind a fence from afar..until.....by a chance meeting with an mysterious old man she actually gets the opportunity to compete in the races and possibly win the two million dollar prize which would change her and her family's life forever.

I absolutely love Victoria's writing style and how each of her characters is special and unique and keeps me drawn to page after page. Astrid's best friend is named Magnolia and she is a fascinating character who brings out humor and so much life in the story. She is always there when Astrid needs her and they share the good and the bad and are always there for each other.

I love the part of the story where Astrid's family is very poor and barely making ends meet and Astrid overcomes so many trials and tribulations and fights to get her family together and surviving.

"I have to win the Titan Derby. I won't settle for the way things are.
Now when I know they could be so much better. "

The world-building in this story is amazing and how well the author explains the concept behind the horse and the races makes this idea truly seem possible.

Victoria always writes the connections between her characters and the animals in such a way that you find yourself completely attached to each and every character and cheering for them to survive.

I have read that some people are saying the story needed romance but I actually found it refreshing and different and I was able to focus more on the story and all the characters interwined within it.

Titans had everything in it to make a great stand-alone....interesting characters, fascinating story-line, and a perfect conclusion that wraps up the story perfectly....So needless to say...I LOVED THIS BOOK and I would advise anyone who enjoys young adult books to dig in immediately. Victoria Scott writes phenomenal books and I have loved each and every one of them and am looking forward to the next one!!!

[Martina Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the sheer and utter brilliance of this book! Those who know me know my insane love of THE SCORPIO RACES, which is--to me who remains a sappy, horse-mad and romantic teen in love with all things Celtic mythology--the perfect book. I have always been dumfounded by the people who don't get that book. Well, for those people, and for those who did love THE SCORPIO RACES, let me shove TITANS in your hands. Paddock is a Detroit-built mechanical horse with an emotion chip that reads well enough that I could picture my Dutch Warmblood or one of my Thoroughbreds playing horse jokes on me or trying to follow me out of their stalls to go to work when they were laid up with an injury. It reads REAL. It feels REAL. And at the same time, it is the story of a girl who is determined to save her dysfunctional family and take her best friend with her to glory, a girl who fights for what she wants, doesn't take no for an answer, and ends up . . . Okay, no spoilers. Just read it. Mad props to Victoria!

[Mothman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels, and I had small tears brimming my eyes toward the end. It has everything I love in stories: friendship, family, heart, HORSES.

I loved all the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the action. I loved the Titans. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

The beginning is kind of slow and stumbles a bit to find its footing, but once Astrid's Titan is introduced, the story really took off. I'm SOOOOOO glad a romance wasn't forced upon Astrid. <3 More books focusing on platonic relationships, please!!
--------
Pre-read reaction:

I NEED THIS RIGHT NOW, IMMEDIATELY

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five friggin stars times ten billionty. Review to come closer to release date!

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three words (full review later): Terrific! Buy it.

[Just a person · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read Titans because I loved Victoria Scott's first series and wanted more of her writing, characters and world building.

Astrid is the main character and she is smart and driven and very interested in the Titan races. it's something she loves because of the horses which are a blend of animal and machine from what I understand that about 10% through. she loves The mechanics, the how and why to things so the build and the computer coding to get the animals to race and be good at what they're doing is right up her alley. it's also something that she hates because she is in a lower class family and it feels like the Titan races are where the rich get richer and poor bet all they have on the races. not only her grandfather has lost catastrophically his way of life, his home where she and her family were staying, he lost everything to betting when Astrid was young, leaving them on the streets. They were slung okay once Astrid's dad found a job at a factory but on top of it all 'dad has just lost his job.

There is the family dynamics and friendship and it was complex but fascinating to read about. As far as family dynamics go, Astrid's dad is pretty overbearing and he is bitter about not having work and it creates a rift in the family at times. Astrid has 2 sisters Dani and Zara. they all three are pretty different Dani is dating a guy and she is pretty obsessed with him and she uses barbs like he would never let them lose their house or lose their job that he would protect them against their dad. Zara is the younger sister and she depends a lot on Astrid. their mom is both present and absent if that makes any sense. she holds the family together and she make them dinner and keeps house running and listens to them but when things get tough she kind of disappears into garden which is her main hobby. as far as friendship Astrid's best friend is Magnolia and I guess that's the case in some aspects of opposites attract because magnolia is very fashion and accessory oriented but their friendship still makes it because they share an interest in watching the Titan practices and races and they have been next door neighbors for forever so that was also a glue that holds them together. Along with the fact that Magnolia's dad used to work with Astrid dad and they have both lost their job and are looking for new ones now, there is a lot that holds then together, and they know they have someone who gets it.

I also appreciated that there wasn't romance in this one. Astrid gets more focused on her family, friendship, and the help (from Rags and his friend) that comes from the most unexpected places. Most of all, she gets used to her unique Titan, and wanting to win the races, and therefore help her family and discover a lot about herself. Now, while I love a good romance, it is refreshing to have one without it. There is enough going on with the characters and the action of the Titans.

I really enjoyed watching Astrid bond with the Titan aka Padlock and realize its limits as well as hers. She wants to believe that it's just a machine and that there's no cognizance or emotions or feelings but the more she's around him the more she begins to question that. There's one moment on their first run where she completely forgets what she's doing and how to do it and they're barely dodge a tree and what she finally gets her wits about her and gets down she says she swears she sees the Titan looking at her with an expression of you're an idiot. The companionship, understanding, and respect that they formed was wonderful to watch. Astrid and Padlock had a one up relationship, they would joke and play around, but then they shared a seriousness and a vision of winning, and of the thrill of the race.

I really appreciated how Rags, Barney, and Lottie all took in Astrid and Magnolia. They offered their technical help, as well as helping them to learn to be a part of the world. Lottie is a woman that has money, but she has class, and she ended up helping them to have that as well, learning courtesy, etiquette, and also showing them when to ignore what she's taught them and to have inner strength.

I devoured this one, the alternating action and then the character building, and the family dynamic changing and evolving throughout the story. Realizing when to accept help and when to support and encourage each other.

I also loved the ending. It all came together well, wrapped up well, and I was happy with it. Some things were sad, others happy, and others hopeful. I love Scott, and will read any future books.

Source: earc from Scholastic via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.

Bottom Line: Couldn't put it down, loved the characters, action, and sense of family and friendship.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Action-packed story with a very unique setting. I enjoyed this book, I just wish there had been more romance in it!

Opening Sentence: Tonight, the Titans will run.

The Review:

Imagine all the speed and engineering of a race car and combine it with the love and luck that come with horse racing, wouldn’t that be magic? In the city of Detroit magic is happening in the form of Titans! Titans are special designed mechanical horses that are built to compete in a high stake race! The races are dangerous, exhilarating, and profitable. Many people make bets and you can either win big time or lose your shirt.

Astrid Sullivan saw her first Titan race when she was 13 years old and she hasn’t been able to forget it. Everything about it fascinates her and every chance she gets she is down at the tracks watching. She would do anything to be one of the jockeys controlling the horses but she knows that is never going to happen. Riding in the races come with a hefty price tag and that doesn’t include the price of purchasing a Titan. Astrid’s family is very poor and her father just recently lost his job.

But Astrid is about to get the chance of a lifetime! She is offered a chance to enter this years derby and not only is this a dream come true, it is also a chance to save her and her family and friends from losing everything! She just has to win the whole competition, but that is easier said then done!

Astrid is a wonderful heroine that was easy to love. She has a snarky personality and she seems to always have a quick comeback. She is smart, funny, and very kind! It amazes me how positive she was even though she was in such a hard situation and I loved that she was always trying to help others, even when she had very little to offer physically. She puts on a really strong front to hide from her problems and insecurities. She is a determined girl and she has a lot of spunk, but she is also a scared young girl that needs support from the people she loves most. In many ways she is a very inspirational character and I enjoyed reading her story!

There was a great cast of secondary characters in this book and each one of them was critical to the story. I’m only going to point out a couple of them, otherwise this review will be too long. First, there is Magnolia who is Astrid’s best friend. The relationship between these two was awesome and it reminded me a little bit of my best friend from growing up. They supported each other through everything and they have one of those once in a lifetime friendships that you never forget! Magnolia is very different from Astrid, but their differences make their friendship even stronger because they balance each other out! Another character I really loved was Rags. He was a grumpy old man that reminded me of my own grandfather. I loved getting to know him and he brought a lot of great humor to the story!

Titans is an action packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The idea was so unique and intriguing! When I first heard about this story, I was so excited to read it and for the most part I loved it. The message Scott delivered was inspiring and she presented it in a heartfelt and entertaining way. The one complaint I had about this story was that there was very little romance. I realize that not all books need to have romance but I find if a book doesn’t have it, I always wish it did. This is totally a personal preference, but for me the absence of the romance made this a 4 star read versus a 5 star read. Overall, this was a really fun read and I recommend this to anyone looking for an interesting story with fun characters.

Notable Scene:

The gates slide away. A gun fires.

And the Titans run.

They run and the world trembles beneath my feet. Steam puffs from their nostrils and their eyes cut a crimson path and their bodies clash against one another, steel on steel. As the Titans rumble past, a smile sweeps across my face. Watching them is like kissing a speeding train. Like dancing with a hurricane. The horses are terrifying and beautiful at once. They are mindless beasts, but under the stadium lights, their bodies moving down the track like ghosts, they are glorious.

I’m thirteen years old the day I first witness the Titans run.

It’s the same day I watch a grown man die.

FTC Advisory: Scholastic provided me with a copy of Titans. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[faanielibri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ziemlich kurzweilig, mit problematischen Themen wird toll umgegangen. Und doch hat es mich in Gänze nicht so überzeugen können wie erhofft.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz

Why does Victoria Scott books always hit me really hard in the feels? I haven't cried over a book in a long time, and during the last chapter of this book I had tears pouring down my face. This book is a MUST READ of 2016. Despite the fantasy aspect of the Titans (Mechanical horses!), Victoria's novel is full of real world problems, a strong female friendship, and tons of girl power.

I liked Astrid from page one. She is determined and fierce. She knows what she wants. After her grandfather gambled away all his money and then the house his family lived in away, Astrid's family has no choice but live in their car. After settling down again, Astrid's father looses his job that results in hardships for his family. Then matters get worse Astrid's father gambles the remaining of their money away in a Titans race. Now facing eviction Astrid doesn't know what to do. Her father and his pride refuses the thought of Astrid getting a job.

I was easily able to relate to Astrid. Though my family isn't as unfortunate as Astrid's family, I understand her fear of loosing her home. It is a scary thought. But hope arises when the makers of the Titan races announce that one person will have the $50,000 entrance fee waived. By luck Astrid meets someone with an early version of a Titan and enters the race. The winner of the overall races receives an award of 2 million dollars and Astrid knows that is enough to save her house, and send her and her best friend to college.

I never thought I was going to fall in love with a metal horse, but Padlock is different. Titans 3.0 don't have feelings. They are incapable because it wasn't programmed into them. But Titans 1.0 do.

Padlock acted and behaved like a real horse, he was able to be afraid and show love to Astrid. He went even further at the races. Astrid doesn't trust anybody except her best friend. Its hard for her too. The people she trusted all her life made nothing but mistakes. Eventually she trusts Padlock, she jokes with and was generally a happier person around him. Padlock even had a little romance with the White Mare that lived in Barney's barn. I was routing for a horse romance. That is how much I loved Padlock.

I can talk all day and night about how much I loved this book. I am still trying to put into words how it made feel. The ending left me content with how Astrid's life will be after everything is said and done. In my mind I can see where Scott can write a sequel to Titans but I won't be unhappy if it doesn't happen because I loved this book. Titans is a book I will highly recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen to me.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*.

Horses, Horses and even more horses! After reading "Riders" by Veronica Rossi I knew that the next book which was going to win me was this one. I can admit in all seriousness that Victoria Scott is the only author capable of writing amazing animal characters in YA. If you have read her other series "Fire & Blood" you'll understand my statement.

In TITANS, Astrid lives with her family in Detroit, where the games of the metal horses are held. Riders participate and bets are made just like in any other horse race. And because of betting Astrid and her family are facing enviction. Her father has almost lost everything and Astrid's sisters are not faring better.
When Rags offers Astrid a chance to participate in the games she will take it, even if it causes her already strained family relationships to become worse.

The biggest part that takes place in this book is not the races, though Padlock was a kick ass TITAN, but how Astrid grew as a character, as also how her family relationships envolved too. It's obvious that Astrid loves her family, though I would expect her mother to be stronger and more supportive, and there are also issues of violence and gambling.

She finds support in Rags who she compares to her grandfather and to Padlock. I loved that horse. Really. Horses, dogs and dolphins are the animals that have shown so far how close to human love can come. The race was a thrilling experience and the other participants had their own small place in the story.

The only part that didn't bother me, and trust me it does when it's not present, was the romance. Astrid DOES NOT fall in love with anyone of the other characters, though there were some pairings in the secondary ones. Those moments were sweet and felt like gems.

Victoria Scott is one of the top authors, I make sure to follow and add her books in my TBR list even before knowing the blurb. TITANS is one of those gems and I recommend it with all my heart! ;)

[Tati · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much better read than I was expecting.

I loved how the characters had a background that contributed to make them who they were at the time of the story. I didn't like her dad, though. His pride was hurtful to his family, and that her mother would stand by and let that happen was also annoying. I mean, his pride was the reason the family would lose their home, all because he wouldn't let anyone else but he be the provider...

The ending was pretty sad, and a tad abrupt, I felt. I was kinda expecting for Rags to give her a new Padlock, not just his EvoBox, y'know?

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Novel Ink

TITANS was so much more than I was expecting.  This story of a girl named Astrid grabbed me from the very beginning and the Titans sealed the deal.  This book was so amazing.

Every since Astrid was little she loved going to the Cyclone Track and watching the Titan races.  She never imagined that she would get any closer to the magical machines.  But when she gets the chance to actually race a Titan in the annual races?  It's literally a dream come true for her.  Of course it isn't an easy road though.  There are people and circumstances that test her at every turn, and she'll have to learn very fast whether she's strong enough to beat all odds and save her family.

I loved Astrid.  I loved watching her grow and I love how she was always proving her worth and showing everyone that there's more to her than they knew.  It seemed like everyone had a habit of underestimating her and I loved watching her try to prove them wrong.

I also loved the fact that this was a friendship book.  The relationship between Astrid and Magnolia was so refreshing to read.  It's not often that we come across such a wonderful friendship.  I also loved the relationship between Rags, Barney, Astrid and Magnolia.

I can't write this review and not mention Padlock.  He was such a badass.  I just don't even know how else to describe him.

Overall, Titans was so much more than I was hoping for.