My name is Z, and if there is one thing I know, it's that amnesia sucks. I have no memories of my life before I was found practically freezing to death in the snowy streets of Detroit, Michigan. Within a year, my foster family—the Torrezes—adopt me and my kick-ass brother, Toby. Everything seems perfect, which of course means it all has to fall apart. Once again orphans, we are now on the run for murder. On my eighteenth birthday the unthinkable happens. Pulled from this world by a familiar stranger, I find myself in another dimension, where magic is reality. Faced with my forgotten past and a terrifying future, I must accept my role as princess and save a kingdom I never knew I had.
A few words that describe me... Author * Wife * Mommy * Aunt Miss Mary * Crazy Cat Lady * Book Lover * Movie Buff * Closet Anime/Manga Nerd * Soda Addict
It started out ok, but by time i got half way in it, Z was starting to get on my nerves. I like strong heroines, but not know-it-alls. The final downfall for me was when . That's just stupid. Your chances of catching the bad guy rises when you actually know who it is.
I gave it 3 stars though because I don't think it's bad. I'm just not the target audience.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
What I Liked
Strong Female Heroine:
In the beginning of Z: The Abilities Series, we learn that Z is sarcastic, headstrong, curses like a sailor, and is skilled in martial arts. She can defend herself and doesn't need help from anyone. Then she learns she's a princess. Do you think she's just going to sit around and look pretty? Nope! Her foul language and "unladylike" appetite shock her new family and friends. She wears her combat boots under her dress. She is determined to train and fight alongside the knights. That's what I love about her. She is a strong, independent woman who don't need no man!
Magic Abilities in a Fantasy World:
So for some reason, I didn't catch onto this from the title, but many people in this other dimension have special abilities. Who knew? The book is called Z: The ABILITIES Series. Come on, Sydney, get with it! Anyway, it's pretty cool to see what kind of abilities the people of Terra Pacieme (the kingdom) have. And it's not magic abilities that you'd assume right away, like being able to fly or become invisible. Some have the shielding ability, some are protectors, healers, and can even slow time down. It's fascinating to see what's going to happen next or what ability is going to pop up! I'm usually not the biggest fan of fantasy novels, but I could get into this!
What I Didn't Like
Awkward Dialogue & Unbelievable Plot Lines:
Sometimes the dialogue between characters was a bit to corny or awkward for my liking. It made me think, "No one talks like that!" For example, Z says "I will be fine. Just tired" while another character respond with "I guess it's safe to say you have hit your limit for the day." I think it seems strange to me because in normal, everyday language, we use contractions more! Parts of the story sometimes seem a bit unbelievable. For example, when Z's foster parents tell her that they are going to foster another child, they just tell her about it the night before. They say they applied the week before and he's already coming the next day. That just seems kind of quick! Along those lines, even though Z has no memories of her life before she was in foster care, she adapts pretty quickly to life in the kingdom. If it were me, I'd be freaking out that suddenly I'm a princess and I have a whole new family and new life ahead of me. But Z just goes about her days, learning new things and piecing together her past. Just seems like she moved on quickly!
Overall, this was a fun read! I enjoyed learning about the kingdom of Terra Pacieme along with Z. This was author Lizzy Gomez's first novel (and first in a three-part series!) and I think she did a fabulous job! I believe her writing will only grow as she continues creating new worlds for us to dive in to!
Who approved this book to be published? The dialogue is over the top cringy and the author doesnt seem to have any actual knowledge of the foster care system. Considering adoption after three months, especially with somebody who doesn’t remember her past? No way. And finalizing adoption in just a few days? Doesn’t work like that.
Also the dialogue? Who calls their foster sister babe and baby girl? Cringy. The social worker telling they have no real choice to go with that dude or the “likelihood they will stay together is pretty much zip”? Ignoring the fact that that is unprofessional af, nobody talks like that.
It is a nice enough read if you like books for teens. The characters are not finished, the language used by the main character is more annoying than a nice touch. The story is shallow as are the characters.
The book seems to not be finished, as if one of the first drafts was published.
Blurb: My name is Z, and if there is one thing I know, it's that amnesia sucks. I have no memories of my life before I was found practically freezing to death in the snowy streets of Detroit, Michigan. Within a year, my foster family—the Torrezes—adopt me and my kick-ass brother, Toby. Everything seems perfect, which of course means it all has to fall apart. Once again orphans, we are now on the run for murder. On my eighteenth birthday the unthinkable happens. Pulled from this world by a familiar stranger, I find myself in another dimension, where magic is reality. Faced with my forgotten past and a terrifying future, I must accept my role as princess and save a kingdom I never knew I had.
awesome. love that the character curses as much as i do but she could have figured out who the spy was just from those visions and the people she knew, just saying. other than that great book and i miss Toenail 😭
Life is good, then they die. Then life is good? Not so much. Then life is hard but pretty good. Then things get really complicated and she is magical, sort of. The ups and downs make this a very interesting story. I really recommend reading this book.
I'm finding it harder and harder to come across decent books, so finally, I found one! I gotta admit though, I didn't like the way the story took a turn from the living-on-the-streets modern girl kind of life to the medieval princess setting, but it slowly grew on me as the book went on. By the end, I saw how everything made sense, and the character never lost herself just because of her big change in life. So overall, a good read with good characters.
I really hate reviews.. Giving them anyway. If i really like a book, it is hard to define why. A good book touches a cord inside and you can't put it down until it is done and then it leaves you wanting more
I actually really enjoyed this book! Seeing the spy a mile off I still enjoyed the reveal good old fashioned who done it in a fairy tale style. Looking forward to book two.
I really enjoyed the characters in this universe. However I am greatly disappointed that this is not a complete story. One tiny bit of resolution in that the villain is "discovered" and that is not even a spoiler because it was obvious (too obvious). I won't be buying the next "excerpt". Once bitten twice shy. But aside from that I believe that the author shows promise. Keep a look out for better things!
loved the freaking book. i mean where to start....loved every single part of it. i never felt bored while reading this. the characters are awesome (love bad ass nadya) and the plot, don't even get me started there. honestly i have re-read it 5o times. so that's gotta say how much i love this book.
Um...it's hard to know what to say. I found the book entertaining but massively predictable. I will read book 2, so that's compliment enough. It WAS a fun read. I can't say if I would recommend it or not.
This book was simply amazing! I was kept on my seat the entire way through and after I finished it my grandmother borrowed it to read and then passed to my aunt. We are simply amazed at the writing. The strong lead character and attitudes throughout the story fit this genre perfectly!!
I loved this book. It was really easy to get lost in. The characters are hilarious, and the dialogue pulled me into the world with them. Bought the rest of the series to finish it up.