Reviews

Nia - The Origin by Rachel Bourne

lucy_loves_lit's review

4.0

Thank you so much to Rachel Bourne for gifting me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

mollyb7's review

4.0

Wow, talk about plot twists! I absolutely did not see this one coming from a mile away. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. Though I had some difficulty with the pacing and some of the character development, this was such a fun read over all. The love triangle gives me strong Shatter Me vibes (though, ironically the Adam character in this book is more like Warner in Shatter Me than he is like Adam). I didn’t particularly love that the protagonist was 17 and a love interest was 20, but that kind of resolved itself at the end so I’m tempted to excuse it. I definitely want to see where this story goes!

dee123's review

4.0

" I missed you, before I even knew who you are, I always felt that something was missing, and now that you're here, I don't feel that anymore. You were the missing piece"

whatlexisreading's review

4.0

This book was wild from start to finish, and honestly I didn't know what was going to happen next. Even from chapter to chapter things would take a turn and I would be so shocked! That is not the ending I was expecting but it definitely leaves me wanting the sequel. I will say that the first bit was just a tad slower than the second half, after the first half I literally couldn't put the book down though!

I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review by the author.

thecabinetofcuriosity's review

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one! It was intriguing and I am usually good and guessing outcomes, but this one kept me on my toes. It has a slow build, but when it picks up, it will have you on the edge of your seat begging to know what is next. It read very movie-esque and I would totally watch it as a series or movie one day! 

Nia is such a relatable main character. Maybe not in the sense of having phenomenal psychic abilities, but she thinks and acts like a 17 year old girl. I feel like I could be someone like her or know someone like her. She is strong but not abnormally so. She is affected by her experiences as anyone would be. She is very raw and real. 

This book had many elements that I loved. The mystery and suspense, the fantasy, romance, traveling, hidden/forgotten pasts. This book gave me sort of psychic Da Vinci Code vibes! I loved the characters and how developed they are. Trying to figure out who you could trust! Awesome read! 

 

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Content Warnings

a 10 year old child drowns

welivethrougbooks's review

4.0

Rachel asked me to read her book for a review, and what sold me was the fact that there was a dog named Benny in it. And I’m so happy I agreed. This was such a magically read that takes you from Florida to New Oreleans to Mexico.

And let me tell you, Rachel kept me on my toes the entire time. I devoured this book within two days, because I needed to know where Nia and the boy came from. Plus, there was such a cute friendship that blossomed between Christopher and Nia.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a quick fantasy read, with a kickass main character and a highly adorable dog.

thatbookmom's review

5.0

If you're looking for a new YA Fantasy series full of adventure and mystery PICK THIS UP

theloveofwordss's review

adventurous informative mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

thedisabledreader's review

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

With a beautiful writing style and a uniquely voiced narration, there is an undeniably personality presented which further elevates an already intriguing plot. Although there are some comparisons to be drawn to other books, the story and narration provide a rare unique voice in an oversaturated industry. 

The eccentric characters and constantly twisting plot demonstrate the author's own character, so there are no parts that feel forced or dehumanized due to the intimacy the author has with her writing. Each of the founding members of the found family has their moments to shine, and they are all thoroughly developed despite not having narration through their perspective. 

Despite it being a fantastical science fiction book, the characters and their reactions are very much grounded in reality. They are all imperfect, but they want to - and do - grow into themselves and each other while forming meaningful and irreplaceable bonds. The usage of the found family trope only furthers the connection of the characters and their intertwining development, and it offers an unusual perspective on the relationships of the characters as well as their needs in their ever changing circumstances.

The constant obstacles the characters face are accompanied by responses that are suited to the character, and the consequences of their actions and their past are not forgotten despite the craziness of their current adventure. The twists bring complications, but the implications are explored as well as the characters’ ongoing hopes and concerns.

Nia : The Origin serves as an interesting exploration into the often misconstrued foundations of Young Adult Science Fiction. It is an enjoyable read with a distinct voice and narration, and it brings the audience to the creative heart of the character as well as the author.

bookdemolisher's review

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

Gripping adventure from beginning to end. You constantly want to know what will happen next. I loved both Christopher and Adam as potential love interests for Nia. The insta love didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. Really fun read and I’d definitely recommend it.