This second book in the series about brothers cursed with immortality is actually better than the first book in the series. The writing is tighter, there's no annoying Kissing Festival (different, more believable Festival) and we finally get more action and less summarizing.

That said, I don't suggest you read this one without having read the first one, Anew; and I can't talk about this second book without spoiling the first one. So if you haven't read the first one, don't read on.

So Gabriel and Tristan are still involved in the curse with Scarlet. The book picks up directly after the events of Anew. Scarlet is dying.

Right from the start, she comes back. This time her body doesn't disappear and neither does she lose all her memories. It's a mystery. To find out about this mystery, they all head over to an old resident of Avalon's house where Scarlet discovers a journal with clues.

So they have to find out where the Fountain of Youth is to break the curse, and there's Ashmen attacking them, and they have a map and journal with clues to the fountain's location, but they still don't know where it is exactly. Meanwhile, we get flashbacks into Tristan and Gabriel's history with Scarlet and finally discover how the curse began.

But while these plot points add excitement, the real fun of the book is the snappy banter. BFF Heather is being set up as a romantic possibility for Gabriel, and her irreverent attitude (let's be a Team! Let's give silly code names to each other!) is the best part of the book. The third immortal boy, Nate, also provides comic relief (he's a doctor but sleeps on Star Trek sheets).

Scarlet didn't draw me in as much in this book. I think part of the problem was her whole "I love my boyfriend" attitude towards Gabriel in the first part of the book despite knowing about the curse and the developing bond between her and Tristan. She says to herself "I'm the worst girlfriend ever" a bunch of times and I totally agreed. It came off kind of weird that she seemed to be so in denial.

The book ends in another cliffhanger with surprise twists about minor characters and Team Awesome closer than ever to finding the fountain of youth.

This Book's Snack Rating: Like cheese puffs for the cheesy, fun banter and the puffy airiness of Scarlet's character.

JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE!!!!!! I can't wait for AVOW the third one!!

So, back when I read Anew, the first book in the series, I thought that the curse was really different and unique, and in Awry, we learn more about the curse and how Scarlet meet Gabriel and Tristan. I really liked seeing how she met them and how Raven, the girl who cast the curse fits into the picture.

Oh, and remember when I said that there is more to Scarlet's guardian than what we saw in Anew? We definitely learn more about her guardian in Anew. And not good things (naturally). Still, I feel like her part in things is not over, and that we'll get the last bits and pieces of her story in the last book.

I really liked the flashbacks and how they were incorporated. It really added to the romance and the curse, and it really made the curse have more of an impact because you know the history behind everything. There's so much there, and all of the details and history seem so real, and well thought out, and not there just to be there. Plus, the flashbacks really made the relationships between everyone easier to understand because you know where everyone is coming from.

I really like how everything is coming together, and how they're still trying to figure out everything...but also how they're getting closer to finding the Fountain Of Youth. There are still some missing pieces, of course, but I have this strong feeling that Fine will wrap everything up really well.

Let's Rate It: I really liked Awry and how it built on the world that Fine created in Anew. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how everything comes together. Awry gets 4 stars.

I loved this very much. It was full of all kinds of crazy twists, and all of the characters are absolutely wonderful (except Gabriel, of course). I love Scarlet and Tristan, and those flashbacks just about broke my heart. Loved the one from 1983 though. Heather is one of the best non-paranormal best friends to a paranormal heroine that I've read of, and I found myself laughing almost every time she was present. Nate is also a wonderful supporting character.

Now on to my dislike of Gabriel, which only grew as I discovered more of the backstory.

Spoiler

Knowing that he knew Tristan loved Scarlet first, and that him not believing Raven's threat was what catalyzed the whole curse reaction, makes his behavior to Tristan look absolutely ridiculous. How does he have any claim to Scarlet? How can he possibly blame Tristan for anything when all Tristan's done is been selfless. Ugh, go die, Gabriel.

The ending was nuts and I can't believe I have to wait for the next one! Need now, please!

Spoiler

Ahhh, where did Raven take Heather and why!? What does Scarlet remember that makes Raven the least of their worries?! Do Tristan and Scarlet get to be together now or what?! Even though technically that would be killing Tristan... but since he has immortal blood, shouldn't he reincarnate anyways?

Wow this was really good...now I'm really anxious for Avow, the third in the trilogy, due out in Dec.

I am really enjoying this series. It's got a great combination of unique plot, angst (which is always important) and good characters. I'm not usually fans of flashbacks but I think they are not only important to understand the back story but they actually don't slow down the present storyline at all. Tristan is totally tragic and heart wrenching.
As a side note, in a lot of these kinds of books the heroine's BFF sometimes doesn't fit right. Often times they seem too one dimensional and you can't really see any characteristics that would make the girls loyal to each other. I think Heather is a sweet character. She's got the standard girl teen stuff going on with fashion, gossip and boys but she honestly seems to understand and love Scarlet and even though she's a bit flaky and chattery a lot of the time, she is a real friend.

I was so glad that there were the in-between chapters that told Scarlets back story and helped fill a lot of holes. I couldn't't put the book down at the end when Scarlet really started to remember everything. Loved it and looking forward to the third!

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Chelsea really steeped up here game for this book. I was completely engrossed in the story and am about to begin the third one now :)

Way better than book one! I liked the flashbacks - we got to see how the three main characters met - the plot was also more captivating, though still predictable. I also came to like all the characters more, not only Tristan. The MC's best friend was much more sympathetic in this one for me. She and Nate made for great comic relief. The book was also way more fun to read. The writing is still bad though, and it's still not exactly original.

“Uh…guys?” Nate’s voice trembled a bit as it echoed across the cellar. “Does anyone else feel like we’re in a scary movie? Perhaps one in which all the main characters die?”
“I’m sure the storm just knocked out the power, that’s all,” Scarlet’s voice said.
“Yeah,” Nate replied. “That’s what all the main characters say right before they die.”
“Nate,” Gabriel said into the blackness, trying not to roll his eyes. “You’re immortal. You can’t die.”
“But I can still feel pain!”
Heather plastered herself to Gabriel’s side, sinking her fingernails into his upper arm. “I’m not immortal. I’m totally killable.” She sucked in a breath as her pitch rose. “And I’m blond. Blonds always die first.”
“That’s true,” Nate said matter-of-factly.

I am quickly becoming addicted to this series, these characters, their heart-wrenching stories. Fine is a mastermind at weaving stories that just reel you in with each page and leave you begging for more!

There was so much more romantic and heartbreaking moments between Scarlet and Tristan, who I believe got the shortest straw in all of this curse business. I am sooo glad that we finally know the full story of how/why Tristan sacrificed himself for Scarlet in her first life, who was engaged to Gabriel. It all is just so sad, my heart cries for Tristan and all the crap he's had to take with a closed mouth and dying heart.


However, I am once again DYING to start the next book because Fine has once again left us hanging. I am hoping for HEAs across the board, so let's see where it takes us!