Utena reviewed Abandon by Patricia Cabot
Review of 'Abandon' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I love the Hades/Persephone myth. It has been my favorite ever since I first read it in Edith Hamilton's Mythology. So it is nice to see it pop up in young adult novels with a modern day twist to it.
The Plot
When her grandfather died, Pierce decided to go to the cemetery. There she found a bird and tried to help it. Unfortunately the bird was spooked and ended up killing itself as it smashed up against the wall of a mausoleum. It was at this time she met a young stranger who revived the bird.
At fifteen, she dies drowning in her family pool. When she is revived, she isn't the same anymore. After all, dying changes a person. Her parents marriage ends and her mother moves them back to Florida...to the very island where she met the mysterious young man years ago. Both Pierce and her …
I love the Hades/Persephone myth. It has been my favorite ever since I first read it in Edith Hamilton's Mythology. So it is nice to see it pop up in young adult novels with a modern day twist to it.
The Plot
When her grandfather died, Pierce decided to go to the cemetery. There she found a bird and tried to help it. Unfortunately the bird was spooked and ended up killing itself as it smashed up against the wall of a mausoleum. It was at this time she met a young stranger who revived the bird.
At fifteen, she dies drowning in her family pool. When she is revived, she isn't the same anymore. After all, dying changes a person. Her parents marriage ends and her mother moves them back to Florida...to the very island where she met the mysterious young man years ago. Both Pierce and her mother hope this move is good for her. A new school, a fresh start is what Pierce needs. Unfortunately for her, John has other plans.
Characters
Pierce - I think the only major problem I had with her is her "woe-is-me" attitude. I understand that dying and coming back can change a person but honestly there were times I wanted to throttle her.
John - I liked John. Mysterious keeper of the Underworld and sometimes a bit creepy but still a version of Hades that is very interesting.
Overall, I did enjoy this book immensely. I loved the concept of this variation of the mythology. It was a nice change. I am hoping, however, that Pierce has some character change to her in the next installment. I was coming to the point where I cared very little for her and any death brought down upon her, I think I would have been okay with if I really never saw her again but then this story would have ended with that. So I am keeping my fingers crossed.