*I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Too much abuse

This book starts straight off the bat with Aubrey getting a beating by her mother. It is given under the guise of “training”, because Aubrey is a bad fighter, but it is very clear that her mother detests her. Yet, Aubrey remains throughout her staunch defender.

Others amongst the rebels pity her, but do very little to defend her, because her mother is the “hero”, the one who rules the rebels and is renowned as the best fighter.

Everything is turned on its head when she is captured by government, yet not at all in the ways that she expects. She keeps on supporting her mother, even secretly, right up to the last. Even when she does find out the truth, can she keep supporting someone who her entire life has seen her as useless until it’s discovered she has powers?

The ending, or perhaps more late middle to end, were the only redeeming parts of this book. The way the abuse is treated just appalled me that I nearly stopped reading after the opening scene. The latter parts made the universe interesting, enough that I want to continue the series, but I can’t ignore that beginning.

Final rating: ★★★☆☆ – Sort of liked/OK

Avoiding the Abyss has it all - mystery, action, magic and secrets. This ARC was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion and I’m so glad to have read it because it was amazing.

This book was a very pleasant surprise, I went into it with not too much expectations, but I liked it a lot. And if Aubrey becomes the kick-ass girl I know she can be in the (hopefully) following book(s) than I will be a very happy reader.

Yes, the storyline was what you expect of this type of book, but the writing was good, the information was being given out slowly and the characters likeable and yet different enough to keep things interested. I for one would really like to know what is going to happen now.

Thank you NetGalley and A.C. Ward for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description
Aubrey has always been told she isn’t special.
If only that had remained true.

Aubrey grew up as part of the rebel movement, protected but lonely. All she wants is her mother’s love, but without an ability she’s worthless in her mother’s eyes.

When she’s captured by the government, Aubrey sees an opportunity to prove her worth. Instead, she realizes that her mother has been withholding many truths. Aubrey experiences an acceptance outside of the rebels that her heart has yearned for, and a discovery. She has an immunity that has never been seen before.

But Aubrey isn’t immune, she’s absorbing powers as the key to the Abyss—a portal into the demon realm. Her mother finally sees purpose in her daughter and hopes to use it for her cause. Aubrey isn’t as certain. If she doesn’t gain control of her ability, she’ll open the gateway to hell and destroy everyone she’s come to care about. Including herself.

The first installment in the Abyss trilogy, a coming of age YA dystopian fantasy. Perfect for fans of dystopian worlds, apocalyptic prophesies, and demon lore.

First in a trilogy. Well written, great character development. I enjoyed it. Found myself excited chapter after chapter to find out what was going to happen!

The chosen one trope with a twist, Avoiding the Abyss follows Aubrey as she goes from untalented daughter of the resistance to it's only hope. This novel has it all: vivid world building and sympathetic characters. Perfect for fans of books like the Torch in the Night trilogy and confronting subjects such as self esteem, familial relationships, and the weight of responsibilities, this novel comes highly recommended.

A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.