Firstborn

So I've had this book since it came out in January. And I finally got around to reading it. But I was beyond disappointed. This book had so much potential with the themes and topics it dealt with. I feel like Grover barely scratched the surface when it came to dealing with the gender roles and the flaws in the society.

And for a book that I believe is a stand-alone, it sure did leave the ending very open. To me there was no real conclusion. She never really proved to everyone that she was just as good if not better than the boys her age. The only ones to truly accept her were Mirko and Ratho. And those stories are left somewhat open as well.

I was also disappointed with how the plot panned out. We learn a lot about the Madronian rule and R'tan culture but then there is no conclusion to the problems that plagued the world. This isn't technically a spoiler, but I feel like the end was just Tiadone running away from all the problems in the world to be on her own. That is not the sign of a strong female character. Tiadone shows throughout the book that she is equal to the other males, but the ending kind of reverses some of that.

Overall, there was potential with this world and the storyline but it was poorly executed in my opinion. Because I liked the concept I have to get it 2.5 out of 5 Stars even if I felt the novel overall to be lacking.

Should she fight to embrace who she truly is, or show that she can be strong and accept who she is forced to become?

Firstborn has so much potential to become an amazing Dystopian/Fantasy title, yet it seems as if it almost didn't recognize its own potential. None of the characters are likable, especially our main character: Tiadone. Her personality doesn't allow for character growth and is incredibly stiff.

The story is written as if it's her diary, so we are forced to read many of her thoughts, which, unfortunately are very sexual towards her best friend, Ratho. Their romance is simply that, sexual attraction, even though there are no sex scenes present. It's hard to see how their friendship survived because almost all other aspects of a relationship and friendship are nonexistent. There are no courageous acts taken on behalf of each other, caring moments, or true relationship present; so I actually found myself rooting for Ratho to end up with anyone but her. Because his character deserved better than her.

The story itself, like I said, had so much potential. Dark magic, fantasy creatures, warriors, and mystic birds twined with characters to create a dynamic duo. I mean all are ingredients for a fantastic story right? But, the book just, ended. Almost like a setup for a sequel, yet this book was released in 2014 and there's not even whisperings of another book to continue their story. So we're left wondering what happened with no chance of ever finding out, and that's not a good way to end a story that was lacking in character development.

So overall, I was immensely disappointed in Firstborn and do not recommend it.

I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.