Book Review: Fury
Media Type: Print Book
Title: Fury
Author: Elizabeth Miles
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: Hardcover; 352
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Source: Galley Grab
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Sometimes sorry isn’t enough….
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems…
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better–the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel…something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
Em and Chase have been chosen.
I was really excited at first that this book was about Furies. They are fascinating mythical creatures! They punish those who commit wrongdoing, but are also fabled to be very fair (albeit slightly vicious) in their punishments. These Furies were anything but fair. I won’t spoil, but the wrongs that are committed in this book are so difficult to imagine being punished for. They are normal teenage problems, normal teenage mistakes. Why on Earth would a Fury punish a girl for thinking she’s in love with the wrong guy? If that’s the case, I know plenty of people who would have deserved punishment when I was growing up.
On top of this, there isn’t even that much focus on the Furies themselves. Most of the spotlight is on Em, Chase and their problems. All that is really said about the Furies is that they are girls, and good looking ones at that. I did like that Miles kept their names true to the original Greek mythology, and just shortened them. However it was bothered me that so little is said about their history, or why they might be there. It is glanced over so quickly that it is extremely easy to miss.
My biggest gripe though was that every time it seemed something wasn’t going to be explained, there was an “I don’t know” to cover it up. Why were the Furies there to begin with? No clue. Why did they choose to punish those specific characters when there were so many other kids who I’m sure were in the same boat? No idea. I rarely if ever rant about a book, but honestly I feel like this one just left so many things unclear and unfinished.
In defense of Fury, I really believe it would have been a great story without the paranormal/mythological aspect. Em’s story is one that a lot of girls can latch on to. Her friendship with Gabby is sweet and believable. Even her not-so-relationship with JD (who I LOVED) is wonderfully written. I think that if this had been a Contemporary novel, one that focused on Chase and Emily navigating the depths of high school while coming from two different walks of life, it would have been wonderful. Sadly it was the additional story line that kept me from really loving this book.
Bottom line, this wasn’t a book for me. I know there are plenty of people out there who loved it, and I’m sure there will be many more. I am but one opinion in a sea of readers. That’s why I’m telling you straight how I feel. This book fell really short for me, and I’m disappointed. I think Elizabeth Miles has fantastic potential as an author though, so I will keep a lookout for her future works. I loved her characters. I just didn’t love this story.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
