Book Review: Mystic City

Media Type: Print Book
Title: Mystic City
   * Series: Mystic City #1
Author: Theo Lawrence
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: Hardcover; 416
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Source: Library
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Intended Reading Group: Young Adult
Content Screening: Mild Violence
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HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers who love vivid stories set in futuristic societies.

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Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City’s two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents’ sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn’t remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can’t conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

Mystic City made my reading list as soon as I saw the beautiful cover. Little did I know that Theo Lawrence was about to blow my mind. I was under the impression I knew where this story would take me, but I was pleasantly surprised to figure out that I actually had no idea.

Aria wakes with a lack of memories. According to everyone around her, Thomas is the love of her life and she fought against all odds to be with him. It makes perfect sense since they are now engaged to be married. However Aria can’t shake the feeling that things are just…off.

I can’t deny that the characters are what really drew me in. While Aria isn’t the type of protagonist I’m usually drawn to, I did find her interesting. The fact that she was willing to question things, even when she was assured on all sides that her memories were fine, made me smile. Of course once Hunter came into the picture you couldn’t have stopped me reading if you wanted to. Funny, kind, and absolutely intriguing, Hunter is a character to swoon over. You’ll get no spoilers from me, but their story is wonderful.

My one wish for Mystic City was that the world building was a little more solid. Let’s be honest, a futuristic New York is just too delicious not to describe! I was teased with a look at a world that is split in two. The rich live above the filth, and the poor in it. New gadgets and technology rule the day, and people are constantly monitored no matter where they go. I really wanted more showing and less telling. When Lawrence was describing, it was gorgeous. All I wanted was more. I’m hoping that the next in the series will help me further dive into this new setting. 

Despite any small qualms that I may have had with the world building though, I really enjoyed Mystic City! I blame my Fantasy addled brain for the lack of five stars, because quite honestly the story line and characters together are more than enough to keep you reading this book. Readers of dystopian, fantasy and even romance will all find something to love here. I will happily admit that I am eager for more!