Monday, June 9, 2014

KL's Review - Descent by Kallie Ross

About the Book:
Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…

Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

“Descent is a gripping debut that takes you on a roller coaster - a page turner that has you asking - what happens next. I loved every single word of it.” Fangirlish.com

KL's Review
Descent Review

Kallie Ross is shaking things up with her debut novel Descent!  Four teens find themselves in a curious new land far beneath the earth after an earthquake rips open a hole in their backyard.  Ollie, Alexis, Mateo, and Jesse have to navigate the treacherous underground paths (as well as their complicated relationships) in order to make their way back to the surface.  They are helped along the way by their new friends Gabriel and Keren.

If the Amish and Old Testament Jews had a baby, the result would be the people of this strange underground world.  Living in tents and dressed in tunics and robes, they speak in a formal tone and possess some of the same traditions of the Amish community.  Gabriel is on the verge of his manhood ceremony which is supposed to culminate in a journey to the surface where he will decide to stay or come back to be a leader amongst his people.  Coincidentally, Ollie and her friends provide the perfect opportunity for Gabriel to complete his task.

Amongst the many dangers the group must contest with, there is also a dark and sinister plot being carried out by one of the Elders.  His plan will be disastrous to not only those in his village, but will also wreak havoc to many on the surface.  How will this affect Gabriel, Ollie, and the others as they travel home?

This novel receives my highest compliment.  I literally could not put it down.  Once the plot begins to unravel, I got so completely absorbed in finding out what was going to happen next, I ended up finishing it mostly in one day!  Then you find yourself at the end definitely wanting more.  It does seem to feel a little slow at the beginning, but it is definitely worth the wait.  It is a great ride full of adventure, love, drama, and characters you feel like would be your best friends if you knew them in real life.

Descent is completely appropriate for all teens and pre-teens and any adult addicted to YA fiction (such as myself).  The language is clean and the romantic relationships are healthy and appropriate.  There are several references to nudity, but nothing graphic. 

I received an ARC for an honest review.




About Kallie Ross:

Over time my love for learning gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. My conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction.

I love being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would ever be this fun!

Find Kallie Ross

Add DESCENT on Goodreads and Facebook!



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