Review: Hleo by Rebecca Weller

Published: January 2016 Pages: 286 Synopsis: "Our choices seal our fate. Hannah Reed is about to learn just how important one little decision can be. Hannah's plans for a nice, quiet senior year of high school are rapidly disintegrating. It all starts when she innocently bursts in on Ethan Flynn in the change room of the clothing store where she works. Ethan's presence in Hannah's world is subtle but constant, and when he saves her life, they become linked by the workings of an ancient society and Ethan's sworn duty to protect Hannah. Working together to figure out what destiny wants with Hannah, the two of them stumble on a baffling mystery that leaves even Ethan questioning what is in store for her future. With Ethan's help, Hannah learns there is far more to this life, to her life, than she ever realized. As they attempt to untangle Hannah's unique past and emerging abilities, an unknown danger from Ethan's past looms ever closer. While racing to put together the pieces of the puzzle before it's too late, Hannah wrestles with the idea that she is anything but average, and that perhaps she is also more to Ethan than just a job. Hleo is the first book in the series with the same name. A story of destiny and how one decision can change everything." Rating: ***

I received a free copy of Hleo in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't feel particularly intrigued after the first chapter as it wasn't well explained enough for me to make a definitive decision, but was vague enough for me to think something may come from it.

Very high schooly with teenage angst and high school popularity themes. Ethan enters and I didn't think anything of it until Hannah's Dad warns her away from him. Then a few things started to slot into place, but this did take 61 pages.

The plot really started to come into its own about halfway through, when secrets were revealed, the pace definitely picked up and the book gained another element.

Interactions between characters were believable and relatable, for example the casualness between Hannah and Katie compared to the interactions between Hannah and teachers.

Overall a really interesting, unique idea that was well written and a solid start to a promising YA series.