Review: A Chosen War by Carly Eldridge

Published: 25 April 2017

Synopsis: “Nineteen-year-old Maia has spent her life haunted by dreams of a man with uniquely brilliant blue eyes. She never expected she’d actually come face-to-face with him, or that he’d be the harbinger of a chaotic new life. But as shocking as meeting Blake is, it’s less unsettling than her sudden ability to adversely affect electronics and seemingly control—even heal—plants.

Before she can figure out what’s happening, Blake’s cryptic warning about the impending approach of something big manifests as a freak earthquake, destroying Maia’s home and killing her parents. Devastated, Maia has no choice but to turn to Blake, where she learns that the earthquake was not as natural as it seemed. The reigning Terra guardian, or Mother Earth, has gone rogue, wiping out her replacements in a series of orchestrated natural disasters around the world—and Maia is next.

Worse, she’s the only one who can stop the Terra guardian from destroying not just Earth, but the fabric of the universe itself. Now, thrust into a world of celestial beings charged with the protection of the universe, Maia must come to terms with her new powers, and the idea that her destiny was shaped long ago. And she must do it all before she faces off with the woman who controls nature itself.

Intelligent and thought-provoking, A Chosen War takes the idea that everything is connected and wraps it in globe-spanning adventure with just a tinge of romance.”

Rating: ***

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first theme touched upon was self sacrifice - protagonist Maia is living at home looking after her parents rather than being out living her life to the full. This is something that I am sure would resonate with and be related to by a wide selection of readers.

The book was definitely pro-environmental in its thinking and not just in the glaringly obvious way. Maia would rather cycle than get a lift in her friend’s car, and her colleague Mac clearly felt the same way. I thought it was a great idea to personify Mother Nature and global warming, providing floods and earthquakes with a more fantasy based origin as the beings in charge of various natural phenomenons are in battle with each other. I thought this was a very unique idea, but if it has been done elsewhere I would be interested to read them.

There was a very nice nod to the original Star Wars trilogy with the quote "Blake, the school's turned into a Death Star garbage compactor around those kids. And I ain't no R2-D2, man."

Intricate, incredibly well written detail especially the descriptions. I wasn't convinced by Maia or Blake's words and actions right after the earthquake. They seemed hollow and just didn’t ring true.

For me, the best part of A Chosen War was definitely how it was written rather than what was written. There were aspects of the plot that I struggled with, but it was written expertly and beautifully regardless.