July 14, 2011

BOOK REVIEW: Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

Book: TRIS & IZZIE
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: Egmont USA
Category: Young Adult Fiction

Isolde or Izzie has always known her mother was a witch, she didn’t know however that she had her own powers.  And so she lived the life of an ordinary high school student with a popular too-good-to-be-true boyfriend and a scheming bestfriend until she meets Tristan, a mysterious boy who later saves her from an attack and almost dies doing so.
Their attraction to each other is too strong, so much so that Izzie mistakes it for a love potion plan that went awry.  but they eventually realize the truth, right before facing an ancient enemy that only Izzie can finally destroy.

I have to admit, I had big expectations for Tris and Izzie.  I was expecting a good love story and was hoping for a good element of paranomal adventure.  It tried to deliver that.  However, it did not succeed.
I felt rushed throughout the book.  There wasn’t really room to breathe in between developments from point A to point B. it felt like the author wanted to put all her immediate ideas into the book, so much so that I failed to sympathize with any of the characters…..  It also spelled lack of believability and suspense…. From The nonchalant way that Izzie mentioned Magic (many many times over), Mark’s immediate transfer of affections from Izzie to Brenna (and this after groveling at the hospital when Izzie got hurt),  Izzie’s realization that she can not live without Tristan, Mark’s acceptance about the reality of magic and magical creatures, plus the epilogue which just seemed like forced closure to the whole story.
The book, does have its moments.  The sweetness between the two main characters as well as Izzie's wit as she thinks is still something to read. Plus the book cover is great to look at. In all though, this book is not something I will pick up again. 
If you like books that are light, breezy and easy to read through, then this can be for you. However if you like characters that tug at your heart, then skip this one.  

1 comment:

  1. I was excited to read Tris and Izzie because I'm really interested in Arthurian legends and I like retellings of myth, legends, and fairytales. When I heard about this modern retelling of the legend of Tristan and Isolde, I was all over it. Unfortunately, this book was a waste of my time. The author has taken a fascinating, compelling legend and reduced to a bunch of unlikable teenagers behaving badly.

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