A few months ago I read “Portal” by Imogen Rose and loved it. Quickly after it’s conclusion, however, I became apprehensive about reading “Equilibrium” (book 2 in the series.) Why? Well that’s simple. After reading not 1 but 4 different “#2’s” last year, (and being disappointed by each and every one of them) I didn’t want to ruin my love for Rose’s characters.
Now, while some of y’all are probably screaming at me for not having faith in the author (or her ability to deliver a successful second book) I assure you that was not the case. The problem actually arose from the story line. “Portal” (in my opinion) was wildly successful. Chocked full of the elements needed to make a novel shine, (intrigue, mystery and love) disliking it was never an option, but that’s not to say I didn’t have 1 minor issue with it. The cliffhanger ending.
In my head the story had no where left to go. Arizona had a choice, and either choice would result in the same story. A journey to find herself. So… imagine my surprise when I finally (cause let’s face it…it was going to have to happen eventually) picked up my copy of “Equilibrium” and found that the world I had left behind was only a “teaser” for the mayhem that was about to occur.
Arizona has a decision to make, a tough one as a matter of fact. Stay with her “new” family (several weeks in the future,) or go home to her dad (the never there, leaves the house a total wreck, borrows money from his daughter to support his gambling addiction dad.) Not that difficult of a decision right? Wrong. Despite her new relationship, the fact of the matter was… her mom lied to her. So what was she going to do about it? Unfortunately Arizona never has the chance to figure that out. While trying to sort through (not only) her feelings, but whether or not she actually believes the line of total BS her mom is feeding her (conveniently at the lake with Kellen) the unthinkable happens. She blacks out. Could this be a side effect of the Portal? Why can’t she feel her legs? And more importantly where in the name of God is she?
To say I was shocking by the turn of this story would be a gross understatement. I was floored. The first go around we only had 2 narrators. (Arizona and her mother) in Equilibrium we are blessed with the ability to see from EVERY angle. Want to know what lady cop is thinking? No problem. Its right here. Want to know what is going through David’s head while Kellen is laid up? No problem. In short… the complexity of this novel blew Portal out of the water. In Portal I felt like I was on a singular journey. Who was Arizona and why was this happening to her. In Equilibrium the “journey” became a moot point, and “survival” became the name of the game. Jam packed with action, Rose’s plot took on a life of it’s own, and by the end I found myself caring for (and cheering for) characters I could have cared less about in Portal.
Once again I have learned my lesson. DO NOT ASSUME. And just to stress how fantastic this book actually was… I’m starting “Quantum” tonight.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Love is only the beginning of the story.
Click image for complete details.
[Rating:5/5]
OMG this sounds gooood! I do have Portal on my Kindle, I just haven’t got to it yet! I read too slowly. One day it will reach the top of my TBR pile.
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I’m hoping to hear that Quantum is just as good!
OMG, you enjoyed it! I am tickled pink!!! Thank you!
I LOOOOOOVED IT! Fantastic job Im
Great review. My daughter is reading Portal now–when I let her use my Kindle, that is. lol.
Awesome books! Wait til you get to the next one, Misty!
I love these books–just hate the Twilight tagline, LOL
I felt the same way after reading Portal and had yet to move on. But guess its time after reading your review! Now I am looking forward to it!