I received this book via the author, Siobhan Davis. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Chosen One by Siobhan Davis Series: Alinthia #4
Published by Self Publish on 2019-06-30
Length: 188 pages
Reviewing eARC Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2019 Finishing the Series Challenge, 2019 New Release Challenge
Is she strong enough to fulfill her legacy or will the dark side prevail?
After the gruesome battle on Xzanthar, General Arantu is on a mission to seek retribution, and he has Earth in his sights. Alinthia and her protectors ally with the government to shield innocent humans from attack, but that’s not their only concern.
As her eighteenth birthday approaches, Alinthia’s awakening draws closer, and no one knows what to expect.
Working from the secret society’s hidden base in the Valley of the Queens, Alinthia attempts to forge partnerships with alien allies in preparation for the ultimate battle. However, emotions are running high, distrust is rampant, and loyalty is hard-won.
Dane continues to push Alinthia away, causing additional friction and uncertainty when they can't afford to be divided. Determined to avoid confronting what happened on Xzanthar, he throws himself into his duties, butting heads with everyone as he struggles to deal with the aftermath.
Presenting a united front has never been more important, but will their bond be enough to save Alinthia from the dark, evil forces still lurking in the shadows? Or are they all doomed to fail?
Please note there are spoilers to previous books in the following review. If you have not read the prior books in the Alinthia series, read at your own risk.
I’ve been reading Siobhan Davis since her first novel True Calling released. You would think that I would know better by now than to start one of her books before bed. But y’all I’ll never learn, and I’ll happily lose sleep every time. The Chosen One is the fourth book in Davis’s Alinthia series and wastes no time in throwing the reader into the action. Picking up almost exactly where The Warrior Princess left off, Alinthia and her protectors are back on Earth, an Earth that is currently surrounded by Arantu’s army. Her job is simple now, reveal herself to the galaxy and build an army of her own.
Division Among the Ranks
Alinthia and her protectors went through hell and back during the last book. Her protectors were captives or Arantu and his daughter. Dane suffered most at the hands of Alandra. His PTSD affects the entire group, Alinthia the most. Alinthia wants to help Dane. Of her four protectors, he is the leader and also the one that has never fully opened up to her. She makes herself available for him, showing that he can trust her if need be. Yet he continues to hold back, his character arc is heart-breaking. Siobhan Davis handles his character with care and shows the depths of his feelings for the readers.
Cooper, Beck, and Maddox are also still dealing with their time in captivity. However because their torture was different than Dane’s (remember he took the brunt for them), they take every minute they can to show Alinthia their love and devotion. I forgot how much I love each of them. They are fully fleshed out and bring their own unique gifts to the team. Beck is still my favorite though 😉
Now to Alinthia….I really struggled to empathize with her this book. She can be a selfish character at times, and her lack of empathy with Dane wore on me. She thinks about wanting to kiss him and touch him, craving a physical connection (which I get, when you love someone, you want that physical intimacy too), and acts on those thoughts a few times without thinking about the consequences and Dane’s fragile emotional state. He was physically, mentally, and sexually abused during The Warrior Princess. That doesn’t just go away overnight. She seems to forget this, losing her temper with him multiple times. Not cool Alinthia!
A Bridge to the End
The plot for this book is more character driven than the previous. It is very much a bridge to the final book in the series. That doesn’t mean it isn’t necessary or good (y’all I read it in one night, it’s fantastic!), just that there isn’t much movement on the series plot. Does that make sense? I actually enjoyed the focus on the characters this go around. Alinthia continues her training as we edge closer to her eighteenth birthday, her protectors adapt to the real prophecy, and new players enter the field. A lot happens and nothing happens at the same time. Instead there is a focus on Alinthia and her protectors healing and strengthening their bond.
I’m Not Ready 😫
Overall I enjoyed The Chosen One. It was a necessary filler for the series, allowing the characters to grow and expand before the final battle. Y’all I’m not ready for the final book. I don’t want to say goodbye to this world or the characters Davis has created. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, I highly recommend you grab some tissues and start reading. Make sure to have some snacks on hand too, you won’t want to sit it down!
About Siobhan Davis
USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult and new adult fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She is the author of the international bestselling True Calling, Saven, and Kennedy Boys series.
Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand.
Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.
She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
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