Reckless Times

by Michelle Hercules

[Berls]

3.5 stars
I found this world fascinating and would love to read more of it; however I felt like I was missing a prequel or something and small pieces didn't make sense all the way. It wasn't what I was expecting at all, but in a good way. The heroine really got on my nerves though and she seriously needs to grow up. Hopefully that comes in future books.

Andy (Andromeda) is dripping with potential as a character. She's blind but thanks to her Idol abilities that is no hinderance to her. Instead, it's like an advantage because people misjudge her and she's actually stronger than most of them. She has this false arrogance about her - it's like a defense mechanism from being seen as worthless all the time - and had she not let that overtake her, I would have adored this quality. Instead, she just ends up seeming really immature and it gets frustrating. To be fair, she's 18 and acting very much like you'd expect a pampered 18 year old to act, especially when they have kick ass abilities.

Stephan is another character that I ALMOST loved. I just needed more of him. Like I don't fully understand him as a character, but what I do get, I like a lot. He's torn in his loyalties to his family/cause and Andy. I think where I struggled was what does he DO exactly? For example, he's supposed to be Andy's mentor at Paragon Academy, but at one point he is doing homework. Is he an adult or a student? And his abilities are equally fuzzy... he can fly? bend air?

Those missing/confusing pieces of Stephan are part of what I'm talking about with feeling like I was missing a prequel or something. I don't understand Paragon Academy precisely - Andy is grown but she's just starting there? It felt like something between a high school/college/trade school? And I while I understand that there are Norms, Fringes and Idols and clearly some tension there, I don't fully understand why and how someone ends up an Idol, for example. Why did Andromedia develop these powers? But, despite my questions, the book flowed really well, and the action was great. I enjoyed the story a lot and maybe I'll get answers as I read on. I do plan to continue, especially with that cliff hanger!

I listened to Reckless Times, narrated by Troy Duran (Stephan's POV) and Marnye Young (Andy's POV). I KNOW I've listened to Troy Duran before, I'm just not sure where. But he has a memorable, strong, deep voice that worked really well for Stephan. I don't think I've listened to Marnye Young before, but I enjoyed her narration for Andy a lot. They complimented each other well and brought out their characters perfectly. I look forward to listening to more!