Titans
By:
Victoria Scott
Published:
Feb. 23, 2016
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
Add to Goodreads
Source:
ARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
GR's Summary:
From Victoria Scott, author of FIRE & FLOOD, comes a thrilling story of impossible odds.
Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.
She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.
But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.
By:
Victoria Scott
Published:
Feb. 23, 2016
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
Add to Goodreads
Source:
ARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
GR's Summary:
From Victoria Scott, author of FIRE & FLOOD, comes a thrilling story of impossible odds.
Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.
She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.
But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.
My Thoughts:
My Rating:
Victoria Scott writes some of the most complex and beautifully developed main characters. They are relatable, authentic, and so likable, that you can't help but cheer them on throughout their story. Such was the case in Titans. I fell in love with the main character. She had grit, courage, passion, and was someone that I desperately wanted to see beat the odds.
Astrid Sullivan lives in the slums of Detroit, and knows what it feels like to live in survival mode. Her father is the sole breadwinner in the family, and has recently been laid off of his job in the factory. Astrid and her best friend, Magnolia, love to go to the racetrack and watch the Titans and their jockeys practice. She could never aspire to ride one of these amazing robotic steel horses, due to the astronomical price of a Titan, and the fee to enter to race.
Miraculously, Astrid gets the chance of a lifetime, when an older man, "Rags" finds a Titan 1.0 and offers her the opportunity to race it. Her family is in danger of losing their home, and Astrid knows that she needs to do something drastic. If she can qualify and win the Titan Derby through hard work and using her mathematical ability, she can pay off her home, as well as her best friend Magnolia's, and possibly even go to college. With a talented and supportive team by Astrid's side, she will risk life and limb in order to qualify for the ultimate race.
Titans was such a wonderful read. Astrid's character was such a strong and courageous role model for teen girls to look up to. She was willing to work hard, and empowered herself, despite tremendous odds. I love books where the underdog perserveres and has tremendous heart.
When Astrid first met her Titan "Padlock," she thought of him strictly as a machine and a means to an end. However, as she bonded with Padlock, she got to experience his emotion, humor, loyalty, and love. The connection between girl and horse grew strong, and was my favorite aspect of the story.
Titans was an emotional read. I got lost in this story, and enjoyed experiencing Astrid's journey right alongside her. Watching the bond grow between Astrid and Rags, her surrogate grandfather, best friend Magnolia, and her Titan was so heartwarming. Titans was such a fun read. It is the perfect story for teens, and I will be recommending it to my nieces and nephews. I know that they will love it, and I'm sure it will make them experience great "feels!"
My Rating:
I give, Titans, by Victoria Scott, 4 Girl Power, Fun, Fabulous, Emotional and Uplifting Stars! If you enjoy a unique Y.A. read that doesn't have romance and focuses on adventure, the human experience, important life lessons, strong connections between characters, and great writing, read Titans. It is an unforgettable story full of feeling, that you will love.
Book Teaser:
About Victoria Scott:
Two of Victoria’s novels, Salt & Stone and Titans, have received starred reviews, and Fire & Flood was nominated as a YALSA Teens’ Top 10 book for 2015. Victoria’s novels have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets. The author currently resides in Dallas, and loves hearing from her readers.
My sister has been waiting on pins and needles for this book and I think she will drop everything to read it...then I can borrow it. LOL Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental