Julianna Scott

Second read February 2020: 4 stars

You know those books who stay with you long after you've read the last page? The kind of book you want to re-read the second you finish it. The Holders is that book for me. I adored it from the very beginning. It's almost a mix of X-men and Ireland which is just perfect!

The writing is amazing and I had a hard time putting the book down (sleep and food is overrated, right?). Even though the story has a slow pace at times, it's still riveting and filled with Irish myths and life on a boarding school.

I loved Becca. She is an awesome protagonist. She is so much fun and very sarcastic, but she is also friendly and hardheaded. Becca is very smart and I loved finally reading about a protagonist, who dares to speak her mind and who doesn't depend on anybody. I adored the chemistry between Becca and Alex - they are so funny together and their friendship develops slowly and realistically. Their relationship is predictable, but I stilled loved being on the side watching them getting to know each other and falling in love. Their conversations and inside jokes are fantastic.

Almost all the people in this book have depth and individuality and I cared for most of them. My favorites were Min, Mr. Reid and Mr. Anderson - I loved their bickering and weirdness.

My only real problem with this book was the cover - It just doesn't do anything for me. Had I seen it in a book store I probably would have ignored it and that's such a shame - guess I need to stop judging the books by their covers, huh? Anyway, read this book - you won’t regret it!… (mere)

I enjoyed this YA tale of super powers, young romance, hot men, intense political intrigue and twists. It had all the elements of a good young adult read with a solid storyline and some fantastic characters. The powers these holders have are fantastic.
I was slightly lost by not having read book 1 in the series, but the author did give some brief hints that made. I would suggest reading book one first, some of the plot lines sound extremely interesting.
The story started with a young girl, Becca a holder, who had be betrayed by a trusted family friend. She must find this man who can lead them to saving both human and holder kind ( beings cool powers). She and her fellow holders travel to this meeting with some very uppity types who seem to believe in some kind of caste system with the most powerful holders at the top. There she must obey her guardian, and follow the rules. She doesn’t, she stomps her feet, acts like a rotten spoiled child, endangers everything and just irritated the heck out of me with her immaturity. Of course there is much more to her, and she does get better but boy does she pull some stupid moves.
She is bonded to a young man Alex, dreamy sweet Alex. Yes, I liked him. I’m not sure how that all came about, it was in the first book. She is one lucky girl because on top of having Alex she is paired up with Bastian, a prince of sort with looks, power, secrets and attitude plus. There is a triangle of sorts, with a fun little twist. Oh, and there is a kick in the heart.
Heartbreaking moments will have you grabbing for the tissue box. The cliffhanger ending will have you chewing your nails to the quick waiting for the third book.… (mere)

Once again I loved the characters, the setting and the plot. However, I missed Chloe through the first 2/3 of the book, and I definitely missed all the characters from the school. I love Becca, although her cussing was really excessive in this one. A character can be funny and snarky without all the cussing (Pivot Point, Ruby Red...). And I can no longer compare Alex with a Julianne Donaldson hero, Phillip and Henry would never have "taken advantage" of their loves. I'm not sure if this one is middle school appropriate, so I haven't decided if I will get it for my library. Overall, I was kind of disappointed in this one.… (mere)