Fiction Fare

I'm going to keep this review as vague as possible just because this book isn't out yet and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone!Aria Rose is the youngest daughter of one of the ruling families in what was once known as New York. When we meet her we find her engaged to Thomas Foster, the son of the other ruling family, and her family's lifelong enemy. The union of the two will end generations of feuding and bring the Aeries - where the upper class and privileged live - back together as one. It will also keep those living in the Depths where they belong. The thing is ... Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas and there are big gaps in her memories that her parents convince her are due to a drug overdose. Things aren't really what they seem in Aria's world and the story, for me, started slow. Eventually it picks up and I couldn't stop reading. The characters are wonderfully written and the story itself is incredibly unique and I really enjoyed it. The thing that really bothered me though... Aria. I'll admit I may have been a little bit hard on her, but her naivete really irritated me. There were a couple points specifically where her father kills people because of things she has done that made me want to flick her in the forehead and tell her to wake up. I had to remind myself that she is only eighteen... but then again ... she's eighteen she can't be this unaware and dumb! Plus... the whole 'she couldn't figure out who she was in love with' thing... really?? I had that figured out within the first 1/3 of the book! She just came across as a bit dense to me at times. What I did like about Aria is the fact that she got stronger as the story progressed and started sticking up for herself. She went from this confused girl to a strong woman in the span of the book and for me that was huge. I love when there is growth!!The romance in the story was lovely - Hunter and Thomas both are captivating and interesting and let me just clarify there isn't REALLY a love triangle here so if you're against those don't let that scare you off! I will say I was worried this first book would end with a cliffhanger... it did not! I actually really enjoyed the story once it got moving and I have some high hopes for the next in the series.Definitely check this one out when it's released in October if you like dystopian, romance, and YA... definitely along the lines of Matched... if you're looking for something to compare it to.