Release Date: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository ● B&N ● iTunes ● Kobo
Goodreads ● Website
A modern cupid story set in present-day Wisconsin combining the fantastical elements of Greek mythology with the contemporary drama of MTV's Teen Mom.
People don’t understand love. If they did, they’d get why dance prodigy Karma Clark just can’t say goodbye to her boyfriend, Danny. No matter what he says or does or how he hurts her, she can’t stay angry with him . . . and can’t stop loving him. But there’s a reason why Karma is helpless to break things off: she’s been shot with a love arrow.
Aaryn, son of Cupid, was supposed to shoot both Karma and Danny but found out too late that the other arrow in his pack was useless. And with that, Karma’s life changed forever. One pregnancy confirmed. One ballet scholarship lost. And dream after dream tossed to the wind.
A clueless Karma doesn’t know that her toxic relationship is Aaryn’s fault . . . but he’s going to get a chance to make things right. He’s here to convince Danny to man up and be there for Karma. But what if this god from Mount Olympus finds himself falling in love with a beautiful dancer from Wisconsin who can never love him in return?
This fast-paced debut novel explores the internal & external conflicts of a girl who finds herself inexplicably drawn to a boy who seemingly doesn't reciprocate her feelings, touching on the issues of love, sex and responsibility, with a heroine struggling to control her destiny--perfect for fans of Katie McGarry's novels and MTV’s 16 and Pregnant.
People don’t understand love. If they did, they’d get why dance prodigy Karma Clark just can’t say goodbye to her boyfriend, Danny. No matter what he says or does or how he hurts her, she can’t stay angry with him . . . and can’t stop loving him. But there’s a reason why Karma is helpless to break things off: she’s been shot with a love arrow.
Aaryn, son of Cupid, was supposed to shoot both Karma and Danny but found out too late that the other arrow in his pack was useless. And with that, Karma’s life changed forever. One pregnancy confirmed. One ballet scholarship lost. And dream after dream tossed to the wind.
A clueless Karma doesn’t know that her toxic relationship is Aaryn’s fault . . . but he’s going to get a chance to make things right. He’s here to convince Danny to man up and be there for Karma. But what if this god from Mount Olympus finds himself falling in love with a beautiful dancer from Wisconsin who can never love him in return?
This fast-paced debut novel explores the internal & external conflicts of a girl who finds herself inexplicably drawn to a boy who seemingly doesn't reciprocate her feelings, touching on the issues of love, sex and responsibility, with a heroine struggling to control her destiny--perfect for fans of Katie McGarry's novels and MTV’s 16 and Pregnant.
There’s been a lot of hype for this novel, so when I got the chance to be part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance. Arrows was such a great novel–it was so original and yet there were elements of it that were similar to other young adult novels that it made it a comfortable read. I devoured this book in one sitting, and there’s no doubt now that I’m a fan of Melissa Gorzelanczyk.
I’ve been feeling kind of iffy when it comes to YA heroines, especially (as it seems) more recently, but I really loved Karma’s character. Even if she did have a typical “annoying” moment, it didn’t really seem like that because–according to the magic in this book–it truly isn’t her fault. I honestly feel so helpless as a reader when it comes to protagonists, or more generally female leads or counterparts, like her because she doesn’t see what kind of relationship she’s in. Danny is very high on my characters-I-would-punch-in-the-face list, that SOB. Aaryn on the other hand? Total heartthrob. Absolutely swoonalicious (definition, make them girls go loco). I liked the switch in perspectives because we start to see how Aaryn falls in love with Karma, and the struggle Karma goes through day-to-day.
What I wanted more from this book was Greek mythology, because I unfortunately didn’t get too much. I’ve never read a YA novel about Cupid before, but there wasn’t too much of the myth involved or even an explanation for some of it, so other than the random bits about this supernatural way of making people fall in love, this was a pretty normal contemporary. Seriously though, we do need more books about Greek mythology in the modern world–I love it so much when the two collide!
An impressive debut, Arrows is a straight shot to your heart. Don’t pass the chance to read this one, ladies and gents–Gorzelanczyk is a fabulous writer, and I absolutely can’t wait to find out what’s coming up next.
If you like this, try...
- Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini ● Goodreads
- A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn ● Goodreads
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
MELISSA GORZELANCZYK
Melissa Gorzelanczyk is a former magazine editor and columnist who believes love is everything. She is a proud member of the SCBWI, The Sweet Sixteens and the Class of 2k16. She lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband and family.
Optional: Her debut novel ARROWS is being published by Delacorte Press on January 26, 2016. She is represented by agent Carrie Howland of Donadio & Olson.
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
EXCERPT
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
EXCERPT
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Giveaway time!
Enter to win...
One (1) signed hardcover of Arrows + a bookmark!
US ONLY
Enter via the Rafflecopter below!
One (1) signed hardcover of Arrows + a bookmark!
US ONLY
Enter via the Rafflecopter below!
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Follow the rest of the blog tour by clicking the button above
Thank you so much to FFBC Blog Tours for having me along!
I like Cupid's story in the myths, he's very mischievous and not quite as lucky in love. Too bad that wasn't explored more here. I like the name Karma though, like if someone messes with her she can always say "Karma's here an she's a bitch" lol
ReplyDeleteThis cover is soooo pretty. Such a smart idea! I also love the promise of swoon here. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteI love the mythology and can't wait to see how this author blended it with contemporary times.
ReplyDeleteI love myths and I am curious to see how Gorzelanczyk incorporates it in a contemporary story
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of Cupid's story moved to modern times.
ReplyDelete