Review: Tris & Izzie ARC

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: EGMONT - US (24 Nov 2011)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1606841734
• ISBN-13: 978-1606841730

Tris & Izzie is the modern re-telling of the classic German tragedy, Tristan & Isolde. Fans of the classic will be able to spot moments in the new book that pertain to the original story , but for the most part, Tris & Izzie is very much a new story in its own right.

Izzie thinks she has the perfect life – popular at school, perfect, handsome and safe boyfriend and a loyal best friend.  Sure, her mother is a witch, but she doesn’t let that stand in the way of her dreams for the future – graduate high school, go to college, get a good job, marry and settle down in her home town. Safe. But then Tristan shows up. Beautiful, arrogant and amazing Tristan, who tempts her from Mark, the best boyfriend any girl could ask for.

Things get stranger for Izzie, as her best friend acts weird, a love potion goes awry and she realises her mother has been lying to her. And that is just the beginning…with Tristan in the middle of everything.

Tris & Izzie is definitely for the younger end of the YA spectrum.  It was refreshing to read about a sixteen year old protagonist and have her sound immature and unsure, rather than a worldly wise and sage twenty something trapped in a teen body, which seems to be the norm for many other YA novels.

The character of Izzie is incredibly flawed, with her herself having no idea. It was a pleasure to see her grow as a person and realise her mistakes and learn from them. The hidden messages in this book will be valuable for any teen, while the romance will melt them and the action keep them glued to the pages.

Magic, betrayal, true love, loss, bravery, warriors, danger, happiness. Tris & Izzie has it all. Let them take you into their world, and forget about yours.