Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

Author: Katharyn Blair
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Released: January 26^th, 2021
Received: Review Request
Warnings: Drowning, death, control, slavery

I received a copy of Unchosen in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Katharyn Blair’s latest novel, Unchosen, is one for all of those out there that grew up knowing they weren’t the chosen ones.

Charlotte Holloway is almost getting used to the world ending. Both figuratively, and literally, as the case may be. In short order she had her heartbroken, and then she watched the world burn. A curse known as the Crimson rose up, tearing away her parents and nearly killing her and her sisters.

That is the day when the world really did end. For most, at least. Now she is one of the few survivors out there, and she’s fighting to protect the Chosen One. Perhaps it’s that desire to protect that causes her to take such risks. Or perhaps it’s her desire to stand out and be loved.

“I wonder if it will hurt, and I wonder if wondering that, in the scheme of things, makes me a coward.”

I’m sitting here honestly surprised that more people aren’t talking about Unchosen. It is such an intense and amazing read, and absolutely one of my favorites in recent times. It’s one of those books that devours yours while you’re reading, sucking you into the story.

Needless to say, I read Unchosen in one sitting. I’d say I don’t regret that, but part of me does kind of wish that I had cherished it just a little bit more. I know rereading is always an option, but it’s never quite the same as that magical first read-through.

I loved reading about Charlotte’s struggles, and watching her grow exponentially over the course of this single novel. It actually makes me wish that this was the first in a series, as I really do feel like Katharyn Blair could push the plot and characters even further, should she so desire.

One of the best parts about Unchosen is how it all comes down to choice. Not destiny. It’s about right and wrong, and has a very strong feminist core. That alone added so much weight to what could have otherwise been a solid, but shallow, read. It blew me away, and kept me wishing for me.

The romantic subplot didn’t hurt things either, especially as it spurred Charlotte’s character onward, forcing her to learn about what was worth fighting for, and how to respect herself first. It was beautiful, and an important message we all need to learn at some point in our lives.

If the goal for Unchosen was to write a thrilling novel for all of the people out there who aren’t the ‘Chosen Ones’, then it succeeded. It absolutely succeeded in that goal, and I wish more novels were like this.