A Survival Story Ideal for Hunger Games, Divergent, and Cinder Fans . . . NOVUS (The Cresecren Chron
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  • N. N. Light
    • Sep 12, 2018
    • 4 min read

A Survival Story Ideal for Hunger Games, Divergent, and Cinder Fans . . . NOVUS (The Cresecren Chron


Title: NOVUS (The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1)

Author: Crystal Marcos

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, YA Fantasy

Book Blurb:

Recipient of 13 HONORS! A survival story ideal for Hunger Games, Divergent, and Cinder fans. Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page. Seventeen-year-old Cayden expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant. Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than Cayden ever imagined. He unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love. 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Finalist in the Action/Adventure category 2016 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, Bronze Medal Winner in the Young Adult - General category 2016 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, Winner Best Books in the Young Adult category 2016 Book Excellence Awards, Finalist in the Young Adult category 2016 indieBRAG, B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree 2016 New York Book Festival, "Honorable Mention" Winner in the Sci-Fi category 2015 New Apple Book Awards, "Official Selection" Winner in the E-Book Young Adult category "Honorable Mention" Winner in the Young Adult category: 2017 Florida Book Festival 2017 Great Northwest Book Festival 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival 2016 Hollywood Book Festival 2016 Northern California Book Festival 2016 Southern California Book Festival

My Review:

I’m not a huge fan of dystopian as I’m more of a HEA reader but after reading this book, Marcos changed my mind. Yes, it’s that well done and it doesn’t surprise me that it’s won several awards.

In Novus, the world is very different from today and there are two distinct races: Human and Cresecren (Artificial Intelligence). Humans created Cresecren to serve them. Flash forward a bit and while the Human Race is struggling to survive, there’s growing hatred toward the Cresecren. The Humans go so far as to send them into “camps” and that is where we meet Cayden and his friends.

While gathering food and supplies, Cayden meets a beautiful human girl. He’s instantly captivated by her and her kindness towards him unfurls emotions he’s not supposed to possess. Suddenly, his world is shaken by a series of attacks and he must gather his friends together in search of a new place to call home. He takes his two new human friends on the journey as well and discovers a whole new world outside of Gavaron, a world both scary and thrilling. Cayden will have to protect those he cares for and decide if he is capable of love or die trying.

The world Marcos has created is complex, dark and full of danger and yet, there is an underlying current of hope and love that I found inspiring. Cayden is a wonderful character and I found myself caring deeply for him. Every obstacle and crisis he faced only brought me closer to him.

Beautifully written, Novus has everything you love in an epic story: a humble hero, a group of friends, a battle of good versus evil, conflicts galore and a forbidden romance. I was sucked right in and the plot moved very quickly. I gasped and was in shock a few times but that only because I didn’t see it coming (a feat for those who can pull the wool over my eyes). The ending I didn’t care for but that’s my own personal opinion. Many dystopian fans will LOVE it!

If you like moving characters, in-depth world building, intense suspense and action, this book is right up your alley!

Favorite Character:

Cayden. I instantly connected with him and there’s a sweet innocence to him that I found refreshing, especially in a dystopian novel. He’s fascinated by humans and the more he’s around humans, the more human he became. His coming to grips with what it means to truly live (not just survive) touched me.

Favorite Quote:

“Their fate was to be no one’s son or daughter, no one’s brother or sister, no one’s father or mother, no one’s kin.”

My Rating: 4.5 stars

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Author Biography:

Award-winning author Crystal Marcos has been a storyteller her entire life. As the oldest of five children, she had to do a lot of entertaining. Crystal is the author of two children’s books, BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale and HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE. She recently wrote her first Young Adult novel, Novus (The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1). Bartholomew Buggins is her first picture book. She lives in Washington State with her husband, daughter Kaylee, and son Jaxon.

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Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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