Book Review of Tangled by Erica O’Rourke

Title: Tangled

Author: Erica O’Rourke

Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy

Release Date: January 31st, 2012

*If you have not read Torn this may contain spoilers*

Constance started to keen as the air around us began to thrash and twist, the caustic scent of ozone burning my nose. As I watched, her dark gold hair began to lift and kink into knots.

“I’m here. It’ll be okay.” It was the last thing I said before my best friend’s little sister went supernova in the second-floor girls’ bathroom, taking me with her.

A month ago, Mo Fitzgerald risked her life to stop an ancient prophecy and avenge her best friend’s murder. Now, she only wants to keep her loved ones safe. But the magic—and the Chicago Mob—have other plans.

Mysterious, green-eyed Luc is back, asking for help—and a second chance. Colin, her strongest protector, is hiding a shocking secret. And inside Constance, the magic is about to go terribly wrong. Tangled in a web of love and betrayal, Mo must choose between the life she’s dreamed of and the one she’s destined for.

Summary from Goodreads.com

My Review: I read the first book in this series, Torn, (review here) and was very happy I had the second book on hand to start right away. I was eager to see what was going to happen next with Mo and what the Arcs were going to ask, well demand really, she do now.

We left Mo after she fixed the magic for the Arcs and thought she was out of the magic world for good, yeah right. She is trying to get back to her life before she lost Verity, but she is slowly realizing that her life is never going to be the same. Her uncle is still watching her every move using Colin as his eyes and ears while her mother just remains oblivious to everything that happens around her. Mo also has a new issue to deal with, Constance. While in school one day Constance comes into her powers and Mo is scrambling to try and help her deal with the ramifications.

The book is categorized as a young adult urban fantasy, but it reads more like a contemporary book with magical elements peppered throughout. Even though I am not usually a contemporary reader, I did enjoy this book. There is enough fantasy in here to keep me interested, plus Mo’s life is in intriguing even without all the magic. Especially her uncle’s role in her life since she he has figured out that he is part of the mob and may not always have her best interest at heart. The level of his betrayal even took me by surprise a couple of times. Mo’s life is not easy and all the magic just adds another layer to her troubles. These issues have always been here waiting for her, but it took loosing Verity for her to realize that she never had a quiet life and happiness does not mean being content. So be aware when you go in that you are going to get more social issues with this novel than paranormal ones. I would not stop that from letting you try though, because I still think it is still completely worth reading.

I can’t not talk about the love triangle in this book, because it does consume a good portion of Mo’s thoughts. I went through the first book with an open mind and tried not to pick a guy, but now that I have read this one, my personal vote is for Luc. I really think the only reason Mo denies what she feels for Luc is because she thinks it is forced upon both of them. She believes Luc only wants her because of their combined destiny and because she is the Vessel. Here is a snippet from the book where Mo is contemplating this:

“I was never just Mo, to Luc. I was always the Vessel, the one he was fated to be with. But I wasn’t sure I believed in fate. And I wanted a guy who wanted me, not the prophecy I’d taken on.”

She does finally voice these thoughts out loud to Luc at one point and he denies it, but you can tell he is still struggling with this as well. I personally think they are meant to be together and it is not just fate. They both have feelings for each other and the only reason they are fighting them is because they do not want to be told want to do, they want a choice. I can respect that, I am just keeping fingers crossed that Mo gives Luc a real shot one day too.

The whole novel really is a constant love triangle, but there is no clear choice for Mo. Both relationships have cracked foundations, neither is perfect and I am sure these issues will come out even more in future books. I feel a little bad for the two guys, because Mo goes back and forth quite a bit. Neither of them really knows if they are truly with her or if she will change her mind again by the next time they see her. The root of the problem is Mo. She is still trying to decide what life she wants and both guys are just along for the ride until that decision comes. Whichever she chooses, she will have a good guy waiting for her, it is just a matter of her determining which future she wants.

As for the fantasy elements, it has always been hinted at that Mo has potential in the magical world and that is explored more in Tangled. She is supposed to be the Vessel now, but she still doubts herself and her ability to help. I cannot say too much more without spoiling things, but I am very excited to see how events in this book will affect Mo’s life in the future.

I know that there is only one book left, Bound, which is due out later this year. I have my hopes for what will happen, but only Erica knows how this will all end. Overall, I am really enjoying this series and watching Mo discovery who she is. I would recommend it to anyone who loves contemporary with a little fantasy, but still think fantasy lovers would enjoy it as well.

FTC: Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC for review.