Review: The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*


The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: April 4th, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Mature YA
Series: The Athena Effect
Pages: 200
Source: Review Copy
Format: eBook
Purchase At: Amazon.com or Smashwords.com

Goodreads Summary

As their story continues, Calvin and Caledonia find themselves madly in love, on the run, and nearly out of money. When Cal stumbles upon a way to cash in on Cali’s powers, their life on the road becomes a life of leisure. Despite the easy money and newfound luxury, Caledonia’s conscience begins to trouble her.

A disturbing warning only serves to confirm her misgivings, making her question her purpose in life. Finally, a shocking discovery about the true nature of her powers points the way forward, sending the two Cals on a dangerous rescue mission.

Caledonia tries her best to right the wrongs of the past, but will she only end up provoking new and even more dangerous enemies?

My Thoughts

This is a very easy book to like, and more so, read and fall into. I liked being effortlessly drawn back into the complexities of Cal and Cali's life. The novel literally picks up where The Athena Effect left off, and while both Cal's are still on the run, they are still very much in love. With the threat of recapture at the hands of Max looming in the backs of their minds, Cal and Cali need to lie low. Initially they stick to camp grounds, distant roads, and avoid drawing attention to themselves by living modestly off the few funds they have left. This doesn't last long however, and as the money quickly disappears, one thing leads to another and the young lovers find themselves on a journey neither could have ever bargained for. Monumental secrets regarding The Athena Effect as well as Cali's heritage are unravelled, and as the long hidden truths come to light, everything changes.

Firstly, let me say that the stressful conditions mentioned above do nothing to disrupt the romance between Cal and Cali, and I loved seeing them grow and really mature as characters. Truthfully I don't see why anyone would want to keep them apart; they fought like hell to be together and they just work. I like their relationship because Cal and Cali are made for each other and you really can't picture them happy and apart. Things like that just shouldn't happen, so you can imagine how beyond pleased I was that Derrolyn kept them together. As is expected, they do fight to a degree, and rather realistically, but the arguments never grow so out of control that there is talk of permanent separation. It was good to see them keeping things in perspective and managing disagreements like the capable adults I knew them to be.

*snaps for Derrolyn*

WOOT.



Yeah, girl!

As a second book in the series, The Mackenzie Legacy adds a substantial amount of detail and revelation to the series overall; it is mind-blowing how much changes and the impact of these developments. Derrolyn carried the story over seamlessly, and The Mackenzie Legacy proves itself a worthwhile sequel because it does help the series progress. There is just so much excellent and right with this book that I was hard pressed to find the bits just short of brilliance.

There is a strong connection felt with almost all the characters. Cali struggles with honing her abilities while still adjusting to the world outside her cabin, coming to terms with the truth of the experiment that ultimately claimed the lives of her parents and still largely governs hers. Cal helps her a lot through these struggles, but battles with his own share of insecurities. Every time he worried that Cali would leave I wanted to shake him a little and be like, she isn't going anywhere! Yet if I had done that, the pleasure of watching him work through it on his own would have been lost. He supports her and accepts everything, even Cali's more dangerous connections, such as her bond with the twins Layla and Michael. He would do anything for her, truly the author is successful in showing much more than telling the lengths each Cal is willing to go for the other.

As a backdrop to the story, the setting is great, and the added tension of characters being on the run made for a suspenseful read. There is a healthy amount of mystery and romance throughout the plot which pretty much guarantees readers will gasp at least once, if not twice. The writing improves in The Mackenzie Legacy, and although some portions of the book felt a bit rushed, and some resolutions hurried, this book ultimately makes for an exciting and rewarding read. I definitely recommend it - reader discretion for the more mature scenes is advised - and I am an even bigger fan of the series than before.

Get your hands on this series now!

3.5/5 genies: A satisfying continuation to a great series, The Mackenzie Legacy isn't a book to miss and fans of the series will be thrilled with startling revelation, touching romance and a suspenseful, rewarding plot.

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