Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – Review
Mystic City
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence on goodreads:
For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City’s two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents’ sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn’t remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can’t conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself. (
Mystic City draws you in with an incredible cover and the promise of a colorful blend of genres. However, the initial promise of Matched, Hunger Games, X Men and Blade Runner is misleading! I would rather say: Dystopia, Romeo & Juliet and Harry Potter! .. Hu you say? Wait and see…
Colorful Blend of genres!
The story is set in a Dystopia world long in the future when see level is about to raise and destroy cities. Together with SciFi and magic elements with have a mix that will appeal to many different readers! Even more, instead of shouting out “Matched and Hunger Games” I would point out that this story absolutely have strong elements from Romeo and Julie and the magic from Harry Potter!
Living for the powerful and rich is way above the city of New York in the so called Aeries and this is where Aria grew up, oblivious to the danger and poorness surrounding her deep down below in the old remains of the city. This is where the rebellion takes place and this is where the magically blessed or cursed have to life.
Aria
She’s our typical dystopia heroine, oblivious to the real world around her, since she’s grown up having everything she always wished. But, slowly her mind awakes and she begins to see more clearly what is wrong with their world and she slowly begins to questions her fathers actions. Falling in love with a boy from the Rebellion and a magic user isn’t helping her conflicted state.
Mysteries, Magic, Politics and Love!
The mystery behind Aria’s lost of memory was something intriguingly fascinating, especially combined with the politics and exploring this world and basics! The love story between Aria and Hunter perfectly reminded of Romeo and Juliet – a forbidden love with between 2 strong families to different in their political views that there is no way for them to be ever together. There is even a balcony involved! I would even go so far in saying that this could easily be a retelling (and I hope I do not insult the author as I genuinely enjoyed this a lot)!
I absolutely adored the way the magic was handled here and I found it a wonderfully and surprising addition to this plot. Some of the spells reminded of Harry Potter spells and there was even a flying bike! I had to smile at this! Truly, the magic was … well, magical!
Love letters that ….felt off…
While Aria tries to regain her memories she found love letters, yet she has no idea who wrote that! The letters were very romantic and full of love and passion! However, when we realize who those letters wrote it immediately felt off… The way the lover speaks in real is nothing like those letters! It just didn’t fit at all!!! It was very confusing and felt totally wrong!
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
Mystic City is a powerful debut with a delightful blend of genres and in my opinion a creative re-telling of Romeo and Juliet! Love, Politics, Magic, SciFI and Dystopia everything your genre heart desires is easily found in this great debut into a new series! I am excited to find out more and await eagerly the new book!
Book Trailer
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I have been hearing soooooo much about this book! I can’t wait to read it! And love the cover! It’s soooooo lovely!
Mariya @ Mystifying Paranormal Reviews recently posted..Behind the Blogger! Meet Goldilox!
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Oh my gosh yes the cover is suuuuuper pretty!!!!!! I love the city in the background and the girl, it’s just perfect!
Danny recently posted..Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – Review
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A great review Danny! I quite enjoyed this book despite finding some elements confusing.
I am definitely eager to read the next book.
Thanks for sharing
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I hope you’ll love it! It definitely has it’s own special allure
Danny recently posted..Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – Review
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Hi!!!!!! OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG It’s so nice to meet you!!!!!! Haha sorry I’ve just heard so many great things about you and your blog and I told myself it’s time I plucked up the courage to comment on your fabulous blog.
Lovely review! This book seems so good and I’ve been really getting into Dystopians lately so this should be right up my alley. 
Aaaah I’m such a sucker for Romeo and Juliet!!!! :’) Thanks for a great review, Danny! <3 It was really nice to meet you! xx
Riya
Riya recently posted..Happily Ever After • Giveaway Hop
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Seriously, if you could see me right now you would see me blushing!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for coming here and stopping by our little Blog
) And I LOVE comments, so thank you tons for taking your time to comment today! *hugs*
Oh and Mystic City is awesome! it’s not straight Dysstopian and the focus is more on the love story and the politics. But, I especially loved this blend of genres!:))
Danny recently posted..Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – Review
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Too bad the letters fell flat for you. I’m happy you enjoyed the book, though! It does sounds very intriguing.
Lori recently posted..Audiobook Review: Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
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The main problem was that the writer of those letters talked totally differently, and this was just super confusing as it didn’t really matched! But the rest was awesome!
Danny recently posted..Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – Review
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I’ve heard a lot of mixed things about this book, but I’m glad you enjoyed it! I don’t think I’ll be picking it up because I’m so sick of dystopians, but I love the cover!!!
KM recently posted..Review: Venom, by Fiona Paul
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Since I live under a rock lately I haven’t really heard much about this one, aside from loving the cover!
I’m so curious about the letters concept, but am bummed it wasn’t as awesome as it could be…Boo! I’m happy you loved the book though…I can’t wait to give it a try!
Amanda @ Letters Inside Out recently posted..Survey Time at LIO
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This sounds really neat! I love the addition of sci fi in dystopians, and the magic sounds very unique too I don’t think I’ve read a dystopian quite like that. Great review, Danny! I’m curious about those love letters! >.<
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I love us Danny. Our review always go up within days of each other and we have pretty much the same reactions:):) I adored the magic aspect of this one too, and of course the forbidden love. You know I live for forbidden love. I need book 2 in my hands right this minute, that was a heck of an ending!
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I loved this book! I’m with you that they were a but misleading in comparing it. Romeo and Juliet with a bit of Harry Potter would be a much better comparison!
I didn’t notice anything off about those letters, I feel I should go reread them. I just figured their relationship had been so progressed that they were more forthcoming with their feelings.
So glad you enjoyed it too!
Candace recently posted..Review: There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack
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Another very positive review for this one…it sounds like it has a great mix of elements. I’m definitely going to keep my eye on this one!
Melissa recently posted..Interview & Giveaway with Sally Dubats, Author of The Grimoire Chronicles
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This book rocked for me from the world building to the mystic powers..so glad you enjoyed this one too and I cannot wait for book 2.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Velveteen by Daniel Marks {review-giveaway}
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If the mention of Romeo and Juliet wasn’t enough, you definitely had me at Harry Potter.
This sounds brilliant! I got a copy recently so I’m looking forward to starting it soon. Great review. 
Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick
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This one just didn’t cut it for me, but I think it’s me and not the book. I was just in a bad reading time. I wouldn’t have liked anything. I’m going to try reading again and see if I like it any more.
Heather
hrose2931 recently posted..Mystic City by Theo Lawrence Review
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How in the world is Aria so oblivious? Now, I really loved this book but Aria and her friends almost went out of their way to ignore what was going on around them. The plummet party? Aria barely spares a thought for everyone who lives around the building that’s going down.
Still, loved the magic and, well, pretty much everything!
Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted..Home Run Blog Tour: STEALING PARKER by Miranda Kenneally
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Yay I love the sound of this! Forbidden love, ‘magical magic’ and a dystopian world? YES! This sounds fantastic and I’m even more excited to read it!
Great review Danny ^.^
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I’m really glad that you felt like this is very closely related to Romeo & Juliet as well. While reading this there was no doubt for me that Mystic City is either based on it or even a retelling – but then I re-read the synopsis and there was no mention of Romeo & Juliet, which slightly confused me.
But I’m happy that you enjoyed it, too. I can’t wait for the next book!
Carina @ Fictional Distraction recently posted..New Distractions #14
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I agree with you about the love letters being off. I loved the world but really couldn’t get into the characters so that brought the book down a bit for me
Glad to see you enjoyed it though!
Daphne @ Winged Reviews recently posted..Crusher by Niall Leonard
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I have been looking for books that blend magic and scifi. Thank you!
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Love this book!!!
When renegrade heart comes out im definately buying and reading it.
I definately reccomend reading this book!!
For all the people that has read the reviews that say its like a romeo and juliet story, well sorry to disappoint you guys but..
IT’S NOT TRUE, IT IS NOTHING LIKE A ROMEO AND JULIET!!
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