Book Review: The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout
It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody – which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.
Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to “puree”. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of an ancient myth is gunning for her.
But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.
Let's preface this review by saying that The Return is just all kinds of awesome. That's it. That's basically all you need to know. I loved it. I devoured it. I'm begging Jen for more. You should drop everything, get it, and read it because you won't be disappointed. Seriously, the word disappointment has yet to be associated with Jennifer L. Armentrout and I whole-heartedly believe it never will be.
I definitely loved that this book falls into the New Adult category. You wouldn't be able to fully appreciate Seth's story any other way, really. I mean, come on, it's Seth! I did my best to savor every word and scene in this book, but I just couldn't hold back and I flew through it. Jen just drives me wild with her writing and her characters. After all this time, you might think I'd be biased towards Jen, but in all honesty, each book I read from her totally renews my love for her and her writing. She outdoes herself every time. She just has an uncanny ability to create such fascinating worlds filled with entertaining characters. And let's not forget the dialogue! I just love the things that come out of her characters' mouths, whether they be funny or dramatic. She just has a way with words and the The Return is no different.
Sure, I liked Seth and all in the Covenant series. But here, I freaking loved him! Being inside his head, seeing how much he's changed and yet, how much he hasn't has just made me fall for him even more. Yes, you still get the same, devil-may-care Seth with that delicious sexy appeal and smart mouth, but you also get a deeper, remorseful, emotional side of him that you never saw before. When thigns start getting serious with Josie and you see how he views her and their relationship, you can't help but feel for the boy. Can I just give him a big hug (and possibly cop a feel), please?!
As for Josie, I definitely liked her. I don't know what it is, but Jen just knows how to write good female protagonists. Josie is all-new to this mythological world, but she's hiding a secret so big, even she doesn't know about it. Her connection with Seth is palpable, it's so hot! They fit together perfectly and I really enjoyed their banter. She's definitely different than Alex, my favorite JLA girl, but she's different in a good way. I loved the way she viewed Seth, because it was with a fresh pair of eyes. Despite his past and all the terrible things he did, she knew there was good in him, and through that, she was basically his salvation. Overall, she was very down to earth and relatable.
Let me tell you, I got pretty emotional during one part of the book. And I never get emotional! That's how good this book is and how easily Jen's writing affects me. And it's not like it was a particularly emotional scene, it just brought back a lot of memories from the Covenant series, and seeing it all through his eyes, experiencing what he felt through it all, it just brought out all the feels.
And yes, we do see plenty of characters we all know and love from the Covenant series, which was a plus. I'm dying to see when Alex and Aiden will make their way into the series, but I know Seth and the series has to stand on their own first, and I don't mind that at all. I am really enjoying Seth and Josie.
The Return was everything I was hoping for and more. Truly a fantastic start to what I know will be an epic series. Jen blends the perfect mix of romance, action, and humor - complete with captivating characters that work their way into your hearts. I have high hopes for this series and I know Jen will continue to wow us with her stellar writing as we follow along on Seth's journey.
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