I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review… and was more than glad to catch up with Gabe and Lea!
Laura Maisono’s recently released YA Urban Fantasy novel, UNITY, provides a satisfying conclusion to the story begun in her debut novel, SCHISM.
In the early chapters of UNITY, the author inserted bits of backstory to refresh the reader’s memory. She also reintroduced the world of Illirin with rich language that fully immersed the reader in the physical setting. Several months or more had passed since I read the first book, so I found the reminders helpful. The vivid descriptions were simply beautiful.
UNITY is told from multiple points of view. Because I was reading the book at a busy time, catching a chapter here and a chapter there, there were a couple times I had to flip back a few pages to keep track of an individual character’s storyline. This probably would not have been an issue if I had been able to read at a more relaxed time. Overall, the author made clear shifts between points of view – no wondering whose head I was in – and the multiple viewpoints served the story well in developing the characters and their relationships with one another. I especially appreciated the intrigue added by knowing just enough of a certain character’s motivation.
Stylistically, the writing was clear with a nice balance of poetic narrative and snappy humor. The dialogue was realistic, heartfelt and funny in turn. At times elegant, at times contemporary, the writing fit well with the theme of converging worlds – modern-day Earth and the more fantastical Illirin. Humor interspersed throughout the narrative brought the characters to life and a smile to my face. The book did contain some language that might be offensive to some readers. I, personally, didn’t have a problem with it, but it’s something to be aware of if the occasional swear word is an issue. On the other hand, more conservative readers will appreciate the protagonist’s commitment to “save that action for the wedding night.”
SCHISM and UNITY together tell a tender story of friendship, love, and healing. The relationships between characters throughout the series, and especially in UNITY, make this a series I would recommend to Young Adult and New Adult readers in search of a story with a whole lot of world-hopping heart!
Find SCHISM and UNITY by Laura Maisano
Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Goodreads MuseItUp Publishing
About the Author
Laura Maisano is the author of the Illirin series of YA urban fantasy books, SCHISM and UNITY. She has an MA in Technical writing and is a Senior Editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian Fiction.
Her gamer husband and amazing daughter give support and inspiration every day. Their cats, Talyn and Moya, provide entertainment through living room battles and phantom-dust-mote hunting. Somehow, they all manage to survive living in Texas where it is hotter than any human being should have to endure. You can find updates about writing and the random stuff in her life on her blog http://www.LauraMaisano.blogspot.com or follow her on twitter @MaisanoLaura. If you’re more interested in just the professional angle, check out her website http://www.RayhaStudios.com.
Social Media
Twitter: @MaisanoLaura
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraMaisanoWriter
Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/illirinfans/
Lisa Dunn 
Thank you so much for the lovely review. ^_^
Thank YOU for a lovely read!