Review: Mundahlia by RJ Gonzales

         Publication Date

July 26th, 2011

Publisher

Self-Published

Available At

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

When our era ends, theirs begins.

Rini thought going to live with her cousins in the city of Austin, Texas while her parents rekindled their marriage on a four month long cruise, was a step in the right direction. When she makes a new quirky friend, and stumbles upon a handsome young man named Jett in the enveloping forest surrounding her cabin, she thought she was only moving forward. Well, she was wrong.

Jett and his clan appear human, just like anyone else. But take a closer look, and you will see that indeed they are Mundahlians. Legendary hybrid beings with both human and animal qualities that have been kept a heavily guarded secret throughout time - until now. They are taking refuge in our world, fleeing from their hidden homeland of Mundahlia and it's aging power-hungry King, who has set up a game between his many children. Whoever can bring them back to their world so they can be tried and executed shall receive the crown once he passes.

Upon finding their hideout, Bane, one of the King's sons, and on the hunt to win the crown, sees an opportunity to shatter the blossoming relationship, lure the family back to Mundahlia, and frame Rini for the murder of a Mundahlian - thus, breaking the pact signed long ago with the humans, and reigniting an ancient war for the majority of land and control. A triple deed that will surely earn him the power he craves.

Review

Genre: New Adult/Mature YA Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!

Isn't that cover awesome?! I actually read this book back in December 2011 before I had a book blog, but because the author (RJ Gonzales from RJ Does Books) is so amazingly awesome, as is his writing, I had to do a re-read so I could post a proper review and also do an author interview(so stay tuned for that)! Plus, it's one of my favorite books so re-reading Mundahlia was already on my to-do list!

"Great. My life has suddenly become a young-adult novel."

The characters, oh where to start with the characters! I have to say that each character was unique with their own personalities, they were all likable (yes, even Ray) some more then others (um. . .Veee-ra, not Veh-ra), but they all added to the overall feel of the story. They each had a part to play and never once got lost in the background or plot line. Now, on to Rini and Jett. I said this in my tiny review in December, but Rini is my favorite type of female protagonist. She's a strong female that is sweet, but still doesn't let anyone push her around. She's smart and gorgeous, she's sassy and sarcastic, but also knows how to be serious. She's just plain kick-ass! Jett is everything a girl (or guy) could want. Sweet, tough, caring, passionate. You name it and it most likely is applicable to Jett. Mundahlia is mostly told from Rini's perspective, but we are lucky enough to have a few of Jett's perspectives slipped in there as well. 

Jett: "Are you saying you want to become a Mundahlian slayer?" he laughed

Rini: "Just for the bad guys. Besides, Buffy has the vampires pretty much covered."

The plot line is smooth sailing at first, sweeping you away into a romantic, budding relationship and then. . . you are literally slammed with the twists as they start piling up, taking you in directions that you never saw coming. RJ Gonzales even said this himself, that you get a fun, light-hearted book that turns into a darker, grittier book as the story picks up. The flow between the two tones is effortless, never seeming forced or too much. It flows with a natural ease because this IS the story. It wouldn't have been as great if it wasn't taken to that darker place. A warning: it does contain gore and extremely emotional scenes, be prepared to read through your fingers (or like me, plug your ears -> Am I the only one that plugs my ears during scary movies?) and have your tissues handy. Mundahlia has such a rich, extensive background that will instantly draw you in. Really, the history behind the land of Mundahlia is incredible and unlike any other story I have ever read. Positively original!

"Right now, I'd believe that a unicorn smells apples and pixies barfed glitter."

If you are a fan of werewolves, paranormal and romance then please! Don't miss out on Mundahlia! You will not be disappointed. Another warning: there are some sensitive scenes in Mundahlia that some readers might not find very pleasant. Read with discretion, but read it nonetheless. Age recommendation, I'd have to say 16 or 17+

This is the Mundahlian era!

Stay tuned for the author interview with RJ Gonzales on either Tuesday or Wednesday!