About the Book

Author: Crystal Marcos
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Publication Date: August 28, 2015
Number of Pages: 319
Synopsis: Ideal for Hunger Games and Divergent fans, Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page.
Being a teenager is hard enough. And what if your life’s path is predetermined? On top of that, you aren’t even Human?
Cayden was given life as a Cresecren. He expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant Cresecren.
Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than he ever imagined. Now seventeen, Cayden unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love.
My Review
Cayden is a Cresecren teen, a "manufactured being", who's soul purpose is to serve his human family, but when an altercation transpires Cayden finds himself banned to Gavron, a Cresecren camp. Cayden prepares to spend the rest of his life in Gavron and quickly befriends Alecander, a fellow Cresecren. The pair are sent beyond the safety of the walls of Gavron to gather supplies in what is known as the Den. The Den is an unsafe place especially for Cresecrens. Alecander and Cayden are about to discover just how dangerous it is. When devastation strikes, the events that unfold alter the lives of everyone involved. It becomes difficult to determine who to trust as the sinister plan of those pulling the strings unfolds.
I am a fan of Crystal Marcos's middle grade stories and was ecstatic when she announced the release of her first young adult book. Novus is a creative masterpiece. The characters are rich and alive and the vibrant details bring the story to life. The action is gripping and easily captivating. The emotions and seemingly "human" traits that develop in these beings is enduring. When Cayden begins to experience feelings for a human teen (which is forbidden) I found myself liking his character even more. As the plot thickened and the survivors of the destruction of Gavron sought safety, I became even more engrossed in Novus and was eager to see how the group fared against their many adversities.
Novus is a real page-turner and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
About the Author

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