5 STARS!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*This Review contains Spoilers*

I honestly don't know whether I'll be able to find the right words to express just how much I loved `The Forgotten Ones', but I'll give it a shot. But just in case my ramblings for adoration for this book aren't coherent I'll make it clear now: BEST BOOK EVER!

From having the story told from Allison's point of view, I felt it strengthened the connection the readers have with her. Reading from Allison's perspective of her mother's illness and her confusion for her feelings for Ethan made me admire her devotion to her mother who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and we can accept why she doesn't want to let Ethan into her life.

The opening paragraph drew me in straight away and the glimpse we are given of Allison's mother holding her Violin with blank eyes is beautifully haunting. I loved the way that Laura Howard was able to bring both sadness, beauty and pain all into the descriptions of the schizophrenic episodes. It reminds us that although there was a great deal of pain and heartbreak that Allison has to deal with by caring for her mother, there is still brief moments when her mother smiles, or plays a jolly tune on the Violin that reminds Allison what she is working for. Whilst I loved the relationship between Allison and Ethan and can't wait to see it progress in the next book (pretty please :D ) I was proud of Allison's devotion to her mother, and knew that without that element to her, Allison would not be as loveable a character as she was.

The imagery of the fairy land (Tír na n'Óg) was stunning and beautifully woven into the story. I loved the imagery mirroring The Shire in `The Lord of the Rings' which is just how I would have pictured the land myself. The descriptions of the sky, grass and trees were perfect and I honestly imagined myself there at that moment between the sky. As with Niamh's home I loved the almost ethereal, elven quality that showed the power and wisdom of the King and Queen of Tír na n'Óg.

However, my favourite character in `The Forgotten Ones' was Aodhan. I loved his back story and can't wait to read more of him. I loved the roguish quality he had, yet the fierce loyalty he held for Allison, acting almost as her guardian. The pain that he'd suffered in his life was clear in his every action and I love the spark he has with Niamh, which I'd love to see explored in a second book.

Overall, 5 Stars and a fantastically beautiful read. I definitely recommend to all who love fantasy, romance, or are just looking for a book to escape into for a while.