"Toxic Heart" the exciting and imaginative sequel to Theo Lawrence's science fiction thriller "Mystic City" is set in Manhattan where the magic-wielding mystics have rebelled against registering with the government because of being drained of their power which is used to energize the city and in an intoxicating, addictive drug called Stic. This story begins after an attack on the secret rebel underground tunnels and the death of Violet Brooks, the voice of the poor in the Depths and champion of the oppressed. Her son Hunter Brooks has assumed the leadership of the rebellion, while his girlfriend Aria Rose's alliance has shifted from her powerful family to supporting the mystic fight for equality. With the forces of the two most influential Aeries families hot on her trail Aria's soon comes to realize that not only are her brother Kyle and ex-fiancé Thomas determined to capture her to serve their cause, but the man she loves will exploit her in his quest to win freedom for his people. Fired by the knowledge that she's a pawn in a clash of wills and wanting to bring peace to the bloodbath that's ripping the city apart, Aria sets out to find the heart of her dead friend, the mystic Davida. With its untold power she may be able to save her city, but the search will not only be dangerous, but the cost of finding it could be more than she imagined.The plot is well-developed, fast-paced and engrossing as events unfold and the danger to Aria and her friends escalates. Vividly Theo Lawrence brings to life the poverty , despair and futility of the Depths and its poor, the destructiveness of war , and the emotional strain of the rebellion on Aria and Hunter's floundering relationship because of betrayal and lack of honesty. In a story filled with atrocities, deception, rebellion and dysfunctional family relationships there are also strong undertones of friendship, forgiveness, freedom and love. And when you think justice is going to triumph at last there's a shocking surprise at the end that begs for a third book.The characters are realistic and complex, each with strengths, flaws and faults that add spice to the story. Aria Rose, a rich socialite is haunted by the love and respect she once felt for the family who betrayed her trust. She's somewhat naive, but feisty and impulsive in her quest to bring peace between the warring factions. Hunter Brooks, the mystic she fell in love with has become distant, all his energy centred on winning the war. He's serious, intense, making shallow overtures to Aria to try and keep their love alive. Turk, Hunter's friend and a mystic healer has grown close to Aria. He masks a kind, considerate and generous heart behind conceit, mischievousness and humour. Of the antagonists in the story Elissa Genevieve a strong mystic who works for the Rose family is deceptive , self-absorbed and calculating. Kyle Rose, Aria's brother is power-hungry, smug and single-minded while Thomas Foster, her cheating ex-fiancé is a player in the family alliance who's self-serving, cruel and sinister.I thoroughly enjoyed "Toxic Heart" which like "Mystic City" I couldn't put down. This is a science fiction series with a large dose of romance and the paranormal which will be a hit with young adult readers. 3.5 stars! Good job, Theo Lawrence, really really big improvement. I read the first book in 2012, and I didn't give up on it even if it was extremely predictable, hoping that maybe the second book would be better, and because I knew this was Theo Lawrence's debut novel, so there's always room for improvement. And I was actually really surprised because Toxic City was a LOT better than the first book. As I said a while ago, room for improvement now.So Toxic City was predictable. Again. But not as much as Mystic City. Another problem in this book is that it's too repetitive. It mentions certain things like Davida's mystic power, and Patrick being the good guy and not Elissa too many times. It's okay if you mention it once, maybe at the start of the book or throughout the beginning parts of the book to refresh the reader's memory, but not again and again until it's about to end. Also this “Arriiiiiaaaaa,” Thomas says. “Arrrre yoooou ooookaaaay?” is not good at all. Simply stating that he seemed to be speaking really slow is enough.
What do You think about Toxic Heart (2014)?
Soooo disappointed! Luckily there will be a third book, maybe he can turn it around.
—scooter
Soooo... when's the third book coming out?
—ZKRahnie
