Review: Titans by Victoria Scott

Titans by Victoria Scott

Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Page Count: 320
Published by: Scholastic Press
Source: ARC received from publisher

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

Titans was definitely different from what I usually read, but I enjoyed it because of how entertaining and exciting it was. I'm glad there was no romance for our protagonist, Astrid. Instead, the focus was more on family and friendships, and I really liked that.

I loved the wonderful storytelling. Titans had a unique concept, and the author included some really creative elements that took this book to a new level of excitement and suspense. Once the races began, I found myself caught up in the adventure. It was very easy to root for Astrid and Padlock every step of the way.

This book worked great as a standalone. The ending was well done and wrapped up perfectly with a mix of happy, sad, and hopeful. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Below is the commercial that gave Victoria Scott the idea for Titans.