Book Review: The Charge by Sharon Bayliss

April 2, 2013

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Genre & Length: New Adult/Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy – 266 Pages

The Blurb:

When King of the Texas Empire kidnaps Warren’s brother, Warren embarks into a still Wild West to save him. On his journey, he makes a discovery that changes his life forever—he and his brother are long-lost members of the Texas royal family and the King wants them both dead.

He gets help from an activist Texan named Lena, who’s itching to take on the King and happens to be a beautiful firecracker Warren can’t stay away from. Convincing her he’s not one of the bad guys becomes harder when a mysterious energy stirs in his body, turning his brain into a hive of emotions and memories—not all his own.

A legacy of violence is not all he inherited from the brutal Kings of Texas. The myth that the royal family possesses supernatural powers may not be myth at all.

Gone are the days when choosing a major was a big deal. Now Warren must save his brother and choose whether or not to be King, follow a King, or die before he can retire his fake ID.

My Thoughts

Plot: I thought it was unique, alternate history has always fascinated me. (As a reader, not a writer, haha!) It was especially fun to read something set in a part of the country/world I’m familiar with.

Pacing: The beginning moved a little slow, but once the action started it kept going.

Writing Style: Sharon’s writing was very easy to read, and while I didn’t necessarily get lost in it like I do some other books, it was never hard to find a few minutes between tasks to read a little bit further. I was reading an ARC*, though, so there was the occasional typo that pulled me out of the story, but hopefully those were all caught before it went to press.

Would I read this book again: Possibly. I can’t say I have a burning desire to go pick it up again right this instant, but I enjoyed it, and could see myself revisiting it again in a year or two, if I have the time.

*Advance Reader Copy