[Skye’s Review:] Unchosen by Katharyn Blair

Unchosen
by Katharyn Blair
Pages: 416
Published by HarperCollins
Release Date: January 26th 2021
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC

Katharyn Blair crafts a fiercely feminist fantasy with a horrifying curse, swoon-worthy sea captains, and the power of one girl to choose her own fate in this contemporary standalone adventure that's perfect for fans of The Fifth Wave and Seafire, and for anyone who has ever felt unchosen.

For Charlotte Holloway, the world ended twice.

The first was when her childhood crush, Dean, fell in love—with her older sister.

The second was when the Crimson, a curse spread through eye contact, turned the majority of humanity into flesh-eating monsters.

Neither end of the world changed Charlotte. She’s still in the shadows of her siblings. Her popular older sister, Harlow, now commands forces of survivors. And her talented younger sister, Vanessa, is the Chosen One—who, legend has it, can end the curse.

When their settlement is raided by those seeking the Chosen One, Charlotte makes a reckless decision to save Vanessa: she takes her place as prisoner.

The word spreads across the seven seas—the Chosen One has been found.

But when Dean’s life is threatened and a resistance looms on the horizon, the lie keeping Charlotte alive begins to unravel. She’ll have to break free, forge new bonds, and choose her own destiny if she has any hope of saving her sisters, her love, and maybe even the world.

Because sometimes the end is just a new beginning.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

 This book takes the chosen one trope and flips it on its head. Charlotte has always felt ordinary. There’s nothing unique or impressive about her, not like her sisters. Harlow, her older sister, is a phenomenal singer and musician. Vanessa, her younger sister, is an incredibly talented gymnast. Then, once the Crimson arrives, her sisters become even more remarkable. Harlow becomes a respected leader and skilled warrior while Vanessa is the Chosen One. Yeah, the Chosen One. The only person who can end the hell that has become their reality. And Charlotte…Charlotte is just Charlotte. 

I’m going to be very honest for a minute. If I was made into a book character, I would feel the same way as Charlotte. I’m not a badass fighter, nor am I extremely gifted in one specific talent or field. I’m just me. And I love myself even though I’m not those things. I love myself for what I can do, even if they don’t seem to be remarkable, impressive things. That’s what Charlotte has to learn. She has to realize that it’s okay to be herself, and she shouldn’t compare herself to anyone else. She’s strong, smart, loyal, and capable—she just hasn’t realized those traits show up differently in everyone. 

Unchosen is a riveting, edge of your seat read. It was nearly impossible for me to put it down once I started to read it. Then, before I knew it, I had finished the book! I’m really excited for everyone to read this book.  If you’re a fan of adventure, slow-burn romance, found family, and a meaningful story, then you’ll love this book. Charlotte’s journey is one I think we can all relate to. We’ve all felt overshadowed or as if we can’t measure up to others. That’s what this book is about–it’s about figuring out who you are and accepting yourself.