book review: basatai: outside in

Suzan Battah's BaSatai: Outside In tells the story of a girl growing up in a world different from her own and trying, but failing to fit in while fighting the natural instincts of who she is.

Seventeen years ago Armani, a BaSatai, was born and sent to live on Earth as a form of protection from a curse in her blood. The curse would cause the destruction of Earth and H-trae, her home planet, if she dies. After growing up with Elijah, who was tasked with caring for and raising her as an Earthling, she learns the truth behind her life. Constantly feeling like an outsider, Armani realizes her natural inclinations are the result of her true identity, and she fights the destiny that is set out for her.

Enter Karhl, her guardian, and Rafael, a warrior, who are tasked to prepare her for the changes that must come in her life. Add a dash of attraction, romance and jealousy, and there is a bit more complication to her already complicated life.

Battah is a solid story-teller who does well at creating interesting characters and worlds. Armani is a complicated character with many layers. The facts and history behind her character are imaginative and interesting. A victim of bullying who struggles to fit in and understand herself, she is a character young adults can relate to, even if her life is more fanciful than their own.

After reading Battah's book Mad About the Boy I looked forward to reading her take on a different genre: paranormal young adult. I was impressed. As a fellow writer, I find it challenging enough to create and cultivate a world of imaginary characters in the most real of circumstances, I find myself jealous and amazed by authors who manage to do it in another universe.

Though at times complicated to follow and a little heavy with background to start, BaSatai: Outside In was a fast, entertaining read. Fans of paranormal young adult should be entertained and pleased with the opener of the BaSatai series.

Rating: 4 of 5

Check back tomorrow for more from author Suzan Battah.

About Suzan

Suzan Battah is a proud Australian born author who has loved to write since her teenage years. In 2011 she published her first novel a contemporary multicultural romance - Mad About the Boy. 

In her spare time she weaves magical tales to entertain. Suzan writes YA Fiction - Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, Regency Romance and Contemporary Romance. 

Other fun things you can find her doing is training at the gym and Latin/Ballroom dancing. Suzan is afraid of heights, loves most things that are sweet, has no clue about fashion and one day hopes to speak Spanish fluently. Her second novel a YA Urban Fantasy Adventure - BaSatai: Outside In was published April 14.

Connect with Suzan

www.suzanbattah.com

Twitter: @suzanbattah

www.facebook.com/suzan.battah

www.goodreads.com/suzanbattah 

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