Titans by Victoria Scott

Title: Titans
Author: Victoria Scott
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 320
Source: Bought
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Overall: 4 STARS

SUMMARY

Ever since the Titans appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan's world has revolved around the mechanical horses. It's not just the thrill of the race. It's the engineering of the horses themselves 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 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.  

MY THOUGHTS 
Fast-paced and heart pounding, Victoria Scott's Titans has one of the most original concepts I've read in quite some time! It's a story of family, friendship, and the special bond between a girl and her horse. You get absolutely caught up in the excitement and suspense of the Titan races, where one misstep can cost you everything or win you glory.

When Astrid has a chance to enter an early model Titan into this year's derby, she grasps the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save her family. Her father has lost their savings after a few bad bets on the Titans, and now the threat of foreclosure looms over their house. It doesn't help that her dad was laid off at the factory, and now spends most of his time at home or job searching. Astrid's life may be falling apart, but when she spends her days training and on the track, she can escape the tension at home and pretend everything is alright.

Winning the derby is a long shot for a girl from one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Detroit, especially when her competitors all hail from the city's most privileged, wealthiest families. But Astrid isn't alone. Magnolia, her neighbour and best friend, is always right by her side, sharing in the adventure together. Magnolia's family is experiencing similar hardships, but she puts on a bright smile and cheers for Astrid every step of the way.

What I loved about Astrid and Magnolia's friendship is that they support each other through thick and thin. They have their differences—Magnolia is an aspiring fashion accessory designer while Astrid is a math genius—but nothing could tear the girls apart. And Padlock! He stole my heart and soon became more than just a machine, though Astrid was stubborn to see him as only an intricate system of gears and parts at first. He slowly helps Astrid learn to trust again. To take a leap of faith.

Defy the odds. Chase your dreams. Titans might be my first time reading a Victoria Scott novel, but it certainly won't be my last! I keep thinking I would love to see the Titans racing each other on the big screen. I'm sure the sight of powerful mechanical horses pounding down the track would be an awe-inspiring sight!