Book Review - Hidden

Title: Hidden
Author: Marianne Curley
Series: Avena (book 1)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Release Day: 14 Mar 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1408822623

Synopsis
For as long as Ebony can remember, she's been sheltered. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled by her protective parents, and limited to a small circle of close friends. It's as if she's being hidden. But something is changing in Ebony. Something that can't be concealed. She's growing more beautiful by the day, she's freakishly strong, and then there's the fact that she's glowing.

On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan and she's intensely drawn to him. It's as if something explodes inside of her--something that can be seen from the heavens. Ebony still doesn't know that she's a stolen angel, but now that the heavens have found her, they want her back.

My Review
I received a copy of this in the post from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Actually receiving this was a surprise, but an awesome one. I loved reading her 'Guardians of Time' trilogy as a teenager and I still have them on my shelves, but she disappeared and I wondered why, then I got this book and I was really excited. There was an accompanying note explaining her absence for the last 7 years and reading her story made me admire her all the more.
Anyway, I knew I wanted to read this as soon as I could, I had a feeling I would really enjoy it but I was also a little bit nervous. I am older now (obviously) and my tastes have changed quite a bit, what if it wasn't as good as I remember her writing being? Nevertheless I got stuck in and I am happy to say my fears were unfounded, I found myself captivated by the story and wanting to know more. The characters and their world grabbed me quickly and pulled me in. 
This book is told in first person but from two different people. Chapters alternate between them but they do feature in each others chapters which adds an extra dimension to it all. Ebony has always been sheltered - her parents not letting her do anything, no going out, having fun, they even homeschooled her for a while, but now she is sixteen and wants more from life. She is thankfully now at school, but still not allowed to do things 'normal' kids are doing, but it's all starting to change. 
I quite liked Ebony as a character but I found her story fairly predictable, I could see how things were linked and layed out - however I think that was at least partly deliberate. I did still find myself liking her - she has a noble heart and tries to think of others before herself, she doesn't break down when things go wrong but tries to carry on. 
Then we meet Jordan, his life is basically the exact opposite - a kid gone through the care system with some bad memories and things that still haunt him, His story makes your heart ache and you can't help but want him to find happiness. I think he is probably my favourite character in this book. Even after all the rubbish he's gone through he still tries to help Ebony and make things right in the world. He has a strong inner strength and I just felt drawn to him.
As the blurb says, this is a story about finding the stolen angel, I've seen a few books recently focusing on angels and I'm never sure what to make of them, some I've read and really enjoyed, others I haven't but this one was well set up, had great 'history' to the story and was actually very believable as a concept and storyline. 
There are quite a few characters but they all bring something to the storyline and help speed the pace and plot. There is a real sense of mystery particularly on Jordan's past and then both of their futures, it makes you want to read more just so you can find out more. 
I had to read this in bits due to work schedule etc, but I found myself itching to get back to it when I had to put it down. This book was actually quite addictive and I didn't want to leave it. 
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger- it's obviously set for a sequel and I really want to know what will happen. I need more.
All I can really say is: Welcome back Marianne Curley, you certainly haven't lost your touch, and I am so pleased to have you back, Better than ever! 

My Rating