For some reason I've been into dystopian novels recently. This book was pretty good, considering the fact that most post-apocalyptic books these days aren't that creative or unique. Apocalypse is a fast-paced, death packed novel. Honestly, so many people died within the first few chapters that I was a little shocked and felt so sorry for the main character Alex. I'm excited to read the rest of the series and see what happens next!

The book was pretty good though at some parts it was kind of cheesy. Which makes sense, considering its a middle grade fantasy series. It definitely had a lot of parallels to Once Upon a Time - especially with season 4 and Regina's quest of getting a happily ever after that doesn't involve being miserable and alone. The story follows Apple Snow and Raven Queen, which is also similar to the tv show and it just so happens that Apple Snow (the daughter of Snow White) is blonde - Emma Swan reference here. I'm not sure when this book was published or if the author had any inspiration from the tv show, but it's almost too similar. Apple's character was a little to naive and annoying and kind of selfish at times too. Oh and I almost forgot. There was also a moment when Raven bumped into Sparrow Hood (aka Robin Hood) which reminded me of Regina and Robin. Anyway, besides the constant comparisons the story lacked the "I wonder what will happen next feeling". It wasn't intense or exciting. The adventures the characters went on were really short and honestly too easy. I gave this a 3/5 stars only because it gave me good memories of Once Upon a Time, not because of the actual story. I'll probably read the rest of the books just to see what happens and if it gets any more similar to the tv show.

This book reminded me a lot of the Children of the Lamp series. However, I think Michael Scott did an amazing job incorporating myths and legends as well as the story of Nicholas Flamel. You can tell a lot of work was put into creating this "world within a world". But the story was typical - some twins happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, they saw something they shouldn't have, and it just so happens there is a prophesy about them, AND they have very powerful magic that will help save the world. And (slight spoiler***) one twin may be the doom of the world. I know that all of that may steer someone away from reading this series, but I for some reason enjoyed it enough to be curious about what happens next. I'm about to start the second book - The Magician - so I guess I'll have to wait and see whether the rest of the series is worth reading.