Review: I Do Not Trust You - Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz

I Do Not Trust You 
Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz
Published: September 11, 2018 by Wednesday Books
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology

Memphis "M" Engle is stubborn to a fault, graced with an almost absurd knowledge of long lost languages and cultures, and a heck of an opponent in a fight. In short: she's awesome.

Ashwin Sood is a little too posh for her tastes, a member of an ancient cult (which she’s pretty sure counts for more than one strike against him), and has just informed Memphis that her father who she thought was dead isn’t and needs her help.

From the catacombs of Paris to lost temples in the sacred forests, together they crisscross the globe, searching for the pieces of the one thing that might save her father. But the closer they come to saving him—and the more they fall for one another—the closer they get to destroying the world.

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Review

3.5 Stars

A young adult fantasy novel, I Do Not Trust You by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz is about Memphis and Ash and their quest to save M's father and rescue the world from destruction at the hands of Mythological gods. Memphis "M" knows all about reading ruins, archeology trips, and everything related to Mythology. Ash is part handsome partner in crime and part secret cult member. The two don't click easily, but with a goal in mind that helps them both they set out together to find the pieces of a missing artifact.

Ancient lost languages? Check. Creepy cults? Check. A female heroine that readers have been comparing to Lara Croft? Check. COUNT ME IN. I couldn't say no to a book that features mythological fantasy mixed in with reality, taking us on a journey through the present day world, only there's cults that believe in ancient Gods and there's a huge threat of one of them coming back to life. Talk about creating a sense of urgency when it comes to a story. Told from alternating perspective, we get to know both M and Ash in great detail, gaining an understanding of their upbringing, the choices they had previously made, and seeing the thought process unfold as they make decisions that will change their futures.

Though the characters fall in the middle of the young adult and new adult, the story definitely reads like a YA book. I think it's easy enough to follow for Middle Grade and up readers, as much of the mythological concepts are explained in great detail. Plus, it's filled with action, friendship, and a significant message about perseverance and trust. I loved the various locations the two visited, though the timeline seemed quite crazy. I certainly wouldn't be as brave or independent as M! I Do Not Trust You was a fun break in my normal reading and I would recommend it to Mythology and Fantasy YA fans.