Review of Animal Instinct by Ria Voros
There’s something particularly enticing about the allure of animals in literature, don’t you think? Perhaps it’s the instinctual pull we feel towards them—wild yet familiar. As I dove into Animal Instinct by Ria Voros, I found myself captivated not just by the animal elements but also by how they intertwine with human nature and relationships. Voros’s ability to blur these lines spoke to me, igniting my own curiosities about instinct and identity.
At its core, Animal Instinct revolves around a young girl named Ariana who, facing the struggles of adolescence, discovers she has an extraordinary ability: she can communicate with animals. This unique gift serves as a vehicle for exploring larger themes of self-acceptance, belonging, and the complexities of friendship. The narrative follows Ariana as she navigates the challenges of fitting into her own skin while a turbulent relationship with her peer group unfolds. I found myself cheering for her, recalling my own adolescent years, when the search for identity was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Voros masterfully builds an engaging world through vivid descriptions and a relatable protagonist. The pacing felt just right—enough tension to keep me flipping pages while providing moments of tender introspection. I particularly appreciated how Voros used the animals Ariana interacts with to reflect her own inner struggles. For instance, the wise old owl who offers counsel echoes the wisdom we often find hard to embrace, especially in our formative years. There’s a beautiful metaphor here that resonated deeply with me, reminding us that sometimes guidance comes from the most unexpected places.
One quote that stands out is when Ariana reflects, “Animals don’t ask you to be anything but yourself.” This line encapsulated the essence of the story; it speaks to the profound simplicity of authenticity. In a world where we often feel pressured to conform, Voros gently invites us to shed facades and embrace our true selves, something I found incredibly refreshing and applicable beyond the pages.
There’s an effortless charm to Voros’s writing style that feels warm and welcoming, making it easy to lose track of time as you immerse yourself in Ariana’s journey. It’s clear that for Voros, the connections between humans and animals go beyond mere storytelling—they represent an intrinsic part of life’s fabric.
I wholeheartedly recommend Animal Instinct to young readers and those young at heart who are exploring themes of identity and belonging. It’s a wonderful read for anyone who has ever felt out of place or struggled with their own “animal instincts.” Voros’s narrative encourages a sense of connection, not only with nature but also within ourselves, and it sparked a profound reflection in me about my relationship with the world around us.
In a fast-paced society often dominated by noise, Animal Instinct is a gentle reminder to listen to our hearts. I’m grateful to have connected with Ariana’s story, and I have no doubt it will resonate deeply with many others as well.