Becca is a 17-year-old who has spent most of her life taking care of her little brother, Ryland. This is more than a simple sister's oversight - Ryland has 'issues,' not the least of which are the voices he constantly hears in his head.

Their father abandoned them when Ryland was very young and their mother has done her best, but she has never understood Ryland the way that Becca does. And despite looking out for Ryland, Becca manages to graduate high school two years early.

When representatives from a distant school show up to take Ryland away, Becca has a fit. It takes the very calm, honest demeanor of one of the men, explaining that Ryland has special abilities that he doesn't even know about, along with their promise to let Becca come along until Ryland gets settled

The school is much more than Becca imagined and Ryland immediately finds that he fits in - he's not an outcast, and is ready for Becca to leave, which hurts her feelings a bit. However, Becca has met a handsome, kind young man, Alex, and the two of them often look for the chance to spend some time alone together.

Becca learns that everyone at the school are "Holders":

a race of people living in Ireland called Cumhacht Coinnigh or Power Holders. They were like regular humans in every way except that they each had what they called a beannú an bandia, a ‘blessing of the Goddess’. This ‘blessing’ was actually a special power or ability.
Holders are almost always male, though Becca does befriend one other girl about her age, who has limited Holder powers.

It is believed that Ryland has exceptional powers, even compared to the others at the school. It turns out that the headmaster of the school is Becca and Ryland's father who abandoned them and it gets Becca angry that he doesn't even seem to know that his new students are his own children.

Surprises and changes are in store, for Ryland, Becca, Alex, and those working at the school.

I really enjoyed this book. Mostly because of author Julianna Scott's writing style. This was a really easy book to get into, the characters are clear (though perhaps a bit stereotypical), and the story unfolds nicely throughout the book.

This is a classic YA book without all the angst. Our heroine has all the hallmarks of a fantasy YA story protagonist, including a romance that is forbidden. (There's more romance here than I would typically care for, but it's handled well and it's more 'longing' than romance for most of the book.

There are a couple of twists within the story that shouldn't have surprised me, but did - mostly because I was engrossed in the storytelling, but also because Scott does such a fine job of revealing the story bit by bit. I definitely enjoy being surprised in this way - something I should have seen coming.

While my copy of this was an ARC, this is an older title - a backlist book now, but you should seek it out if you like YA fantasy in the vein of Hunger Games or Maze Runner.

Looking for a good book? The Holder, by Julianna Scott, is a wonderful YA fantasy. But be warned ... it's the first book in a series so you may not feel the story is complete.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Requested and downloaded this book back in 2013 with every intention of reading it but then it expired on my device before I had the chance. Have felt bad about that and as a result haven't wanted to leave a review but with more and more publishers relying on Feedback ratings I need to clear out some of these older titles in my queue.

Love the setting, combining Ireland and school is a mix that definitely works and made for some great reading.

Sorry, this book was archived before I was able to download it.

As soon as I heard about The Holders by Julianna Scott, I became very excited to read it. I love the idea of Ireland as a setting, with the folklore and history that comes with that. And I especially love the idea of a story that deals with people who have special powers. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for an X-Men type storyline! The Holders also has some secrets, a romance and some father-daughter issues and I was expecting to love it beyond words.

I find myself now, as I'm sitting down to write this, struggling to identify where or what I found myself being disappointed with. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline but found myself holding back emotionally. Perhaps that will change as I continue to read this series...

At the start of The Holders, we are introduced to teenager, Becca, and her little brother, Ryland. Becca is fiercely protective of Ryland and she refuses to let anyone take him away for testing or heavy medication to limit his ability to hear voices. But these two newcomers claim to be able to help Ryland to use and enhance his abilities rather than squash it in order to become 'normal' like other medical professionals have recommended. And despite a lot of mistrust on Becca's part, she agrees to Ryland flying off to this special school in Ireland on the condition that Becca goes with him.

At St. Brigid's, Becca and Ryland became more aware of how special Ryland is and their connection to The Holders, a race of people born with special powers. But together with this change of scenery and all this new and staggering information, Becca is also forced into facing the father who abandoned their family so many years ago and she is also trying to come to terms with where Becca would like her own future and prospects to look like, especially with the growing attraction she feels towards Alex, one of the people who came to track down Ryland.

I really liked reading about the Holders and especially Alex's ability. There was plenty of surprising twists that happen concerning the prophecy of Ryland and what he respresents for the Holders. I really liked the relationship that forms between Alex and Becca very much, they're a bit tentative and unsure at the start and I love how miscommunication and assumptions on each other's parts seem to hold them apart.

It's a very interesting premise and an exciting start to the series. I can't quite pinpoint any faults with it, other than I didn't fully feel it in parts. Still, I'm very much looking forward to reading more!

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn

*Beware of spoilers*

I might be on a roll this year. I’ve rated more books 5 stars than in any past years. I’m excited to rate books 5 stars because it means they’re authors to keep on your watch list. I will definitely be keeping up with Julianna Scott. I love her writing style. I was into the story within the first 10 pages. Most often, I’m trudging through useless information. It’s rare for me the be gripped from page 1 and compelled to continue reading the story.

Becca, the lead female character, is a 17 year old physically but she is well past her years emotionally. Her mother fell apart when her father left and since then Becca has kept them safe and together. Becca is intelligent, practical, and she will stand up to anyone if she doesn’t agree with them. She’s got a lot of spunk and fight in her. Empowered lead characters are wonderful and Becca fits the bill.

Ryland is tormented by his power until visitors show up and invite him to attend a school for others like him. Others have tried to commit him and Becca has fought to keep him at home.

Becca is very much a mother to Ryland and she insists on going with him. She was willing to sacrifice her time and possibly her future to make sure Ryland is well cared for. We live in a world of such selfishness; it’s refreshing to find a character who will fight for what she believes in.

At the school, everyone has some type of power. I enjoyed Scott’s lore related to the powers and how they came to be. They range from sorcerer, mind reader, healer, alchemist, etc….and they are taught how to control and use their personal power. Ryland finally has some peace and normality in his life. He loves the school; he fits in well.

Becca has some daddy issues. We get to see her grow and evolve and finally confront the situation. I was so proud of her; it takes a lot of gumption to risk your feelings by letting it all hang out.

I could tell what the plot twist would be but it did not ruin the story for me because I enjoyed the journey with Becca. I was pleased that Chloe and Becca became such good friends. Becca deserves some good things in her life.

Alex works for the school and helps bring in recruits. He and Becca become close. At one point Becca has a conversation with herself, talking her way out of having a crush on Alex.

But she cannot intellectualize her feelings although she tries. Alex is a great guy. I very much appreciated the time they took to get to know one another.

I’m being vague on the plot because I don’t want to ruin the story. The Holders is worth reading!

The character development was perfect. I felt like I knew the characters intimately. It’s a well written book with a solid plot. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I recommend the book to young adults and women. There is no sex, just a great story and well-developed characters.