Review: Promises by Amber Garr

Genre: Fantasy | Mermaids

Synopsis:

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. 

Kain, her devoted fiance, would make a wonderful husband except that she's been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. 

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan's life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape. Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

Review:

This novel is jam-packed with teenage angst and drama. Eviana is smitten with her childhood friend, Brendan, a handsome and smooth-talking selkie. Despite how determined Eviana is to be with Brendan, I couldn't help but hope that she would change her mind and fall for Kain. 

The selkies were probably the most exciting aspect of the novel. Every so often I will come across a novel that mentions them, but Promises really explores the mythology and makes selkies the stars. 

I enjoyed the plot, but had some issues with the characterization. Eviana is extremely immature for a seventeen-year-old. Maybe Garr did this to really emphasize how much she has to develop when leadership is thrust on her; however, her personality made her very unrealistic. She acted like she was thirteen, not a noble with an immense amount of responsibility.

Overall, I enjoyed Promises. It was a very quick read. I think it's worth checking out.

Rating: 3 out of 5 owls

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Review: Forever Fae by L. P. Dover

Genres: New Adult | Fantasy | Faeries

Synopsis:

He leans down, lips parted, and then our lips connect...We didn't know that this one kiss has FOREVER changed the Land of the Fae. 

According to the Prophecy proclaimed many years ago, Princess Calista of the Summer Court is destined to change the Land of the Fae from the evil determined to destroy it. Her powers are phenomenal, and she secretly trains for battle with her handsome warrior friend, Merrick, who unbeknownst to her protects her heart as well, in hopes of keeping it for himself. At least, until the seductive Prince Ryder attends the Guardian Ceremony and instantly sends a fire burning through her veins and a connection so deep they both discover a love above anything imaginable. 

No one knows how Calista is destined to change the kingdoms, but there is one that does. He not only craves Calista's power, but her body as well, and his goal is to steal her power, make her his Dark Queen, and take over the Land of the Fae. 

Will the evil succeed in claiming Calista's soul? Or will the two men that fight for her heart save her from despair, and help her fulfill her destiny to become what she was meant to be. 

Review:

The cover is so PRETTY! 

Based on the descriptions of the creatures and the types of magic evident in Forever Fae I can tell that Dover did a ton of research for the novel. However, I feel like the presentation of the characters, especially in terms of their language and general immaturity, is a disservice to the genre. 

I feel that there is so much potential with the plot and the world that Dover created. The characters seem disjointed in places because they shift from formal courtly language to using modern slang in the next sentence. Many of the images are beautiful, but I feel disappointed because Calista's magic was placed on the back burner. Every so often her magic is brought up--leaves and skin changing color along with controlling roots--but nothing is truly explored. The love triangle remains a strong focal point. I believe that if  there were only one perspective there would be more room for this type of exploration. 

As it stands now, I think the novel needs a couple of revisions to really capture the essence of Dover's world. It's not bad, but it could be better.

Rating: 3 out of 5 owls

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Review: My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

The Drakes are rather different to your usual neighbors. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solnge, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more that just friends with Nicholas. But hot does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer.

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed My Love Lies Bleeding. This is a fast read that will keep you laughing and will leave you feeling good when you reach the end. The characters are endearing, the plot moves quickly, and there is a balance of adventure, suspense, and romance.

While I wouldn't say the plot is original, it is the epitome of the teen vampire romance. Think Twilight but with vampires who actually drink human blood. I liked that there were different types of vampires that represent a variety of mythologies from across the world. Though many of the plot twists were predictable, the plot kept moving.

Despite My Love Lies Bleeding (aka Hearts at Stake) being very entertaining, be warned that there is tons of corny moments, fluff to the extreme, and nothing special that sets it apart from YA vampire romances. I really enjoyed it, but I'm not sure that a few months from now I will remember it. This is a novel that one curls up and reads in one sitting.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Goddess Legacy by M. W. Muse

Genre: Mythology

Synopsis:

Legacy Kore is an average seventeen year old with your basic insane crush on the hottest guy in school...rather Adin Shepard was the hottest guy in school before he graduated a couple of weeks ago. Now it's summer vacation and she's not sure when she'll get to see him again. Until he shows up at her surprise seventeenth birthday party. Cue saliva glands-it's time to drool.

But her giddiness is cut short when her guardian delivers an emotional blow, telling Legacy her mother hadn't died when she was a baby, but that she'd left for Legacy's protection all those years ago. After the initial shock, she expects some story about how her mother was in the Witness Protection Program or something else just as crazy, but when she is told that her mother is a Greek Goddess and that Legacy is changing into one too, she thinks her guardian needs a trip to a mental hospital.

While trying to make sense out of something that was impossible to believe, Adin asks Legacy out on a date. She is thrilled that her fantasy might become a reality, but when she meets the new guy in town, River, she discovers everything isn't always as it seems, and the legacy she wants just might not be the legacy she is destined to have.

Review:

Muse presents an original interpretation and experimentation  of classical Greek mythology. I greatly enjoyed the concept of the gods being "reborn" and able to rewrite their destinies. Legacy is the heroine that we see time and time again--the teenage girl that is smitten with the hottest guy in school. In typical fashion this handsome stud falls for her and does everything he can to be with her. Adin is the adoring boyfriend who doesn't want to rush things, is very protective of his lady love, and is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect her. Include deceit and omission of details about his love's identity to that list of eligible qualities.

What bothered me was that the entire time Legacy was explaining her identity and River's role in her life to Adin, he already knew all of it. Yes, I understand that it was a plot device to throw in a twist at the very end; however, when I realized that Legacy could have avoided a great deal of heartache if he would have come forward at the beginning, I became frustrated. Instead of throwing out more drama in the end, Muse could have had some major event happen--Legacy getting herself hurt doesn't count. I was not biting my nails over that. By having Adin withhold the information from Legacy, Muse not only discredited her characters, but it squashed a great climax into nothing. There was no peak of action in the plot of this book. It was an overload of information that was repeated several times, yet left me wondering where the author was taking the plot. Based on the information in the first book, the next will be the same--an encyclopedia of cryptic information that does essentially nothing to progress the plot.

Here is what happens--Legacy gets a boyfriend, finds out she's a goddess, is courted by a new guy she is destined to be with, ends up getting herself hurt, and finds out her boyfriend has been lying to her from the beginning and her mother still wants nothing to do with her. Nothing "big" happens.

The saving grace for this book was the focus on Legacy developing her powers. It isn't just a love story. The characters are affected by her powers and her reactions are somewhat realistic. Overall, I believe Goddess Legacy is more suited for a younger (teen) audience. Muse has a great idea going for her and I hope the next books develop more that the first.

If you enjoy Greek Mythology I would recommend you to at least check out Goddess Legacy. You may find it worthwhile.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



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Review: The Vampire Underground by Brian Rowe

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

Sixteen year-old Brin Skar hates everything to do with being scared, so she isn't happy when she discovers that her junior year Film class at Grisly High is devoted to the horror genre. Worse, the first assignment for the students is to create their very own horror movies.

Brin and five classmates travel to Bodie Ghost Town in California to shoot their creepy film, but they soon find themselves fighting a real terrifying threat when a clan of mean, ruthless vampires emerge from beneath the surface and start attacking the group. The teens, headed by Brin and the egotistical director Anaya Frost, have no help from the outside and become outnumbered by the bloodsuckers a hundred to one.

But when Brin meets Paul, a helpful and smoldering vampire outcast who's had enough of his shameful life, she discovers he may be the only key to their survival.

Review:

This book is just weird.

I was excited at the premise that the vampires would be the "true to legend" type and would be vicious bloodsucking machines. And that is indeed what they are. There are scary images and horror scenes--Rowe definitely accomplished that. However, the humor was not convincing and made the scary vampires look silly and ridiculous. There was a game show of horror where the vampires behaved as if they were on the price is right. This completely killed the intense image they had portrayed mere chapters before.

Original--perhaps. Entertaining--not so much. I enjoyed the references to the cult classics and the shift from the happy and sparkly Cullen vampires. The fear was realistic and not all of the characters make it out of the town. There are some redeeming qualities, but I don't feel the need to continue the series.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she'd always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel--all because of Finn Holmes. 

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken...though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth--and he's come to take her home. 

Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become...

Review:

I will start this one off with by expressing my appreciation for Amanda's creative spin on troll legends. The "tryll" are not the gastly beasts of the common fairy tales we have all grown to love. These trolls are insanely beautiful, talented in magic, and tres chic when it comes to fashion and parties. 

I really like that Wendy came from a very tragic past. Her human mother tried to kill her when she was a child. Add that bit of drama to the fact that (like every other teenager on the planet) she cannot get past her negative self-image and low self-esteem, Wendy is definitely one angsty teen. 

After the handsome Finn comes into the picture and reveals that she is actually a changeling and must return to take over the tryll throne, Wendy's world is rocked in a way that no teen's should be. She shifts from having one mother who tried to kill her to a super rich and gorgeous mother who has no emotional attachment to her whatsoever and merely wishes to use Wendy for her own personal gain. 

Talk about some family love. I thought that given the situation Wendy handled the cards life dealt her with as much gumption and determination as possible for a teenage girl. 

My only hang up is the writing style. I wasn't too fond of it, though there were definitely quote-worthy moments. As a genre it's not what I usually read (this was my first novel about trolls), but I bought a used copy of the Torn to see what happens next. 

I've been on the fence about the rating for this one, so I'm going to give the novel a chance and give it a 4 out of 5. I'm hoping my reservations are there simply because I'm new to this sub-genre.

Rating--4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Hook's Pan by Marie Hall

Genre: New Adult | Fantasy | Fairy Tales

Synopsis:

Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her staring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she'd the soul mate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew. 

Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed. 

What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there. 

Review:

I really liked the twist Marie Hall took in revamping the classic Peter Pan fairy tale. Hook is a smoldering, misunderstood brute who only wants revenge for the murder of his mermaid love. That all changes when Trishelle drops at his feet. These characters are headstrong and stubborn. There is enough character development between their steamy interactions to keep the plot interesting. 

The imagery was so delicately woven that I felt like I was seeing everything that Hook and Trisha were experiencing. The mermaid realm is simply beautiful. I enjoyed the witty banter and the realness of the characters. Trisha and Hook did not like each other at first, and I appreciate that. 

Normally I do not like typical "reincarnated" soulmate love stories; however, Trisha remained an individual and didn't regain all of her soul's memories and start having multiple personalities. She started off as Trisha and she stayed Trisha. I'm very excited that there are other novels in this series. I will definitely check them out. 

I received a copy of the text on NetGalley, so I didn't realize that this was the fifth in the series. It serves as a stand alone novel, though there are multiple references to the previous books. I think it's worth the read and I will definitely read the rest of the series.

Rating:4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Genre: New Adult | Mythology

Synopsis:

What do Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect

players in their games. 

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will her his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that. 

Lew and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can. 

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aphrodite's mortal love--they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with. 

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans. 

Review:

This book is hot, steamy, and just a tad bit sexy.

I have mentioned this before in other posts, but I am a huge fan of Greek mythology. Staci Hart sticks very close to the classic lore while still managing to make the characters her own.

The banter and competitive nature was perfect. While I love books that portray the gods in their infinite wisdom, it was refreshing to see them keeping up with the times and the change in lingo.

Staci managed her transitions very smoothly, though I felt a few of the flashbacks were unnecessary--but I know the lore so it could just be me. Still, they were beautifully written and Staci has a great style. Overall, I stepped away from Deer in Headlights feeling like "I just read a good book."

There are some steamy scenes. Just letting you know.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Savor by Megan Duncan

Genre: Supernatural | Vampires

Synopsis:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. in a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past she never knew existed. 

Review:

This is a page turner for sure. Megan Duncan has created a world run by warring vampires. Claire has her world and everything she has ever known turned upside down overnight. Talk about a happy birthday.

Robin, who reminds me of that spunky optimistic friend that every girl has, acts as Claire's rock in this new environment. Ana and Luka are clearly the antagonists--I mean, c'mon, Claire takes the throne from them. I'd be angry too. Dmitry and Arrick are wonderful. Sexy hunks of man flesh. I love a drool-worthy love interest and she gave me two.

I was a little disappointed that Claire's new 'parents' did not put forth more effort to get to know her before acting like they just had nothing but unconditional love for her. I didn't buy it. Claire kept having the feeling that she was being used, but her longing for parents who loved her clouded her judgment. In the end she was right. 

What I loved: Claire gets the (second) shock of her life when she realizes that she doesn't actually know who she is. The ending really is terrific. Congrats to Megan for keeping her audience on their toes. The big ending made all the fake cliches make sense and it added a whole new dimension to the drama. Loved it.

Oh, and the cover is gorgeous. Enough said.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: A Diamond In My Pocket by Lorena Angell

Genre: Fantasy | Heroic

Synopsis:

When Calli Courtnae breaks the World Record for the 100m, she is invited to Montana to prepare for

National tryouts. However, upon arrival using her lip reading ability she realizes she's been lied to, or at least not told the whole truth. She's a superhuman, a Runner, and her new world includes transporting packages for other supernatural groups. 

She's paired up with an overly anxious Gothic roommate, is continuously glared down by the gorgeous top-dog, Chris, who feels she doesn't belong, and is placed on a delivery team to transport a valuable magical diamond to a clan of terrorists who can kill with their thoughts. 

Chris, the team leader, is given the diamond, but Calli secretly received the real stone along with a vision of the future and an explanation of why she was hand selected to carry out the mission. Almost immediately the hidden diamond oozes unprecedented additional powers and abilities in Calli, making her more sought after than the diamond itself. 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a quick read and is full of adventure, drama, and angst. Lorena took great care in creating this world--rules, social caste and all. Even though it is obvious from the start that the characters are superhuman, their lack of empathy makes them a bit unrealistic. 

While I like mature characters--not all teenagers are controlled by hormones--Calli seemed too old for a junior in high school. However, she started to grow on me when she didn't pine away after all the cute boys and remained level headed in her difficult situations. Even without the powers that the diamond gave her Calli was able to base her decisions on the possible consequences. 

Lorena's explanation for the reason as to why humans manifest certain abilities was very scientific and believable. I liked that her explanation warranted that almost all humans are affected, not just a select group. I feel that her plot was original and a very interesting twist on the typical superhero theme. 

I will definitely read the next book in the series, A Diamond in My Heart.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Faeries

I think I enjoyed Spells more than Wings. Laurel seemed to mature and get over herself. Her struggles in her classes in Avalon were more realistic. I enjoyed learning about the different traditions and social expectations that the faerie uphold. 

What I loved most was the undeniable chemistry between Laurel and Tamani. The "love" between Laurel and David just can't compare. I'm shipping for Tamani all the way. 

Pike has a beautiful writing style and her descriptions of Avalon are spectacular. New characters were introduced, but the mystery stayed throughout the book. There was plenty on conflict and just enough action to keep the plot interesting. 

The only reason Spells doesn't get five stars is because there was a little too much of the "We know you know absolutely nothing about our culture, but we expect you to abide by and suddenly know all the rules. Oh, and hurry it up." That was my only complaint. Other than that, Spells is a gem.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Review:

Oh my goodness, why did it take me so long to read this book?! Apparently I've been really into science fiction sub-genres lately. Maybe I just have a thing for reading about dystopian societies. Whatever the case, I couldn't put Divergent down. I was thrilled with Tris as the heroine. She was grew to become strong, yet she was always very aware of her weaknesses. It was her determination and perseverance that made her endearing. I also appreciated that she didn't rush into a relationship and she didn't fall in love quickly. For a fictional relationship, Tris and Four fell in love in a more realistic way. They have made my favorite couples list.

The structure of the government and factions is still a little foggy to me, but I expect I will understand more once I read Insurgence. The only complaint I have is the timing of the event that I can't name because it would be a total spoiler. There were some timing issues that made the climax seem a little rushed.

Despite that, the descriptions of the simulations were beautifully horrific. Divergent is full of surprises that will keep you on your toes. I felt the full spectrum of emotions while reading it and the characters made their way into my heart with ease. I can't wait to read Insurgence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Trailer:

This is a fan-made trailer for a movie, but it works for the book as well.

Review: Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer

Genre: Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

Miranda's disbelief turns to fear in a split second when an asteroid knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sun-room, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove. In her journal, Miranda records the events of each desperate day, while she and her family struggle to hold on to their most priceless resource--hope. 

Review:

I LOVED this novel.

As the protagonist of the novel, Miranda grew slowly and realistically as the conditions of the world around her changed and she had to take on the responsibility of taking care of her family.

This novel will shock and scare you. It will make you take a step back and evaluate yourself. Are you prepared to face such a disaster as the conditions of the earth changing so much that there is no more electricity, more more food, and contaminated water? Disease spreads like the infamous Spanish Flu in history books and gang violence increases. Would you be able to keep your wits about you and survive? Would you want to live in a world where everything you have ever known is gone?

This novel, written in heart wrenching journal entries, will force you to consider the worst and reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses. For those who don't like feeling depressed while reading a book, there's a ending full of hope. There is a little bit of love, but I expect more in the sequels.

Read it. It's amazing.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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Review: The Game by Monica Hughes

Genre: Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

The Game is just the beginning...

It's the year 2154. Lisse and her friends have been deemed unemployable in the eyes of society. now they must scavenge the disintegrating city for food and shelter, just to make ends meet. 

But their dismal existence starts to look up when Lisse and her friends are invited to participate in The Game, an experience highly regarded in their society. The Game is a virtual reality experience where they are challenged to survive, But as they spend more time in The Game, the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur. What started as a simple exercise becomes a test of endurance, trust, and their will to live. 

Review:

The first time I tried to read this book I only got about a quarter of the way through. Every so often I would try to pick it up again, only to lose interest. On my way down to Florida recently, I decided to give it another chance. I started over and read it straight through.

I was delightfully surprised. While it wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be, The Game has a very interesting concept in terms of choosing people to start a new life on another planet. I know that is a huge spoiler, but this is a science fiction novel so be prepared.

The novel starts off with an overload of characters being thrown at the reader, and the plot is slow for several chapters. Call me crazy, but I tend to like books that have a swift moving plot. However, once Lisse (the protagonist) and her friends learn of the game, the plot picks up speed and gets interesting. The novel reminds me of Lowry's The Giver, but with less sophistication.

What I liked about The Game is the realistic way in which everyone acts and handles each other. Though the conversations are rather simple, Hughes emphasizes the difficulty the teens have at adapting to an environment completely different from everything they have known. Hughes did a wonderful job at creating the environments in the game. The problems within the government and society are realistic and we get enough of a glimpse to stay intrigued.

Overall, the third time around I enjoyed The Game. I would suggest it to Science Fiction lovers. At least give it a chance.

Rating: 3 out of 5

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Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Genre: Paranormal | Witches

Synopsis:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generation. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. 

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautifiul girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. 

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. 

Review:

My first review of the year happens to be of the last book I read last year. It is coming a month after I finished it, but here it is. I just saw the trailer for the movie again and decided it was time to stop being lazy and get this review finished. 

This novel is a delight. The majority of the novel is written in Ethan's perspective, which is a refreshing change. Lena and her family retain a level of mystery up until the very end. There is a TON of angst between the teens and pretty much everyone else. There isn't an overload of information in one single spot, but because Ethan has no idea what Casters are or what they can do, there is a lot of explaining. Still, there is enough plot movement to keep it interesting. 

One thing I absolutely loved about the setting of Beautiful Creatures (Gatlin, SC) is that it shows both the good and bad aspects of Southern culture. I'm a born and bred Southern girl who loves the South. While the people in the small town of Gatlin turn against the Ravenwoods, there is still a strong degree of loyalty and familial love that resonates throughout. I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the dreams that take place during the Civil War. 

All in all Beautiful Creatures jumped to my favorites list by the third chapter. I can see myself reading it again and again and catching something new each time. I am anxiously waiting to see the movie.

Rating: 5 out of  5 owls

Movie Trailer:

The Spanish moss is just gorgeous!