Werewolves Be Damned
By: Stacey Kennedy
Published by: Entangled Publishing (2013)
My Rating: ****

Reviewed by: Denise S.

Book blurb: Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

My review: Revenge is a poison that blurs your vision. If not careful it can consume you, but what do you do when everything you’ve ever known is gone? What do you do when everyone you’ve ever loved is taken away from you right before your eyes? With the right mind and the right guides it can turn into a strength. Innocent little Nexi Jones has to find the strength to keep her sanity intact when she’s thrown into a world that was thought to be just a myth; soaking in the reality that this exists. Everything “Otherworldly,” where Guardians and witches serve to protect and vampires and werewolves roam the earth, mixed amongst the human race is something that Nexi has to come to terms with and the fact that she is one of them. Kyden, the Guardian deemed to keep Nexi safe, must show her the ways and teach her to protect not only herself but for the wellbeing of others. She must learn the ways of a Guardian and tap into her true powers as a witch.

Determined to find the werewolf that killed the ones she loved, Nexi throws herself into the face of danger with no regards to her safety. In the beginning, Nexi’s need to seek revenge was making me a bit restless. She wasn’t thinking clearly and was acting impulsively, always taking her frustration out on the people who saved her. However, I guess, this is how it is for someone who watched a murder happen right in front of them.

It was frustrating to see how immature Nexi and Kyden were in the beginning of the book, especially with the knowledge of how Kyden just wanted to keep Nexi safe. But, as it is with any book of this nature, their relationship evolves for the better. Even though Nexi and Kyden were the main characters, the one character that stood out the most for me was Valor. I absolutely loved him. When he said, “mortals need a lesson to respect the gloriousness of woman,” that’s what had me and I couldn’t help but scream a “Heck yea.”

Overall, barring the spelling and grammatical errors, “Werewolves Be Damned” was a really good read. Character-wise, I would have liked to read more about Valor and I’m hoping that there will be a Valor-centric novel in the near future.

Should you download this book? Yes, especially to those of you who are in between book series and love quick, adventurous reads.

Warm Bodies

By: Isaac Marion

Published by: Atria Books

Published on: April 26, 2011

Reviewed by: Maria G.

Publisher’s blurb: R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.

And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant house guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

My review: So, let me state that I watched the movie for Warm Bodies and loved it. So, as we all know… the books movies are based on are usually 10 times better than the movie.

And the theory stands.

Again, I loved the movie. It is cute, with a lot action and humor. A perfect first date movie, but in the book you see a darker tale from R’s perspective.

We see his day to day as a Zombie and how he navigates the social structure of a zombie hive, how he has this want to be alive, but not until the assertive and fragile Julie steps into his sight does he really do anything about it.

There is this interesting narrative that is spurred on by R’s ingestion of Perry’s brain matter, what was once just a way for him to both get some nourishment and gives him quick bursts of memory becomes much, much more involved. After a while we see R internally struggle with Perry’s (Julie’s ex) memories and Perry himself. Perry pushes R to see the world for what it is, to accept the evolution that is happening within him as well as giving a lot of insight on their beloved Julie.

One of the bright moments was when R is utterly amazed at his ability to say multiple syllabled words, formulate sentences and feel blood coursing through his veins.

Yet, my personal favorite moments were those where R and Julie just spend time together. These are the moments where we learn the most about these characters and see them evolve into beings with a purpose.

Overall, it is utterly enchanting, fascinating, witty and endearing. It also has something that a lot of YA books lack… a soul.

Now if you want to know the differences between the book and the movie, the main thing to point out is that the book is far darker than the movie. Julie’s story is heart wrenching and her father has degraded to the point where he is just a shadow of what he once was.

Also, R struggles a lot with all the changes going on and he falters a couple of times.

So, if you want to read a book that mirrors the movie than you may not like it, but give it a shot. It is well worth it.

I give this book five out of five stars.

The Archived
The Archived Series #1
By Victoria Schwab
Hyperion (2013)
My Ratings: *****

Review by Denise S.

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Publisher’s Blurb: Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous-it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

~ ~ ~ ~
My Review: The Archived contains a very thought-provoking storyline that is easy to follow and the further you go into it the more intriguing it is. Especially on the whole other world that exists outside of “life.” We are exposed to the realm of the in between, lost in the Narrows and that is where we’ll stay until we see the infamous light. Spirits become Histories to be hunted and guided to their final destination. I find that connection so profound. In essence, we are just a capsule of memories that are developed over many years of lifetime experiences and events. When we cease to exist we become nothing more than a bit of history.

I really enjoyed reading and learning about Mackenzie Bishop and the life she leads. Her vivid memories of her encounters with Da were very helpful for me to understand why she is the way she is. I like that on random moments she reverts back to her conversations with Da and his teachings. We start to get a clear picture of who he was as a person and how he plays a crucial role in her life decisions.

On these occasional flashbacks, her memory of her brother is not that far behind. It’s never easy dealing with a loss but to lose someone so close and know the secrets of where they end up is even more difficult. How do you move forward knowing your loved ones become Histories waiting to be Archived away? Mackenzie is a History hunter, a Keeper. Who knew hunting Histories required so much intense training where quick wit and precision is of the utmost importance. For a 16 year she has had to grow up fast and learn so much in order to survive the Narrows.

I feel I must add a little tidbit about my other favorite character, Wes. He’s a punk rock nerd who randomly gets introduced to us out of nowhere but nonetheless leaves a memorable mark. I really liked him not just because he had so much in common with Mackenzie but because he truly balances her out. In this serious and secretive life she leads he’s kind of the light she’s been lacking for many years. At the end of the day she is still a teenager who should be doing teenager things like having friends, doing fun things, laughing, or even smiling once in a while. As dark as Wes is portrayed to be, he’s really got the heart of gold and is a partner you can truly trust to watch your back.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good easy read. Victoria Schwab is an amazing writer who has clearly kept her readers in mind when putting this piece together. There’s an easy flow to her work that keeps me wanting to move forward. You roll through different emotions as you join in on these experiences with Mackenzie and that keeps you connected. I wanted to learn more about this character, this whole other world and life she leads, and the people she encounters along the way. It’s knowledge that lures you in and keeps you wanting more. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.

Gravity (The Taking #1)

By Melissa West

Published By: Entangled Publishing

Published on 11.2.2012

Reviewed By: Denise S.

Publisher’s Blurb: In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

~ ~ ~

We never know what we’re getting ourselves into until something unexpected happens. Our attentions are locked and now all we can do is focus on what’s going to happen next. Be prepared to face what could likely be the end of the world unless Ari and Jackson has anything to do with it. What would you do if you found out the race that you’re taught to fear and hate are beings that are no less than what you are? Living in a world where you don’t know what is real anymore, you don’t know what to believe and who to trust. Every and any choice you make has consequences. Will everything be alright or is this really the end?

My Review: Before I go on with my review, I want to let everyone know that I was not into the sci-fi that delved into the extra-terrestrials genre, but this book changed my perception of this type of series and that is mostly because how Ms. West described her aliens, none of which looked like ET! What also drew me into this tale was how Melissa West brought forth a compelling storyline of a celestial paranormal world comprised of humans and aliens facing the challenge of coexistence.

Everyone involved is tested of love, truth and commitment. Ari is a strong girl that has been taught the techniques of strength and strategy. This makes for a lovely and strong protagonist that one can surely look up to. Ari is next in line to be commander and her job is to protect the people, which she does without a second thought, regardless of race.

As the story progresses, you learn that Ari is not only intelligent and independent, but she is very aware of her abilities and is up to the task and challenges that she faces throughout the book. One of the highlights of Ari is that we get to see her evolve emotionally and physically and she becomes quite a character.

Of course there is a boy that spurs her motives on and he is Jackson. Jackson, in short, is pure mystery that will blow your mind. Even though he asks to be trusted, can Ari truly trust him? My feelings fluctuate with him. First, you should never trust the antagonist. Their motives are a bit sketchy. Until they show some empathy and then you’re torn. Second, he’s hiding something and I want to know what it is.

I like that the romance develops gradually through the book. We’re not overwhelmed with the lovey dovey he said, she said or what they’re thinking about each other. It doesn’t overshadow the main point which is the possibility that all species could be wiped off the face of the Earth!! However, it’s still fun to see how they grow into themselves.

There are a couple of characters that I’d like to read more about and that is Gretchen and Lawrence. Gretchen is Ari’s best friend and Lawrence is bound to Ari based on social status. Things don’t turn out the way it’s supposed to and we see sparks fly in the most uncommon places. Their loyalty to their friend to do what’s right proves to be most admirable and are heroes in my book.

Actually, the mystery of the “strategy” is what drew me in. The further I read the more interesting it gets. As it is with most books, the climax occurs further in the book, but be prepared because once the action starts it moves so fast you’ll want to keep up. It gets juicy.

Overall, Gravity was a good read and I look forward to reading the next book in “The Taking” series.

Iced: A Dani O’Malley Novel (Fever Series)

by: Karen Marie Moning

Publshed by: Delacorte Press

Published: October 30, 2012

Reviewed by: Maria G.

Publisher’s Blurb: The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.
 
Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

My Review: After reading Shadowfever I, like many others, thought, “Is this really the end to the series?”

For a couple of months, we held on to hope that Karen Marie Moning would just take a couple of years off and then give us a new chapter in this beloved series. That was not the case…

What we got was a novella that was based in the Highlander Series, but gave us some insight into the Unseelie King and what drives him. We also got to see our beloved Mac and Barrons in graphic novel form as they set off on a new adventure that revolved around the Fear Dorcha and finally we got the first in a trilogy that revolved around the diminutive powerhouse and once sidekick to Mac, Dani Mega O’Malley.

Wait, are you scratching your head at the choice of a new central character in this universe. Well, to tell you the truth… I had my doubts also. Yes, Dani is entertaining and her relationship with Mac and Barrons was a great plot point in the main Fever series, but is she enough to carry this series and help move it on to the next chapter? After reading this first book, I can honestly say yes.

I am trying to not give away too much of the plot… So, bear with me.

We follow Dani and her merry, well not so merry, band of so-called “Superheroes” as they attempt to save their beloved Dublin (and the world) from a dreaded creature that originates from faery.

As the story progresses, we learn more and more about Dani, the men that protect and own Chester’s, (which is the last remaining club that allows willing humans and the unseelie to interact), we see how humanity is surviving after the wall fell and we also get to learn more about two Unseelie Princes and the troubles of the humans they interact with.

Before I go on, I want you to know that even if Dani is the voice and is the main protagonist of Iced, there was a slew of characters that she encounters and interacts with that help make this book so enjoyable, like the men that refuse to leave her side: Ryodan (yes, Ryodan), Christian (yep… that Christian) and Dancer (her best friend).

Then there are the Sidhe-seers in the Abbey and their calamitous plight as they try to keep a certain someone in check. We also get to learn more about her friend Jo and one of Ryodan’s men named Lor… who, for all intense purposes, has become my new favorite in the series.

The best part of this story is Dani; she is this positive and determined ball of energy that has found a purpose in a world where hope is almost completely lost. In a lot of ways, she really is a superhero. But, it does not stem from her speed, it comes from her compassion. She sees herself as protector and no one will stop her from being that person. At times, you forget that she is a child, but then she says certain things and you realize that this adolescent has freely and willingly taken on all this burden that everyone else has shirked and as you shadow her on her journey all you can so is cheer her on and hope that she fulfills her destiny… whatever that is.

There are some horrific moments, some movie-quality action sequences and some moments that make you stop and fall off your chair laughing. There is this one chapter that encompasses all of the above and it had me on the edge of my seat and it alone is worth the price of purchasing this book.

By the way, that last chapter in the book will make you go, “Oh S*&@!”

Do I recommend this book? Yes, I give it five out of five stars. So, go to your local bookstore or hop on-line and pick Iced up.

Weathering Rock

By: Mae Clair

Published: October 2012

Published by: Lyrical Press

Reviewed by: Christie G.

My rating: ***

Publisher’s Blurb:

Drawn together across centuries, will their love be strong enough to defeat an ancient curse?

Colonel Caleb DeCardian was fighting America’s Civil War on the side of the Union when a freak shower of ball lightning transported him to the present, along with rival and former friend, Seth Reilly. Adapting to the 21st century is hard enough for the colonel, but he also has to find Seth, who cursed him to life as a werewolf. The last thing on Caleb’s mind is romance. Then fetching Arianna Hart nearly runs him down with her car. He can’t deny his attraction to the outspoken schoolteacher, but knows he should forget her.

Arianna finds Caleb bewildering, yet intriguing: courtly manners, smoldering sensuality and eyes that glow silver at night? When she sees Civil War photographs featuring a Union officer who looks exactly like Caleb, she begins to understand the man she is falling in love with harbors multiple secrets–some of which threaten the possibility of their happiness.

Finding a decent guy who’ll commit is hard enough. How can she expect Caleb to forsake his own century to be with her.

My Review: Arianna, a history teacher whose specialty is the Civil War, is a respectable girl who had recently broken up with her boyfriend but managed to still maintain a close friendship with him. By chance, after a girl’s night out, she ran into Caleb.

Caleb is a colonel, the youngest man to ever obtain the title, who fought to become a man on his own terms. Although he was born into wealth, his father’s business never intrigued him; he knew that the army was where he belonged.

Both Caleb and Arianna are intrigued with one another, the attraction was instantaneous and they could not get enough of one another. However, with every great romance come trials and tribulations, but can the love that Arianna and Caleb truly conquer all? I will leave that for you to find out.

Regarding the paranormal aspect of the tale, well that involves Caleb being a Werewolf and Seth Reilly, a one-time friend that was also transported to the future and who had also cursed Caleb with Lycanthropy. Regarding the Lycanthropy, Caleb’s great, great, great nephew (Wyn) tries to help with the curse with the help of medication.

Caleb being a werewolf was a big part of the tale because he was infected by someone he had considered a friend. Seth, the man in question, let his jealousy take over and stabbed Caleb in the back. But by the way it was written, Caleb felt that he deserved what happened to him because he sent his friend Seth to the frontline during a battle and as a result of that devision Seth was seriously injured. Ultimately, Caleb blamed himself for something that could not be avoided and as a colonel he made a decision and had to follow through with it.

In hindsight, my favorite character had to be Winston a.k.a. “Wyn”, Caleb’s nephew. Although Wyn took care of Caleb with the whole trying to find a cure for lycanthropy, his uncle never thanked him, and that was only because Caleb felt that he was unworthy of friendship and did not want to get close to anyone after what had happened with Seth.

This story had so many twists and turns and a slew of characters with intricate and interlaced storylines that at times I felt like I needed a graph of some sort remind me how everything and everyone was connected.

If anything, I was rooting for Caleb and Arianna and found myself skipping around for their moments together.

Overall, even though it was not one of my most enjoyable reads, I can see how someone that loves historical fiction, mysteries and paranormal romance would fully devour this book in no time.

That is why I think you have to have a certain mindset in order to not only follow the story, but to also really appreciate it.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: An ebook copy of this novel was provided to me, by the publisher and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion. I have not been paid to review this book.

Forbidden

The World of Nightwalkers
By: Jacquelyn Frank
Ballantine Books – October 30, 2012
My ratings: ***

Review by: Denise S.

Publisher’s Blurb: The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

My Review: Forbidden is a story of life after death & second chances, but with a twist. The generations of war between the Templars and Politics are long overdrawn and there must be an end but how and who will be the one to stop it? Spirits of the Ether find hosts in the human race to bring them back so they can walk amongst us, blending souls where one is never lost but with the strength of their counterparts they can serve and protect their society. Love knows no bounds and hopefully that’s enough to put an end to the endless feud between the enemies.

We are introduced to a whole slew of characters in the beginning of the book which was a bit overwhelming. It was hard to follow who was feeling or saying what because of the jump in character perceptions. I like to feel what the characters are feeling as if it they are real people speaking to me and I couldn’t get that with the “he said, she said.” I did, however, enjoy the spat between Jackson and Marissa when she loses her cool for the first time. That gave me a good laugh. That was more real, raw & relative.

The plot is fascinating. There’s potential for it to be an amazing story. The elements of action, drama, and love are all there, but not properly executed. I found this book to be a bit too wordy at times which caused the actual act of reading the story to be a dread. I did like the sassiness of each character, but wished that it was kept to a minimum. After a while it leaned more towards the scale of “trying too hard” at some points of the book.  I’m not sure if the in-depth descriptions were for the purpose of the reader to really see what we’re reading but I think that Jacquelyn should trust us to really picture it for what it is and let our imaginations soar!!

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer:  An ebook copy of this novel was provided to me, by the publisher and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.  I have not been paid to review this book.

SBLC News: From Deadline

Julia Ormond is set to star in the hour-long Lifetime pilot Witches of East End. Based on Melissa de la Cruz’s best-selling novel, Witches of East End centers on the adventures of Joanna Beauchamp (Ormond) and her two adult daughters. Joanna is a sexy, warm, artistic, tough, ethereal beauty who has been concealing a shocking secret from her daughters — namely, that they are witches born and bred. Having put her magical past and powers on hold, Joanna is now living a quiet life as a small town art teacher, but in the face of a grave and immediate danger, it seems the only way out is for the trio to rediscover their skills. Maggie Friedman, who shepherded ABC’s witch-themed Eastwick, wrote and will executive produce Witches of East End with Erwin Stoff for Fox 21 and 3 Arts.

Review:

Chasing Magic

By: Stacia Kane

Published by: Del Rey

Published on: June 26, 2012

Reviewed by: Maria G.

Publisher’s Blurb:

A DEADLY HIGH

Magic-wielding Churchwitch and secret addict Chess Putnam knows better than anyone just how high a price people are willing to pay for a chemical rush. But when someone with money to burn and a penchant for black magic starts tampering with Downside’s drug supply, Chess realizes that the unlucky customers are paying with their souls—and taking the innocent with them, as the magic-infused speed compels them to kill in the most gruesome ways possible.

As if the streets weren’t scary enough, the looming war between the two men in her life explodes, taking even more casualties and putting Chess squarely in the middle. Downside could become a literal ghost town if Chess doesn’t find a way to stop both the war and the dark wave of death-magic, and the only way to do that is to use both her addiction and her power to enter the spell and chase the magic all the way back to its malevolent source. Too bad that doing so will probably kill Chess—if the war doesn’t first destroy the man who’s become her reason for living.

My review:

Let me start by saying that I have not followed this series and this is my foray into this world.

So, the story begins with Chess and Terrible happily in love. Chess seems to have issues trusting Terrible’s love for her and in all honesty he may be too good for her. I’m not sure how she was prior to this book, but there were times where I just wanted to throttle her. Mind you, Terrible has his dark moments, but he seems to overcome them and in those moments… as a reader you just have to fall for him. Chess’ self-loathing and drug use is a bit overwhelming. It seems like she is a character that is hell bent on suffering, this may be the reason why she has Lex who is the character that tries to kill Terrible?

Overall, this was an okay book, but I do not think I will continue with the series. I know, I know, Chess makes some breakthroughs, but is that enough? Mind you, I have been told that the book that preceded this one, Sacrificial Magic, was amazing. But, if the next book heads down the path that I think it will than why put myself through that?

My suggestion to you is to buy the first 4 books in the series and check this book out at your local library.

P.S. If the author reads this, I think you need to spin off Terrible and kudos to you for creating a new language.

Beautiful Creature

By: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Published on: December 1, 2009

Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Reviewed by: Maria G.

Blurb: In Ethan Wate’s hometown there lies the darkest of secrets …There is a girl. Slowly, she pulled the hood from her head. Green eyes, black hair. Lena Duchannes. There is a curse. On the Sixteenth Moon, the Sixteenth Year, the Book will take what it’s been promised. And no one can stop it. In the end, there is a grave. Lena and Ethan become bound together by a deep, powerful love. But Lena is cursed and on her sixteenth birthday, her fate will be decided. Ethan never even saw it coming.

Let me preface this review by saying that this book took over my life for the past three days, which hopefully motivates you enough to pick this book up. But, let me go into a bit more detail on why this book should be read by both young and old alike.

I am far from being a chick; I’m more like a young hen. So, I can still recall the joy and suffocation of first love and yet, due to having raised a kid, I get annoyed by the actions of these lovesick YA protagonists. That’s why I could only somewhat appreciate the Twilight series; I was overjoyed that it incited an explosion in YA publishing and has made a generation become booklovers, but I gleefully handed the books off to my goddaughter.

With that said, since Twilight there has been an evolution in YA books. We now have dedicated sections in books stores for Teen Paranormal Romance novels and this niche has made authors compete in this market. Now, we have stories that rival adult paranormal romance fiction and to tell you the truth… sometimes it surpasses the adult paranormal fiction that is out there.
This leaves us at Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I have to admit that I love books from a male’s point of view and that is because as a lady, when you read from the perspective of the female lead, you tend to project everything that character is going through to your life and therefore live vicariously through that character. But, with the male’s perspective you are just walking side by side with him as he goes on his journey. Maybe that is just me.

Anywho, we meet Ethan Wate, who is a small southern town native that is living a life that he does not want. This is all spurred on by the passing of his beloved mother, a father that has checked-out and the smallness of his town. He has Amma (the housekeeper that has raised him), his Aunt (who worked with his Mother on a research project) and his best friend Link. Yet, there is one person that haunts his dreams, a girl. This girl actually shows up in his school and her name is Lena and she is the niece of the most abhorred man in town. Yet, Ethan is still drawn to her. Over a period of time, he realizes that they are eternally bound to one another and that his sole purpose in life is to both love her and to protect her. Yet, Lena has a secret and when that secret comes out, both Ethan and Lena race to find a way to avoid the inevitable and to find a way to stay together.

That is a lot of info to ingest in three days, but after finishing it I was glad that the authors did not skimp on the pages. This book had to be 536 pages long.

As this is a YA title, there were romantic bits and it did make me remember those awkward moments, those moments of wanting to be the only people on the planet and those moments where you had no idea what to do because it was your first love. My favorite of these moments happened when Lena broke up with Ethan. You knew what was happening, but when he asked if she was breaking up with him… you just felt so utterly bad for him. There were scenes of bullying that harken back to Carrie (by Stephen King) and there were fun moments also in the book and that revolved around any scene that Link (Ethan’s best friend) was in.

Now, my favorite scenes overall revolved around Amma and Macon (Lena’s Uncle). These two were put on earth to protect these kids, but they have the added pressure of having to deal with the supernatural. Their relationship is tenuous, but filled with respect and when they are in a room together… run.

For those of you who liked Mama Day or are into the Civil War, you will be enchanted by this paranormal tale.

Is there a happily ever after? Kind of? But, you have a sense that something is still wrong. Is it with Lena? Is it with Ethan? Is it with the whole situation overall? Well, you’ll have to pick it up and read it and the other book in the series to find out.

I give this book 4 out of 5 books because it lagged a bit here and there, but I enjoyed it.

Now, my daughter listened to the audiobooks on her commute to school and work and she loved it because they had both a male and female reading as Ethan and Lena and there were sound effects. Additionally, the gentleman that read for Ethan had an uncanny knack for making each voice so distinct that she forgot it was just him reading the majority of the book.

Movie News: The movie option to Beautiful Creatures was purchased by Alcon Entertainment in 2009, with Richard LaGravenese signing on to write the script. Casting began in November, 2011, with Jack O’Connell and Alice Englert being cast as Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes. In February 2012 it was announced that Viola Davis had been cast as the character of Amma and Emma Thompson was to be both Mrs. Lincoln and Sarafine. Jeremy Irons has been cast as Macon Ravenwood. The film currently has a 2013 release date, with filming due to start in April.