Author(s): KAMI GARCIA AND MARGARET STOHL
Genre: YA FANTASY/SUSPENSE
I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads
ReviewEthan Wate lives in a small town, where the faces stay the same, and nothing of consequence ever seems to happen. Until, Lena Duchannes shows up on a stormy night. She shatters Ethan's world, and changes his outlook on everything.
In BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, Lena is a mysterious girl, who quickly becomes the school outcast. Ethan knows that he will suffer the same fate, if he continues his association with the compelling teen. But, he doesn't care. Somehow, he knows that they belong together.
Lena has secrets, though. Very dangerous secrets. A destructive power is rising in Gaitlin, South Carolina; Lena and Ethan find themselves smack in the middle of a centuries old curse. Ultimately, Ethan and Lena will have to defend their family, their world, and their love.
I really liked reading BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. It was one of the few books where I had prior knowledge of the authors experience writing the novel. This insight helped in my total immersion in the world of Gatlin, South Carolina. The novel is a good example of a gothic read. I liked how little by little, Lena's past and her progeny was revealed.
The book was a hefty 563 pages, so it was important that I want to keep reading, and not get lost along the way. I think that this was accomplished remarkably well, without having pages and pages of info dump, or background that might have been necessary for the authors, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, but not as important for the readers.
One of the other features of the book that I enjoyed, was the fact that the novel was told from the point of view of the male character, Ethan Wate. In the past, I have read many YA fantasy, urban fantasy, suspense, and paranormal romance. Most of these books are from the point of view of the female main character. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES offered a fresh voice, without making the male either too macho, or too emo.
I put off reading this book, because it was the read for my online book club (Night Owl Society). The down side to this approach was, I kept asking myself why I waited so long to read it. But, the upside is, now I don't have to wait so long for the next book, BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS!
Also, take a look at my Good Reads review of this book, for more insight. (There will be spoilers!)
My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4.5/5
Great review. I think that you would really like Minder , its a YA paranormal, but it really different and the author has a strong voice.
ReplyDelete@Kate: I love book recs! Sounds very intriguing. Added to my Good Reads TBR list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have heard great things of this book. I have it on my list to get but haven't been able to get it yet. I am glad you enjoyed the book so much. :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTurns out that what I was reading was an advance copy of the book. It will be coming out in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to raid my friends bookshelves more often!
I'm in the middle of this right now and loving it! I'm a huge southern gothic fan and I also enjoy the male POV for a change. I'm sure there is something out there that will prove me wrong, but I seem to find that dual authors bring a lot to a book, as far as how tight the writing is and how well-developed the characters/plot/setting are. Maybe it has something to with someone watching over your shoulder as you write, I don't know. I'm drawing this one out, reading in stages around other books. I have a feeling I'll be panting for the sequel when I finish it!
ReplyDeleteLOL. It is good that now you don't have to wait as long for the next book :) I read this a long time ago so I feel like its been YEARS waiting for the next one to be released.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book too and I can't wait to see what happens next! Great review.
Hi, My name is Avanti and I'm a book blogger. Just dropping by to let you know that I have started linking other reviews to mine and have used yours. The review is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. Here's the link to my blog if you would like to check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://http://avantisplace.blogspot.com