Another book with a gorgeous cover. I actually picked this one up after Kirk L. Shaw raved about it on his blog. The premise of the book was just enough like Twilight to make me want to pick it up, but different enough that I feel like it can stand apart. I hate it when reviews spoil the entire book, so just let me quote Becca Fitzpatrick's blurb on the back of the book:"A book that had everything I wanted: a bad boy, a complicated romance, and a mystery that made my heart beat in double-time right up to the last page. Darkly comic and surprising."
I completely agree with Fitzpatrick's summation--it's exactly how I feel.
The love interest, Daniel, was great. He was just enough bad boy that I felt dangerous wanting Grace to be with him, but couldn't stop myself just the same. His actions made sense and I felt Despain's rendition of a teenage boy came off well. I liked Grace, too. And (of course) I love that the author let her tell the story in first person point of view. I also absolutely LOVE the first few pages--few books have pulled me in so well.
There were times I felt things happened too fast--which is SO hypocritical of me to say since that is the biggest complaint of some of latest critics of my work in progress. So I know I am ultra sensitive to that aspect, but must admit I prefer that over puttering around in scenes. I would have liked a little more description with scenery, but at the same time want to cover my mouth when saying this, because I hate tons of description.
I really liked the ending--I was worried at first. But the author pulled through and now I'm left wondering if there is a sequel. This is the type of book I thirsted to get back to, and ripped through it in less than 24 hours (which is a big deal for me since I'm a slow reader). I really hope Despain goes to the Storymakers Conference. I really want her to autograph my book. :)
This book looks good! I know what you mean about things happening too fast sometimes. I watch old movies and they take so long to unravel. Nowadays it's like instant action all the time.
ReplyDeleteHm, haven't rad this yet, but I've been told I need to. Thanks for your review. It certainly makes me think I should add it to my TBR pile. And thank you for not spoiling any of the plot for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued and may pick this one up. If it can be compared to Twilight - as long as it doesn't repeat itself, have long passages about nothing, and come across as shallow - then I'm in.
ReplyDeleteAubrie, good point about old movies! I was thinking about Rebecca today and marveling at how well Daphne DuMaurier managed to pull off the slow unraveling with the perfect twist ending.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help, Carolina! And I'm also to find another who doesn't like spoilers!
Theresa, I didn't find this shallow. I did get frustrated with the protagonist a bit, but I think that was the point and she came around by the end.
I JUST added this book to my TBR list on Goodreads two seconds ago! I read another review about it that really liked it. (And she seems pretty picky, like me!) Looks like a good one!
ReplyDeleteOh, good! You need to tell me what you think.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to add this my list. Thanks Mary. When oh when am I going to have time to read all these books?
ReplyDeleteSmall world! Bree and I went to a BYU writers workshop together in 2005. I read this novel when it was something significantly different than what it ended up like, so I'm interested to read the published version!
ReplyDeleteKate, I'm glad yet sorry to complicate your life!!
ReplyDeleteKimber, that is so crazy!! To think you saw it in an earlier form! Do you keep in touch?
I tend to go by the how-fast-did-everyone-read-it rule, and less than 24 hours is definitely a good endorsement! I'm a slow reader, too, so I understand how good a book must be to read it in one day. I've heard a lot of good things about this one. Good review! :)
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