Review: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Published: 06.21.2011

Pages: 272

Series: A Need So Beautiful (1)

Rating:  4 of 5 books

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: blog | twitter 

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

My Review

When I first picked up this book and started reading, I was a little unsure.  I had seen a few reviews around Goodreads and Lisa @ Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me had told me how wonderful it was; even so, I went into this book with a little trepidation - and Suzanne Young proved my fears unfounded with the first few chapters!  I was immediately swept into the story, and into the life of the main character, Charlotte. 

Charlotte is, on the surface, a normal teenage: she goes to school.  She hangs out with her best friend.   She loves her boyfriend.  But she also has the Need, a term she uses to describe the compulsions to help others, compulsions that wash over her randomly, leading her to complete strangers.  If she ignores the Need, the symptoms - and the results - are not good.  So Charlotte juggles her everyday life with her confusion over the Need, and the complications it creates.  Charlotte is torn in two, and I really felt for her, and her struggle.  She wants more time with Harlin, her boyfriend, but she has this other task to perform, and as the book continues, and she begins to understand more about the Need, and her destiny, my sympathy for Charlotte increased twofold.  

I really came to love the premise of this book.  It's definitely unique, and Suzanne Young did a really admirable job with the pacing of the book.  I definitely did not get bored with the story that was unfolding.  However, my heart absolutely broke for Charlotte, as she started to comprehend what being a Forgotten means: she will, in time, only exist to her Seer.  Everyone she loves will eventually forget her, even those she has helped, whose lives she has changed.  And her choice: embrace or deny that destiny, really gutted me. 

I'm also anxious to see the sequel, because well, I loved several of the characters, including Monroe, Charlotte's doctor and friend, Alex, her adopted brother, Sarah, her best friend, and Harlin.  Oh, Harlin.  What can I say except WOW.  I loved loved loved his devotion to Charlotte, and their relationship, to me, was really unique and heartfelt.  I loved the extra special connection given to them in the latter part of the book.  And I enjoyed the fact that these characters were well-developed, and not stereotypical.  

I definitely need A Want So Wicked!  This book was heart-pounding - literally - and so emotional at the end, that it brought me to tears.  I finished it late one night and woke up thinking about it, and it has lingered with me.  I think I wanted it to be a little longer, and to be a little more in depth on some of the history of the Forgotten and the Seers, etc, but overall, definitely a read to move up on your TBR list!

Memorable Quote

His mouth twitched with a smile, and his dimples deepened. "Where were you running to, Miss Cassidy?"

My stomach fluttered as I stood there, forgetting where I was going.  Where I was supposed to be.  Instead, like it wasn't even my choice, I moved forward to stand incredibly close to him.

"I was running here," I said, sounding confident.   - Charlotte and Harlin's first meeting

In My Mailbox - #10

{ ++ } Kristi at The Story Siren hosts this weekly meme which gives bloggers a chance to highlight the books we bought, checked out, won, or otherwise procured over the last week.  And whether I've came into money (brb, laughing forever) or only had the goods to splurge on a book or two, they all deserve some love.

{ ++ } This is my IMM for the past two weeks!  : ) 

For Review 

Eve by Anna Carey

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: I'm getting more and more into young adult dystopian, and this one sounds really unique!  Plus, I won it, for review!

Bought

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: Frankly, because every review I've read has been amazing.  Thought I'd give it a chance now it's out in paperback.  :)

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: SHAY!  hehe.  Okay it's the sequel to Nightshade and so far it looks really promising!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer 

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: Werewolves!  Forbidden romance!  Check out my review.

Bought 

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Further info: Goodreads |  Amazon

Why this book: I've actually already read this one since buying it, and it is amazing.  The premise and characters are unforgettable!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: Dystopian is really appealing to me these days!  I bought this one off of a friend's rec!

The First Day of the Rest of My Life by Cathy Lamb

Further info: Goodreads |  Amazon

Why this book: The premise sounded really good, the main character like someone I could identify with.  And this was in with the acknowledgements:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

( It has a very special meaning to me.  I cried. )

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: It's a historical fiction ghost story.  I think it's going to be awesome!

Paranormaly by Keirsten White

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: I've heard a LOT of good things about it!  The premise also sounds fab!

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: I keep hearing great things about Cat & Bones! Plus I love a good paranormal romance!

(Not pictured) Magic Bites by Illona Andrews

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Why this book: The description got me, and paranormal romance = my cup of tea!

{ ++ } What did y'all get this week?

Follow Friday - #14 + Book Blogger Hop - #12

{ ++ } Follow Me Friday, aka "Follow My Book Blog" is probably the coolest meme I've come across in awhile.  It's hosted over at Parajunkee's View and also now at Alison Can Read, and us amazing book-a-holics get the chance to answer a reading-related question, as well as make new friends over the weekend.  It's a great way to kick off said weekend, and a really fun and easy way of stealing our way into the hearts of fellow book blogger's.

{ ++ } Each week, Rachel and Alison each feature one lucky blogger and the feature this week is Steph @ Steph Likes Books.  Everyone please head on over to her blog, follow, and show them some love!  It's a huge honor (I think!) to be featured.

Q. How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen?

{ ++ } When I was a pre-teen and teen, I was reading a LOT of young adult books, and as I got a little bit older, I was WAY WAY into sci-fi/fantasy.  My tastes started to mature a little, branch out, and although I love both genres today still, over the years I've jumped over to this one or that one.  I definitely push myself these days to read books that are out of my comfort zones, and I try to mix up what I read - ie not all fantasy on a huge stretch, not ten women's fiction in a row, etc, so that I'm always reading something different.  I read a lot more genres now - urban fantasy, women's fiction, historical fiction, paranormal romance (BIG paranormal romance fan) but I DO still love sci-fi/fantasy and I am really partial to YA these days, which is a big change for me, since before Twilight (*gulps*) I hadn't read much YA in several years! 

{ ++ } Hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books, what better way to allow us book bloggers to mix and mingle than a bit of a reading-related social?  Every week she hosts this event, where we can throw our names in the hat so to speak, and hopefully end up with a few new friends who share our interests and our love (and in my case, obsession) of books.  It's also a party and it's all in fun!

Q: Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!

{ ++ } Hmmmm.  I've got one I've never read called The Mercy of Thin Air.  Then there's Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind, or Patricia Brigg's Steal the Dragon.  But I think my favorite is still Robert Jordan's The Eye of the World.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

{ ++ } This is the first book in Jordan's Wheel of Time series, and though I could go on and ON about how much this series means to me (I cried when the author passed away) I will instead just encourage you to read it.  : )

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Published: 10.19.2010 (Philomel)

Pages: 452

Series: Nightshade (1)

Rating: 4 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: site | twitter

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Review

Calla is a werewolf - and an alpha, destined to lead a pack comprised of the next generation of her pack, and their rival pack.  Calla's life is all about what she is destined to do - her role in life, who she'll marry, who she can associate with - but I liked her from the beginning, because Calla is the type of female character who isn't blindly waltzing toward her set future.  She's accepting of it, but not docile.  Calla is spirited and strong, confident, sassy, and very loyal to her friends and family (also fellow Pack members.)  She's a strong alpha, and a refreshing change in narrarators.  One of my biggest pet peeves is female characters who doubt themselves every other page.  Calla didn't.

Until she met Shay Doran.  Now that's a little bit misleading (purposefully.)  What Calla begins to doubt is not herself, but the future she's marching toward.  She starts to question the choices she makes, but in a way that leads toward the self-growth we see in her character over the course of the novel.

Andrea Cremer creates a fabulous and lush backdrop for Calla's struggles in Nightshade.  Both the Nightshade and the Bane packs are well-developed, and one of the things I liked best was that this book had a more urban fantasy feel to it than it did a dark fantasy feel.  That's not to say there aren't dangers - there are - and forbidden romance - there is - but it all lended to the genuine vibe of the book.  These werewolves still have to go to school, interact with humans, and obey their Pack's rules.  I love authors that can bring something new and vivid to the werewolf story, and Andrea definitely did!

I really enjoyed both the plot (of which I don't want to give too much away) and the characters.  Calla's intended, Ren, is someone that I hope Andrea Cremer reveals a little more of in the sequel, Wolfsbane.  Ren is very intriguing and I am very interested in finding out more about him, his family, and his past.  I also really liked a lot of the other, young wolves - Ansel (Calla's brother), Bryn, Mason, Dax, and Neville.  I look forward to Andrea creating even more depth to these characters, and I was fascinated by their loyalty to their alphas, and the connections that started to form throughout the joined Packs.  

The plot itself was well done.  The pacing was quick when it needed to be, and stately when it needed to be, with enough twists to keep me on the edge of my seat.  I'm especially excited to see how some of what was revealed plays out in the sequel.  And of course...then there is Shay.

I fell for Shay, pretty much from the first moment he was introduced.  Perhaps I'm blinded by love, and biased, but I think he is a very fascinating character: protective of those he cares about, and matured by events in his life, yet oddly and refreshingly young at times, fierce but laid-back, and someone who generally cares about Calla - not as an alpha, not as a future mate of Ren and a pack leader, but as Calla.  That's what I liked best about his and her interactions.  

Overall this book was a great, solid read.  I don't have any real big gripes about it (I just don't give 5 stars easily.)  The only thing I'd like to see LESS of is the love triangle.  BUT in this case, I do feel that it served a purpose - it furthered the plot - so I'll forgive the author.  :) In closing...go get this book already!

Memorable Quote

 "I'll help you with whatever's made you upset," he said. "But this morning you blew me off and I'm not going to kiss you today just so you can tell me to go to hell tomorrow."- Shay

Teaser Tuesday - #10: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

{ ++ } Miz B over at Should Be Reading hosts this weekly meme, where us book lovers get a chance to spotlight our currently-reading and basically...do a little teasing.  : ) The rules are simple: 

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.  (Full disclosure: I actually go hunting for a good teaser.  heehee.)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.  (Um.  Sometimes I post more than 2 sentences.  hee.)
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their to-reads if they like your teaser.

I can't answer.  I want to tell him everything.  I'm thinking that maybe I should try.  "It's not what you think," I start.  "When I saw Monroe, he - " 


And it's like I'm punched in the gut.  A crushing pain fills my belly, and I double over, falling to my knees on the floor.  Harlin yells my name but I can't answer.  The room is spinning.  I feel like I'm dying. 

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Published: 06.24.2011

Leibster Blogger Award

{ ++ } Marie at Ramblings of a Daydreamer and Jean over at JeanzBookReadNReview were BOTH sweet enough to award me the Leibster Book Blogging Award.  Basically this is a neat little way for bloggers to point the spotlight on other book bloggers with under 200 followers, in order to send a little love their way. 

{ ++ } The rules, once you are honored:  


1.  Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2.  Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.  Copy and paste the award to your blog.
4.  Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5.  And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun!

{ ++ } My choices are...

1. Kristen @ Kristin Can Read
2. Karen @ The Scattered Bookshelf
3. The girls over @ A Reader & A Writer
4. Laurie @ Bona Fide Reflections (SUCH a sweetie!)
5. Sophie @ Life Between Pages

{ ++ } So...go follow! 

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Published: 06.14.2011 (Egmont)

Pages: 397 (Hardcover)

Series: Hourglass (1)

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: twitter | blog

One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
 

My Review

 I'm just going to say it and get it out of the way: I loved this book.  It gets 5 stars, of 5.  Which over the last couple years, hasn't happened very often.  As my reading tastes have changed, 4 and 5 stars is harder to gain.  But this book was...fantastic.  Start to finish.  I opened it and fell into the story immediately, and closed it on the last page only regretting I'd read it THIS soon and the sequel is not even titled yet, let alone publishing any time soon.

Emerson Cole is one of the most refreshing lead female characters that I have come across in a long, long time.  All too often the trend in books tends to be heroines who have no faith in themselves, and in their abilities (whether said ability is supernatural, or simply doing well in school.)  If there is one thing I cannot stand, it's a female with no sense of self worth.  Emerson definitely did not fall into that category.  She had moments where she doubted herself, moments where she struggled to retain her grip on reality, and moments of self-doubt.  But she was also real.  And she had confidence.  I could go on and on about how much I love her, and can't wait to see more of her!

Myra McEntire has created a stunning, yet believable premise with her debut novel, Hourglass.  Shaken by her ability (curse?) to see what she thinks are ghosts from the past, Emerson Cole is dubious when Michael Weaver - who is only a few years older than her - approaches her via her brother offering to help her learn to deal with what she is saying.  Even more shocking than her instant connection to him: she isn't seeing ghosts.  What she IS seeing, and Michael's involvement, sets the tone for the rest of the novel.  Watching Emerson and Michael get to know one another was fascinating, as was understanding their bond.  Too many authors pull out the "love at first sight" card, but what I liked SO much about these two is that they were "intense interest" at first sight, which grew and was explored over the course of the book.  They didn't rush into one another's arms - if anything, they both resist their attraction, with good reason, and the tension between Emerson and Michael only made Hourglass all that more enjoyable.

I just cannot get over Myra's mythos.  The supernatural is definitely here, it's a prevalent theme, and Emerson's skepticism made it all the more genuine feeling, along with a fantastic cast of supporting characters.  For me, Michael's best friend, Kaleb was as interesting and alluring as Michael, if not so, in a couple ways.  I absolutely want to know more about the delicious Kaleb, and others, and I really hope Myra further explores the interactions and camaraderie between the group at Renegade House.  I feel like each of them has a story to tell, even Ava, who serves as a troubled foil for Emerson. 

I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.  (I'd LOVE to discuss in the comments though! Hint, hint!)  All I really can say is that this book...is one you need to read if you are a fan of YA, sci/fi-fantasy, and the paranormal.  The pacing is great - moves along quickly without leaving you behind.  The characters are fleshed out and believable.  The romance is subtle and genuine, but still left me a little breathless. 

Hourglass just might be my favorite book of 2011 so far. 

Memorable Quote

"Most of what I say is complete truth. My edit button is broken."- Emerson

TGIF - #6: Week in Review

{ ++ } TFIG is a nifty little meme hosted by Ginger of GReads, which basically kick-starts the weekend by throwing out a fun little book-related question, and also giving bloggers a chance to recap what we've posted this week for anyone who may have missed one of our events.

Q: Taking it Personal: Which books have effected you on a personal level and lingered in your mind long after you closed the pages?

 

{ ++ }  I read...a lot.  I read all genres, pretty much, with only a few exceptions.  I fangirl over books and pairings and awesome plot lines.  But the rare book that lingers and lingers with me...that's a special book.  And for me, I guess the answer is pretty simple...

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women taught me so many life lessons.  It taught me about how selfless love can be, between family members.  My childhood wasn't horrible; neither was it perfect.  But this story of the March family and what they persevered through together was truly inspiring.  I cried with Jo when Amy burned her manuscript; years later, a writer myself, I reread the book and sobbed harder than before.  My heart wrenched for Laurie, declaring himself to Jo, only to be turned down.  I burned with fever with fragile Beth, and fell in love with John as Meg did.  I've read the book a couple of times now and in the next year or so, I will probably re-read it.  It teaches so much timeless wisdom: religion is a factor, but the book talks more about doing good things than it ever preaches at you.  And there is so much love, and laughter, and family loyalty.  I just adore the book.   


{ ++ } What about ya'll?

This Week at Once Upon a Prologue

Reviews

Daimon by Jennifer Armentrout

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

 Memes

In My Mailbox

Music Monday: The Vespertine featuring Sara Bareilles

Teaser Tuesday: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Waiting on Wednesday: Darker After Midnght by Lara Adrian

Follow Friday / Book Blogger Hop

Follow Friday - #13 + Book Blogger Hop - #11

{ ++ } Follow Me Friday, aka "Follow My Book Blog" is probably the coolest meme I've come across in awhile.  It's hosted over at Parajunkee's View and also now at Alison Can Read, and us amazing book-a-holics get the chance to answer a reading-related question, as well as make new friends over the weekend.  It's a great way to kick off said weekend, and a really fun and easy way of stealing our way into the hearts of fellow book blogger's.

{ ++ } Each week, Rachel features one lucky blogger and her feature is Bonnie at Hands and Home.  Alison also features a blogger, and hers is Me, My Shelf, and I.  Everyone please head on over to those blogs, follow, and show them some love!  It's a huge honor (I think!) to be featured.

Q. Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?)

{ ++ } What a great question!  There have been several books over the years that launched my love of reading into a new genre, or ramped it up to a fever pitch.   Some authors, whether they will ever know it or not, have deeply changed the way I read books, or thought about my own writing style, and inspired me to dig deeper for my own creativity.

Books/series that totally swept me off my feet as a pre-teen: Sweet Valley High (and later, University and Senior Year), The Baby-Sitter's Club, and R.L. Stine's Fear Street series.  

Later in life: V.C. Andrews.  Patrick Rothfuss.  Beverly Lewis.  Janette Oke.  J.R. Ward.  J.K. Rowling.

And the the authors that, with their books and their writing, literally changed something about me, the way I read books, and the wy I think about good books: Jodi Picoult.  Robert Jordan.  Anne Bishop. (I can pick up Bishop's Black Jewels trilogy, and I'm home.  I start crying at the touching parts.  I laugh and laugh at the hilarious parts.  It's a little cheesy at times, but it made sense to me.  The alpha males were fucking awesome.  They bled over a little into my writing - I've since learned how to write kick-ass alpha males.  And I adored the relationships and the plot.  The trilogy will forever hold a special place in my heart.)

{ ++ } What about y'all?

{ ++ } Hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books, what better way to allow us book bloggers to mix and mingle than a bit of a reading-related social?  Every week she hosts this event, where we can throw our names in the hat so to speak, and hopefully end up with a few new friends who share our interests and our love (and in my case, obsession) of books.  It's also a party and it's all in fun!

Q: What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?

{ ++ } Just one?  Oh alright!  Probably Kelley Armstrong's The Calling...because um, hello, cliffhanger much?!  I so need to know what happens to these characters!  Um, wait, can I change my answer?  Maybe the third (untitled) book in Pat Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicles trilogy.  BECAUSE UM.  KVOTHE.  AND GAH.  I HAVE to know how it all ends.  

{ ++ } I want to wish everyone a VERY awesome weekend.  I also want to say a big, happy hello to my new followers.  I am off to do some hoppin' and hopefully will see a few familiar and a few new faces around here soon.  : )  Peace out. 

Review: The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Published: 03.07.2011 (Harcourt Children's Books)

Pages: 293 (Hardcover)

Series: The Vespertine (1)

Rating: 4 1/2 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: site | blog | twitter

 The summer of 1889 is the one between childhood and womanhood for Amelia van den Broek - and thankfully, she’s not spending it at home in rural Maine. She’s been sent to Baltimore to stay with her stylish cousin, Zora, who will show her all the pleasures of city life and help her find a suitable man to marry.

Archery in the park, dazzling balls and hints of forbidden romance-Victorian Baltimore is more exciting than Amelia imagined. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset - visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. Newly dubbed “Maine’s Own Mystic”, Amelia is suddenly quite in demand.

However, her attraction to Nathaniel, an artist who is decidedly outside of Zora’s circle, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own- still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. And while she has no trouble seeing the futures of others, she cannot predict whether Nathaniel will remain in hers.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

 

My Review

"I woke in Oakhaven, entirely ruined."

I normally do not include first sentences, or passages from the novel other than to throw in one quote that stuck with me as I read.  But when it comes to Saundra Mitchell's The Vespertine, I have a feeling I am going to be talking a lot about the lyrical, poetic feel to this heart-wrenching and gorgeous novel.   From the captivating first sentence, to the breath-taking last sentence, until I closed the book, the words stayed with me.  When I was not reading this book, I was thinking about it, and longing to read just a few pages, to get back to the mythos Saundra created.  I have read a few reviews where readers had a difficult time getting in to this book, perhaps because of the setting, but I thought that was well-researched and well-fleshed out, and again, the language and the prose was just beautiful.

Amelia Van den Broek comes to Baltimore with a mission: to make a proper match.  I liked her immensely, and right away, though, because Amelia, our headstrong protagonist, immediately falls for a Fourteenth: someone just outside the right circles, who is paid to round out the number of guests at a dinner party.  Amelia and Nathaniel Hawthorne circle one another headily throughout this book, in a way that utterly enchanted me, and at times, took my breath away.  Their relationship was, for me, the biggest draw to the The Vespertine - their instant, irrevocable connection, and the way Saundra Mitchell explored it.  It wasn't love at first sight, but it was interest and fascination at first sight.  Nathaniel is forbidden; Amelia absolutely cannot marry him.  That was part of their mutual attraction, but the other part was that these two characters shared something unbreakable and, in my opinion, were absolutely right for one another.  The depth of their tenderness toward one another, in spite of some highly tense and breathless chase scenes, really rang true for me.  It's not a game for either of them.  I found them incredibly believable as a possible couple, even though in the sense that this book is a historical novel, "couple" isn't even the right term, not for what they were to one another.

I was also a huge, huge fan of the plot.  By the synopsis's own admission, Amelia has visions, but what I loved so much was that they were woven into the story very well, and they were not the entire story.  There is a whole cast of delightful and spunky characters in The Vespertine, and they all weave into Amelia's sunset visions, which originate almost as an accident, then become a regular occurrence, as callers begin to pour into the home where Amelia is staying with her cousins.  The novel waltzes toward a climax, based on one of Amelia's visions, that does bring on the tragedy the synopsis hints at, in such a way that I was tearing through the pages to see what happened from that point on.

Another thing that greatly appealed to me was the few intervals in the present, where we saw a vastly changed Amelia.  The bulk of the story is told several months in the past, when most of the plot takes place, but the interludes with Amelia back home with her brother and her sister-in-law were particularly poignant, for this is Amelia after.  Shaken and bereft, we see her struggling to retain any sense of normalcy, and I thought those little breaks in the main plot were brilliantly done. 

I also want to applaud Saunda Mitchell on her development of her secondary characters.  There were several that I wish we had seen more of, but my favorite was Zora Stewart, Amelia's close-in-age cousin.  Zora is even spunkier than Amelia (who tries to cling to propriety sometimes) and I just fell for Zora.  I loved her side-plot, and by the end of the book, I wanted to see more with her (and it seems we will get to in the sequel, The Springsweet!)

The only reason that this is not a 5 star review is a simple one: I wish we had seen a little more info and back story on abilities like Amelia's, like where did she get hers?  She is not the only character in this book with "powers"...and I really really hope the sequel delves further into why those that do have them, do, what all they can do with them, etc.  It seemed like some of the abilities came out of nowhere.  Other than that...I loved The Vespertine, and will be swooning over it for a long time to come. 

Memorable Quote

The stars could have burned out around us, the moon could have fallen from the sky, and I wouldn't have known it. Not when he leaned indecently close and pressed his cheek against mine to murmur, "Tell me a secret."

I wanted him to tell me how he stopped time like that. How he read my mind. I wanted to admit I wondered if thoughts of me troubled him when he lay awake at night. But I could make none of that come to my lips....

Instead... I whispered back, "I've seen the future."

He didn't laugh. He didn't mock, not like he had done at Privalovna's performance. In the middle of our waltz, he stopped, nose to nose with me. He uncovered me with a look that somehow bared him, too.  And his question told me everything - that he stopped time because he needed me, that he read my mind because we were one. That I troubled his nights, indeed, because what he asked revealed it all.

"Am I with you there?"  - Amelia and Nathaniel