Book Review: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

THE LOST SAINT (A DARK DIVINE NOVEL)

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Indiebound | Barnes & Noble
Prologue here
Chapter One here 

A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Book Beginning
"Do what he wants, and you might survive," a harsh voice said into the boy's ear before he felt a sharp blow to the kidneys.

He fell forward onto the concrete, his arms splayed out in front of him.

"So this is the one who tried to get away?" another voice asked from the shadows.

Notable Scene
"I tilted my head back, taking in the glow of the glistening silver of a moon rising in the night sky as I ran, and let that feeling of power wash through me.

Tingling warmth spread up my arms and legs and into my chest.

You're in control now, that foreign voice reassured me as I ran.

I'd finally broken through the barrier."- Page 128

The wolf deep inside Grace threatens to break free. Some say let it out, some urge her to control her dangerous dark side before it consumes her body and soul. Unsure of what is right and what is wrong, Grace does know one thing for sure- she won't sit around idle while her brother Jude is lost out in the world by himself.  Swallowed up by an unforgiving city, she knows she must find Jude before it's too late. With her mother grief-stricken and her father constantly on the road, Grace decides to take matters into her own hands. She wants to train. She wants to fight. But when Daniel starts becoming secretive and pulling away from her, she begins turning to newcomer Talbot, a boy who urges her to surrender to the beast within.  As darkness lurks around every corner and danger closes in, Grace must decide who she can trust  - and most importantly, whether or not she can  trust herself.
 

THE DARK DIVINE was one of my favorite novels last year and I knew if the sequel didn't live up to my high expectations, I'd be so disappointed. So with an anxious heart and somewhat shaky hand, I opened THE LOST SAINT and took a deep breath. In hindsight, I shouldn't have worried. Once again, Bree Despain's writing rocked my world. The sequel was just as good (if not better) than the first book in my opinion.

THE LOST SAINT was a darker read. More urban fantasy to me than paranormal romance, I reveled in the tension as Grace began training to take on all manner of devilry. I have to say she earned a whole new level of respect from me in this installment. I admired the way she refused to give up when everyone around her was falling apart. She proved she was a fighter, that she could take care of herself. I knew she was a strong character from the first book, but in THE LOST SAINT, Grace really kicked some serious butt!  I also loved that there was so much turmoil with her and Daniel; it kept me constantly guessing. As the pages flew by, I had to know what was going to happen with two of them. Why was he turning away from her? Could she really trust the dangerous and oh-so-handsome Talbot?  Ultimately I wanted Daniel and Grace together, but with the uncertainty of what Daniel was keeping from her, and the arrival of Talbot (picture a hunky young Alcide from True Blood), well, it all made for a delicious distraction.

I can't say too much about the storyline for fear of giving the plot away. But I will tell you I loved this book so much that I had to go ahead and pre-order a finished copy even though I had the ARC.  I also want to mention the creatures of the night Bree Despain expanded on in this installment. It gave the book a gritty edge and added to the urgency of Grace's need to find Jude and bring him safely home.  I also loved The Depot—the bar where Grace went to look for her brother—I could feel the vibration of the pounding base as Grace descended into the dangerous lair of the seedy nightclub. I could see her in her uncomfortable vinyl pants trying to blend in long enough to scope out the scene for Jude. I could feel my own heart racing when she met Talbot, befriended him and then subsequently went on raids with him, learning how to handle evil on her own terms.

The ending of THE LOST SAINT was heartbreaking. Many questions were answered, but so many more rose to take their place. The title of the book came into play, giving the book a parting, bittersweet touch.  I can't wait to see what Bree Despain comes up next with with one of my favorite YA series of all time.

Side Note: Be sure to check back on December 27th when I feature my interview with Bree Despain and your chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Dark Divine, along with an ARC of The Lost Saint and some pretty blue signature nail polish! 

Books by Bree Despain:



Anthology

Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband, two young sons, and her beloved TiVo.
Official Website & Blog of Bree Despain

Book Review: Demon Princess: Reign Check by Michelle Rowen

DEMON PRINCESS: REIGN CHECK BY MICHELLE ROWEN

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (May 25, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble| Indiebound
Read: Chapters 1 & 2

Enter the world of Nikki Donovan, a demon princess hell-bent on living a normal teenage life.

Nikki Donovan has had a lot to deal with since learning she was half human, half demon. But things take a darker turn when Rhys, a gorgeous -- but potentially dangerous -- faery king enrolls at her high school to investigate Nikki's potential for fulfilling an apocalyptic prophesy. Nikki knows she'd never turn violent, and she certainly couldn't destroy the world...could she?

Of course, all Nikki really wants is to be reunited with Michael, a Shadow creature whose status as her personal servant is further complicated by their undeniable attraction to each other. Even though the rules of the Shadowlands strictly forbid their romance, Nikki is determined not to let Michael go. But when she is summoned to the Underworld to appear before a demon council, it will take all her courage -- and perhaps a bit of demon-level strength -- to get herself out again.

Quick & Dirty Book Review:
The first book in this delightful series, Demon Princess: Reign or Shine was a light-hearted, hilarious novel with an intriguing storyline, compelling protagonist and a whole of demon butt-kicking action. In my opinion, Demon Princess: Reign Check surpassed its predecessor. With an exciting romantic triangle and profound writing dealing with deep issues of death, choices and the consequences of our actions, Reign Check has become my favorite book within the series. Michelle Rowen has crafted a thrilling world full of demons, faeries, dragons, slayers and much, much more.

Book Opening:

"Act normal, I told myself as I pushed through the front doors of Erin Heights High School. Everything's going to be just fine.

Unfortunately that thought lasted exactly thirty seconds."

Notable Scene:

“I was either going to burst into tears or go into a rage. I hadn't decided yet. But the fury I was feeling coursed through my body, and I felt myself start to change into my Darkling form again- this time under my own power, so it didn't hurt as much.

Her eyes grew large with alarm. "What are you doing?"

Have you heard about the prophecy?" I asked her. "The one that says I just might be the one that will bring about the destruction of pretty much everything and everyone?"

She swallowed. "I thought you said there might be another Darkling it applies to."

I fisted my hands at my sides. "Maybe I was wrong." -page 230

Full Review:

Nikki Donovan is hell bent on having a regular teenage life. She's back in the human world now, having fought her demonic aunt and saved the King of the Shadowlands from an agonizing death. As Nikki adjusts back to the life of a normal high school student, things seem to be back to normal. That is until Rhys, the teenage faery king comes waltzing into school and flips her entire world upside down. Now instead of worrying about little things like those pesky demon horns popping up when she gets angry, Nikki's got to convince Rhys she's not going to destroy the world despite the latest prophecy he insists is about her. Throw in the shocker that her best friend is in training to be Buffy-the-demon-slayer and ex-boyfriend Chris is mighty suspicious about her secret demon side, everything quickly goes straight to hell. Except in Nikki's case, that's more than just an expression. As news of the prophecy begins to spread, Nikki gets called to the Underworld to face a frightening demon council. This time, it will take all her wits, a little bit of power and the magic of the boy who loves her if there's any hope of making it out of the Underworld alive.

Michelle Rowen has a way of infusing so much warmth and humor into her heroines that you can't help but root for them and immediately be on their side. Nikki is an average teenage girl, just trying to make sense of her life. She isn't perfect. She has insecurities like we all do. But she also has tremendous strength, a lot of heart, and a hilarious sense of humor that makes this series really shine. Nikki impressed me with how determined she was to help Michael from not being treated as a second-class citizen and how she put her life on the line in the Underworld to do the right thing for him, knowing full well that every moment she lingered there, she ran the risk of ending up in the same boat as he was. I also loved that despite the fact that she was terrified at times (who wouldn't be), she never fell to pieces and still managed to make light of things with some really hilarious inner monologues and witty one-liners.

The romantic triangle between Michael, Nikki and Rhys was intriguing, and added some extra tension to the book. Rhys was the complete opposite of Michael. He was moody, dangerous and downright rude to Nikki, but their interactions really intrigued me. When he opened up to her and showed some depth and sensitivity, I began to see why she would be drawn to him. Michael was extremely lovable and the type of guy every girl dreams about—brooding good looks, strong, sensitive and willing to do anything to protect the woman he loved. I think should the series continue, it will be interesting to see who Nikki ends up with. Both guys have a lot to offer in their own ways.

The Demon Princess series was a real delight to read and I truly hope that this series gets another book. There are so many open-ended story lines I would love to explore including characters like Melinda and her demon slaying activities, Kassandra, Nikki's Underworld friend (sort of), or Chris, the ex boyfriend who has an interesting "gift". I'm also fascinated by what really goes on in the faery realm and would like to learn more about its inner workings. The Underworld itself, with its ever changing scenery, frightening creatures and harsh laws was also fascinating to me. I love how Michelle Rowen has created all these different worlds instead of one set land known as "hell". It keeps things mysterious and seems even more dangerous. With so many power players, things are fated to never be peaceful for long. I'm sure whatever Rowen cooks up will keep the series rolling with her trademark brand of humor, romance and action.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for my interview with Michell and your chance to win a SIGNED copy of Demon Princess: Reign Check!

Michelle Rowen is the national bestselling author of paranormal romance novels including the "Immortality Bites" vampire series. She has sold books to Grand Central Publishing, Harlequin Blaze, Berkley Books, Walker Books for Young Readers, and Dorchester Publishing (writing as Michelle Maddox).
Visit Michelle Rowen's Official Website & Blog

Book Review: Knight Angels: Book 1: Book of Love by Abra Ebner

KNIGHT ANGELS: BOOK ONE: BOOK OF LOVE 
Paperback: 368 pages 
Publisher: Crimson Oak Publishing LLC (April 7, 2010) 
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

When seventeen-year-old Jane Taylor witnessed her father's death, something happened to her. Ever since, her thoughts have been consumed by death, going so far as to foresee the ever-changing deaths of those around her. Sixteen-year-old Emily Taylor resented her sister's closeness with their father, who died when she was six. With the strange ability to read minds, she drowns the voices out with drugs, sending Jane over the edge. When seventeen-year-old Wes Green was adopted, he moved in next door to Jane, finding in her a childhood friend turned high-school crush. All summer, the pain in his bones seemed unwarranted. He was done growing long ago. When senior year starts, however, the pain only gets worse. The foreseen changes are not expected, and far too animal for his taste. When Max Gordon found himself standing above the dying body of an innocent seven-year-old girl, he saw in her eyes something he hadn't seen in the century he'd spent roaming Earth. Her father was already dead, but there was hope to save her. Jane was her name, and already she was all he ever wanted. It was his job to bring her back, and it was his job to protect her - the biggest mistake of his life. When these four teens enter Glenwood High their senior year, no one but Max could understand the future ahead of them. Drawn together by blood and friendship, they each hide a dark secret that will soon bind them together. Max has to protect Jane, Jane wants to be normal, Wes wants Jane to love him, and Emily just wants the voices to stop... But their fate just wants them dead.

Book Opening:

Diary of Jane Taylor:

"When I think of death, I don't see what everyone else does. There's a soft whisper when you find it, and a voice telling us that it'll be okay.

We never die alone, because they are always there watching over us, protecting us, and guiding us. They are silent, like a simple gust of wind; but it is in this wind that our world can change.
Mine did."

Notable Scene:

"I froze and looked up at him. His hand was warm, his fingers resting over my own. I swallowed, the immediate connection to his thoughts too personal. I pulled my hand out from under his. Wes was frightened and I could also see it in his eyes. I searched his face, my body screaming to be near him but I know it wasn't right. He loved Jane, but inside his thoughts, it wasn't Jane he had been thinking of; it was me." –Page 108

Love. Angels. Betrayal. KNIGHT ANGELS: BOOK OF LOVE had everything I wanted and oh-so-much- more. Abra Ebner skillfully entwines romance, action and mystery into a delicious reading experience. With strong writing and skillfully orchestrated multiple character point-of-views, this standout novel completely blindsided me. To be honest, I was initially leery about diving in because I knew it was self-published. But after reading it, I have to wonder—Why  wasn't this snatched up by a major publishing house?  Despite a few typos here and there, this is a skilled, professionally written novel deserving attention —and yes, I would include it in the same category as the wildly popular HUSH-HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick. While completely different stories, I enjoyed this novel just as much!

It takes a skilled writer to alternate between multiple viewpoints. A lot of writers struggle with just two. Abra Ebner balances four character mindsets and completely pull it off.  I will say that initially I was worried I'd get confused, but I did catch on almost immediately. However, I think Ebner would've been better off not getting inside the head of Sarah & Eric as they were minor characters. But I'm glad she did alternate between the character viewpoints though. I was able to connect with each of them so much more, and to understand their true motivations, fears and deepest secrets so much better.

The writing was vivid and flowed easily. It was emotional yet also entertaining. Honestly,  I could not put it down. Emily, the misunderstood sister with the drug problem wasn't as selfish and destructive as her sister Jane perceived her to be.  Jane wasn't as self-important and gloomy when she interacted with Max, a boy with a strong otherworldly connection to Jane. Max came into Jane's life at the perfect time though his presence definitely attracted danger in the form of brother Greg, someone who definitely enjoyed leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. But Max's presence in Jane's life really saved her; she was so lost and morose before he came along. He breathed new life and a renewed sense of hope into Jane's personality. Through Max, I found myself becoming more vested in Jane's character and grew to care for her so much more.  Wes, the next door neighbor coming into a major supernatural awakening fascinated me as well. But I have to say, it was Greg—the most dangerous of the lot that truly captured my attention. Isn't that always the way? I never quite knew what he would do next, and the tension he brought to the book whipped things up to a fevered pitch until I literally couldn't put it down until I found out how it would play out.  

KNIGHT ANGEL: BOOK OF LOVE is the first installment in a thrilling new series where supernatural forces beyond our comprehension battle for human souls. Some will fall, others will prevail.  With a fresh take on issues of death, love and destiny, the book was a paranormal roller coaster ride of intense emotion and an addictive premise. Trust me you won't be able to put it down.

I can't wait to read the second installment, KNIGHT ANGELS: BOOK OF REVENGE, which recently released in September.

Abra Ebner lives in Washington State with her husband and two cats. She writes everyday, unable to find anything else that brings her as much joy, other than love. Her travels to England, Scotland, Switzerland and Germany, as well as her studies abroad in Australia have granted her a life full of wonder and excitement. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Fine Art.
Official Website & Blog

Book Review: Jane by April Lindner

JANE BY APRIL LINDNER 
Reading level: Young Adult 
Hardcover: 384 pages 
Publisher: Poppy (October 11, 2010)
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

Book Opening:

The chairs in the lobby of Discriminating Nannies, Inc., were less comfortable than they looked. I sat stiffly in the one nearest the exit where I could watch the competiton come and go, feeling like an imposter in my gray herringbone suit from Goodwill. 

Notable Scene:

"How could I sit so near him—his eyes burning with sadness, his shoulders slumped with the weight of his history—and not stroke his hair, not kiss his forehead, not hold him in my arms? Just sitting there, hands in my lap, not reaching out to him, was the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life. "No. I don't think you're a monster."

"Then let me hold you. Let me kiss you." – Page 258

The passion, the love, the heartache. It's all there. In JANE, April Lindner bridges the gap between classical Victorian England and modern day life with a completely revamped, rich plot full of love, shattered dreams and second chances.  April Lindner took the storyline from a beloved classic and stayed true to the integrity of the original plot, while somehow creating something fresh and new in the process. Much like Nico Rathburn's explosive guitar riffs, JANE rocked my world.

Jane Moore, the bright college dropout without a dime to her name was the perfect contrast to rock-and-roll god Nico Rathburn. Having Mr. Rochester be a smoking hot, tortured rock star this time around added a whole new level of heightened sexual tension to the story. With my pulse racing, I could easily put myself in Jane's shoes and imagine what it was like to show up at Thornfield mansion.  This was the home of a man who nearly destroyed himself with excess and irresponsibility.  Jane was extremely poor, plain looking and never so much as had a boyfriend. But I loved that she wasn't celebrity struck—she was rational, intelligent and honest. I couldn't wait for these two people who couldn't have had less in common to collide with one another. And when they did, it was like fireworks. I loved watching the real person underneath Nico's celebrity shell reflected through Jane's eyes.  She saw him for what he really was—what he could be if only he believed in himself to do so. There was so much more to Nico than guitar sex god. I fell head-over-heels for Nico. He was a serious artist looking for something honest and real in his life. These two were absolutely perfect for one another. I really believe Nico needed Jane to save him just as much as she needed him to bring some happiness and love into her life. The way they connected and melded together was seamless. It electrified and moved me.

JANE EYRE is my all time favorite book and gothic masterpiece. It's a dark, brooding love story with writing that flows like a melody, ensnaring your senses and consuming your soul.  When I found out about JANE, I was a bit wary.  I needn't have worried. April Lindner definitely maintained the heart and soul of JANE EYRE, while somehow succeeding in making this retelling all her own. Do you need to be a JANE EYRE fanatic like me to enjoy this book? Absolutely not. This book is an entity all of its own; it's fresh and original.

It's entirely possible that my love for JANE was enhanced by my passion for the original. I can't say for sure, but I do know one thing. April Lindner captured Jane Eyre's voice to the letter. It was like both past and present became one. I hope that faithful readers of the classic will enjoy this retelling as much as I did. Perhaps April Lindner will also introduce a new generation of readers to Charlotte Bronte's classic novel as well.

I also have to say I loved this time around that Jane was a more mature "young adult". So often in YA, books never portray young women as college-bound. It was refreshing to get inside the head of a protagonist with a mature voice. I hope that this is a trend that begins to flourish within the Young Adult genre. It's a great way to mix things up and add variety. The difference in age between Jane and Nico wasn't an issue for me either. Those two are old souls and belonged together without a doubt.

After reading Jane, I was extremely satisfied and closed the book with a full heart. As my brain swirled with emotions I had no one to discuss with, I knew what I had to do. I pulled out my tattered old copy of Jane Eyre, and sat back to revisit my old, dear friend. 

April Lindner is an associate professor of English at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Her poetry collection, Skin, received the Walt McDonald First-Book Prize in Poetry, and her poems have been featured in many anthologies and textbooks. She holds an MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in English from the University of Cincinnati. Jane is her debut novel.
Official Website

Book Review: Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

RAISED BY WOLVES BY JENNIFER LYNN BARNES 

Reading level: Young Adult 
Hardcover: 432 pages 
Publisher: EgmontUSA (June 8, 2010) 
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Indiebound |Barnes & Noble 

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.


But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.


But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Book Opening:  

"BRONWYN ALESSIA ST. VINCENT CLARE!"   

Four names, five words, one pissed-off werewolf. The math in this particular equation never came out in my favor.

"Callum," I said, feigning surprise at his sudden appearance in my workshop. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Notable Scene: 

"He'd said it himself. I smelled like Pack, but I also smelled like meat. Now that he'd Shifted, it was anyone's guess as to which would matter more.

He's in a cage, I reminded myself, but the words meant nothing to me, because I just couldn't stop staring into his wild eyes and playing the last words he'd said before he Shifted, over and over again.

I got bit.

I got bit.

I got bit. "
-Page 60-61 "

"Come out, come out, wherever you are, little one. No sense hiding from the Big Bad Wolf. I’ll always find you in the end…" 

Fifteen-year-old Bryn remembers little about her life before the Pack.  But the rogue werewolf who slaughtered her parents still haunts her nightmares. Though Bryn has spent the last 11 years living in the Pack, she distances herself from the wolves—from their politics, their restrictive rules and their shared emotional Pack bond. When she meets Chase, a newly turned werewolf, Bryn's safe world tumbles down all around her. As new memories begin to bubble to the surface, Bryn realizes that until she uncovers the truth, she won't ever be able to move on. What really happened the night she was found? And why does it seem as if everyone is afraid of her uncovering the truth once and for all?

 Jennifer Lynn Barnes infuses new life into the werewolf genre with this fast-paced, engrossing novel.  With compelling characters and a well-written, unique take on wolves, this book is now officially my new favorite paranormal wolf saga. Headstrong and impulsive, Bryn was a fierce protagonist. I loved the way she let nothing stop her as she crusaded for the truth.  The rules of the Pack fascinated me—the bonds, the laws, the instinctual reactions of the wolves — I devoured every last morsel and was still hungry for more. 

RAISED BY WOLVES has a primal, almost feral feel to it. In order to survive among wolves, Bryn had to harden herself. She had to be strong. If she didn't rebel, if she didn't maintain her independence, she would've lost a part of who she really was to the conformity of the Pack. I admired Bryn; I knew right from the start she was a special girl and I couldn't wait to discover where her story would take me next. She underwent a lot of growth throughout the course of this book and I literally could not tear myself away from it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. When I was reading it, I didn't want it to end. Though largely underdeveloped, I adored Chase as well. My only complaint was that the two were separated for most of the book. I was dying for more interaction from the two of them. Then again, the focus of the book was not romance. It was about Bryn's journey for answers.

Another character important to note was Ali, Bryn's surrogate mother. Ali was AMAZING. Even now, this character still lingers on in my memory. Ali was one tough-as-nails lady. Even after everything she had been through, she possessed tremendous strength. Though Bryn wasn't her real daughter, Ali loved her with a ferocious protectiveness that  brought tears to my eyes.When the twins came along, I thought some of the most vivid, descriptive moments were in the depictions of Katie, thebaby wolf-girl who loved shifting into her puppy wolf form. I could just imagine her Baby Gap outfits ripping when she transformed into her wolf shape and  I could practically feel her puppy breath upon my face. Katie was a character to instantly fall in love with and added so much extra to the narrative.

RAISED BY WOLVES was a thrilling, suspenseful saga of a young girl's struggle to live among werewolves without losing her true human identity. As you can surmise from my review, I thought this was a kick-butt, fiery novel that truly separated itself "from the Pack." I am most anxiously awaiting TRIAL BY FIRE, due out the summer of 2011. 

I'd highly recommend RAISED BY WOLVES to paranormal fantasy fans, particular those of Patricia Briggs or Kelley Armstrong.

Books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 

                       

Jennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been, in turn, a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, finished her first full book (which she now refers to as a "practice book" and which none of you will ever see) when she was still in high school, and then wrote Golden the summer after her freshman year in college, when she was nineteen. 

Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She'll be spending the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Official Website and Blog

Book Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier

EVERLASTING BY ANGIE FRAZIER




Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (June 1, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

BOOK OPENING:

Camille clicked the latches down on her trunk and glanced out her bedroom window.

White haze choked the small seaport, and the fog bells sounding across the bay echoed in her chest. Fitting weather to mark the death of her freedom.

NOTABLE SCENE:

Oscar flinched and stared at her. "What did you say?"

Camille set the glass down. "Uman-"

"No!" He held his finger up to his mouth to shush her. "Don't say it."

"Why not?" she asked. "Have you heard of it?"

The wind picked up, and tree branches outside the windows thrashed against the side of the house, knocking a few clapboards into one another. Oscar covered his mouth with his hand and paced the rug.

"What's wrong? What is this Umandu place? "- Page 92

Set amid the danger of the high seas and  the lure of the untamed Australian outback, Everlasting is a novel that has it all. It's a romantic story of love and loss centering on Camille, a young woman ensnared in a quest for a mythical stone; a stone so powerful it could change her life forever.

Relationships were so important in this book—the way they challenged the characters to question their choices and to find the courage to follow their dreams. Trying to make her way in a world when women had little say in their future, Camille fascinated me. I loved her strength of will and sense of adventure. Throughout the events that  transpired in Everlasting, Camille showed true bravery and whole lot of spunk. I enjoyed watching her character grow and evolve.

My favorite aspect of Everlasting involved the dynamics between Camille and Oscar, the poor sailor who stole her heart. No matter how many fancy dresses or expensive emerald rings Camille's fiance Randall could buy for her, it was so obvious that no one could compare to Oscar. The chemistry between these two absolutely sizzled. I found myself desperately wanting Camille to come to her senses and realize just how perfect Oscar was for her, no matter what the social and financial ramifications would be. Here's an example of Camille interacting with Oscar—you can practically cut the tension with a knife.

She watched as his eyes traveled over her own features, touching on the wound by her temple and settling on the heart-shaped fullness of her lips.

Oscar held his piercing stare. "We probably won't arrive home in time for your wedding."

She pictured the wedding gown hanging in her closet. The veil. The shoes. Even the strands of pearls, all laid out awaiting her return. Return. The heavy word weighed on her as Ira continued to snore and Oscar continued to study her in a way that made her feel captivating and beautiful. -- Page 188

With a little bit Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean and a dash of Titanic, this book kept my attention from start to finish. The twists and turns constantly surprised me and kept me turning the pages with delight. Supporting characters like Ira the gambler and Daphne, the Madame with the heart of gold added even more spark to an already exciting novel.

Everlasting will always hold a special place with me. It's one of those books that lives on in your imagination and your heart. I hope to read more of Angie Frazier's novels and perhaps revisit Oscar and Camille again.

Angie lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters, their big black lab, and a pair of highly destructive cats. Her debut young adult novel, EVERLASTING, is the result of an overactive imagination, an addiction to historical research, and dozens of vintage travel posters plastered to the ceilings of a cottage she rented one long, snowbound winter.
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