Amanda Havard

It wasn't what I expected. I had to think over how I felt about that. Truth is, I am still mixed about it. But my expectations aside, I did enjoy the book. So much so that, upon finishing it, I purchased the next two books in the series. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I got into the story. Maybe because I can relate to Sadie and her quest for death. Maybe because I just like a good story. Most likely a blend of the two. As the story goes on and Sadie gets romantically involved with Everett, it brought on feelings of The Twilight Series, (no sparkly vampires though - these ones do kill). I am okay with that feeling. I have read several books where I felt an influence from another book. With all the books out there, this happens. It is hard to say how whether or not you liked Twilight, will have an effect on how you like this series. Like I said no real sparkly vampire that I noticed. However a vampire family that is decent and wants to eliminate those vampires who are out of control, yes this has that. Though the mother is actually a witch, not a vampire. Some may say they are a bit hypocritical, after all, the kill humans to drink their blood too. And they kill others to gain super powers. So it is kind of pot calling kettle black. I am interested to see where the author goes with this though. The romance is there, a blend of old fashion with modern, though no sex. One thing i really enjoyed was Sadie questioning her family and their long held beliefs. Questioning enough to leave for answer, yet loving enough to return. This is much like real life I think. Basically this could be classified as a witchy-vampire romance. It seems a bit more complicated than that though. On to Book Two.
I recommend this story to paranormal lovers. I also think it okay for the YA crowd. It does have some violence in it, including suicidal thoughts, references to attempts and placing oneself in situations that may end in death. Because of this mature theme I would recommend it to older YA and perhaps, reading it before your teen so you can discuss it.… (más)

This review is on my blog http://onlectus.blogspot.com/2012/07/three-stories-that-didnt-work-for-me.htmlTh... for visiting!What a disappointment this book is. It started really catching: they year is 1692 and 14 children accused as witches in Salem were banished and sent to die in a harsh winter. But they didn’t (die, that is), they survived and gained strange powers that they passed on to their children.Present day: one of those children, Sadie, decides to leave the community and see the world. The problem? She is extremely beautiful, men can’t stop staring at her and women are jealous of her beauty. Yet, somehow, she can pass by "normal” amongst us. The book is totally insipid and the story is lame. I didn't have the stomach to finish this X-men-wanna be.… (más)

This was definitely not what I was expecting.

Finishing this made it seem like it was just the beginning to the rest of the series just to get readers used to the world it’s set in. I normally don’t like that but in this case it was brilliant. I felt that the introduction into the settings of the story didn’t distract any attention from the actual plot.

I loved the protagonist Sadie, she developed well as a character and she was very likable and above all relatable because she still made mistakes.

I did find it hard to read to start off with for some reason which I can’t really identify. I think it just didn’t catch my attention at first but it started to get better and better very quickly and the end was just brilliant. Just enough was revealed but not too much that I wouldn’t want to carry on the series. I still have so many questions I want answered!

There’s not really much more for me to say. I am sincerely looking forward to more from this author’s future works and I can’t wait to find out what happens throughout the rest of the series!

I really do recommend this read…it’s a gem!… (más)