Series: Between, #01
Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
Publication Date: August 15, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Horror
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository
Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guest house behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard.
Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?
Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back.
Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.
My Thoughts
The premise gives off an interesting love story told within a creepy and mysterious theme, giving the book a very promising expectation for a reader who's into reading paranormal stuff mixed with paranormal romance. Picked this up because of two things: the very wonderful cover and the premise. I haven't read any review about it but I've been seeing this in my Goodreads Homepage last year. The cover snagged my attention, then came the title that tells you it's going to be horrifying, and the premise that has you intrigued. It met my expectation but as the story progressed, it went plummeted.
Plot
It started really good and hair-raising talks that makes you want to continue. I read this book fast but I took everything in. Although it was a good start, the middle parts were getting annoying and you can't help but question a lot of things. It got confusing (talking about the family ties, backgrounds and how things got connected and why it happened) and it just went downhill the moment the villain appeared. It seemed rushed and the horror suddenly took a step back and let the cheesiness in. Very typical for the villain to tell his background, his intentions, detailed information of his powers and how he came across his victims. I forgot if the year they live in was mentioned because the characters could really use a cellphone or some electricity to turn on the lights. Or maybe a job because they need to pay for bills.
Characters
Violet, the narrator, and I have a very complicated relationship. One moment I like her because she's waking up from the things she did or didn't do, the next I find her really hard to connect because who on earth would just accept some guest and sleeps with them without knowing their background and their personality first? River annoyed me as well. He's that mysterious boy you want to feel bad for but in the end, you have no idea if he deserved it. Neely's probably the only character I liked in this book. He seemed to be the only sane one and does what's right. Luke, Vi's twin brother, as well. He may start off as a prick but as the story goes on, he cares deeply.
Conclusion
It was a bit creepy but it died down at the last few chapters because I felt it was rushed. There were conflicting and disturbing scenes and if you're uncomfortable reading a book that deals with demons and blood, I would not recommend this. I'd still read the next book. I'm just hoping it won't be as upsetting as this, and I'm not entirely getting my hopes up.
Oooo, I just got this book on NetGalley and was really excited for it, now I'm not so sure.I was expecting a creepy, alluring romance rather than a cheesy one, and it's a shame, because it would have been much better that way. I'm going to lower my expectations and hope it'll be an okay read. Great review though Chai! :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it was dark and it involved a lot of deaths. But what really put me off was the rush in the romance and the aspect of the villain. I'm looking forward to your review! Thanks for dropping by, Amanda!
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