Review of the Lost Saint by Bree Despain

EdgmontUSA

The Lost Saint
by Bree Despain
4 Scribbles
Grace is enjoying her new-found relationship with Daniel, free of the suspicions and fears of book one, that is, until Daniel decides to stop training Grace in the use of her “wolf” skills—skills that make her neither Hound of Heaven nor entirely human. Confused about how to handle her evolving powers, Grace seeks out the guidance of another, and meets a mysterious, powerful boy named Talbot. As Talbot begins to train her, it becomes apparent that there is most assuredly a strong attraction between the two, and as their bond grows stronger in the continued search for Grace’s brother Jude, the reader is left to wonder, will Daniel and Grace ever be able to repair their relationship? And will they ever find the lost Jude? While it lacks the heat of Meyer’s Twilight, and the creativity of other “wolf” novels like recently released Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, it’s a solid, entertaining story.  If you like paranormal fiction, then pick it up! The reader won’t be disappointed with the riveting, (yet tastefully done) love triangle, the minor twists at the end, and the refreshing fact that Grace is from a more traditional family. A special nod goes to Despain’s exploration of female friendships. Grace suffers the cold shoulder of the entire student body following book one, including her former best friend April. Just like many young women today, Grace and April attempt to come to terms with betrayal and to trust one another again in book two; it’s hard not to feel the angst that comes along with that process, especially if you are a female reader.

Review of the Dark Divine by Bree Despain

EdgmontUSA

The Dark Divine

The Dark Divine Series Bk. 1

by Bree Despain

3 Scribbles

Grace has grown up in a very spiritual family. Her father is a minister who teaches forgiveness and grace, and this is where Grace’s namesake comes from. And yet there is a boy who goes to Grace’s school, Daniel, who seems to be the exception to the rule. It becomes clear in the beginning chapters that Grace, her brother Jude, and her family, all have a past with Daniel, although it takes nearly half of the novel to find out what that past actually is. Once the premise is unleashed (no pun intended) on the reader however, the pace of the story picks up tremendously. The next in the line of star-crossed tales about supernatural creatures (in this case werewolves) and their human beloveds, the story is not unique; however, fans of the genre will find the story, and the story’s end worthy of finishing if not for it’s romantic elements, then for it’s last minute twist. Ironic note: Despain's main character, Grace, bears the same name as Stiefvater's main character, also Grace. Both books are about werewolves and both released within months of one another.

Review of Shiver & Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Scholastic Paperbacks

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

4 Scribbles

When Grace was small she was dragged from a swing in her back yard by a band of starving wolves. She was mauled nearly to death; yet, instead of fearing them, wolves are all she can think about. Each night of the cold winter she watches the wolf with the yellow eyes—the wolf who saved her life—and she wonders why he continues to appear just outside of her reach. I can't tell you much more about the novel (don't want to spoil any surprises) but I can say that Stephenie Meyer of the Twilight series has some serious competition here. Grace is a very intelligent and strong young woman, and the romance that develops in the story doesn't come off as too sappy. She is a girl who needs to be loved and to connect with someone, but she doesn't allow that need to consume her completely.

Scholastic Press

Linger

By Maggie Stiefvater

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Book #2

2 Scribbles

Sam assumes his leadership role as keeper of the pack, even though he will apparently never shift again. His relationship with Grace is stronger than ever, despite the fact that Grace’s parents become opposed to their romance—why?—because they find Sam sleeping with Grace in her bed. New blood comes to the pack in the form of a drug-addled rocker named Cole who apparently becomes irresistible to Isabel. The dark, melodramatic affair that develops between Cole and Isabel stands in stark contrast to the relationship between Sam and Grace. In all, the plot of the novel trudges on with few surprises, and in keeping with Bk. 1 the mood is decidedly dark. Sadly, what was a serious but non-sappy romance in Bk. 1 has waxed a bit exaggerated and artificial in this second installment. And as for Cole and Isabel...the novel couldn’t get more predictable. The book’s ending is clearly supposed to be a twist, but falls into place like letters in the alphabet. With so many other great books out there waiting for me to read them, I, for one, might be hard-pressed to read book 3 in the series, Forever, already in stores.