Monday, June 25, 2012

Review {1} Fated by Alyson Noel


Title: Fated
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: The Soul Seekers #1
Rating: Did Not Finish

Edition: 352 pages; hardcover
Published: May 22nd 2012 by St. Martin's Press
Obtained: Library
Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Spirit Animals, Urban Fantasy, Living vs Dead, Good vs Evil, Demons


What the Back of the Book Says


The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.



My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed Noel's The Immortals Series, and still have the final two books to read with high hopes. The issue I had with Fated wasn't Noel's writing, or even the story she was telling, because honestly I enjoy her style, and the plot of the story is very interesting and I've been looking forward to reading Fated since Noel announced it. I think the premise is very unique and different from other YA books out there.

The main hang-up I had is the overall pace and layout of the book. I felt that the story was very slow to develop, even though things moved kind of quickly. The parts where I feel more time should've been taken I felt were rushed over; and parts that could've gone more quickly, were slow. Those are the factors which I believe contributed to me not being fully engaged in Daire's story. As far as the layout being unsatisfying, I felt that the story went a little backwards because the first part was about Daire learning who she is, and what she will become; and then she's suddenly thrust into the life of a high schooler. Maybe it was just me, but I felt if the plot was arranged a little differently it could've increased the likeability for me.

I had trouble connecting to the characters as well. It's not that I disliked Daire's character, I just couldn't really get that connection with her that I would've preferred. I enjoyed Paloma's character, and accepted Jennika as well. I am curious to see how things develop with the Richter brothers, however, and for this reason alone I'm pretty sure I will end up picking Fated up again in the future.

I love the cover for the book; however, with the varying shades of purple, and the crows in the background that play a large part in Daire's story. I also love Daire's dreamcatcher earrings and would love a pair!

Additional Info

You Should Read This Book if You Like: The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel, Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock, Starling by Lesley Livingston, Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London, Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen, Undeadly by Michele Vail

Buy Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Author Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Happy Reading,
Laura

1 comment:

  1. It IS a beautiful cover, and your review was lovely! <3 but ooh. I don't think I would be able to stand bad pacing AND weak character-reader-connections :( I found your review very fair ;)

    Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian

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