Book Review: Beautiful Creatures

You know when you see something once, then all of a sudden see it everywhere? That's kind of what happened with Beautiful Creatures. I had never heard of it before, but suddenly after seeing mentioned on a morning news show, I saw movie previews, Amazon recommendations, you name it. And then later that week I was between books when I decided to just give it a try, even though it looked kind of cheesy. Thank goodness for book samples on the Kindle, right?

So I downloaded a sample and was immediately hooked. I LOVED it, and bought the book right then and there. I stayed up for a good hour or so reading and enjoyed every minute.

A couple things about this book- it's a YA title, so it's in the same vein as Twilight. I wouldn't compare it to Twilight as far as writing (the writing in Beautiful Creatures is much better) but I would say that it's in that same genre- magical, mysterious, with a fantasy element. But that's where the comparision ends. The story is a Southern Gothic, and tells the tale of Ethan Wate, a high schooler living in a small, sleepy South Carolina town whose entire world is turned upside down upon the arrivel of newcomer Lena Duchannes, even though she has haunted him in his dreams for months. I don't want to say another word because I feel like part of the magic for me was knowing nothing about the story- but just know that I was left holding my breath until the very end, thoroughly enjoying the magical journey these characters took me on. And at 563 pages, it's a long journey- which was so welcome. So many YA books these days feel rushed but because the book is so substantial, characters were incredibly well-developed and I was really able to get into the plot.

And even better? When I finished the book I realized it was part of a four-book series. I started the second right away and it was JUST as good as the first. I'm on number three now and loving it too.

I highly recommend Beautiful Creatures (and the series) if you're looking for a little escape- if you like fantasy and suspense, or even if you just like romance. Some people may find parts of it cheesy (I didn't at all, but I know I'm not always the most cynical person). Overall though, I feel like most readers would enjoy this book, as there's something for everyone. 

Have you read it? What did you think? If you do decide to give it a try, please let me know your thoughts!

xoxo