It feels so good to be starting this meme again, hopefully on a more regular basis now.
This weeks Indie Book of the Week goes to author Sarah Mullanix and her debut novel, Beautiful Souls.
Author: Sarah Mullanix
Series: Book One
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published: March 13, 2013
Book Description:
This is what life is like --- what a real life should be like --- perhaps. A life full of adventure, terror, joy, secrets, and of course family. I knew that this world, which I still had not fully processed or accepted, was what I had been waiting and hoping for all my life. Still a burden, certainly, but one that I now carry willingly; for this is my family and my legacy, without which I would be nothing.
There is never a single surprise in Fairview, Indiana. Routine, routine, routine, seems to be the town’s motto; that is, until four new residents move to town.
Fairview’s small-town resident, Becca Olson, has spent the first seventeen years of her life appreciating her surroundings, but she hopes everyday for something more. When she heads off for another unexceptional, typical day as a junior at Sycamore High School, she’s made aware of four new residents that have recently moved to her quaint town; two of which are Sycamore’s new students, Zoey and Luke Fitzgerald. This is when Becca’s life becomes suddenly and unexpectedly more interesting and frightening.
When Becca’s small-town life is turned upside down by unexplained visions, an attack on her life, and her best friend, Leo, turned boyfriend reveals his inherited family secret, she learns that life hasn’t always been what she thought it was. A gift from Leo and an unexpected find for her mother’s antique shop sparks curiosity about Becca’s own family heritage. When her own family secret --- her predetermined destiny of becoming a shape-shifting witch--- is revealed, Becca is thrown into a magical world of witches and warlocks, soul-possession, shape-shifting, and flying. As if all of that isn’t enough, she also has to contend with evil wizards disguised as friends who want nothing more than to rob her of everything she holds dear ---including her own life.
About the Author:
I am the author of the paranormal romance trilogy, Beautiful Souls. I live in central Indiana with my husband, 3 kiddos, and our GIANT lab. When I'm not writing and reading, I'm either scrapbooking or hanging out with my family.
My Thoughts and Review:
For some reason when I started this one I thought it was a contemporary romance. The cover and title for some reason just screamed contemporary so I was rather surprised when I started really getting into the story and realize this was not the genre I thought it was. That it is in fact in the YA paranormal/fantasy genre. I guess that will show me to start a book without re-reading the synopsis.
At any rate I was pleasantly surprised by this read. It wasn't anything too out there, too unheard of or really even anything that was completely unique but it was a fast fun read despite its 300 plus pages with engaging characters and a fun action filled story line.
I never felt that wonderful connection to the characters I crave and at times Leo and Becca's romance felt forced and fell a little flat for me but I did enjoy their friendship and I could tell that they cared about each other and would do anything for each other.
There were some things that were never answered that I would have loved to see come to light but with the ending I am guessing this is actually just the first book in a planned series so I am hoping as the series (or sequel) continues that all those questions will be brought up again and answered. I would also love to see Leo and Becca's relationship grow and develop.
I would definitely give this author's work and series another try because I really do think she created something fun and a little different in Beautiful Souls.
*All opinions and thoughts are my own and were not influenced by the author. I was in no way compensated for this review*
Yes! The cover looks very nice, but it seems very contemporary romance-ish to me too. I'm sorry to hear that neither the characters nor their relationship were entirely satisfying. I think I'll skip this one, or at least wait until you read the second book, IF you read it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad the characters were a little flat. Often w/ great characters a person can overlook some things but when the characters don't really wow you it just makes the book more blah. I'm glad you still enjoyed it though! It does have a great cover!
ReplyDeleteFun is always good. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks emaginette!
ReplyDeleteGreat review and ooh yes sometimes a cover can fool you, that is why the cover draws me in but the synopsis is what sells me. Despite not quite connecting with the characters I am glad you were entertained.
ReplyDeletelol sometimes I forget to read the blurb as well.. heh.. oops.. at least it was action packed and somewhat enjoyable. Sorry the romance felt a little force and fell flat. I guess it made it even worse when you where kind of expecting it to happen.
ReplyDeleteThe cover does look like it would be contemporary. It sounds pretty good. Thanks for the good review.
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