Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Review: Persuasion by Martina Boone

Title: Persuasion
Author: Martina Boone
Series: Book Two in the Watson Island Series
Published By: Simon Pulse (October 27, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Beautiful Creatures meets The Raven Boys in the spellbinding second novel in the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy that “skillfully blends rich magic and folklore with adventure, sweeping romance, and hidden treasure” (Publishers Weekly, on Compulsion).

Grieving the death of her godfather and haunted by her cousin Cassie’s betrayal, Barrie returns from a trip to San Francisco to find the Watson plantation under siege. Ghost-hunters hope to glimpse the ancient spirit who sets the river on fire each night, and reporters chase rumors of a stolen shipment of Civil War gold that may be hidden at Colesworth Place. The chaos turns dangerous as Cassie hires a team of archeologists to excavate beneath the mansion ruins. Because more is buried there than treasure.

A stranger filled with magic arrives at Watson’s Landing claiming that the key to the Watson and Beaufort gifts—and the Colesworth curse—also lies beneath the mansion. With a mix of threats and promises, the man convinces Barrie and Cassie to cast a spell there at midnight. But what he conjures may have deadly consequences.

While Barrie struggles to make sense of the escalating peril and her growing and forbidden feelings for Eight Beaufort, it’s impossible to know whom to trust and what to fight for—Eight or herself. Millions of dollars and the fate of the founding families is at stake. Now Barrie must choose between what she feels deep in her heart and what will keep Watson’s Landing safe in this stunning addition to a series filled with “decadent settings, mysterious magic, and family histories rife with debauchery” (Kirkus Reviews, on Compulsion).








It is funny how a story can grab you right from the beginning and you really can't say why. Not because the writing isn't good, because it was, nor because the characters weren't quirky and lovable, because again, they were. But just because for whatever reason, the story, while not completely original but totally unique in design, was just so much fun to read and had you eagerly turning the pages.

That is what book one, Compulsion, did for me. So it was without a second thought, that I picked up Persuasion, and dived right in. I was ready for more Berrie and Eight and all the crazy happenings that went along with them and Watson Island.

I was not disappointed. The danger is greater, the risks are higher, and the secrets are more hurtful, deadly, and in overabundance.

I absolutely loved how strong Berrie is getting. How determined to do what is right, regardless of the consequences and regardless of who she is helping. But most of all, I love Eight and Berrie together, but sadly, Berrie being Berrie, is also what tears them apart and it was sad to see so much arguing, anger, and hurt happening between these two but it was also completely understandable.

More than anything, the atmosphere of Watson Island, with it's magic and curses, hoodoo and voodoo, is what really makes this novel shine. I love the lore, the mystery and the dark mysterious and sometimes gothic setting of the island. It truly screams out to me and makes me crave more.

I loved where this whole series is going and I wasn't quite ready for it to end, no matter how painful that ending was. I want so much for the Watson's and the Beaufort's and I truly truly hope, they all get their happily every after.

Boone once again enchanted me with her writing, her ability to paint a beautiful dark scene and her talent for making it all stand out, stand up, and shine. 



*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

48 comments:

  1. Ahh! Another series I didn't try yet, and I'm obviously missing out! I wonder why she named them for Jane Austen books...? Are these retellings of them? This one, at least, sounds completely original. In any case, another wonderful review, Ali :)

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    1. Nope not a retelling at all so no idea on the titles LOL!

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  2. I put the first one on my mighty wishlist, so fingers crossed for a price drop. lol. This really does look like a great series.

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  3. I seen this one but I was unsure sounds like something to be sure about. Sounds like a great time, and for goodness sake how do you manage to read so much? I feel like I used to be able to manage that so much better.

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    1. I've actually been pretty bad at it lately! It does help that I read during the day mostly when my children are at school. ;)

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  4. I didn't get into the first book for some reason, but I'm really glad that this series is going strongly for you. You seem like you were really invested.
    Wonderful review, Ali.

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    1. Thanks Nick, I really am too! Hopefully the last one will be great too. ;)

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  5. So glad this was a winner for you Ali! I loved the atmosphere in the first one and the history of the families, and it sounds like those elements are taken to another level in this second book. Win:)

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    1. They are for sure but I know there is still so much left undone so hopefully the last book will be amazing too!

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  6. I haven't read these! Not surprising though - I'm bad with keeping up with new titles and series. haha Thanks for sharing your thoughts though. I'm glad you really liked this one!

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  7. Darn. Now I'm kicking myself for not picking up a copy of Compulsion when I had the chance! I'm glad it was a strong follow up, Ali. :)

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    1. Thanks Joy, I was relieved it was too. Nothing worse than loving the first book and then getting a dud the second one. ;)

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  8. I love fantasy, looks like a winner Ali!

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  9. I don;t know why I didn't get this one, I didn't see it up on the sites, and I forgot about it. I enjoyed the first one, and I remember liking the mystery surrounding the families and the island, I will have to try and work it in.

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    1. It might still be on there Heidi, if so grab it, I think you will like it. ;)

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  10. "The danger is greater, the risks are higher, and the secrets are more hurtful, deadly, and in overabundance." Ooooh you are making me want to pick up a copy of book one ASAP! I have promised myself I won't pick up any new series until I finish a few first. I am so tempted, though! Gah!

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    1. I know how you feel. I tell myself that all the time too but it still doesn't stop me LOL! I am terrible!

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  11. I'm so glad to hear that the second book in this series lived up to your expectations! It truly sounds enthralling; especially with that introduction in your review :)

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  12. I really loved the atmosphere of the first book. I can't wait to read this one!

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  13. I love when book 2 just elevates everything from book 1. Sounds exciting.

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  14. I was hesitant of trying this series before because trusted friends gave it negative reviews left and right, but hey, how many times what I gave in to these books anyway and loved them despite the one stars? I think this may be right my alley because I love quirky, I love lore, and I love a good atmosphere!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. So true Faye! If you do try it I really hope you end up liking it. More than anything they are just fluff fun. ;)

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  15. I gotta read this at some point, I love books that has this type of atmosphere.

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  16. Oh yes it's great to have a story like that mainly when it's a second book. I'm curious about it, it's the second time I see it today.

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  17. I plan to listen to this on audio, but I recommended it today so I am glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. I saw that! It is a fun series and definitely great for this time f year. ;)

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  18. I hate all of the unnecessary drama in a book. I've been meaning to read the first one, sounds like it's a good one. I'm on a light novel kick at the moment though.

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    1. This might have more drama in it then you would want then but I still think you would like them. They are kind of fluff paranormal though if that makes sense?

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  19. I hate all of the unnecessary drama in a book. I've been meaning to read the first one, sounds like it's a good one. I'm on a light novel kick at the moment though.

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  20. I don't know why I never picked up the first book... but this series does sound really good. Maybe I'll have to give it a try. :)

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  21. I'm so excited to read this - I loved Compulsion and the atmosphere and romance are what draws me back to this series. Yay! i'm so happy so enjoyed books two, Ali :)

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  22. I have had the first book on my TBR list for a while...This one sounds really good as well. It will be read...someday. Hopefully sooner than later :) Great review Ali

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  23. I am not sure if I know about this series, although knowing me the first one could already be on my wish list. Sounds like a good series to dive into, as you put it!

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    1. I actually love it when that happens Lorna, one less book for me to buy LOL!

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