Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Review: Compulsion by Martina Boone

Title: Compulsion
Author: Martina Boone
Series: Book One in the Heirs of Watson Island Series
Published By: Simon Pulse (October 28, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:
Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.






This was one of my most highly anticipated reads for fall. I loved everything about it from the gorgeous cover to the alluring synopsis and I couldn't wait to dive right in and discover all the secrets of the Watson Island.

I am so glad I picked this up, sometimes intuition pays off and a pretty cover and synopsis isn't just a pretty cover and description, it is something great and fun and so worth it to read.

I really loved Lo and Barrie (Bear). There was just something so..perfect about them. Their instant connect (NOT insta love) didn't make me roll my eyes or want to gag like so many insta loves do these days, it just fit the entire feel of the story and made complete sense.

The mystery behind the Fire Carrier and the curses and gifts was so captivating. Combine that with the mysterious and beautiful Southern gothic setting and this whole storyline just called to me.

Throw in a plantation that seems to take on a life all it's own and you truly have a read perfect for this time of year, or any time really.

We don't get all the answers because, after all this is only book one but we get just enough to whet our appetites and crave more and I was left craving more by the end.

I simply can not wait to see what happens next. I loved Eight, Pru, Mark, Barrie, Mary, and even Seven so very much and I devoured this read. I wasn't ready for it to be over and I will be on pins and needles waiting for book two to be out.




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






Don't forget to check out all the great giveaways, fun, and guest posts for the Something Wicked Strikes Hop!

The full schedule can be found HERE.

There is something new and excited every day this month! 

42 comments:

  1. I don't mind not having all the answers because it leaves me salivating for the next book. Though I do like to moan about said open-endings because FEELS.

    I'm glad you loved this!

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    1. Thanks Allie! I really did and am excited for book two.

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  2. I didn't love this one as much as you did, but I'm happy you enjoyed this, especially because it's your most anticipated read of the year.
    Lovely review! :)

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    1. Thanks Nick and I am sorry you didn't love it as much.

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  3. I'm glad to hear this is more of an insta-connection than insta-love. The characters sound wonderful, and even though you didn't get all the answers, it sounds like it's satisfying enough for a first book. Lovely review!

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    1. Thanks Lauren, it really was a solid first book.

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  4. Can't wait to read this Ali! SO glad to hear it's not insta love. I absolutely believe in an instant connection, so I think that aspect will work well for me. *runs away to start reading* Beautiful review!

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    1. Thanks so much Jenny. I think you are going to really like this one as well. :D

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  5. Love the cover, very fitting for this time of year! This one sounds really good, reminds me of something author Simone St. James would write (who I adore). I'm writing this title down and will request it from the library when they get their copies in :)

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  6. I'm so in the mood for this, Ali! I love the setting, and can't hardly resist a southern gothic. So glad you enjoyed this one, and glad to hear the romance in it was wonderful. I so curious about the mystery behind the Fire Carrier and the curses and gifts. I hope to get my hands on this soon, it's perfect for fall :)

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    1. It was perfect for this time of year. I hope you like it too Kim!

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  7. Sometimes, I can forgive instant-love. It all depends on the build up. I'm glad this one doesn't feature one, though.

    Great review, Ali. :)

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    1. I can too Joy if it is done right for sure. :)

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  8. Sounds like the perfect beginning to a series. Gotta love that :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  9. Yay for Martina! This one's been on my TBR list for a while, but I'm thinking I better wait until another couple books are out so I can binge read--like I know I'll want to.

    Thanks for the awesome review!

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

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    1. I do love a good binge read every now and then. :)

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  10. I really loved this one! So atmospheric and I loved the unique paranormal aspects!

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    1. I really did too Candace. Yay for you loving it as well. :)

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  11. OOh Kindlemom, creepy premise and great review. I love the cover too and you gotta love a paranormal set in the South where all the great spirits live ;)

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  12. I have this one up next week, and I enjoyed it as well. I loved the whole mystery element.

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  13. Aw yay! So exciting when one you've really been excited about turns out fabulous. I'm good with insta-connect. That totally works for me if it's not insta-love at the same time :)

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  14. Oh this sounds good..I love a story set on a plantation..perfect for mystery and paranormal elements!

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    1. Me too Kim and this really was great, especially for this time of year.

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  15. Plantations? I like it already! Ghosts are expected adding a curse makes the story very interesting.

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    1. It was really interesting Braine. :) I hope you decide to try it.

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  16. I love a good ghost book, it's been a while! I haven't read this one but a friend wrote a wonderful review and told me it was her fave of 2014 so definitely intriguing!

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    1. I hope you give it a try then Melliane, I bet you like it too.

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  17. Glad to see that you loved this one, dear! I read some negative reviews and it really threw me off guard and it made me not want to read this book at all. Ghosts are awesome for me (way more than the other supernatural stuff like vampires and werewolves) so that's a reason to give this a try. Thanks for highlighting it!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. The ghosts are a very minor part in the story so that could be why some were disappointed.

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  18. So many people have been reading and really enjoying this one. Bear heh, I need to add this one to my list, it sounds charming.

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  19. I am so glad you liked it! I fell in love with this cover the moment I saw it!

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  20. I'm so glad that the book lived up to your expectations! I know how it feels to want a book so badly and then it disappoints. I'm excited for book two! Excellent review :)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. I really am too Alyssa! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

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  21. I like that, instant connect. Because that does happen when you meet someone and just connect with them, but it isn't instant love, because it isn't about looks it's about talking and personality. (okay done now)

    I've heard a lot about this book. (It's been everywhere) So I was curious if it was worth all the hype. I'm glad that it was! I like the sounds of the mystery and I'm glad than answers were actually given. I might have to try this one out! (If I ever have the time) Nice review! :)

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    1. Thanks so much and definitely, if you like this type of read give it a try, I think it is worth it for sure.

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