358 p.
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Published: 7/7/15
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate . . . or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.
With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the setting in this book. It is mostly set in Romania and there is a mystery to be solved. One that was maddenly present in the beginning since you knew that the knowledge was forthcoming, but very slowly. When you finally find out what the secret was the girls would be tangled with, it wasn't a surprise but it did lend another layer to the story that was needed.
The book was written simply and was a very quick read. It felt as it needed more depth to the main characters, Lou and Dacia and I had a hard time with how the POV shifted. Not so much to take me out of the story but enough to make me stop from time to time. Some of the shifts from the present to the recent past (as we get the information from another POV) didn't feel smooth and sometimes things just felt out of place. I think this is why it was simply written. If it was otherwise, the shifting elements would have become confusing. It just didn't feel smooth.
I give this book 3 stars. I really enjoyed the setting and not everything is resolved in this book. We are still left with questions which I do think that the forthcoming books will provide us with needed answers. I recommend this book to those that enjoy PNR YA and who want a different tale on the Dracula stories.
I like the fact that it's set in Romania, it's quite interesting but it's too bad that it wasn't a bit more though...
ReplyDeleteI also loved the setting. I think you'd enjoy that aspect.
DeleteI honestly don't know why my mind works like this, but anytime I see a book set in Romania, Russia, or Germany I feel like it's going to be a story that's really bogged down and ... thick. So I usually avoid them. Seriously, I'm a weirdo. I'm glad to see this is quick read, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you think it will be bogged down by history? There is history in this one (imagined) but it becomes part of the atmosphere and not a lesson.
DeleteShape shifters make a nice change to the usual supernaturals doing the rounds and yes, the Romania setting also appeals to me. Its a shame that this wasn't everything you hoped it would be. I hope any future books prove more to your liking.
ReplyDeleteI think I like shapeshifters more than vamps. :) This one has both. :)
DeleteMultiple POVs can be a challenge but glad this didn't distract too much. I do love the setting, we don't see many books take place there.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, glad you did like this one. :D
I think that is why I wanted to read this one... for the setting. :)
DeleteI've been reading a lot of books with time shifts and that works about 50/50 for me but I like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
I think it goes that way for me as well.
DeleteOhh I am intrigued
ReplyDelete... but it's YA! :D ;)
DeleteThe next one might really enhance this one. Sometimes UF and PNR can go that way when trying to really establish the atmosphere. I think that is what happened here.
ReplyDeleteToo bad it didn't live up to the hype! This book is so popular, I see it everywhere. It does come down to the writing, it has to flow to suspend disbelief. Sorry it wasn't stellar for you.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good summer read. And I'm loving that cover too. :D
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good summer read! Sometimes a simple, easy read is just what's needed.
ReplyDeleteHello. Seems like a nice read indeed. Nice of you to share.
ReplyDeleteMultiple narrators can be tricky and if it doesn't work, can really take you out of the story. Sorry to hear that this one didn't run smoothly, although it does have a great premise!
ReplyDeleteDo you feel like this one read a little young Melissa? That's my one concern going in - that the lack of depth with the characters/romance will make it feel closer to the MG side of the YA line.
ReplyDeleteThe setting and the resolution sounds good in this one
ReplyDeleteWell the setting is pretty neat. Too bad transitions weren't quite what they could have been.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this book before now but it sounds interesting. I'm sorry to hear that the main characters lacked depth, I need this to enjoy the overall story.
ReplyDeleteA great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Yeah, I think it could have used a bit more character depth but I really liked the cousins and the take on the vamp/werewolf myth.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I too love the setting and while I am curious about the different take on Dracula the unresolved questions have me leery.
ReplyDelete