Review Detail

I was so excited to get this upcoming novel from Brenna Yovanoff. I'm a huge fan of her writing which is hauntingly beautiful with it's own rhythm. It's like poetry in motion. But then again she's part of the mega talented Merry Sisters of Fate which includes fellow YA authors Tessa Gratton and Maggie Stiefvater.

What worked: The voice. What I love so much about Yovanoff's writing is it isn't over the top graphic but subtle. I was hooked right from the very start with the chilling premise--Clementine was buried alive and only after she is 'rescued' does she confront the horrific truth of what happened that night. Horror at it's finest!

I love Yovanoff's writing so much that I will read out loud passages just to feel the rhythm and texture of her words. Her images and world building are lush and powerful. Yovanoff totally spins a spell on readers. I know she did with me.

The whole premise of something wicked happening in a small town and the hypocrisy of the townspeople reminds me so much of a Ray Bradbury story only with much more woven throughout. She also reminds me a bit of Francesca Lia Block, another one of my favorite authors!

Clementine's struggle to find out what happened to her and her mother and why the townies hate her so much is shown in such a way that readers want to find out more about this world. I enjoyed the romance between her and Fisher, the boy that helps her escape. Add to that the other girls with special abilities which includes her cousin Shiny, who has her own secrets. The atmosphere is spooky and creepy but not too graphic, which I love!

Hauntingly beautiful this story casts it's own spell and you can't help but cheer for Clementine. A total must read.