Valet Reader

Every now and again you come across a book that tells a not so original story in a different sort of way. These are almost inevitably misses. This one, on the other hand, is a bit of a hit. Even though the story was somewhat predictable it was told in an original way that made it much more enjoyable.

It feels like every YA (young adult) book that I’ve read of late has something to do with mysticism, magic, fantasy, vampires and or some other type of other world being. What the hell is up with that? Whatever, I guess it doesn’t really matter. Beautiful Creatures is no different in this regard but somehow Garcia and Stohl manage to serve it up in a different way.

Oddly enough the other day I came across a woman at a coffee shop who said she writes YA. I’m not really sure what that means (she is not published) but I’m guessing she just uses teens as protagonist and uses the themes prevalent in most of this genre when writing. I bring up my chance meeting with this woman because our discussion shifted to why each of us thought YA books, of late, are so inundated with the paranormal. Her belief was much more divine and thought out than mine. Ok, now I may not be remembering her theory very well but I believe it was basically the idea that these themes are demonstrating a return to paganism in society. And by this return to paganism, society is willfully and knowledgeably attempting to breakdown the idea of the social status that we know today. Honestly, I don’t really know what she was talking about. I willfully admit I probably got her theory/ideas wrong considering I wasn’t taking notes during our conversation but I think those were the key thoughts. As for me, I ruled the emergence of the paranormal in YA books to capitalism, pure and simple. Whatever the reason may be, I don’t see it fading anytime soon. Anyways… back to the paranormal in this story.

Perhaps I liked this book due to the sexy nature of the character Ridley, or perhaps the humor of Link and The Greats, maybe (but doubtfully) it was the love story of Lena and Ethan, either way, it was a fun read.

The story takes place in the South in a small town called Gatlin. On the surface Gatlin is not the type of place I would want to call home. Seriously, civil war battle recreations give me the creeps and Gatlin has one annually. Gatlin is also the hometown of Ethan Wate. Ethan, like many young high schoolers is counting down the days until he can escape Gatlin and go away to school. Until, that is, Lena Duchannes enters his life. Lena is the supernatural of the story, or she and her family are. I won’t give away the details of her powers but Duchannes does rhyme with rain.

I’ve had a few “Lena’s” in my life, only they thought they had supernatural powers but didn’t. Not too sure why Ethan was so dedicated to her in this story cause in real life everyone knows that super-people like that are really just a pain in the ass.

In terms of the plot, the book was pretty compelling despite the few problems I had with the story. The premise other than the whole love thing is that Lena is going to be “claimed” on her sixteenth birthday. So we’re clear, “Claimed” does not have to do with her virginity but does have to with her magical capabilities. The claiming can go one of two ways and therein lies the battle which the story revolves.

There were some intricacies of the novel that were difficult to follow at times, including some of the characters and the way they acted. Honestly though adolescents are unpredictable and capricious just like toddlers so I’ll give Garcia and Stohl the benefit of the doubt.

Oh don’t get ahead of yourself and think I’m done there. How could this review be complete if I didn’t tell you about my least favorite part of this book. The ending. I really disliked the ending. Of course this may have something to do with the fact that the authors were setting it up for a sequel but still, I thought it stunk. All of a sudden, poof, three people disappear and there you go that’s how it ends. What the hell is that?? So, yes there will be a sequel (I learned this after finishing the book) and perhaps knowing this before finishing the book would have prepared me for a weak ending but that’s still questionable. And, wait for it… not only a sequel, but the movie rights have been bought already as well.