Series: N/A
Genre: YA - Paranormal
Publication: September 13, 2011 by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new lifefor herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
Thoughts: I have to admit, I was a little weary going into this one because of the other book I've read by Claudia Gray, but because of the Titanic setting I really wanted to give it a chance. I am so happy I did. This was unexpectedly a very romantic and suspenseful story of star crossed lovers - much like those from the 1997 Titanic movie.
Unlike the movie though, this story has werewolves, and it is very similar to most paranormal YA books out there, that much is true. They meet, they're not supposed to be together, they have an undeniable attraction, they decided they don't care what others say and stuff happens that will still most likely keep them apart and then doesn't. That could easily be the description to so many paranormal books out there. So, in all honesty, what makes this one unique is the setting. Yes, it takes place in the Titanic and while you're reading, you can't help but imagine the movie (if you've seen it, which of course you have) and its beautiful sets and costumes, and that adds a magical sort of the feel. Insert some werewolves and the story has a fun twist, and then the ship begins to sink and its a race for their lives.
We know the ship is going to sink, we know that. And for a bit there, I really wondered if it was possible that Gray would change that, but she didn't. She couldn't. So as you can expect, romance happens and then an attempt to survive happens. I really can't say why I enjoyed this so much. The characters were okay, the plot was interesting, but not really unique, and the twist at the end was expected. But I guess I have to admit that it really comes down to this story taking place on such a grand, doomed setting. Also, I have a fondness for werewolves.
So do I recommend it? Sure, if you love predictable paranormal YA, this one is definitely for you. It's a fun story, a little sad, a little funny. It's not that special, but it is definitely memorable and it will have you turning pages quickly to find out what happens next.
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