Posts Tagged ‘romance’

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

The saga of the wolves of Mercy Falls comes to an end with Maggie Stiefvater’s Forever (Scholastic 2011).  I savored every moment of this book, from the matching red cover and red font to the alternating points of view.  Sam, Grace, Isabel, and Cole give shifting points of view that continuously advance the story all the way to the end.

Sam is trapped helplessly in his human body while Grace is relentlessly torn between human and wolf forms.  Sam can tell no one what really happened when Grace disappeared, and he must face the accusations of Grace’s parents and the local police.  Is his love enough to save them both?

If it’s not, Cole is pouring his desperate energy into finding answers–any answers that will bring Sam and Grace back together before it’s too late and they have to say goodbye forever.  Isabel can’t stay away, but pushes Cole away at every opportunity.  Behind it all, their desperation grows as Tom Culpepper makes plans to take out the entire pack.  He won’t rest until the wolves are dead.

Just like Shiver and Linger, Forever is a love story written with haunting beauty.  I’m sad to see it end, but looking forward to Maggie Stiefvater’s next project.

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Saundra Mitchell has included a little bit of everything The Vespertine: forbidden romance and proper society, historical accuracy and paranormal visions, haunting mystery and darkest tragedy. 

Amelia van den Broek is thrilled to be spending her seventeenth summer in the bustling city of Baltimore with her vivacious cousin Zora Stewart.  Together the two girls will call on friends and acquaintances and attend the endless swirl of balls–all to find the proper husband.  Amid the bustle of new dresses, Amelia sees visions in the flaming colors of sunset.  At first the visions bring heightened popularity to the Maine’s Own Mystic and her cousin.  Their calling cards overflow as everyone wants a glimpse into their future. 

Meanwhile, Amelia falls for just the wrong sort of man.  Nathaniel Witherspoon is an artist, entirely unsuitable for a husband.  Amelia doesnt care as she is continually drawn to him.  Nathaniel, though, is keeping secrets of his own. Will Amelia and Zora unite with the young men they love?  They just might, until tragedy strikes.  Not all of Amelia’s visions are light and hopeful.  When one of her darker visions comes true, society turns on her.  Is she the cause of tragedy or just its seer?

Mitchell recreates a distant past (or at least 1889 seems long ago compared to flirting today) that  swirls with sights dancing girls and sounds of boyish laughter, the scent of bay rum and the taste of blood.  You don’t want to miss this one once I release it into my classroom.

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