Publishing Date: August 30th, 2011
Page Count: 344
Source: Sent to me by the author
Format: E-Book
Description from Goodreads.com:
Thirteenth Daughter. Heritage witch. Demon slayer.
They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn't even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch's curse...
Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. After she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That's where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan. But Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him.
Complicated much?
After receiving cryptic messages from a creepy wraith, and then frightening threats from a demon, Shiloh finally begins to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist. Now Shiloh must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.
Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.
Review:
Beautifully Broken is a very different book that i have read before. Through out the entire story you have so many questions as to who is all involved in the evil surrounding the town, and by the time it ends most are answered, but you still have tons more questions. It is also a very complicated story, because there is a lot of background information that you need to know about the different supernaturals. You really have to pay attention to get it all in your head in the right order. I really liked that this was a very dark novel. And yes I am using that seriously and as a pun =)
There wasn't a whole lot of happiness or "now everything is better in the end" or even good magic. It was all very dark and ominous. I liked that a lot. One thing I really liked a lot about the dark was the creatures that are in the dark. I loved the little shadow creatures. I honestly kept thinking of the little shadow guys from the video game Kingdom Hearts. Once Sherry explains what they are and who their loyalties lie to I loved them even more. As someone who is terrified of the dark I (for the most part) completely connected with Shiloh. I understood how she was so scared to be in the dark and seeing things that others can't (in my case its my mind playing tricks on me... hopefully!) and how she sucked it up, because it was her duty.
Lastly I liked how the romance was left in the ending. It could have been an insta-love thing, and it was really heading down that path, but I am glad they are still trying to understand each other. I think this was a very interesting story and definitely a much deeper story than I am used to. This really isn't one where you can read while super tired and be able to understand what just happen with only one read through, I think that is a good thing, though.
*SPOILERS*
My only problem with the romance is that I felt like maybe Sherry was trying too hard to make the readers point the finger at Trent for being the "bad guy" that she really left out a lot of parts where he could have won over a few votes with the ladies. I really wanted to either like him and be disappointed that his plot was to use Shiloh, or like him and be very weary of him but then it end up he's not the bad guy and I love him more. Neither of those things really happened. The whole time he was mostly a total douche to Shiloh and then the end he isn't the bad guy so everything is ok? I just wish there were more nice parts about Trent through out the story so I could have at least been happy when he wasn't the bad guy instead of feeling disappointed.
*END*
Overall:
I enjoyed reading Beautifully Broken. It was very different from what I am used to reading and very deep. You really got to pay attention while reading to understand everything that goes on, because a LOT goes on. I didn't like parts of the romance, because I wish there were more likable things about Trent. Overall he was kind of douche-y so I really like how the book ended. I loved how dark (literally) this world was and loved all the creatures. I will more than likely continue with this series and I recommend it for those who like things that go bump in the night.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4/5
*The book cover, description, and book info was found on it's Goodreads page. That page has been linked back to. All other works and opinions are my own creation. This novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
