Tags
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Synopsis: The last thing sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster needs is trouble, but that doesn’t stop him from finding her.
Nine months after the tragic accident that killed her mother and sister, this high school junior just wants a fresh start. Settling down in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine, she’s found peace at last…until the new resident bad boy, Jackson Matthews, comes into the picture. Arrogant, sarcastic, and devastatingly sexy, he’s the very last thing Caddie wants to entertain. Romance was never part of the plan. But when terrifying circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself in over her head and drawn in by his allure. As local girls begin disappearing, Cassie can’t help but wonder if it’s just a coincidence that everything started when this blue-eyed Casanova strolled into town. Will falling into Jackson’s arms mean she’ll be falling victim to a real lady-killer…or worse?
The answer will open the door to a world she never thought possible.
Divine Vices combines several popular YA elements: The paranormal, contemporary high school life, mystery, and forbidden love. Melissa Parkin takes these and adds some unique twists which prevents this from becoming too predictable and makes it an enjoyable read.
This is definitely a character driven story. Cassie is an appealing heroine who many teens will relate to. She’s suffered a horrible tragedy with the loss of her mother and sister, and because of that she’s had to grow up quicker than normal. She soldiers on with the help of her two best friends Ian and Gwen who are as different from one another as night and day. Despite this, this trio are completely supportive and loyal to one another. I also liked the peek at Cassie’s relationship with her dad. I’m hoping more of that will be explored in the next book.
I have to admit, I didn’t care for Jackson at all. Yes he’s good-looking but he’s also an arrogant, egotistical misogynist who really got on my nerves. That said, I understand the bad boy appeal, although I found myself wanting to take Cassie by the shoulders several times and push her in the direction of Ian, who I personally loved. He actually wound up being one of my favorite characters with because of his sweetness, goth/steampunk personna, and mad magic skills. He’s one of those personalities that stand out, long after you’ve finished a book.
There’s plenty of suspense which kept me turning the pages although I did feel that for the first half of the book there was too much dialogue and not enough action. Granted, the banter was witty and entertaining, but I was a little frustrated at times that the plot wasn’t moving forward a little quicker. Once I hit that halfway mark though, everything began to come together, culminating in an exciting conclusion which has me looking forward to the sequel.
Divine Vices heralds the arrival of a promising new arrival to YA fiction. With it’s combination of the paranormal, mystery, suspense, and romance genres, I think this will appeal to a wide audience.
jowensauthor said:
Sounds somewhat interesting. I may check it out. On a different note, did you see my Harry Potter Book Tag post?
LikeLiked by 3 people
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s one of those self-published gems. Harry Potter? I heading over right now Jeanne!
LikeLiked by 2 people
vinnieh said:
Sounds very sexy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think I have a new book crush with Ian. One of the sweetest, most interesting characters I’ve read in a while! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Aww, that sounds nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
I love your book crushes!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Ems! Shh. Don’t tell Tom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
I won’t!!! 🙂
I had a bit of a crush on Sirius Black……!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh God! I love Gary Oldman anyway, but he was brilliant as Sirius, wasn’t he?
LikeLike
susannevalenti said:
Oooo this looks good! I’ll definitely give it a go!xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ll have to let me know what you think Susanne!
Kim
LikeLiked by 1 person
theipc said:
Hi Kim!!
#hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hi Eric! I’ve missed you!💁🏻💁🏻💁🏻💁🏻
#loveeric
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
The way you have described this book, makes it sound like a lot of fun! I am curious though to know what your opinion of Ian and Jackson will be at the end of the second book when it releases. Hmmm…… 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s a good question Jen! I’ll let you know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heena Rathore P. said:
Initially, when I started reading the blurb, I thought “oh god! not another YA on same pollen.” But as I read your review, I must say, now I’m actually looking forward to reading this one. I love YA, but there are just too many books that have somewhat the same concept and endings. But I love it that in this one there are so many elements.
Thanks for the wonderful review, Kim. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hope you like it Heena. 😊 As I said, the action doesn’t really get going until about 1/2 way in, but even so, I was never bored. And did I mention how much I love Ian?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heena Rathore P. said:
HAha! Yea, and now I really know just how much 😉
I love such books where you love a character so much, and it’s quite interesting that in this case it’s not the MC… I’m really looking forward to read this book now 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ll have to let me know how you like it! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heena Rathore P. said:
Definitely! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
Dramatic book cover! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I love the colors.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person