Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Book 1
Copyright: Dec 2009
Pages: 576
Book Source: Birthday present from Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings

Some loves are meant to be…

others are cursed.

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
At least, that’s what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end,
there was a grave.

I loved, loved, LOVED Beautiful Creatures. It was unputdownable, 576 pages breezed by and I was completely enthralled. Hooked from page 1, there wasn't one page, not one moment that dragged. Haunting, darkly romantic, unique and mysterious, this was a beautifully written tale, a story to completely lose yourself in.

This southern gothic novel is set in the small town of Gatlin where history is revered, outsiders are shunned, prejudices run deep and secrets abound. It's told from Ethan's point of view which was refreshingly different, and I have to say I totally bought the story through Ethan's eyes. He's sensitive and sweet and he adores Lena, which reminded me of my 18 year old son who is smitten with his girlfriend and writes her poetry even though he's a typical testosterone loaded guy. I'm not going to give away the details of the mortals and not-so-mortals or the intricacies of the magic but I can tell you it isn't like anything I've read before. Lena & Ethan must battle generations of secrets and curses to decide their fate and their future.

I loved the unique world created by Garcia & Stohl, I loved the rich, addictive writing, I loved the star-crossed love story, I loved the dark, slightly sinister feel throughout the novel and I loved the suspense created by the countdown, I loved the role the history of Gatlin played in the story and if you've read to Kill a Mockingbird, you'll love the references to this classic; the reclusive Boo Radley, the similarities between Gatlin & Maycomb.

Beautiful Creatures has so many wonderfully developed characters, not only Ethan and Lena but Macon, Lena's uncle, Amma, Ethan's substitute grandma, and Ethan's best mate, Link who I found just adorable and totally hilarious. Two quotes that particularly tickled my funny bone -

this one from Link;

"Shut up. You're so whipped I should buy you a saddle."

and this from Macon;

"I suppose I am a snob. I loathe towns. I loathe townspeople. They have small minds and giant backsides ... They're junk food. Fatty, but ultimately, terribly unsatisfying."

Garcia and Stohl give readers a seamless and totally addictive story, it's a 'keeper' on my bookshelf. I'm dying to read the next installment so all I can say is ... write fast!

Warner Brothers has acquired the rights to Beautiful Creatures *woohoo* what a brilliant movie it'll make. To find out more about Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and their work visit their website.

This month on The Eclectic Reader one lucky reader can win The Iron King OR Ecstasy Unveiled OR Captive of Sin. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.