Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Devoured by Amanda Marrone


Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 304
Book Source: Library borrow

Megan’s twin sister Remy died in an accident nine years ago, and she’s been haunting her ever since. Knowing how crazy that sounds, Megan keeps this secret to herself and tries to lead a normal life. But when she takes a summer job at Land of Enchantment to keep an eye on her new boyfriend and his lovesick best friend, Samantha, she meets fellow employee Luke who can see Remy, too. Things get even twistier because Megan’s new friend Ari is sporting a massive crush on Luke, who seems to be developing a massive crush on Megan…making for a love triangle that’s positively possessed.

Megan wants to keep her distance from Luke, but when Remy’s visions get crazy violent; she knows she needs his help. Because someone’s definitely in danger...the only question is who?

Devoured was a really quick, entertaining read recommended by Alaine Queen of Happy Endings. A fractured fairytale in itself, it gives readers a modern and refreshing take on what came after Snow White. A suspenseful mystery with a chilling tone, lots of love triangle angst and the tie-backs to Snow White are nicely woven in once you make the connection.

Amanda Marrone does a great job with character portrayal, none suffer from the too-good-to-be-true affliction. They're flawed, they display common human inadequacies; jealousy, bitchiness, selfishness, they're swayed by peer pressure, and then some take these traits to a whole new, twisted level. As Megan, Ryan, Luke & Ari attempt to navigate the multiple love triangle thing, the creepy supernatural elements heat up too. Megan's best friend Nicki, was one of my favourite characters, she added quite a bit of sarcastic humour to the story so I just had to include this quote from her that made me laugh out loud -

"Land of Enchantment isn't just about stereotypically helpless women in need of rescue - there's Hansel and Gretel's Haunted Forest, which is more of a celebration of child ause and cannibalism, and the petting zoo in Mother Goose's Family Fun Farm, which is all E.Coli, all the time!"

My only complaint with Devoured is, it felt a bit rushed towards the end, I would have liked to see the 'big things' play out a little more. The romance is sweet and despite the tragic elements Devoured is a fun, original read. I'll definitely be trying more from this author.

Check out Amanda Marrone's website


CymLowell


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.

21 comments:

  1. Hmm... she gets a job just to keep an eye on her boyfriend... sounds like she has some definite trust issues there.

    It does sound pretty funny though - I really like the quote!

    I think I'll add it to my wishlist. Thanks for the great review. :)

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  2. Great review! Love finding new authors!

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  3. Sounds interesting. I hadn't realized there was a fairy tale tie in until now. Great review!

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  4. I love that cover. Everytime I see it I feel I need to read this book right now. I know, pretty superficial , :) I am a total cover crazy reader:) Awesome review

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  5. Sounds great. I love twin stories and a fairy tales sounds really interesting.

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  6. I cant wait to buy this one and read it. It sounds fantastic, even though the ending is rushed I really want to read it.
    Thanks for the great review.

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  7. I thought the ending of Fallen was a bit rushed too. It seemed to go along really slowly and then everything happened in the last fifty pages. I wish they would sort out the pacing in these stories, it drives me nuts.

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  8. I have always had a weakness for fairy tales, and this sounds really good. I love the way you described the character development! Thanks for the lovely review.

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  9. Nice review :)
    I do not like rushed endings either, sometimes they are badly done, sometimes thy work anyway

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  10. I love fractured fairy tales!! This one sounds like an enjoyable read, but I do hate it when it feels rushed at the end!!!!

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  11. This book sounds like a story for me as I do like fairy tales. However, it is for sure a read for me seeing that both you and Alaine enjoyed this read. :)

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  12. Fractured fairy tales are so fun. Thanks for this nice review.

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  13. I almost buy this book when I saw it in bookstore last weekend! It didn't appeal me much then but now I feel like I *have* to get it. Gah, I should've trust my instinct. Very good review, this one definitely go into my wishlist =)

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  14. This sounds fascinating ! Thanks for sharing your review. I'm going to have to look into it !

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  15. A great review and another good looking book! Thanks!

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    www.chrissiescorner.co.uk

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  17. I didn't know that this book was based on Snow White. I love fairy tale retellings like Beastly by Alex Flinn. Great review. I am definitely going to read Devoured!

    By the way, you have an award on my blog :)

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  18. I have to read this soon :) Great review btw :)

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  19. You make this one sound worth reading, even with the rushed ending.

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  20. I like the cover of this book. I def. want to read this one : )

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  21. I totally want to read this one. I loveeee the blurb and your review too. It is ok if it is rushed :)

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