fantasy friday

for those of you who have not read it yet, i must recommend Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

Ethan Carter Wate lives in Gatlin, South Carolina. All he wants is to leave his boring, small-minded hometown, but then Lena Duchannes arrives, and Ethan's life abruptly becomes much less predictable and much more interesting.

From the moment she steps into the hallways of Gatlin's high school, Lena Duchannes attracts strange accidents and out-right hostility. What's more, she's the girl from Ethan's dreams. Literally. Night after night, he tries and fails to prevent Lena's death, and, from the moment he lays eyes on her, she captures his conscious thoughts as well.

But Lena has bigger problems than unaccepting townsfolk and a blossoming romance. Her family has secrets, dark secrets that they are determined to hide and Ethan and Lena are determined to uncover.

After all, both of their lives may hang in the balance.

this story has everything that makes a good YA fantasy. it has an essence; a flavor; mystery, drama, magic, sorrow, love, page-turning suspense. this story is tangible. it draws you in.

(also, i personally loved the literary allusions and quotes that peppered the dialogue. i read To Kill A Mockingbird BECAUSE of this story, and it was awesome--thank you, Beautiful Creatures!)

the bottom line? it is a story that demands to be read.



*since most of you have probably already read Beautiful Creatures, though, what aspects particularly stood out for you?

**and don't forget to check out today's majorly awesome giveaway at YA Highway. here's the link! clickclickclick!!!

***Kate Hart also has a giveaway goin' on this friday--custom totes and handmade BOOKMARKS could be yours!! check this one out, too!