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Pretty In Black (Pretty in Black #1)

by Rae Hachton (Goodreads Author)

3.57 of 5 stars 3.57 · rating details · 141 ratings · 58 reviews

Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both.

The sun faded and night began to descend. The sky was a deep navy blue. Marcus sat his violin aside and dropped to one knee, as though he were about to propose. His eyes flickered with seriousness. He took my hand into his. "Ellie, would you frolic in the land of forever with me?"

The Violin

A troubled, suicidal t...more

Paperback, 312 pages

Published October 26th 2011 by Teen Pulse

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Pretty In Black (Pretty in Black, #1)
by Rae Hachton (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Mar 15, 2013

Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both.

The sun faded and night began to descend. The sky was a deep navy blue. Marcus sat his vi…more

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Community Reviews

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May 12, 2012 Shane rated it 5 of 5 stars

-For Itching For Books

There's sooo much I could say about Pretty In Black. I just have to compose my thoughts enough to make sense in doing so. I think 'dark' is the appropriate word that sums up everything about this book. It describes the emotions of the main characters, their surroundings, and the bittersweet love they have for each other.

I truly enjoyed the story because not only was it fast paced, and I mean extremely fast paced, I could also feel what they were feeling, see what they were...more -For Itching For Books

There's sooo much I could say about Pretty In Black. I just have to compose my thoughts enough to make sense in doing so. I think 'dark' is the appropriate word that sums up everything about this book. It describes the emotions of the main characters, their surroundings, and the bittersweet love they have for each other.

I truly enjoyed the story because not only was it fast paced, and I mean extremely fast paced, I could also feel what they were feeling, see what they were seeing, and understood when they themselves found it difficult to comprehend. Pretty In Black is quite the experience, and I say that because you'll literally feel as if you're apart of the story. It was just that satisfying.

After reading the synopsis, which I usually shy away from because I fear for the expectations they leave me with, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Ellie. Her personality seemed gloomy and depressing, someone who made everyone else around her feel like crap, and that isn't the kind of friend I wished to have. But surprisingly, I liked the kind of person she turned out to be. Ellie was merely heartbroken; she had just lost her sister, tragically, I might add. Her parents had divorced. Her mother remarried the scum of the earth, and her father didn't seem like he cared at all. So, you could truly sympathizer with this broken seventeen year old in desperate need of love. Then came Marcus.

Their encounter was of course creepy, but entertaining. It seemed rushed but to the point. I love it. Marcus is this fearless and mysterious guy who wants nothing else in the world but Ellie. He's willing to risk it all for love, an emotion that not only screams hot but selfishness as well. The latter being that he's putting his dynasty and the girl he loves in danger. The truth about who he was came to light but only made Ellie fall deeper in love. This chick was more than ready to give up her life to be with him, not a lot of girls would be so open to death. You'd think she'd put up a lasting fight in regards to that small (major) detail, but I must commend her willpower all in the name of love.

Overall, Pretty In Black is an exceptional re-imaging of Poe's dark tales. There's absolutely nothing sugar coated about this story, everything is in your face and tastefully well written. What more could an avid reader of Gothic Romance ask for, when I'm given twice the darkness and twice the passion.

Source: itchingforbooks.blogspot.com(less)

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Dec 22, 2011 Cristina (Bibliophile Mystery) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-my-shelf

This is originally posted on my blog:
http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

Pretty in Black got me hooked from the very moment I saw the cover and now, after finishing it in a single day, I can add that, in my opinion, the cover reflects the main character’s personality. That’s exactly how I picture Ellie’s life at the beginning.
Getting to know Ellie was hard: such a troubled soul with a horrible past. Her sister was murdered a year ago in their house. Nobody knew by whom or why and this somehow...more This is originally posted on my blog:
http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

Pretty in Black got me hooked from the very moment I saw the cover and now, after finishing it in a single day, I can add that, in my opinion, the cover reflects the main character’s personality. That’s exactly how I picture Ellie’s life at the beginning.
Getting to know Ellie was hard: such a troubled soul with a horrible past. Her sister was murdered a year ago in their house. Nobody knew by whom or why and this somehow made the situation worse. Then her parents divorced soon after: her father left town for work and her mother married Nick, a violent man with half her age. Just like that, Ellie went from having a nice, loving home, to living in a trailer park with an alcoholic mother and an abusing stepfather.
We meet Ellie in a cemetery – a place where she spends a lot of time imagining her perfect death – on the verge of suicide. …And then ..he’s there.
“I thought he was the death angel here to collect me. He was too gorgeous to be human. He had long black hair, brooding eyes, and the richest ruby lips I’d ever seen.”
Having many secrets of his own, Marcus returned from the dead to save her. He’s also determined to “unbury her heart” and make her love him the way he loves her. But in order to be together forever….he has to kill her first…sort of.
One of the many things I love about Marcus is the way he’s expressing his feelings. He’s unlike any other male hero I’ve read about…I’m sure you’ve read a lot of young adult books in which “he” meets “her”, they try to stay away from each other, then finally, after 150 pages they finally realize they are soul-mates. Well…Marcus puts all his feelings out there from the beginning, and they only grow stronger as the story develops. Ellie is the one who’s a little bit astonished in the beginning, maybe a little skeptic.

“”What are we?”

He looked at me with passion in his eyes. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m in love.” His face was serious, but his eyes smiled.
My breath caught.
[…]I wanted to tell him I loved him, too, but it was lodged in my throat and wouldn’t come out in words. He smirked. “You’re not required to say anything, you know. But, if you feel the same, then just take my hand.” He turned his right palm up, and placed it near my left one. One heart beat. Two heart beats. Three heart beats.
[…]When he went to move his hand away, I stopped him by taking it into mine and entwining my fingers with his.”

Ellie discovers in Marcus a savior, a soul-mate, a person worth dying for. She’ll be ready to sacrifice everything to be together. Their love story made me cry sometimes, that’s how amazing it is! The book is written from Ellie’s Point of view, but we get some of Mark’s too.
Pretty in Black is such a fast paced, amazing story that you won’t put it down from the beginning to the end. The only thing I wish for right now is a sequel.
Happy Reading!
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May 19, 2013 Oana D. H. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the moment i started reading this book i wanted to know more about Ellie and Marcus.Even if its not the kind of book i usually like to read,i liked how Rae described everything.It was a little strange,but at the same time i thought it was beautiful.

Everything Rae wrote was beautiful.Every word made the story more interesting and usually that's all i need and i will know if i should stop reading or not.I didn't.

Even if there was a moment when i thought something was missing-i don't really...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Siiri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, first-of-the-series, young-adult, fantasy, read-2012

This review can also be found on my blog.

I really liked the plot and the idea of this book. It was different and something I haven’t come across before, although it had some not-so-original elements to it, it was still new and fresh. It’s a bit gothic, mysterious, dark, edgy and it was all kinds of black and pretty. Also, it has a whole fantasy world to spice up the romance. I felt like the writing was a bit chaotic at times, but the author said on her blog that it’s just her style – on the cont...more This review can also be found on my blog.

I really liked the plot and the idea of this book. It was different and something I haven’t come across before, although it had some not-so-original elements to it, it was still new and fresh. It’s a bit gothic, mysterious, dark, edgy and it was all kinds of black and pretty. Also, it has a whole fantasy world to spice up the romance. I felt like the writing was a bit chaotic at times, but the author said on her blog that it’s just her style – on the contrary to say everything by explaining things, the readers have to figure these things out by themselves. It’s like a hidden message you have to decode on your own. Not sure how I feel about this, but it definitely gives room to my own imagination and thoughts.

“I never really wanted to die. But I followed through anyway. The pain in my heart was excruciating, and death was beautiful.”

As for the characters, I think Ellie was okay. She was lost. Well, not literally, but emotionally. Her sister had recently been murdered, her boyfriend had cheated on her, her Mother didn’t want to talk about her sister’s death and just didn’t act like her Mom at all, she lives in a trailer park, her Dad left them and now she's living with her Mom and her stepfather. She’s broken and wants to die. Elle feels like there’s nothing left for her and one day she goes to a graveyard and dreams about dieing. She thinks she did. But did she or was it actually a dream? Suddenly she hears a voice. A stranger’s voice. The moment she opens her eyes is the moment Marcus Marble comes to her life.

Marcus is a mysterious handsome guy who pops up in Ellie’s life in the most unexpected ways and I think he is absolutely fantastic! I loved every single second of the scenes he was in. He helps Ellie deal with her issues and gives her hope for a better life, a better future. They fall in love. It's beautiful. It's black. However, maybe they’re not destined to love each other since there are some things you can’t change even if you wanted to.

I like the world Rae Hachton has created and it’s nice to see that originality still exists in YA fiction. It was a good read and I enjoyed it a lot. I’d love to read the sequel in the near future and I’m glad that there’ll be at least two more books to come after the second one. Also, I think the covers are all stunning. It was a great start to a series. I’ve already read some thoughts on the second book and it seems like the second one is even better. Do I recommend? Yes, I do.(less)

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May 30, 2012 Ellen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours

Pretty in Black was a very interesting read. It was a "dark" romance. Ellie Piper has lost her sister, her father is gone, and her mother has married a creep and moved her into a trailer park. Ellie likes to hang out in cemeteries, she's depressed, and she cuts. Then she meets Marcus Marble, and her whole life changes. She tries to stay away from Marcus, but finds herself compelled to be with him. He is mysterious, charming, attractive, and has his own dark side. Ellie struggles to keep focused...more

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May 02, 2012 ♬ ☮ Priya ♀ ♏ {Smoke and Starlight} ☠ ☯ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, romance

"Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both."

Ellie Piper had wished to die, not to meet the charming and enigmatic Marcus Marble. But now they are in love and Ellie has found a reason to live. Only if their love wasn't forbidden. Ellie was born to kill Evermores like Marcus and Marcus will break every rule if he lets Ellie live. But that won't stop them from a love that was fated. How far would they go before they realize that their love is going to destroy them. This is only t...more

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May 02, 2012 Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
To say Pretty in Black is a fast read is an understatement. Everything happens so fast in this story that it was a little confusing at times, and the romance was instantaneous. I have many "Why?" questions running through my head. I would love the book to have been longer with more details as to what and why things were happening.I have high hopes for the sequel though. I think it is building up to something. Forbidden love always grabs my attention, and the a...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Carlyle Labuschagne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have been fortunate enough to read PIB before anyone else, so Im not gonna spoil it for anyone. Rae is a brilliant writer, her words like poetry , she brings culture and rock together. The story is very well put together. I adore the characters. You might think things pradictable in some books, not this one.
The format is gorgeous as is everything about Pretty In Black. One thing I did not like though, is I hate the sespense on waiting what will happen in the next book , I mean how can you lea...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Parker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very very good... I could not put it down!!

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Dec 16, 2012 Michikit rated it 5 of 5 stars

Interview with Rae Hachton
I finished Pretty in Black a while ago and it was a surprisingly fast reading. I was so into this book that I’ve read it just a couple of hours and I found it unique. Pretty in Black is dark and mostly revolves around death. As a matter of fact the story itself starts with the near death of the main character, Ellie, which tries to commit suicide, but is resurrected by Marcus.
First the writing style was so different, as the entire book is, but the writing was differ...more Interview with Rae Hachton
I finished Pretty in Black a while ago and it was a surprisingly fast reading. I was so into this book that I’ve read it just a couple of hours and I found it unique. Pretty in Black is dark and mostly revolves around death. As a matter of fact the story itself starts with the near death of the main character, Ellie, which tries to commit suicide, but is resurrected by Marcus.
First the writing style was so different, as the entire book is, but the writing was different and alluring and at times poetic. While reading Pretty in Black I couldn’t help by imagining this dark world, Ellie’s world. I am pretty sure that there were sunny days, but I couldn’t help but to place it in a gothic environment, foggy and dangerous because those were Ellie’s feelings. I would be interested in re-reading the book mostly because some of the descriptions were so realistic, especially Marcus’ place.
The love story. I don’t want to see this as an instant love thing, because it wasn’t. Marcus knew Ellie before they met and after that there certainly was an evolution in their relationship. I loved how Marcus was devoted and protective, a little bit violent, but I guess that is was in his nature. Oh in case you didn’t realize it by know, Marcus was not human, he was an Evermore, pretty much dead for a while.
Ellie, an ex-cheerleader was now the opposite of what she was because of certain events in her life: her sister was dead and she partially blamed herself, her father left home and her mother was not the loving woman she once was while they were living in a trailer park. I pretty much understand where the depression she felt was coming from, therefore she felt more comfortable in dark places like cemeteries then around people. In fact she met Marcus in a cemetery and this is the first story I’ve read in which the main characters start their love story in such an environment.
Marcus was pretty much of a mystery for me as he was for Ellie. The entire book I needed to know more about his background and THANK YOU, RAE we got it. The last part of the book was entirely of Marcus’ POV and I loved to be in his head and memories. We got to see a little more of his history, a part of his life as a human and I enjoyed the magical world of this book.
I would love to know more, I still have questions about so many things. I want to know what happened to Ellie after she received her happy ending without Marcus.(less)

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Nov 24, 2012 YA Novelties rated it 5 of 5 stars

Check this review out at our blog!

4.5 Stars!!

Pretty Dark and gloomy cover, right? I do admit it, I judge books by their covers. It's the cover that attracts me to a book, and makes me read its summary to see if its something I might like. This book would normally be one I wouldn't look at (its cover is just too dark and not very appealing), but it was recommended to me by a friend, so I had to give it a chance. Luckily enough, the summary snagged my interest, and I decided to read it, and I'm gl...more Check this review out at our blog!

4.5 Stars!!

Pretty Dark and gloomy cover, right? I do admit it, I judge books by their covers. It's the cover that attracts me to a book, and makes me read its summary to see if its something I might like. This book would normally be one I wouldn't look at (its cover is just too dark and not very appealing), but it was recommended to me by a friend, so I had to give it a chance. Luckily enough, the summary snagged my interest, and I decided to read it, and I'm glad I did.

Pretty in Black is a beautiful gothic love story. The main character is Ellie, a girl who has recently faced many hardships, including the murder of her sister, the divorce of her parents, and her boyfriend cheating on her. She is pretty depressed and wants to die. However, in comes Marcus Marble (I love his name), with whom Ellie is immediately attracted too. You can see where this is going, right? Well it may be a more typical romance, but the paranormal side is quite fascinating. Hachton puts a unique twist on vampires, creating an original paranormal story, which can be hard to find in today's market.

Marcus Marble, how his name and its alliteration just rolls off your tongue. It is definitely catchy. He is quite the mysterious guy at first, showing up at a cemetery, and being seemingly everywhere Ellie is (not that that isn't weird at all). And of course, he is gorgeous, but what male love interest isn't? The atypical love story that you might think of (after reading the summary) is this: boy meets girl, they are helplessly in love but try to stay away from each other, but eventually realize they are soul mates. That was what I was thinking too, but was for the most part, proved wrong. Marcus knows that his love for Ellie is dangerous, but he pursues her anyway, and his feelings only get stronger as the story continues, Marcus is very honest about his feelings and that is very refreshing. It is only Ellie who is hesitant at first, understandably so, after all she did meet him, a random stranger, in a graveyard, and suddenly he is everywhere she is.

My favorite part (besides the paranormal part), is the writing. Not only does the writing enhance the story, but it really sets the mood, leaving you with an impression of this dark and sweet story of two people in love. It also made the book fast paced, and I was very surprised how little time this took me. It's 312 pages are deceiving, but enjoyably so, I didn't put this book down and just sped through it. I am very excited to read the sequel. What a cliffhanger at the end. All in all I would recommend this to anyone who has a taste for dark romance, or anyone else who is looking for a lovely book you're able to fly through.

M @YA Novelties
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Oct 24, 2012 Paranormal Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book from this line alone. Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both. That had me staying up late into the night to finish this book. And I am so glad I did.

We meet Ellie at the beginning who has decided to end her life. Even though it’s a graphic scene the author does some creative writing to introduce us to the love interest Marcus. He asks Ellie for a kiss and dance. I was a little confused weather this was a dream or not but Rae writes so well that it d...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

*This is a 4.5 star review*

"Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is Both."

I read this book in February, I believe, but at that time there wasn't a lot of reviews for it so I forgot about posting mine, but now i see the book is making its way around so now i'm going to give my two cents.

It's been a while since I read it, so I'm to try and recall some of what I remember. I might read it again to refresh my memory since there is now a second book in the series.

Pretty in Black begins...more *This is a 4.5 star review*

"Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is Both."

I read this book in February, I believe, but at that time there wasn't a lot of reviews for it so I forgot about posting mine, but now i see the book is making its way around so now i'm going to give my two cents.

It's been a while since I read it, so I'm to try and recall some of what I remember. I might read it again to refresh my memory since there is now a second book in the series.

Pretty in Black begins with a girl named Ellie who has, for some reason, decided to end her life. Now, suicide is a touchy subject...and this book opens up with a rather graphic suicide scene. she slits her wrists in a cemetery. However, the author uses some amazing technique to quickly shift attention away from this horrific even and onto the love interest or Romeo of the tale...Marcus Marble. [love that name BTW.] He appears seemingly out of nowhere [don't they all?] and asks this girl for a kiss/dance [BTW she is not dead. she didn't die, it was a dream?] Now, this would have been a somewhat typical love story like other paranormal romances in the genre, had the author not had such a lovely way with words and a vision unlike other authors. She's very good with creating vivid images in the mind of the reader.

Some of the scenes echoed other stories i've read/seen but I think it was for a comic effect she was going for, I don't know, but it didn't last long or extract from the tale in any way so it was easily overlooked.

What I loved about the story was that Marcus was not the typical 17 year old guy who went to school with the girl and pretended he wasn't interested in her. No. Marcus Marble is 19, doesn't go to school and puts his feelings all out on the table from the beginning—something I've been waiting to see happen in YA for a while now so *thumbs up*.

What I didn't like was not knowing exactly what the creature in this story was supposed to be. There wasn't enough details. I've seen some people tag "vampire" to this so I'm kind of iffy about reading onward, but reviews of Black Satin have been great and a mention of Gargoyles—something I don't see all the time—has totally captured my attention so I might be reading the next book in this series.

Overall, I'd give it 4.5 stars for the unique creation of the World and the spin on ordinary events. (less)

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May 20, 2012 Erika rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Title: Pretty In Black
Author: Rae Hachton
Publisher: Teen Pulse
Number of Pages: 312
Date of Release: October 26th, 2011
Summary From Goodreads:

Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both.

[Ellie Piper]

She wanted to die. He arose from the grave. He was sent to kill her. She was trained to kill those of his kind. But fate had other plans. He searched for 119 years to find her. & There's no way in hell he's letting her go. Dead or Alive. They're fated.

[Marcus Marble]

How far wo...more

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May 18, 2012 Diayll rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour

Originally Reviewed at: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 4out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Blog Tour
Reviewer: Heather

Pretty in Black is about a young woman named Ellie who has lost her sister, her perfect life, and she is seeking death. Marcus Marble saves her in more ways than she knew she needed saving. But he has a secret, many secrets, that he’s keeping from her.

To further the story, Ellie is also a Corvidae hunter, and her purpose is to hunt down the Evermore. She is warned that if she fails, o...more

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May 11, 2012 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tbr-challenge

Ellie is still mourning her sister's death, she was murdered and violated. She doesn't want to live anymore, her parents have divorced, her mother has moved on to a boyfriend who is very wrong and they now live in a trailer park. Everything has gone down the drain, she even quit cheer leading and no longer speaks to her ex boyfriend or ex best friend. There's nothing left for her. Laying down in the cemetery enjoying the atmosphere in comes Marcus Marble. At first he startles her so she is torn...more Ellie is still mourning her sister's death, she was murdered and violated. She doesn't want to live anymore, her parents have divorced, her mother has moved on to a boyfriend who is very wrong and they now live in a trailer park. Everything has gone down the drain, she even quit cheer leading and no longer speaks to her ex boyfriend or ex best friend. There's nothing left for her. Laying down in the cemetery enjoying the atmosphere in comes Marcus Marble. At first he startles her so she is torn between having him stay and having him leave. Either way she is definitely intrigued by him.

Of course the cuteness factor wins over (as it does almost all the time), and he stays. They talk and talk and their relationship starts to grow more daily. There is something off about Marcus though but of course Ellie doesn't care because she's falling for him and he's fallen for her. She's since left her mother and is living at a friends house while working at a movie theater and semi going to school.

Ellie and Marcus shouldn't be together because of who they are but there is an amazingly strong bond between them that nothing can keep them apart. Eventually they will be together.

The first part of the book is told through Ellie's point of view. Which is a great idea as we get to see the story through different eyes. I wouldn't have minded seeing it back and forth at the same time though, that's always great the whole he said she said scenario. The overall story was good and the concept is interesting but I think it could have been developed a little more as if the characters need a little more depth to them. Their romance was very whirlwind like, very quick but substantial to the both of them. The back story and history comes more from the second part of the book.

The second part of the story was told through Marcus's point of view, and I wish there was more of Marcus. His story was fascinating. I wanted more details about who is the Society, more about him being a white crow. There are just so many more interesting facts that were told through Marcus, as Ellie's side was pure love story. Hope the next book has more of his story in it and more background information. Overall good book. (less)

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May 26, 2012 Sana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

Pretty In Black is a dark young adult book but that is not it. It is emotional, it is raw, it is deep and most of all, it is bittersweet. Ellie likes to spend time in cemetery ever since her life turned upside down, from being the captain of the cheerleading squad and having a family to living in a trailer with a mother who doesn't care and a stepfather who brings her down overnight.

The book starts with Ellie trying to cut her wrists and succeeding when she succumbs to the darkness enveloping h...more Pretty In Black is a dark young adult book but that is not it. It is emotional, it is raw, it is deep and most of all, it is bittersweet. Ellie likes to spend time in cemetery ever since her life turned upside down, from being the captain of the cheerleading squad and having a family to living in a trailer with a mother who doesn't care and a stepfather who brings her down overnight.

The book starts with Ellie trying to cut her wrists and succeeding when she succumbs to the darkness enveloping her. But then someone tells her to wake up. Her first and a very intriguing encounter with Marcus Marble leaves her feeling relaxed, confused and somewhat annoyed. Ellie has abandoned her previous life the day her sister was raped and then murdered. High school and day-to-day life just became trivial and meaningless. Nobody cared. Not until Marcus.

The cover is a perfect combination of pink and black and it defines Ellie in more ways than one. Ellis has a genuine feminine side but she has lost sight of who she really wants to be and that's when the blackness seeped in and made itself a part of her. Of Ellie.

Ellie has a couple of strange encounter with Giles who tells her that she is the chosen one. And somehow Ellie believes whatever he says. Then she spots a white raven looking at her. But ravens are black. That has Ellie intrigued. And then her so-called BFF, Madison, wants her to rejoin the cheerleading squad and her cheating boyfriend, Declan is being Declan and trying to convince her that he is sorry he cheated.

Ellie finds comfort in only those moments when she is with Marcus who is a tortured soul, he is a monster but he is genuine and he knows what he is capable of. But he is not strong when it comes to Ellie. He wants to be with her at any cost. And Ellie feels the same way.

But it is not simple as that.

Pretty In Black left me wanting more of Ellie's and Marcus' story. I have questions about Ellie's life and what Marcus did in the end. I want to know what is real and what is not real in the world Rae has created. In other words, I really liked Nevermore and what Ellie and Marcus and capable of and why is their love really forbidden. The writing style is very engrossing and the words are beautiful. The words has a poetical touch to them embedded in the story. I definitely look forward to reading Black Satin, the second book in Pretty In Black series.(less)

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Apr 24, 2012 Katie Tuccelli rated it 1 of 5 stars

I initally accepted this book as part as a Blog Tour. I admit, I fell for the pretty cover. This is definitely one case where I should not have judged a book by its cover. Well, okay, I also judged it by its synopsis, so I don't feel too bad now. I mean, it's a pretty interesting synopsis: death, mystery, forbidden love, suspense. These are all great elements I look for when deciding on a book to read.

Unfortunately, I only made it to page 21 in Pretty in Black before trying to decide whether I s...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Bianca rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book as an eArc.Thank you,Rae!

I really enjoied this book…to be onest,I didn’t expect to like it so much!Ok,at the first glace,”Pretty in Black” seemed to be an intresting book,with a amaging cover.Just this.But “Pretty in Black” is more than that.”Pretty in Black” is an amazing book!

Very good written,this book hooked me from the first page til the last.I don’t know why,but I love Rae write style!It gave me a feeling…like I could read and read and read without getting tired.

“Prett...more I received this book as an eArc.Thank you,Rae!

I really enjoied this book…to be onest,I didn’t expect to like it so much!Ok,at the first glace,”Pretty in Black” seemed to be an intresting book,with a amaging cover.Just this.But “Pretty in Black” is more than that.”Pretty in Black” is an amazing book!

Very good written,this book hooked me from the first page til the last.I don’t know why,but I love Rae write style!It gave me a feeling…like I could read and read and read without getting tired.

“Pretty in black” hooked me because Rae doesn’t want us to know a lot of things about the characters from the start.Onestly,I stiil don’t know much about the characters.Hihi,I think this is one of the best thing about “Pretty in Black”.

The story is very beautiful and fresh.I really liked this this with Evermores,Nevermores,Immortal and other things.But the love story is Wow!I mean,this is one of the most beautiful and amazing and awesome story that I ever read.OMG,I love it!It’s so romantic,and mysterious and..the atmosphere is amazing!

I liked,also,the characters.I liked Marcus very much,because he is mysterious but..lovely.Lol JAlso,Ellie is an amazing character.And she has a life story..that I don’t want to have it.It’s horrible.But even she wanted to give up,she is strong and she doesn’t.Like!

One thing I don’t like: Ellie belived too easy in Marcus.And I don’t know why they felt in love with each other,even if they doesn’t know each other very good. And sometimes,I felt like some parts are copied from “Twilight”..rarely,though.

I didn’t like that I read “Pretty in black” too fast.Lol.After I entered the story,I was so steeped in it that I didn’t feel when I finished it.I wanted to read and read and read untill I’ll get tired.I am happy that “Black in satin” is out. J

That’s it…now,I will describe you a little the story.

Ellie’s life is horrible.Her sister was murdered.Her parents are divorced and her mother is married again with a guy who is a drunk.She lives with her mother and her stepfather in a trailer ,in park.She wants to die.She even suicid in the graveyard.But she wakes up.And she meets Marcus…a mystirious guy,very beautiful.He keeps to meet Ellie,”randomly”.Ellie doesn’t know what’s going on.She tries not to fall in love with Marcus…but she feels a deeply conaction with him..and se falls in love with him.Marcus the same.They are a strange pair..but a beautiful pair.But when Ellie finds out what is Marcus,the things doesn’t are like they seems to be.And their relationship is very ,very dangerous!

You can find out the rest reading the book!
This book was amazing!You have to read it because the story is very beautiful!I can’t wait to read “Black in Satin”.(less)

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May 21, 2012 Novels On The Run rated it 4 of 5 stars

MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING : 4 INTRIGUING STARS!!

“I ran the blade across both my wrists, and collapsed onto the ground. I felt the fire, the ache, the sting. My pulse pounded, my life poured out of me. My vision grew dark. I waited for the darkness.”

Ellie Piper wanted to die. She didn’t ....not yet.....

This is a hauntingly beautiful story, which I found quite original, but, at the same time I have many questions.

At times this book flows beautifully and at other times it was maybe too fast, I wa...more

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May 17, 2012 Jennifer added it

Shelves: read-in-2012, book-tour

Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton is a paranormal love story about the relationship between Ellie Piper and Marcus Marble. The first section of the story is told from Ellie’s point of view. Ellie has recently lost her sister. She was murdered and it remains unsolved. Her sister’s death has seriously affected the previously perky, straight-A cheerleader, causing her to distance herself from her best friend, her boyfriend, and everyone else at school. She’s dressing in black and hanging out in cemete...more

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May 27, 2012 Liz at Fictional Candy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, romance, paranormal

“I never really wanted to die. But I followed through anyway. The pain in my heart was excruciating, and death was beautiful.”

I started this book knowing next to nothing about it. The cover is what drew me in, I couldn’t have not read it. And then I signed up for the Black Satin tour with Supagurl Tours, which I have a stop in June. So then I had to read this book, to prepare for that one. That all worked out quite well!

This felt like it was a relatively short story, overall. But it is over 300...more “I never really wanted to die. But I followed through anyway. The pain in my heart was excruciating, and death was beautiful.”

I started this book knowing next to nothing about it. The cover is what drew me in, I couldn’t have not read it. And then I signed up for the Black Satin tour with Supagurl Tours, which I have a stop in June. So then I had to read this book, to prepare for that one. That all worked out quite well!

This felt like it was a relatively short story, overall. But it is over 300 pages. I guess I enjoyed it so much that I just flew through it. Ellie Piper is a teenage girl whose sister has died. She is depressed and suicidal. Life has flipped since her sister’s death, and nothing quite seems worth it. So she decides suicide is the answer. And on that fateful night she meets Marcus.

Marcus has long black hair and brooding eyes. He is quiet and mysterious. He has secrets, big secrets. He stops Ellie from killing herself, now only if she knew!

“So I stayed. I kind of adored his smile. And I really loved his eyes.”

Sometimes it just takes a word to describe someone. Depressed. Cutter. Suicidal. And of course, you can’t encompass someone in that one word, but when you are the person in that spot… well, that’s all you see in yourself. You don’t see the vibrancy you once had, you don’t see the smile that people miss. All you really can see is the end, and you wonder how in the hell you can get there because you are just…done.

That was Ellie. I found her to be quite compelling. This was a girl who was vivacious and cheerful, in fact she was a cheerleader. Then her sister dies and life as she knows it ceases. I really liked her. And then she met Marcus and I thought, whoa, this guy is special. Seemingly the epitome of a vampire, except he’s not a vampire, he’s an Evermore. They are slightly different, but the story will explain that to you better than I could. But the two of them, to me, was like picturing the gothic prince and princess come to life. I just liked them.

There were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way about this story. Things that I felt have been done before. But those instances were short, and didn't really detract from the story.

What I did love about this story, and it made me jump to read Black Satin (the next book in the series) was this beautiful imagery and language that the author used. She was able to set up a scene with such dark beauty, you definitely felt like you were there. You could feel the desolation, the sadness… and then you could feel the hope and what could only certainly be young love. Some of the imagery was very dark, but it was beautiful. The beginning dealt with the issue of suicide, which can be a very touchy subject for some. But in this story it was handled beautifully.

You get a little bit of history on Marcus, and what is going on with him. There is a lot that is explained even more in book 2. All I can say is that this is shaping up to be a wonderful series, and I can’t wait to get on to book 3!
(less)

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Dec 18, 2012 Ramona Alexis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ellie Piper was a girl like everybody else. She had great notes at school, a best friend, a boyfriend, and even a beautiful happy family. She even was the leader of the cheerleaders, and for this she was envied by many girls. She had a perfect life. Then, suddenly something has changed.

„I didn’t feel like myself anymore. The girl who used to be a cheerleader, I no longer knew who she was. The new me dressed different, spoke different, had different interests than the old me.”

Once with the death...more

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May 23, 2012 Amy Fournier rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is fast paced and dark. The first half starts off from Ellie's POV. She is depressed and doesn't want to live. Her sister was murdered, her parents are divorced, and she has left behind her popular happy life for one of loneliness. She has pushed all of her friends away and her old life is just a shadow. The second part of the book is from Marcus's POV. It skips over a lot, but it is nice to see things from his perspective too. We get to know him much better too.

Ellie is attracted to t...more This book is fast paced and dark. The first half starts off from Ellie's POV. She is depressed and doesn't want to live. Her sister was murdered, her parents are divorced, and she has left behind her popular happy life for one of loneliness. She has pushed all of her friends away and her old life is just a shadow. The second part of the book is from Marcus's POV. It skips over a lot, but it is nice to see things from his perspective too. We get to know him much better too.

Ellie is attracted to this mystery boy Marcus. She really starts off with a spunky attitude towards him that I really like. I wish we had gotten to know her a little better though. The story moves so quickly that I feel like it skips over so much. I wish we had gotten to know her history a bit. We know she was a cheerleader, and really good at it, we know that her dad left and she now lives in a scummy trailer with her mom and her boyfriend, and she had pretty crappy friends, but we don't get to know much more about all of that. Then all of the sudden she is approached by some weird person telling her she is a chosen one and it is her job to kill the "monsters". There is nothing really explaining how or why she is a chosen one or the background of them at all.

Oh, then the insta love thing. I know that a lot of books have it, and occasionally I am okay with it. This time, not really so much, only because there is no real explanation. Marcus has been waiting for 119 years to find love, and Ellie is this chosen one who is supposed to be his enemy, but somehow they just almost instantly fall in love. Well, Marcus is instantly in love, Ellie fights it for a tiny bit. There is no specific reason stated that they should have some special bond, or nothing that happened that bound them to each other. Maybe Ellie is just so torn apart about everything and there is finally someone who cares so she attaches herself to him, but the whole absolutely in love with each other, will do anything to be together thing seems a bit too much to me.

I do like Marcus. I think he is a great character. There is a lot of depth to him actually. I know that this book doesn't touch too much on it, but you get glimpses and you want to know more. He does come across as a bit of a stalker, but I suppose when you have been waiting for love for that long and you find it, you don't want to let it slip away. He is quite charming though and I can see how it was easy for Ellie to fall for him. I just still think it was a bit too fast.

Overall this was a dark and tragic romance. I mean Marcus being dead and all, and forbidden to be with a human, especially Ellie since they are supposed to kill each other. Even with the fast pace, and unbelievable insta love, I really did like the characters. I thought that the way they felt and their emotions were written very well. I liked getting the story from both of them, though Marcus's was very short and jumped forward through a lot of it. It feels like there was a lot packed into this one book. I read it in one sitting. The way it ended leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to where the story goes from here. I can't say that I loved this book because it felt rushed to me, but I did really enjoy it.(less)

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Jul 17, 2012 Graeme rated it 5 of 5 stars

I discovered this book in May during the blog tour. It sounded intriguing and the cover was gorgeous so I thought I would give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The author weaves such a beautiful story her words and the way she brings the images alive on page is astounding. This story gave me a magical feeling, the writing lyrical, poetical it stands out among other YA paranormal romances that i have read recently. It's a tragic romance, both beautiful and heartbreaking.

One thing I didn't like...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Stephanie Ward rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

4.5 Stars

'Pretty in Black' is the first book in an amazing paranormal romance series. It tells the story of Ellie Piper, a teenage girl devastated by the recent death of her sister, and Marcus Marble, a gorgeous yet mysterious guy she meets in a graveyard. Ellie and Marcus soon fall deeply in love, and everything in Ellie's world is turned completely upside down when she learns that Marcus isn't exactly alive - or human. She is soon introduced to the world of Evermores and learns that she is des...more

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May 21, 2012 Michelle novelsontherun rated it 4 of 5 stars

RATING : 4 INTRIGUING STARS!!

“I ran the blade across both my wrists, and collapsed onto the ground. I felt the fire, the ache, the sting. My pulse pounded, my life poured out of me. My vision grew dark. I waited for the darkness.”

Ellie Piper wanted to die. She didn’t ....not yet.....

This is a hauntingly beautiful story, which I found quite original, but, at the same time I have many questions.

At times this book flows beautifully and at other times it was maybe too fast, I wasn’t catching my b...more

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May 08, 2013 Simona Ithil rated it 4 of 5 stars

La Pretty in Black prima data am fost atrasa de coperta, cam acesta este efectul pe care il are asupra mea o coperta simpla dar frumoasa. Al doilea lucru a fost descrierea care , chiar prin faptul ca nu dezvaluie foarte multe, te face sa iti pui o suta de intrebari si sa vrei sa citesti imediat cartea.

Daca doriti sa cititi un roman cu o poveste de dragoste superba, dar in acelasi timp si intunecata/gotica, plina de secrete si durere, aceasta este cartea pe care o cautati.

Cand spun durere nu ma...more

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Aug 22, 2012 Lela Speck rated it 5 of 5 stars

Pretty In Black: I would like to say Thank You to the author of Pretty In Black. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! From the moment that I picked it up and started reading this book I could not put it down. It only took a few hours to read, but it seemed like it was only moments to read.

My favorite part was where Marcus asked Ellie "Dance with me"

Oh the excitement that this started within my heart. My heart is singing and it has took off and is still soaring above the atmosphere. "You captured m...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Carrie Ardoin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own-this, tour, posted-on-blog, other-supes

Ellie Piper wants to die. She even hangs out in graveyards when she tries to kill herself. But one night, she is stopped by a really hot guy, Marcus, who also apparently likes to hang out in graveyards. Marcus talks her out of suicide, and after that, can't seem to leave her alone. Soon enough, being with Marcus has given Ellie something to live for.

As Ellie is trying to find out where she fits in between her old life as a cheerleader and her new life living in a trailer park, she is given the n...more Ellie Piper wants to die. She even hangs out in graveyards when she tries to kill herself. But one night, she is stopped by a really hot guy, Marcus, who also apparently likes to hang out in graveyards. Marcus talks her out of suicide, and after that, can't seem to leave her alone. Soon enough, being with Marcus has given Ellie something to live for.

As Ellie is trying to find out where she fits in between her old life as a cheerleader and her new life living in a trailer park, she is given the news that she is a hunter, who must kill those known as the Evermores--unnatural creatures who are resurrected from the dead to walk on Earth. Ellie's life is about to change in a drastic way...but she will face it, as long as she can be with Marcus.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the plot was fresh and the creatures within unique. But on the other, the characters made some decisions that I just did not understand.

Ellie is likable enough. I don't understand, however, the urge to go from peppy cheerleader to dark goth girl, because of the loss of her sister. That's not to say that the things she does aren't hilarious--they are. Some of the stuff Ellie does on the spur of the moment is just awesome. I also don't understand how her mom could go from middle class wife to a drunk in a trailer park who doesn't even speak proper English. But anyway...

When Ellie meets Marcus, yes, I got a little sense of insta-love. It's even a bit stalker-ish that he follows her everywhere. But their relationship develops over a couple of months, and even though Marcus is head over heels, Ellie doesn't immediately feel the same.

There were also a couple of things that just didn't get wrapped up for me...such as, what was the purpose of the blond guy who gave Ellie his number, never to be heard from again? I also didn;t completely understand where Ellie went at the end of the book.

I loved that I got to see events unfold from Marcus' standpoint as well, and I really like the originality of the Evermores. You can clearly see in the influences on the author in this book--from Poe, to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, to see if I can gain some insight into the end of this book.(less)

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Q&A with Rae ...: Inspiration	43	4	Mar 27, 2012 01:41pm
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About Rae Hachton

Writes Dark Romanticism-sometimes with gears and clockwork. Has cemetery obsession. Misses Victorian London and ancient Rome. Believes in vampires and magic. If imaginary, she would be an automaton fairy. Corvidophile. Content.

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Raven in the Grave (Pretty in Black, #3)

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Quotes from Pretty In Black

“Ellie, would you frolic in the land of forever with me?” — 10 people liked it

“His eyes glistened. I'd never seen eyes that bright or that green. His were emblazoned by a dark symphony. When he blinked, his lashes spread below his bottom lid like satin spider legs, a million wishes to be made upon them, in exchange for these nightmares.” — 8 people liked it

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