Wow. I LOVED this book.

As an introductory ramble, this book goes to show just why I love my eclectic tastes. There are so many paranormal YA novels out there nowadays. Constantly switching up the genres that I'm reading, I never get burnt out on a genre. And for that, I am so thankful. Because this book was so refreshing for me.

I loved this book so much that it's hard for me to write this review right now. I just want to go out and get Captivate. Alas, it's 11:34 PM--my library and even my local B&N have long since shut their doors for the evening.

Part of what was so refreshing for me was that Carrie Jones' style is that short and to the point kind of writing. That isn't to say that it was fluffy or simplistic. It just really kept the pace of the story going. I was flipping through the pages. I honestly had to force myself to only read a little bit of it each day. (I'm trying to read more of my own books while still tackling my TBR. So, I'm currently reading one library book and one of my own books at the same time, with my own book taking precedence. Please excuse my nerdy, OCD self.) Anywho, like I was saying--her style was short and sweet. But every so often, there would be a line that would absolutely take my breath away, and I'd sit there completely halted in my place. It was awesome.

I also really loved Zara's character. I was a little wary going into this because I had heard some people talking about her being completely oblivious and frustrating. However, I didn't find her any more oblivious than your average teenager. I thought she was really cool. I mean, she's a pacifist, obsessively writes letters for Amnesty International, she collects phobias, and she has this "save-the-world" complex going on. She was funny and sarcastic at times, but she also slowly opened up throughout the story. Written in the first-person, the reader can really feel and experience what she's going through. Love her.

Basically, Carrie Jones owns at characterization. (Mmm, and we all know how that is my very favorite). I mean, I had crystal clear pictures of Issie and Devyn and even Zara's grandmother, Betty. (Side note: what a kickass grandma!) Even characters like Ian and Megan stand out in my mind. I just love when an author creates a clear voice for their characters, and this was one of those cases.

Okay. So I've been putting off talking about Nick because it's going to turn into a lot of gushing. So bear with me. But seriously? I completely melted over Nick. Total heartthrob. He's an average teenage guy, or so we think, and he's got this complex where he has to protect everyone but himself. And not in a creepy Edward Cullen way (j/k I loved Twilight, even though I was totes Team Jacob). But in a really sweet, endearing way. He was so dreamy. I've definitely got another literary crush to add to the list.

I even enjoyed the whole story line. I mean, Jones has pixies, shape-shifters, and ancient rivalries going on. It was totally different than anything I had ever read before. Like I said before, that could just be an effect of me not reading YA all of the time, but I think Jones really has something worth checking out here. As I was reading, I would think I had something figured out, and even though my hunches were kind of correct, Jones still managed to add twists to what I was thinking, so I wasn't entirely correct. Also, can I just say that I LOVED how Stephen King played a part in this? Major props for that to you, Ms. Jones! Besides that, I picked the perfect time to read this. This is such a good read for those long winter nights. The snow was blowing, the wind was rushing through the trees, and I was transported to the coldness of Maine. And I was sufficiently creeped out while reading this at night--I was a little nervous to switch off the lights, for fear of what I might see out my windows.

Overall, I am super excited to go out and pick up a copy of Captivate. Even better--the third book (Entice) just came out! Woot! I recommend this for anyone looking for something a little different to switch up their reading a little bit. I also think that fans of Twilight or other paranormal YA would enjoy this.

Seriously, if I enjoy all of my reads this much in this new year, I am in for a great year of reading!