Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel
Hardcover, 368 pgs.
Expected Publication: May 22nd, 2012 by St. Martins Press
Source: Publisher
The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.
There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.
I think that Alyson Noel came up with a very creative and unique story. I love the plot and think it's such a fabulous idea. And while I did like the book, it wasn't all smooth going for me. The first quarter felt like it moved along at a snails pace. And my biggest problem was Daire, I honestly did not like her at all. But a little before the halfway mark things started coming together. The pace got better (though it still wasn't fast, but it was faster) and Daire grew as a character and continued to grow through the remainder of the book.
I loved the story idea but sometimes it felt jumbled to me and I think maybe I could have used a bit more background or world building. It's the first in a series though so I can overlook that aspect as I'm sure we'll continue to learn much more. I also thought maybe a bit more character development of the side characters would have been nice but I'm sure we'll learn more about them in the future as well.
I think this story could have turned out epic but it just had a few too many snags for my liking. I think that I'll probably continue the series because perhaps things have been paved for a more put together story in the future books. I say give this one a try if it sounds like something you'd enjoy, and even if you don't love it I think it's still a worthwhile read.
3/5 stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.
