Sixteen Moons
By Alex / Spinebreakers Crew
I have to be honest and say that Beautiful Creatures was nothing like what I expected. Nothing in the blurb or the reviews I’d read could have prepared me for the revelation a quarter of the way into the story, discovering the true nature of both Lena and her family. Teens with supernatural powers, vampires in particular, are becoming so popular in young adult fiction now that I really didn’t expect to be surprised by the truth, but I was. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl have found a way to turn the stereotype on its head, and revive one of the oldest myths in a more appealing, modern form.
Lena is a very likeable heroine on many levels. Even her name, derived from the nickname “Lena Beana” is endearing. I sympathised with her, not only because of Ethan’s heavily biased narrative, but because she is very human, and reacts to situations in the same way I imagine I would. But the reader also gains respect for her, as she is by no means a doormat and, ultimately, acts for herself, always fighting the overwhelming urge to accept her fate as inevitable. Her knowledge of poetry and love of literature also add depth to her character.
The relationship between Ethan and Lena is very sweet. At first I wondered if I could be convinced by a love story between two fifteen-year-olds, but their relationship is so innocent that I was completely convinced by it. The dramatic moment when they collide in school and the light above them shorts, sending sparks flying, was very powerful. The writing is very cinematic, and this image in particular is one that struck me.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though long, the story is fast-paced and whenever I put the book down I would find myself impatient for the moment when I could escape back into the strange and secretive world of Gatlin County.