Book: Beautiful Creatures, #1 of 4
Series: Caster Chronicles
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Publisher and Publication Date: Little, Brown and Company, 12/01/09
Pages: 563
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Witches
Rating: 
My Review in a Nutshell:
Well done Southern Gothics are few and far in-between, so when you see one, you JUMP ON IT! I am digging this mash-up between Kami and Margaret, bringing their expertise in separate genres are what made this magical, voodoo inspired world epic! Rich with history, paranormal romance, and the charm of small town life and quirks. Gatlin, S.C captivated me just as much as the characters and high stakes plot.
What’s It All About?
Cheerleaders and athletes run the school. Snobby, obsessive, American Revolutionaries run the town. Don’t dare to be different, or you will be out casted. Ethan Wate wants nothing more than to flee small-town Gatlin; until Lena Duchannes shows up and ruffles everyone’s feathers. He’s seen her in his dreams, and there’s an undeniable connection between the two of them. But Ethan quickly discovers Lena comes from a family of Casters who are cursed. On Lena’s 16th birthday, she will be Claimed to either the dark or light side. The odds are against Lena and Ethan, will they be able to overcome Lena’s Claiming, and the wrath of Gatlin’s citizens?
My Thoughts?
I’ve never been huge on reading from a male perspective, but ladies, Ethan is the beeze neeze. His personality is eloquent, inspiring and poetic. He is the Romeo of Gatlin; I adore him. Lena Duchannes is the definition of different, I admired her struggle and embracement of not fitting in. Put the two of them together, and holy canola, sparks fly! They’re witty, intelligent and above all, have common sense; no teenage stereo-types to be found! Each character, side and main have a memorable flair and anecdote that brought them to life.
The Gatlin world reminds me of something straight out of Tim Burton’s brain. Gatlin is your very typical southern state, filled with DAR meetings and highly traditional older women that faint at the idea of ‘new’ or ‘different’. Considering Gatlin is a host of magical beings and secrets, Lena and Ethan only being the tip of the iceberg, you can imagine the uproar that ensues in this town.
Beautiful Creatures is an enthralling read. I was transported to a different dimension with every page. Infused with historical references and famous literary quotes, I became inspired by this story. You have magic, love, death and defiance. But above all, you have a story of two teenagers fighting for their place in the world.
My Favorite Quotes:
“Darkness, real darkness, was more than just a lack of light.”
“The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.”
“Teenagers. Everything is so apocalyptic.”
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