The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7, 2011
Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 293
Source: ARC
Interest: Author
Challenge: YA Historical Fiction Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon
It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
The Vespertine is an excellent mix of historical fiction and paranormal! I was a big fan of Saundra’s debut novel, Shadowed Summer, and I’ve eagerly been awaiting to read more by her. The Vespertine does not disappoint!
Saundra has a distinct writing style, and I absolutely love it. It was even more apparent in The Vespertine. I was instantly drawn into the world and fascinated by its characters. I was especially fascinated by Amelia. For some reason I felt an instant kinship with her. She’s quiet and very perceptive of her surrounding, spunky and independent, she would totally be BFF material! And the girl has visions of the future at sunset, how freaggin’ awesome is that!
And I don’t want to fail to mention the very mysterious Nathan, who never failed to intrigue me! (Although I have to say I did have a little crush on the Thomas, who was every the gentleman.) All of the characters in this novel were so very well fleshed out…. it was easy to picture them and their environment and just feel like I was there in the story.
Awesome characters. Beautifully written.
And the ending. WOW. Saundra gets me with her endings every time, and the shit really hit the fan with this one… so did not see that coming at all. I will say it again, wow!
You should definitely add this one to your reading piles!
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Real Teen
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Dawn
This one is definitely on my to-read list! It sounds fantastic!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Sharyla
Wonderful Review!!! Looks very interesting.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Book Addictions by Christina
Keep seeing this book pop up everywhere (blogs) and I finally decided I have to read a review adn see what is up. I like the review and now I may just have to go out and get this book. It wasnt even on my radar. Thanks for posting this review.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Sally
Love your review of this. I read The Vespertine last week and am just finishing up writing my review – I loved it too.
Sally.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Katie
Amazing Review!! I really need to read this one, I should get around to it soon!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Jessica (Firefly Book Loft)
This made me even more excited to read The Vespertine. I might have to bump it up in my TBR pile.
Especially since you had to go and make me really want to know what happens at the end…such a tease!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Sonia
I've heard so many great things about this one! I haven't read Saundra's debut novel but I'll definitely have to sit down to read the both of them. Excellent review!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
abeautifulmadness
I've just read it, and it is so good. I'll have to pick up Shadowed Summer, because I really like her style.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Erika
even more excited to read this!!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Hannah
I actually just posted this on my IMM! I've seen so many reviews for it that rave about its awesomeness that I had to check it out for myself. I'm glad you liked it – I can't wait to read it for myself.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
readingwiththefishes
TO READ LIST! yay, I want it soo badly!
Aryelle @ ReadingwiththeFishes
On Monday, March 7th 2011
Molly Jo
Great review! I loved The Vespertine also. It was my first time reading Saundra Mitchell, and I can't wait to read more. Seems like you enjoyed it as much as I did!
On Monday, March 7th 2011
chelle
awesome review!!! will definitely pick this one up. Can't wait to read it.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
BookGeek
I am definitely getting this book. I know it just released, so it'll be on my shelf soon. I've been hearing rave reviews about it everywhere, so I know it won't disappoint.
On Monday, March 7th 2011
The Young Book Collector
The novel sounds Promising
http://www.theyoungbookcollector.blogspot.com