Change is in the air when Lena Duchannes arrives in town. Ethan is inexplicably drawn to the beautiful outcast, but nothing with Lena is straightforward. As Ethan gets to know the mysterious new girl they begin to unearth ages old secrets that could change everything for them and Gatlin County.

I’m not a big fan of Twilight and Swoon left me cold. But I finally get how the hardcore fans of those books feel because I feel the same way about Beautiful Creatures. Part gothic novel, part modern fantasy this book has everything a reader could hope for.

Garcia and Stohl have created an intricate and compelling story. Even at over 500 pages (hardcover),  this book is a page-turner. Ethan’s narration is honest and captures both the charm and horror of life in a rural Southern town.

Beautiful Creatures is also an utterly original and unforgettable book filled with haunting characters, excitement, and even some romance. The worst thing about finishing it is knowing there will be a wait for the sequel.

Possible Pairings: House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones, Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough, Swoon by Nina Malkin, Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Lirael by Garth Nix