Wicked Witches and Beautiful Creatures

I have now successfully finished Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I read every twist up until the end; believe me there are plenty of them. I was hooked until the end, and I believe readers will, too.

First I want to comment that thanksgiving was never that crazy at my house, and I can have a pretty crazy family at times. But the shocker came when Amma had her little discussion with Lena right in the middle of it. I mean to find out something you’ve known your whole life is a lie; that takes something, and I love how Lena angrily confronts her uncle Macon afterwards. You gotta love a girl with spirit, right.

I also love the scene in the lunch room where Ethan asks Lena to the winter formal. Lena is as confused as I think all girls are about why it’s so hard for guys to ask. Lena also almost gets Ethan to admit that the loves her, which is apparent since the beginning.  I think it’s funny that neither of them really say it out loud when they do (if you’re confused, good, you’ll have to read the book to understand). I also appreciate the irony of the DAR headquarters and the Domus Lunae Libri (or those non-Latin readers, the House of the Book of Moons), and the irony of Mrs. Lincolns virtual portrayer. It adds a whole lot, I think.

The characters don’t seem to change, except for Link, who becomes emotionally attached to Lena’s evil cousin Ridley. Lena still doubts herself and Ethan just wants to be with her. This is even more pronounced after the dance, which is ruined by the likes of Lena’s family. We get more acquainted with Macon Ravenwood, and so does the town, which is quite the shocker. Uncle Macon also gives Mrs. Lincoln a run for her money, keeping his niece out of expulsion from the school. The expulsion, set up by the cheerleaders and the DAR women, who still hate Lena, was repealed.  

Lena still wasn’t out of trouble yet, though. Her 16^th birthday was two months ways, and that was the day of the curse. She wasn’t ready for it based on her actions, but she did alright. I can’t say what happens but I am very happy with the outcome. It’s tragic, but happy at the same time. A life is lost, and a new one gained.

I said it before; this book is not for the easily bored. It takes a little time to get to the answers and to the end of the book. But it doesn’t take away the brilliance I believe it holds in the writing. While I was reading this book I could not believe what was happening to these poor characters. So many things that make things hard, and so many things that are completely clear, and yet unseen until revealed. I was captivated by the story and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

RED-HEAD’S ALL STAR RATING:  3 ½ Stars out of 5, because it takes some time but it’s a good book overall.

MASS APPEAL:  Mainly female readers, I’d imagine. But the story is in the viewpoint of a boy, so if there are guys who love the supernatural, this book is for you.