When the strange but intriguing Lena Duchannes arrives in Gatlin, South Carolina, Ethan’s entire world is turned upside down. Kidzworld reviews Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
The New Girl
In the small town of Gatlin, South Carolina, things rarely change, much to 16-year-old Ethan Wate’s displeasure. But when a new girl, Lena, arrives in town - in a hearse, no less - controversy stirs. Not everyone in town is eager to accept Lena. She’s the granddaughter of Macon Ravenwood, the town’s wealthy recluse, who is rumored to be off his rocker.
The Girl of His Dreams
Ethan, however, is intrigued by Lena. He recognizes her from his recurring dreams, one of the girl he loves, falling. Lena is far from the cheerleader type that is typical of Gatlin girls; in fact, she’s unlike any girl that Ethan has ever met. Light bulbs short and windows shatter in her presence, and when he touches her, he receives an electric shock. And that’s not even the half of it.
The Cursed Locket
When a cursed locket gives Ethan and Lena a flashback to Gatlin during the Civil War, they witness both of their ancestors’ lives unfold. Lena’s great-great-great-great grandmother uses dark magic to spare the man she loves. But good intentions or not, the magic results in Lena’s family being cursed forevermore.
The Path of Destruction
There is more to Lena and her grandfather than meets the eye. Something dark and dangerous sets them apart from the rest of Gatlin’s citizens. And Ethan’s feelings for Lena puts him in the path of destruction.
The Bottom Line
Beautiful Creatures is the first book the Caster Chronicles, which also includes Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos and Beautiful Redemption. Unlike most teen paranormal books, the main character is a male and it’s the female who is paranormal. Other than that, it follows the same basic teen paranormal template. At 563, it’s a chunky read. So you better get started now if you want to finish before its movie counterpart hits the big screen on February 13, 2013.
Have Your Say
Will you read Beautiful Creatures or wait for the movie? Tell us in our comment section below.
