Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | TEEN FICTION DES | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held. The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes. The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.
Author Notes
Bree Despain rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off while attending Brigham Young University to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She started writing after being involved in a car accident. Her books include The Dark Divine and The Lost Saint.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Grace, Daniel, and Jude were best friends until the night three years ago when Jude came home covered with blood and Daniel disappeared without a trace. Now mysterious happenings are taking place in the neighborhood. Daniel is back and Grace involves herself in his life again-but this time it's more than just friendship. Grace and Jude's father is a church pastor who lives his faith. Daniel had lived with the Divines for a time after being removed from an abusive father. When Daniel reveals to Grace that he is a werewolf, Grace and her father work to free him from this curse through their knowledge of a little known legend. But is Daniel or someone else responsible for those disappearances and animal mutilations? It is up to Grace and Daniel to make sense of that night three years ago and solve the new mystery. The story's saving grace is the role faith and forgiveness play in making this somewhat more than your average YA paranormal romance. Narrator Eileen Stevens provides plenty of suspense. Primary characters are well-defined and voiced, though secondary characters are fairly one dimensional. The mystery and energy of the story are heightened through Steven's use of pacing, breath, and pitch. The story drags somewhat in the middle, but builds to a conclusion that suggests a sequel.-Ann Brownson, Ballenger Teachers Center, Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Years after Daniel ran away from his foster family in disgrace, he returns for a fresh start. Grace's feelings for him become more than sisterly as she begins to suspect Daniel is other than human. Grace's strong religious background and the complexities of her relationships add some depth (and theology) to this otherwise familiar story of human-girl-meets-supernatural-boy. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
With its eye-catching cover (pale, slender legs with purple toenails entwine with purple chiffon on a black background), intriguing title, and the hook of werewolves in love, comparisons to Meyer's Twilight series are inevitable. However, Despain roots her story firmly in the faith of her protagonist's family. Sixteen-year-old Grace Divine is a pastor's daughter and has heard every joke possible about her name. But her family practices what her father preaches: community, caring, and forgiveness, including taking in a neighbor's abused child and raising him as their own. That boy, Daniel, and Grace fall in love, and when Daniel reveals that he is a werewolf, Pastor Divine searches for remedies while trying to keep his family safe. Though the romantic passages are predictable and characterization sometimes weak, Despain raises complex issues of responsibility and forgiveness and offers no easy answers. Atmospheric and compelling, Despain's first novel will be popular, and a sequel eagerly anticipated.--Carton, Debbie Copyright 2010 Booklist
