Monday, April 21, 2014

Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan


The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan
Book One of The Dispossessed series
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 14, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC won from a giveaway

Summary (from Goodreads):

After a bizarre accident, Ingrid Waverly is forced to leave London with her mother and younger sister, Gabby, trading a world full of fancy dresses and society events for the unfamiliar city of Paris.

In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house Ingrid’s twin brother, Grayson, found for them isn't a house at all. It’s an abandoned abbey, its roof lined with stone gargoyles that could almost be mistaken for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson has gone missing.

No one seems to know of his whereabouts but Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant at their new home.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn't dead—she can feel it deep in her soul—but she knows he’s in grave danger. It will be up to her and Gabby to navigate the twisted path to Grayson, a path that will lead Ingrid on a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths. And she’ll learn that once they are uncovered, they can never again be buried.

What I Liked:

Oh oh oh I LOVED this book! Why did I wait so long to read it?! I've had this ARC since before this book's publication - so, like, a year now. SHAME ON ME. This is historical fiction, and I LOVE historical fiction, in YA and adult age levels. I also really enjoy paranormal novels. So, when you combine the two, historical fiction and paranormal fiction really work for me. This is a great example of how the two blend and mesh into something amazing!

Ingrid and her family (with the exception of her father) move to Paris, trying to avoid social scandals in order to save Ingrid's reputation. But what Ingrid doesn't realize is that her brother has been taken by demons. Her home is guarded by gargoyles, charged with protecting humans. And she herself, Ingrid, isn't quite normal. Everything goes back to the woman who has Grayson, and who is searching for her (Ingrid). It seems like everyone wants Ingrid, whether to kill her, or to take her blood. Ingrid wants to find her brother, but she quickly realizes that she has stumbled upon something that is much more than her twin's disappearance, something in which she was already infinitely involved.

I honestly didn't think I would like Ingrid, at first. I'm not entirely sure why. I'm not a huge fan of her name, but it grew on me. I thought she seemed a bit uptight, but as the story progressed, I really liked the person that she becomes. The character development is really well done in this book, for both Ingrid and Gabby (Ingrid and Grayson's younger sister, by about one and a half years). 

That's something that I really liked about this book - the characters were all really well developed and crafted. Also, we get to see many perspectives, in this book. It's written completely in third person, but we get limited points-of-view from Ingrid, Gabby, Grayson, and Luc. I especially liked reading from Luc's point-of-view. Of course.

Luc is the gargoyle charged with protecting the Waverly females. He is brusque and closed-off, just trying to do his job. He is hundreds of years old, so this job gets boring. But soon he realizes that life tracking Ingrid, Gabby, and their mother is not easy. He has an affinity for Ingrid, which isn't easy, because she's human. Ish. And he is a gargoyle. I love his surly personality. I love his abruptness. This never really changes throughout the book, but it's obvious that there are many sides to Luc. He is most compassionate and most stubborn when it comes to Ingrid.

The worldbuilding in this book is AWESOME. I've never been to Paris, and know even less of historic Paris, but I think Morgan did an excellent job with her historical research (or, if anything, she did a really good job of convincing us of what is history). I loved how well the world is crafted, and how easy it is to slip into the nuances of the world. It's not hard to follow all of the names and creatures and lore. 

The story seems simple - find Grayson. However, this plot snowballs into one huge tangled chaotic mess. Okay, it's not a mess. But there are so many things going on at once. However, it isn't confusing. I like how complicated Morgan makes this story, how many pieces there are to everything. It all comes together and meets in the end of this book, which is a touch overwhelming, but I liked the ending a lot. Well, the immediate ending is a bit sad. But the climax and the falling action after the climax is great.

The romance is straightforward, yet, not. Ingrid falls in love with Luc, even though it's basically impossible for "human" (is she though?) and a gargoyle to be, um, physical. You'll notice that in this series, physical displays of emotion are few and far between, when it comes to Luc and Ingrid. It's sad, but true. But that makes the rare moments when they are physical with each other SO BEAUTIFUL.

I won't mention anything else about the romance surrounding Ingrid. She loves Luc. Luc loves her. There is also Gabby, who falls in love with someone. I loved seeing that happen, because Gabby is quite the character. She is pigheaded and feisty, not calm with a simmer, like her sister.

I really liked this book, you all. Like, I LOVED it. I can't say enough about it! I hope you all pick up this book (or series in general)!

What I Did Not Like:

I don't really have much to say in this section. However, this book is a four-star-read from me... that's just how I feel! I think the romance, in its slow, torturous web, makes me sad. I really wish things could be easier from Ingrid and Luc! I love the romance and hate it at the same time. So it makes this book a little bittersweet for me - hence the four stars.

Would I Recommend It:

YES! Most definitely! I really liked this book in its entirety - the historical fiction part, the paranormal, the adventure, the romance. I must say, the romance is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and I love it. I hope that it ends well, by the end of the series, but for now, I'll excuse Morgan for toying with us readers. If you enjoy historical fiction, or paranormal-based fiction, you will enjoy this book! It's very unique and fresh, and I am so glad that I have the chance to read at least the first two books!

Rating:

4 stars. I absolutely loved this book! And I'm writing this review with knowledge of what happens in the second book (I binge-read the two back to back, so now I'm writing reviews for both). I can safely say that this series is one of my favorite YA historical fiction series!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

16 comments:

  1. Amazing review sweetie. <3 I'm glad you enjoyed this book :D I'm hoping to read it soonish. But I worry about what you say of the romance :( that it is heartbreaking. Sniffs. Thank you for sharing. <3

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    1. Heartbreaking can be a good thing... in this case, it is. Thank you, Carina!

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  2. Hmmm, I've been pondering about this one and now reading your review I know I must get it and read it! I'd probably be reading it closer to release day for book 2!
    Heartbreaking romance might be not ideal for me right now, but I'll read with chocolate & tissues by my side!
    Great review, Alyssa!

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    1. It's super awesome, Pili! And yeah, waiting for the sequel is a good idea! I usually dislike it when the romance isn't "easy" and comfortable, but for some reason, I really like the romance in this book.

      Thank you, Pili!

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  3. I've had this book since I bought a copy when it was released last year and I've been meaning to read it, but I haven't really had the motivation to do so, but your review just changed that. I want to read this right away, but I've got to finish a pile of review copies first.

    Anyways, the characters in this book sound wonderful. I love it when the author makes an effort to develop her characters and everyone seems to be well-fleshed out in this one. Also, I already love the sound of Luc but my heart is breaking for the romance. I really hope they can get their HEA. It also has sisters! I love books featuring siblings.

    Lovely review, Alyssa! I can't wait to finally read this sometime over the summer.

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    1. YAY! I'm glad to have changed your mind! I waited the longest time to read this book - getting an ARC of book two was the motivation!

      Morgan has some serious talent! This is such a gorgeous debut. And the sister relationship (as well as the brother-sister one, in book two), is really awesome! I was apprehensive at first, because usually I end up HATING the "secondary" sister, but I actually really like Gabby.

      Thank you so much, Nick! I hope you read and love this book (and series)! :)

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  4. I've heard great things for this one. When it came out there was a flood of positive reviews for it, but for some reason I never picked it up. And then I forgot about this book altogether, even though it was on the top of my TBR. But now this review has made me want to read it again. It looks like such a cool and interesting read and the cover is gorgeous!
    Great review :D

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    1. I remember that, when it was around the time of its release! I knew I had to read it. I hope that at some point, you do read and love it, Kimberly! Thank you do much :)

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  5. I've had this book since it came out. I'm thinking of buying this one on audio. I love the premise and the cover.

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    1. Dooooo ittttt! It is totally worth it, Nereyda ^_^

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  6. I remember you mentioned that you really liked this one! I've only heard of three books that have ever centered around gargoyles, and I haven't read a single one , so maybe I may start with the one with the prettiest cover just to be superficial ;) The world building and character development sound really on point, too!

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    1. Yeah! It's so great. You must read at least one of the series! This one is the one to start with, in my opinion, because it is placed in a historic setting. Definitely a winner!

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  7. Awesome review Alyssa Yay another historical fiction mix with paranormal can you believe I still have not read books like this one before and they look and sound so awesome I know I would love them! thanks for sharing Alyssa!

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    1. Katiria, I missed you! Haha. You MUST add this series to your TBR list. You're very welcome!

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  8. The paranormal-historical twist sounds a little strange, but the character development and familial relationships sound good. I'd be willing to give it a try. Thanks for the review!

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    1. It's not too strange at all! I really like the mesh of things. I hope you give this series a whirl, Kel! You might love them, like me ;D

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