Author: Melissa Darnell
Series: The Clann #1
Published: 6 April 2012 by Mira
Length: 416 pages
Warnings: 12+
Source: Publisher
Summary : When
Savannah Colbert returns to school after a mystery illness, the fact that she
has changed is clear to everyone. None more so than every school girls golden
boy Tristan Coleman. Ever since their first kiss in fourth grade, Savannah and
Tristan have been cruelly and inexplicably banned from associating with each
other. Now, as the pair navigate the tricky social life of high school, the
truth is about to be revealed. As Savannah learns of their paranormal
ancestry and Tristan deals with the repercussions of her new powers, the
relationship they have been denied for so long becomes utterly irresistible and
all consuming. Like Romeo and Juliet centuries before them, Savannah and
Tristan’s love is destined to fail; and Tristan’s powerful magical family, the
Clann, are watching.
Review: In the
wake of Twilight, forbidden romance boomed in popularity. And another crops up
on the market? Let’s go for it. Savannah Colbert learns that her father is a
vampire, making herself a dhamphir (half vampire). And then she finds that
she’s becoming even mor9e attracted to her fourth grade boyfriend, Tristan Coleman.
But this time, they’re being watched. Both the Clann, a powerful group of
witches, and the vampire council are making sure they don’t endanger the peace
between the species. But to do that, they can’t be in love...
In the interview at the back, it says that Melissa wanted a
female vampire at the heart of the book. Good. she thought it would be cool if
her hero was a witch. I like. The species being mortal enemies...a little
overdone, but can be done well. So a good premises.
It starts off well, introducing the Colberts and the
Colemans quite soon, and filling in the background. There are a lot of
sideplots in this that get kicked off soon, such as Savannah’s longing to dance
with her school.
It’s quite a relatable novel. With Savannah not getting everything to work
her way all the time, being bullied and having another boyfriend before
settling down with Tristan, it’s a bit more believable and adds depth to her
character.
I would have liked to see a bit more of the vampires and
magic. It get that this is a paranormal romance orientated novel, and don’t
mind that. But the vamps and witches are important to this and should get a
little more significance. Oh, and I approve of the lack of lycanthropes.
Tristan and Savannah work well together and make a good couple.
Their powers develop along with their relationship, and the backstory between
them is really nice. A note for Tristan-your grounding was funny. *casually
steams up tap* My favourite character was Emily, Tristan’s sister. She’s smart,
she’s funny, and a much more relaxed Hermione Granger.
I liked the dual narration, because we saw a lot of scenes
from two perspectives. However, some things did seem drawn out, and important
events came quite slowly. The book could easily have been shorter without
losing any of the plot.
Overall: Strength 3 tea to a nice romance with side elements
of magic, that just doesn’t leave me craving more.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal stories, but is looking for something a little bit different. It definitely held my interest, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
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