Search - The Vespertine (Vespertine, Bk 1)

Amelia has a special ability. She can see into the future when she looks into the vespers. At first this is a wonderful fun ability but it soon takes a tragic turn and she ends up losing everyone she loves because of it. She comes to live with the Stewarts and their daughter Zora in hopes of finding a respectable marriage. She meets a boy, Nathaniel Witherspoon, and discovers he has his own unique ability. Because this is 1889 and status is everything, he is beneath her in way of a marriage prospect. But oh, how she loves him. Definitely the forbidden love between Nathaniel and Amelia is beautifully written and you feel the immense connection. Towards the middle of the story I lost some interest but I am glad I continued to read it. The climax I didn't see coming and the conclusion was left wide open for another book (hopefully). I did want more though. I wanted to know more about her ability (how and why she has it). I want to know more about Nathaniel (where does he come from, how is ability came about). I also want to know if her friendships will ever be repaired. I want to know if Zora will recover. This is definitely not an happy ending sort of book and I am curious if there will be a sequel.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Amelia spends the summer in Baltimore with her cousin, Zora, in hopes of finding a proper husband during the season. As it will be her only season, Amelia has really high hopes for this summer.

At her very first party, she meets an artist who's only invited to make sure the table has an even number. Even though he's beneath her, she looks forward to meeting him again. Meanwhile, her cousin's in love with Thomas, a boy from town. One evening, while looking out the window, Amelia has a vision of her cousin wearing an elegant gown and dancing with Thomas.

When that vision comes true, Zora begins to spread the word.

Soon, other girls are coming to see Amelia and Zora. Calling cards from all levels of society appear. Everyone wants to have their future told. The girls happily oblige the crowds - they've never been more popular.

However, not all of the visions are delightful. Some are dark, and unfortunately, the dark visions Amelia has also come true. When this happens, will the two cousins still be looked upon favorably?

A lush, romantic tale blending the Victorian era with the paranormal, THE VESPERTINE hints at the darkness of the story in the beginning of the book. The time period shifts back and forth between before and after the season. Amelia and Zoe's friendship thrives, making the time of fancy dresses, balls, calling cards, and societal rules come alive.

I went into this book with virtually no expectations and knowing little about it, I was simply drawn to the cover and went from there. Sometimes that practice can turn out pretty badly, but fortunately this turned out to be a great book and I really enjoyed it.

We open with a very mysterious setting – Amelia is clearly in distress, and we spend the rest of the book learning what got her to that point. It definitely pulled me in from the very beginning and if I’d had the time, I would have read this book in one sitting. I found the story to be so charming, and Amelia an adorable heroine, I really felt like I was pulled into this world and was having my own “season”!

To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2541