Book Review: Living Violet by Jaime Reed

Living Violet by Jaime Reed

Publisher: Dafina/Kensington

Publish Date: December 27, 2011

Paperback, 295 pages 
Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal
 ISBN: 9780758269249
The Cambion Chronicles #1

My Review:

I found Living Violet refreshing on several levels.  First the biracial angle.  It wasn't played to the hilt, but there was one point in the book where she mentions how it's tough to be biracial.  I guess I didn't realize it was still that way, I thought society was more accepting now, but I should have known there are still problems with people being accepting.  Samara is an awesome character and that is reason two I round Living Violet refreshing.  It's not just her race, it's her.  She's sure of herself, but still has insecurities, but she's not willing to compromise her values to get a guy or anything like that.  Her mom has raised her better than that.  That leads to reason three, her mom and dad are in the picture, which is pretty amazing in a young adult novel.  And they have rules and curfews.  Wow!  Reason four, simple, the twist on a paranormal plot is pretty cool and I didn't see a lot of things coming.  It kept me turning pages plain and simple and I'm ready for the end of May to be here to read the next book.

Is that enough for you?  Seriously, Living Violet has interesting characters, from Samara who I have mentioned to Caleb who isn't your typical hottie, but there is something about him.  I loved Nadine and I also really liked Samara's mom and dad as well.  Each character added something to the story.  As for the plot, Caleb's power is interesting and I like how Ms. Reed uses it in the book and how she builds on the story a little at a time as I was learning about the characters.  The tension kept building and building and just when I thought I knew what was going on, I found out I didn't.  It really kept me turning the pages, not only to see what would happen, but just because I cared about the characters.  I hated turning that last page because I didn't want it to end and I did something I don't often do, I read that preview of the next book.  I don't really like to do that, I don't like teasers and I just want to read the book when it's out.  But I couldn't help it, I had to read it.  Now I'm dying for the end of May and for Burning Emerald.

In summary, I loved it, couldn't get enough of it. I read it Saturday while my youngest was sick with a stomach bug and I was silently praying I would not get said stomach bug.  And with headphones in to tune out obnoxious cartoon my son was watching, I was transported to Williamsburg, Virginia and to what was going on in Living Violet.  It was a great escape for an afternoon.  Oh and the humor, I forgot to mention the humor.  The author has a wicked sense of humor in the book and I found myself laughing throughout.  It's a snarky sense of humor that I appreciate, so it added to the book for me.  So read it. Enjoy it and I pray if you have children or you are in school yourself you or one of those you love doesn't have to get a stomach bug for you to make time to read it.

And please Dafina/Kensington Teen if you are reading this, send me Burning Emerald when it comes out :)

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Parental guidance: Language scattered through the book, but it's mild and hit or miss.  Sexual references through the book, but all is in reference, nothing graphic.  Recommended for ages 14+.

About the Book:
He's persuasive, charming, and way too mysterious. And for Samara Marshall, her co-worker is everything she wants most--and everything she most fears. . .

Samara Marshall is determined to make the summer before her senior year the best ever. Her plan: enjoy downtime with friends and work to save up cash for her dream car. Summer romance is not on her to-do list, but uncovering the truth about her flirtatious co-worker, Caleb Baker, is. From the peculiar glow to his eyes to the unfortunate events that befall the girls who pine after him, Samara is the only one to sense danger behind his smile.

But Caleb's secrets are drawing Samara into a world where the laws of attraction are a means of survival. And as a sinister power closes in on those she loves, Samara must take a risk that will change her life forever. . .or consume it.

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
I write young adults fiction. Book 1 of The Cambion Chronicles comes out 01/ 2012. I’m represented by Kathleen Ortiz of Nancy Coffey Literary & Media Representation.

I’m also a self-proclaimed movie and music snob with a playlist for every occasion in life. I’m freakishly tall with large feet, and I have a slight obsession with the gym, cool 80’s references, and orange soda. My weapon of choice: sarcasm.

Teen fiction always captured my interest and I appreciate the newness of that time, and well, I get nostalgic. Right now I’m on a serious paranormal/ fantasy kick. I’m all about the weird and my stories explore cool mythical creatures not many people have heard about. I try to create characters who are people of color. There aren’t enough of them in young fiction and there should be more heroines of different backgrounds battling the forces of evil. Let’s face it, the extraordinary can happen to anyone.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the publisher through Teen Book Scene for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.