Tori's Review: The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Hardcover - 304 pages
Price: $16.99
ISBN 10: 0547482477
ISBN 13: 978-0547482477
Released: March 7, 2011

Saundra's Website
Buy it via Amazon

Obtained: ARC Tour 
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/Historical)
Series: 
1. The Vespertine

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. 

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

My Rating:

My Opinion:
I wouldn't say that this book blew my mind, but it was interesting enough (once we got past the somewhat boring start) to keep me glued to the pages and finish this in one evening. Now, reading a book in one day does not seem like such a big deal, and normally, it wouldn't be for me (a few hours would be, though!). However, as of late, I have been having THE WORST difficulties when reading books. I'm not entirely sure why my burnout is still harassing me, but alas, it is. In that regard, this book was a godsend since I was actually able to keep going.

Amelia and Nathaniel's relationship is what ultimately kept me so involved with this story and is the first thing that I remember after a few weeks since snapping the book shut. While the secondary characters and world were interesting, I do not recall any names aside from the hero and heroine's. Most of this story's world has faded away, only to slowly resurface after I reread the back cover summary about four times just now. That in itself would have earned the book a 3 star rating, except that the relationship redeemed this story in my eyes. 

What makes THE VESPERTINE unique is the fact that Saundra writes the story at two different times in Amelia's life and alternates between them both. At first, this was somewhat confusing, and it definitely took some time to adjust to, but once I did, I looked forward to it. Our tale primarily occurs when Amelia is living with her cousin (I'm pretty sure Zora is her cousin), and then we fast forward a few months to where Amelia is currently. The contrast between the past and present Amelia are shocking. I initially thought she was a brat, only to pity her as the novel progressed.

I suppose some may find the hero to be somewhat stalker-ish; looking back, his behavior was borderline creepy, however, at the time, I enjoyed Nathaniel's black sheep persona. And when the two are discussing love... well, I sighed out loud. I'm such a sap.

Since time has passed since reading and writing this review, I don't have much to gush about. I would suggest this novel to others if one is searching for a story that will keep them entertained for a few hours. THE VESPERTINE is not the sort of YA that will make you want to throw your book against the wall, and this story is blessedly devoid of love triangles. I personally will not be buying a copy for myself after reading an ARC, but that's just because I'm broke and all the books I do currently own are trying to kick me out of my bedroom. For those of you who are intrigued by THE VESPERTINE, yet are somewhat reluctant due to it being a historical, I would suggest borrowing it from a friend or the library first to see if this sort of story is for you. For the rest of you, this is a solid paranormal YA that most will enjoy... with an awesome ending to boot!