This author contacted me about a review, but since I am so far behind, I politely declined. She was, however, open to a First Chapter Review. Though I don't usually feature YA novels here, I thought this one would reach a crossover audience of adults who enjoy vamp stories.
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BLURB: After her Uncle Malachy terrifies Evangeline Languish on her 16th birthday, she is abandoned at a boarding school by her parents. But when Evangeline discovers a strange young man, injured and alone, she is forced to change her mind about everything she knew. Could Malachy's stories be true? Evangeline must face her uncle once more ... can she get to him before he kills everything she loves?
COVER: Simple and elegant, but not what I would expect for this genre--at least not in the States. In the author's homeland of Ireland, it might be very appropriate.
FIRST CHAPTER: Young Evangeline Languish is left at the St. Rita's School for Young Ladies under the direction of the stern, sour Ms. Goulder. Scared and alone, her sheltered life does not allow her to make friends easily; but Sive, who has been at the school for years is charged with getting Evangeline acquainted and used to how things are run around the place. Though never having participated in sports, it seems Evangeline has a natural talent for hockey.
KEEP READING: Probably. I have to admit, vampire stories aren't my favorite, and this one is different than what I expected. The prologue is set six months prior to Evangeline's arrival at St. Rita's. It also doesn't involve her or any of the characters the reader meets in Chapter One. That caused a momentary bit of confusion, but based upon the synopsis, should make sense later.
The reader is immediately drawn in by the girl's plight--abandoned at a boarding school, afraid and made fun of. The first chapter shares much of what happens the day of Evangeline's arrival. Goff does two things with this chapter: creates engaging characters and paints a detailed picture of St. Rita's School for Young Ladies. Despite a grammar issue and a missing word or two, Goff's eloquent, lyrical style flows nicely. Bare minimum, I would give it a few more chapters to see how the story evolves.
I received a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for this first chapter review. I received no monetary compensation to share my opinion. A full review might be forthcoming. I'll know more once I get a chance to read a few more chapters.
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