Fateful

August 1, 2011
Werewolves on the Titanic! It sounds ridiculous (and make no mistake, it is), but fans of campy, swoony romances should find this mix of the historical and the paranormal a worthy guilty pleasure. Gray (the Evernight series) delivers a novel filled with soap operatic twists and turns, romance that bridges class boundaries, and lots of sharp fangs. Tess Davies has long been maid to the Lisle family, headed by the harsh Lady Regina. The family is aboard the Titanic, traveling from Southampton to New York City, where Tess plans to ditch the Lisles and start a new life. When Tess meets Mikhail, an evil werewolf, and gorgeous Alec, a werewolf fighting his violent nature, her voyage suddenly becomes about survivalâbut also love, her steamy relationship with Alec leading to such lines as "You can offer me tonight" in response to Alec's lament that he has nothing to offer Tess. Though the serious tone, extreme melodrama, and constant threats to Tess (a depressingly passive heroine) get to be a bit much, Gray's fans should find it a fast-paced, fun read. Ages 14âup.

January 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-Forbidden-romance cliches and heavy-handed class-system critiques run through this torrid tale of secrets, lies, and werewolves on the doomed Titanic. Pretty Tess Davies, beleaguered ladies' maid in a shallow and financially troubled English household, accompanies the family on the ill-fated voyage to New York, where she hopes to break free from service and start a new life. She finds herself a hunted pawn in the plottings of Mikhail, a powerful werewolf (an oily Count by day) who's onboard to steal an artifact in her employers' possession coveted by the evil international werewolf Brotherhood. Tess's only protection comes from handsome Alec-another gentleman werewolf, not yet committed to the Brotherhood, whose chestnut curls, muscled torso, and simultaneously frightening and protective air are too much for Tess to resist. Her account provides detailed descriptions of the ship itself, sometimes jarringly didactic details of 1912 life, and society's rigid and hypocritical customs. Her ostensibly defiant, spunky voice sometimes sounds like that of a modern American, and she's as astute about explaining complex social situations as she is foolish in her inability to figure out plot "surprises." With constant threats of physical or sexual violence, she's frequently a classic damsel in distress, flimsily clad and vulnerable, in need of instruction or protection. Fans of Gray and this ever-growing supernatural/romance genre will likely love this title, and Titanic buffs might too-but there isn't much substance here.-Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011

It has come to this: werewolves on the Titanic.

As the paranormal-romance juggernaut continues, it seems as though authors wishing to sell books find themselves compelled into ever-more-outlandish scenarios. Hence this novel, which indeed should appeal to the Twilight crowd. Tess, a servant since the age of 13 to the arrogant Lisle family, joins them aboard the Titanic, where she and wealthy Alec, the good werewolf, fall madly in love while fighting Mikhail, the evil werewolf. The sinking of the ship, although vividly portrayed late in the story, serves mainly to resolve some issues and set up the ending. Fortunately, paranormal romance isn't the novel's only feature. Gray researched the conditions of servants in pre-World War I England and accurately portrays Tess' life as one of hardship, penury and, sometimes, abuse. The fate of some third-class passengers and the crew adds poignancy to the narrative. While most characters, including Alec, prove as multi-dimensional as anime drawings, Tess herself displays plenty of spunk and enough rebellious spirit to appeal to teens. A fellow passenger, Myriam, also adds some life to the proceedings. Dialogue and romantic encounters fit the usual overdone style of the genre. The author repeats most important points three times but keeps suspense high and paces the story well.

One wonders, why werewolves? At least it has some approachable history. And it will probably sell. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

July 1, 2011
Grades 9-12 Strict class divisions, dashing werewolves, and the fateful journey of the RMS Titanic combine in a perfect storm of romance and drama. Tess is in service to a British family, but she has a plan in her pocket that she hopes will lead to something better: her life savings are stitched into her dress, and she looks to make a new, free life for herself in America. Handsome and honorable Alec is also hoping for freedom in the expansive west, running from the danger he knows he poses to others. Alec is a werewolf at the mercy of the moon and the Brotherhood, a powerful werewolf cabal that craves the wealth and authority Alec holds as heir to a steel company. As the layers of this story build and unfold, readers will be drawn deep into the action, emotion, issues, and danger. Plenty of historical detail lends a compelling frame and helps edge this paranormal romance ahead of the pack, while a satisfying conclusion will leave readers warmed after the ship's frigid descent.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)