Fateful by Claudia Gray
8:00 AM
Author: Claudia Gray
Release Date: September 13, 2011 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Overall: 5 Stars
Summary:
Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.
My Thoughts:
Two words: Werewolves. Titanic. It was those two words, my friends, which convinced me that I absolutely needed to read Fateful. And you know what? Fateful didn’t disappoint at all! I stayed up until the middle of the night, unable to put the novel down for even a moment and completely lost in such an amazing storyline. I was ever so nervous to find out what would happen!
Fateful is one of those novels that completely sweep you away! Claudia Gray has perfectly balanced the rich details of the RMS Titanic along with romance and the supernatural. You’re immediately pulled into the year 1912, caught up in the grandeur of the Titanic about to set off on its maiden voyage… and where class distinctions between the rich and poor become all the more apparent. And for Tess Davies, a servant in the Lisle family’s household, it’s her only chance of escape from her employers in search of a better life in America.
Normally, I tend to roll my eyes at love stories where couples fall for each other quickly… but I couldn’t question it this time because I fell for Alec just as hard as Tess did. It’s just one of those all-consuming romances which warm your heart and make you believe anything can happen. Tess understood the unlikelihood she could ever be with Alec because he was a young privileged man… but she was willing to make the most of the time she had with him while on board the ship. I loved her loyalty and courage in the face of danger too!
And the dashing Alec Marlowe may have had his secrets but he immediately joined my good books when he treated Tess as an equal instead of looking down on her due to her social status. He treated her with utter respect… and his overall good personality and protective nature to stand up for Tess when she couldn’t do it herself left me sighing happily in delight.
While I enjoyed Claudia Gray’s Evernight series, Fateful has instantly become a new favourite of mine by her! The novel may be a standalone, but I can easily see the possibility of a sequel… and if there was one, I would welcome it with open arms. Of course, there was the inevitable goodbye to some characters who I had become attached to... and my heart broke for those souls lost to the ill-fated Titanic. But there’s also hope to be found still as the novel reached a conclusion that tugged at my heartstrings while still keeping up the suspense until the very end.
With captivating romance and the danger of werewolves all set against the beautiful backdrop of the RMS Titanic, Fateful will prove to be a perfect read! I hope you love it as much as I did!
Thanks so much to HarperCollins Canada for providing this review copy!
10 comments
Aw, I think I'm already falling for Alec! <3 I am SO happy seeing these positive reviews around the blogosphere for Fateful. I've been so excited, I mean.... TITANIC. WEREWOLVES. Seriously, is there a better combination? Well, maybe if we caught glimpse of Jack Dawson aboard, but alas, I shall settle for Alec ;) Fantastic review, cannot wait to read this!!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome. Looks like I'll have to pick up a copy =)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'm dying to read this one it sounds so good :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic review! I cannot wait to read this book. I will buy it as soon as it's out :)
ReplyDeleteOkay!! now I want to read this!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I've never managed to watch the movie Titanic in it's entirety.
LOL, this is the kind of Titanic story I can get behind!
:D thanks for the heads up on this book, I hadn't heard anything about it!
Awesome review
I've been hearing so many good things about this one - definitely intrigued by the werewolf aspect. Glad you enjoyed it- great review! :)
ReplyDeleteYep. You had me at werewolves & Titanic too. Must put on my to-read list right now!
ReplyDeleteI totally loved this book too!! I'll be posting my review later in the week.
ReplyDeleteNew follower :)
http://bookmigik.blogspot.com/
I'm really looking forward to the release of this one now. I love it when stories set in older times have chivalrous guys that treat women as equals.
ReplyDeleteHOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK? I am obsessed with the Titanic. I can't wait to read it
ReplyDelete