Title: Need
Author: Carrie Jones
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication Date: December 23, 2008
Format: Hardcover, 320 Pages
ISBN-10: 1599903385 (Bloomsbury USA)
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.
Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.
Quick & Dirty: A gripping thrill-ride that will keep you out of the woods and looking over your shoulder.
Opening Sentence: Everybody has fears, right?
Excerpt: Click Here
The Review:
Gold pixie dust? Deadly pixies? Big deal. I’ll just crush these little creatures with my fly swatter. Take that Tinkerbell! I’m so not scared… Yeah, right!
I have to admit that Need certainly had its creepy moments. The pixies in Need aren’t of the sweet Tinkerbell variety. They’re deliciously dangerous creatures with voracious appetites. They glamour themselves to appear human, and are very nasty and deadly predators.
Ms. Jones has a unique writing style that I loved. Need is a well written novel with a strong, sympathetic protagonist named Zara. She’s still suffering from a recent tragedy and trying to get a grip on that new reality. As a result, her mother decides to send her to Maine to live with her grandmother, Betty, hoping that Zara will be able to adjust. The relationship that Zara has with her grandmother is actually pretty funny, loving and lively. Zara is a believable character with such an authentic voice. Her habit of repeating phobias to help her cope with her own fears really fits her personality and becomes an endearing quality that you’ll love.
Zara also has a few options on the romance front. Both equally hunky, Ian and Nick vie for her affections. While the story has a romantic element, it’s certainly not all encompassing or super intense. Her fears are ratcheted up when she realizes that someone is tracking her. He calls out her name and leaves gold dust behind, but no footprints. Matters further intensify when local boys start to disappear. You won’t be able to escape a creepy and sinister feeling while reading this novel. The secondary characters are also pretty interesting. Zara’s friends Issie and Devyn are great, but I would have liked to see more character development for them.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Need. It’s a great read that will leave you wanting more. This fast-paced spooky tale delivers on all levels. From bone-chilling frightening scenes to sweet, romantic and touching scenes, you will certainly be fascinated. Werewolves, were-beasts, pixies, and a needy pixie king have turned Bedford, Maine into a paranormal hotbed. I’m really looking forward to being captivated again, and revisiting this eerie world.
Notable Scene:
I check my pocket for my cell phone. It’s still in my cross-country bag. I shake my head because, really, how could I be doing this? I am probably following the voice of some psycho pixie serial killer into dark woods worthy of a Stephen King novel, and I did not bring my cell phone.
A noise escapes my lips-guttural, panicked, pathetic. I swallow, straighten. That is not how I am going to be. I am not going to die a wimp while waiting for the killer to get me.
The snow plasters itself to the spruce trees. It touches my hair, coats my jacket and my pants, presses itself into my sneakers. It comes down so quickly it’s already covering the ground, which means there will be footprints to follow or for someone else to follow.
You can visit Carrie around the web here: Website | Blog | Facebook | Book Site
FTC Advisory: I purchased a copy of this book. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
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