Author: Alisa Valdes
Genre: YA paranormal fantasy
Published: April 24th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Source: Purchased Paperback
Goodreads Summary:
His touch was electric.
His eyes were magnetic.
His lips were a temptation….
But was he real?
After crashing her car on an empty highway, Shane is miraculously saved by Travis, a mysterious cowboy who walks out of nowhere. She is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time, she believes in “soul mates.” But Shane soon discovers that Travis is dead and that strict rules from the Underworld govern kindred spirits of different dimensions. Breaking these rules could destroy both their souls. And while Travis is almost impossible to resist, temptation proves to be the kindest enemy they encounter.
Can true love surpass the power of pure evil? Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this first book in the Kindred trilogy will leave readers lusting for more.
My Rating of this Book – 2 out of 5 Stars
My Review:
When I first started, the concept and the first few chapters of The Temptation felt like they had great potential. Even the summary had sucked me in, painting wonderful possibilities. Yet, as I waded deeper into the novel’s pages, the plot became over complicated with its combination of dimensions, magical abilities, and rules. It seemed like it was too much, and way too unrealistic even for fiction. I could hardly grasp everything the author was presenting.
I even struggled with the writing style. The novel was in first person, and I really expected (like I always do with first person) to embody the character. And I mean more than just seeing the world through their eyes, but to actually experience Shane as a character and the novel’s plot. However, with how The Temptation is written, I found myself disconnected from everything, and a lot of times I couldn’t follow the action that was occurring. Even the thought line of the character felt like it had no heart. There simply was no connection.
The only reason the second book has made my ‘to-read’ list for next year is because of what happened to Travis at the end. He was the only part of the story I liked, and I want to know what happens to him. But I’ll be honest, I’m not exactly holding my breath with this series.
Kelsey Ketch 