Friday, April 22, 2011

"Camille" by Tess Oliver

CamilleFrom Goodreads: "At a time when society conforms to the strictest rules and most proper etiquette, sixteen-year-old Camille Kennecott and her guardian, Dr. Bennett, live a most unconventional life. They hunt werewolves.When unwitting victim, Nathaniel Strider, wanders into one of their full moon pursuits, Camille and Dr. Bennett believe they have found a specimen for their study. Finding a scientific key to unlocking the mystery of lycanthropy would end their late night excursions. Yet beneath the irresistible exterior, Nathaniel is transforming into a flesh-tearing monster, and as each experiment fails, Camille loses another inch of her soul to him. In a month’s time, she must face the prospect of destroying the boy who has stolen her heart."

Victorian Era reads aren't my typical go-to-books, in fact I can't even count on one hand the number of Victorian Era books I have read in my lifetime, but when I saw that this book had some really great reviews on Amazon and was only ninety nine cents, coupled alongside the fact that it had a sort of "Pride and Prejudice" and "Becoming Jane" feel to it (my two favourite movies of all time), I didn't think I could really go wrong in reading it. I am happy to say that this book was amazing and by far the best ninety nine cent E-book I have bought to date. Heck, I would even spend a good twenty dollars on a hard-copy of this book because I enjoyed it so much.

Though I have read mostly reviews in favor of this book, I have read some reviews where people have rated it quite badly. These reviewers cite the behavior of the characters of this book as to why they rated it so low (they say that the people during the Victorian Era would have never behaved in this matter, that they were all concerned about propriety and whatnot, while the characters in this book weren't all that concerned about such matters- and therefore that this book is highly unrealistic).  I personally don't feel like the authenticity of the behavior makes all that much of an impact on the story overall and I feel like we have to take into consideration the fact that none of us currently living lived during the Victorian time period and so while we have an approximation of how the people of this time lived, based upon books and historical recollections, these are just approximations and not concrete fact, furthermore, this book doesn't claim to be realistic, it is about werewolves for crying out-loud (as much as it pains me to admit that they aren't real... ;) ). 

Camille is such a strong female character both physically and mentally and is quite selfless. As for Nathaniel? Swoon-worthy obviously! But even better, he is such a multi-faceted character, a character who you are entirely intrigued/ enticed by and who you cannot help but want to know more about.

All in all, I loved this book and I highly recommend it! It isn't your typical YA werewolf book by any means! The lore behind the werewolves is quite unlike any other werewolf story I have ever read before. And this book can truly make those who were iffy on Victorian Era reads a lover of them!

Rating: 10/10

3 comments:

  1. I've really never been one to get overly caught up in whether characters/situations are realistic or adhere to historical facts (probably because I read so many paranormal books so it doesn't really apply anyway), I've always just been more interested in whether or not I enjoy the story. There are exceptions of course, like instant, undying love–that drives me crazy sometimes because I have trouble believing in it–but overall, I like to read just to be entertained and it sounds like this is a fabulous story with amazing characters:)

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  2. LOL Don't you know how werewolves behaved at that time. You know it was all the rage to be a were... so EVERYONE knew... Love the way you called them out on that. Oh I went and bought this book on your recommendation. This really sounds good!

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  3. Yay! This review makes me sooooo happy! I can't wait to meet Nathaniel. He does sound swoon worthy and intriguing. Also you have made me very curious about the lore and mythology used.

    I've had this book on my TBR for a while now. I really need to make time for it.

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