Beautiful Creatures
by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
- First published 2006
- 563 pages
- English
In the small, forgotten Southern town of Gatlin, South Carolina, Ethan Wate is counting the days until he can escape. He is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he's never met, a feeling that his ordinary life is about to change. Then Lena Duchannes arrives. The niece of the town's infamous recluse, she is an outsider struggling to conceal a formidable power and a curse that has plagued her family for generations. In a town where nothing ever changes, Lena's secret is a spark in the darkness, and Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her, determined to uncover the connection between them.
As Lena's sixteenth birthday approaches, her fate hangs in the balance. On that day, she will be Claimed by either the Light or the Dark, a choice that may not be her own to make. Together, she and Ethan must confront a past steeped in Civil War secrets and supernatural folklore, navigating a world hidden within the overgrown gardens and crumbling graveyards of the South. This story explores the boundaries of fate and free will, questioning whether love is powerful enough to defy a destiny that was written long before they were born.
As Lena's sixteenth birthday approaches, her fate hangs in the balance. On that day, she will be Claimed by either the Light or the Dark, a choice that may not be her own to make. Together, she and Ethan must confront a past steeped in Civil War secrets and supernatural folklore, navigating a world hidden within the overgrown gardens and crumbling graveyards of the South. This story explores the boundaries of fate and free will, questioning whether love is powerful enough to defy a destiny that was written long before they were born.
- Genres
- Fiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy › Urban fantasyFiction › Romance › Paranormal romanceFiction › Action & adventureFiction › War fictionFiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy › Romantasy
- Themes
- War › American Civil War LoveGender › WomanhoodMythical & supernatural beings › Witches School & education
- Where and when
- South Carolina
What readers say
3.78
627K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Many readers found "Beautiful Creatures" to be a refreshing entry in its genre, particularly appreciating the choice of a male protagonist's perspective in a teen love story, which was often highlighted as a welcome change from typical narratives. The novel's unique paranormal lore, centered around a distinct magic system, and its atmospheric Southern Gothic setting were frequently praised for their originality and rich detail. Reviewers also noted strong characterization, with many finding the main characters to be devoted, insightful, and well-developed, along with intriguing secondary characters and significant family involvement. The writing style was described by some as seamless, engaging, and capable of creating a vivid sense of place and mood, drawing readers deeply into the story's world.
However, a significant number of reviews expressed strong disappointment, primarily citing the book's excessive length and slow pacing, which many found made it a boring and tedious read. Critics often felt the plot was unoriginal and predictable, relying on familiar genre clichés despite attempts at intricate world-building, leading to a shallow execution. The male protagonist's voice was a common point of contention, with many reviewers finding it unconvincing and unrealistic for a teenage boy, sometimes perceiving it as whiny or sounding like an older female. Additionally, the portrayal of the Southern small town setting was criticized by some for relying on tired stereotypes and coming across as inauthentic or even mocking, and the romance was sometimes dismissed as an "instalove" scenario lacking genuine connection or development.
Ultimately, "Beautiful Creatures" evokes a polarized reaction, with readers either finding it a captivating and original paranormal romance or a frustratingly long and clichéd experience. Those who appreciate a character-driven narrative with a unique male perspective, a richly described Southern Gothic atmosphere, and a complex magical system are likely to be drawn into its world. Conversely, readers seeking fast-paced action, highly realistic teenage voices, or a completely novel plot without familiar tropes may find it less satisfying. The book seems best suited for those willing to immerse themselves in a moody, atmospheric story and overlook its considerable length and some character critiques.
However, a significant number of reviews expressed strong disappointment, primarily citing the book's excessive length and slow pacing, which many found made it a boring and tedious read. Critics often felt the plot was unoriginal and predictable, relying on familiar genre clichés despite attempts at intricate world-building, leading to a shallow execution. The male protagonist's voice was a common point of contention, with many reviewers finding it unconvincing and unrealistic for a teenage boy, sometimes perceiving it as whiny or sounding like an older female. Additionally, the portrayal of the Southern small town setting was criticized by some for relying on tired stereotypes and coming across as inauthentic or even mocking, and the romance was sometimes dismissed as an "instalove" scenario lacking genuine connection or development.
Ultimately, "Beautiful Creatures" evokes a polarized reaction, with readers either finding it a captivating and original paranormal romance or a frustratingly long and clichéd experience. Those who appreciate a character-driven narrative with a unique male perspective, a richly described Southern Gothic atmosphere, and a complex magical system are likely to be drawn into its world. Conversely, readers seeking fast-paced action, highly realistic teenage voices, or a completely novel plot without familiar tropes may find it less satisfying. The book seems best suited for those willing to immerse themselves in a moody, atmospheric story and overlook its considerable length and some character critiques.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Razorbill, 2013
- ISBN
- 9780141346144
- Language
- English
Original edition Un espacio para leer y escribir. Estrategias para la promoción de la lectura, la escritura y la literatura. Originally published in 2006 · Spanish · Editora Nacional
