Review: An Interesting Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 30, 2012
Originally Reviewed at: Mother/Gamer/WriterRating: 4.5 out of 5 ControllersReview Source: Book TourReviewer: HeatherBound, an Arelia LaRue Novel #1, introduces us to Arelia LaRue a young woman from Louisiana that has been blessed with a special gift: Arelia was blessed by a powerful spirit and is powerful enough to become a Voodoo Queen. A gift she feels is a curse, one that she has spent most of her life running from.After being abandoned by both of her parents, Arelia is being raised by her grandmother. While it has been a life filled with love and laughter, with her best friend and grandmother at her side, Arelia's life has been anything but easy. When an occasional pizza is a luxury, you know there is little time for boys, fashion, or fun.Arelia finds herself employed for the summer, along with her best friend Sabrina, at the haunted Darkwood plantation. What she will make in a summer will help her grandmother pay the rent and feed them. But when they arrive she quickly meets one of the famed LaPlante men, and though Sabrina quickly claims him as her own, he takes a deep interest in Arelia. However, all she can think of is doing the task at hand until she realizes her family's history is deeply entwined at the plantation.Will she embrace the path before her and become what she was blessed to be? Does Arelia discover the meaning behind the hauntings? You'll have to read it to find out!Overall, this book was entertaining with a captivating story of a young woman who could be just about anyone in the world. She has troubles, but she is surrounded by a few people that care deeply for her. Her only concern is making enough money for herself and grandmother to survive on, getting good grades, and hopefully getting into college. Many young women should be able to identify with Arelia very easily.There is much conflict in the story, but there are no loose ends. The author did a wonderful job of weaving the stories in with some actual history too. Most particularly is when Arelia hears the spirits of the former slaves singing. The paranormal edge is icing on the cake with the spirits, ghosts, and talks of evil demons.I love the way the book ended, though I'd point out that this book is marked as #1 for a reason. Saito leaves it wide open, a massive cliff hanger. Personally I love books like this, as long as they're continued that is! There were also some very minor errors in the book, but it didn't affect the story or its readability. I'd recommend this book to young women aged 15-20 and even those who are just young at heart. I am looking forward to reading the next book!