Book Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

The Beautiful and the Cursed is a paranormal gothic thriller full of mystery and romance that takes place in Paris in 1899. What is so intriguing is it introduces gargoyles who come to life. Ingrid and her younger sister Gabby, together with their mother, have moved from London to Paris to live in an abbey purchased by their brother Grayson. When they arrive they find out Grayson has mysteriously disappeared. In their search for Grayson, the sisters find out that there is an unseen world in Paris filled with gargoyles who protect humans and kill demons. There are hellhounds who are stalking and killing young women and angels who command the gargoyles. Luc, the handsome servant, is actually a gargoyle assigned to protecting the humans at the abbey. He finds Ingrid tantalizing and can sense something mysterious about her. Ingrid is determined to find her brother and drawn to Luc. Can a human and a gargoyle fall in love? Gabby discovers the Alliance, a group of humans in Paris, who are also fighting the demons and aware of the gargoyles. She wants to learn how to fight and rescue her brother. Vander and Nolan of the Alliance want to help the beautiful sisters find their brother and keep them from trouble. I enjoyed reading The beautiful and the Cursed, especially learning the mythology of gargoyles. I can say that I love these gargoyles. They are noble protectors and pretty "hot" too.

Page Morgan is coming to Tucson next month on Saturday and Sunday, March 15th and 16th for the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona. She is going to be in a couple of panels. Read her book and go talk to her about gargoyles.

• Deadly Attractions: Dark Romantic Adventures-- Sat, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 

• Teen and Author Meeting Place --Sun, Mar 16, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

• Writing for the YA Market--Sun, Mar 16, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
  
  

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau is a classic science fiction tale about the titular doctor who strives to create a superior race of people through horrific experiments that result in half-man, half-beast monstrosities.

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd continues this chilling story through the perspective of Juliet Moreau, the doctor's daughter. She works as a maid in Victorian London, trying to forget the scandal of her father's experiments. When rumors reach her that her father is still alive, however, she embarks on a journey to the island to discover if he really is continuing to create creatures that are a terrible hybrid of man and animal.

The Madman's Daughter is a creepy horror story full of disturbing moments and shocking twists. Shepherd does a great job building off of Wells' original tale, and creates a love-to-hate villian in Doctor Henri Moreau. If you're sad to see Juliet's story end, never fear; the sequel, Her Dark Curiousity, is going to be released next year.

Next in "I love you, please don't eat me" genre...

Did you know "Frankenstein" was written on a dare? A bunch of teenaged friends (who happened to end up being famous writers) a couple hundred years ago sat around talking about reanimating dead corpses late one night. They finally dared each other to write their own scary story and "Frankenstein" was born. How is this relevant to my book review? Because that story kept popping into my mind as I was reading "Warm Bodies" by Isaac Marion.  It's one of those interesting and off-the-wall books that seems like the original idea was some how related to a random late-night discussion among friends. Are zombies really mindless & shambling? Or do they think and feel? Can they be cured? Can you date one without losing your head?

Black Butler

The Victorian gothic manga, Black Butler by Yana Toboso, features a too perfect butler and his charge, the Earl of Phantomhive, a twelve-year-old boy who is the head of a very successful toy and candy business.  But both of these characters are something more, with deadly secrets and dark pasts.  Together, they host dinner parties and solve mysteries. 

The artwork is elegant and the reveal moments are both dramatic and gorgeous.  I am, quite frankly, in love.  There is murder, black magic, inept minor characters, cross-dressing, kidnapping, betrayal, kick@$$ fight scenes, and the most wonderful costumes.  What more could a fangirl ask for?  Oh yes - multiple volumes so my new favorite addiction can be drawn out just a bit longer. 

~ Book Ninja