Shutter

And they lived happily ever after...

Had my life been a movie, like I often wish it was, that would have scrolled across the screen as I flipped the last few pages of this book. Shutter and I started out on rocky terrain. I just wasn't sure we were compatible, and worried we wouldn't go the distance. Then, about halfway through, something magical happened. My eyes were glued to the page. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I was hooked. Redemption!

If you want to know why I chose this book, look no further than the fact that the Helsings and Stokers are involved. Descendants of the vampire elite? Yes please, and thank you. I had visions of stakes flying, havoc being wrought and all manner of creepy baddies appearing as I turned the first page of this book. As it turns out, I was right on all accounts! I'll simply say this: don't give up on this story. The beginning does start out a bit slow, but once things pick up? You'll be holding on for dear life.

I think my favorite piece was that Shutter is a “girl saves the boy” type story. Micheline isn't afraid of things that go bump in the night. She doesn't need anyone to save her, except herself. She does, however, appreciate the way a perfectly synchronized team works. I loved her fire. I was attracted to her strength. What sold me indefinitely though was her willingness to admit when she'd been bested, although not by the creatures she'd assume would ultimately take her down. Cryptic you say? Yes, intentionally. I won't spoil a minute for you.

Although this started slow, I can't give it any less than four stars. The middle, and the ending, were completely brilliant. They caught me up, covered me in necrotic gore, and left me breathless. I'm so happy, I could cry.

YA horror is tricky. Actually, the horror genre is tricky. What is truly scary to one person is laughable to another. Shutter is different. It's actually good, but in addition to that it's exciting. Shutter reminded me of Vampire Academy (hunting on teams), Rot and Ruin (excellent world building), and Die Hard (a little bit). Here's the thing, just read it and ride the adventure out. The plot twist is visible from miles away, Micheline presses her fingernails into her palms way too many times, and there's a priest out there with a prayer that was only important in one chapter...but hey. These are little things. Overall, its a thrilling read with lots and lots of spooky imagery. It's a good read and you have to wait to October to read it.