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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen
Schreiber & Giveaway

Release Date: 12/28/2010
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Pages: 304
Series #: 1
Buy: Fountain Bookstore / Amazon
Description: Fountain Bookstore




I loved this book. Period. Discussion over. The end.

It's just that simple, but I'll elaborate because I realize that doesn't actually say much. In the spirit of full disclosure, I wasn't expecting a lot out of this book. I'm not sure why I felt that way, but I was pleasantly surprised by how solid it was in every way. The characters, the world, the plot... it all fit together like an intricate little puzzle. It kept me interested at every turn without trying to be overly complicated.

Schreiber does an amazing job of creating a world that anyone can relate to. The town of Legend's Run is divided, east and west. Which side is the right side or is there own? Celeste Parker doesn't believe there is. Both eastsiders and westsiders stick to their own, but the arrival of a new student, Brandon Maddox, prompts her to cross the invisible line.

As I tore through this novel , both of them became incredibly real to me. It was the tiny details, ones you could easily gloss over, that made me feel like they could be people I'd met in real life. In fact, Bradon was such a well developed character that he reminded me of a guy friend who is strong, caring and a man of few words. All of the characters evoke clear images of who they are through their words and actions.

Tension also runs high. It builds throughout the book, but there are mini cliffhangers and other exciting moments that kept me hanging on every word. I realized I was turning pages, but I didn't realize how fast.

Nothing in this book stood out to me as a problem. I've read a lot of reviews in which people have though Celeste was immature and needed a backbone, but the fact that she is this sweet girl who can't go to her friends with many of her problems didn't bother me. Afterall, I lived through high school and sometimes you don't feel comfortable telling your friends things for fear that they'll judge you. Even adults feel this way on occasion, so Celeste's belief that she couldn't tell even her best girlfriends about the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and everything they go through after he saves her in the woods one night didn't make me think less of her. I just took it at face value that she was a teenager.

If I had a gripe it would be that there is a "true love conquers all" moment or scene that felt misplaced. I can't say it was contrived, but it was couched as more of a revelation than I believe it actually was because it is quite aparent that these characters have deep feelings for one another. It is also obvious they they accept each other completely, down to their darkest secrets. That was the only moment in the entire book that gave me pause, but within paragraphs the story had me again.

It all lead up to a sublime ending that left me intrigued, satisfied, and ready for another book. I will eagerly snatch up and devour the two forthcoming books in this series whenever they are released.


  1. Are you serious? It was a rewrite of Twilight in wolf form. Oh I love you, but I might hurt you, oh I don't care I can't live with-out you. This book had no sustenance at all. I am surprised you give it such a glowing review.

  2. As a person who was fairly annoyed by the entire Twilight series, this book was oustanding in comparision. Celeste barely spends any time at all looking at people through lowered lashes or brushing her hair behind her ear.

    Did it have similarities, yes. Of course it did. It's a YA paranormal with a mysterious boy. But, IMO, way to much is compared to Twilight these days and not evaluated on its own merits and flaws.

  3. Well, I just read Kristi's review and had just about decided to chuck this one, then I came across yours and you totally changed my mind....haha! Well, I guess I'll just have to read it and decide for myself!

    Thanks for the review! I entered your contest! heehee~

  4. You have officially re-piqued my interest in this book. I have come across an abundance of not so favorable reviews, but if you loved it that much, that says something. I'll be picking this one up! Unless I win the contest :)

  5. i would so love to read this book sounds awesome :)

  6. I truly enjoyed this book too! I read the ARC on a Kindle from Net Galley - it wasn't a downloading success - am sooooo looking forward to a print copy - am super excited for the chance to win a print ARC! Thanks for hosting!

  7. This is the first positive review of this book I've read. I guess I'll really just have to see for myself if it's good.