Review: If I Should Die by Amy Plum

Published May 7th, 2013
HarperTeen
405 pages (Hardcover)

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I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me? (From Goodreads)

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Was it flawless?  No.  Did I devour it?  Yes.

I was about half way to three-quarters of the way through If I Should Die when I had a thought.  This book felt so much like I was reading Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer, minus vampires and teen pregnancy.  There was some unrequited love (which I should have seen coming) and a strange, epic-style battle among a species.  After I noticed this, I couldn't get it out of my head.

The ending also left something to be desired.  My suspicion is that it is being left open for the possibility of future novels.  If not, we have have a problem.  It was very abrupt.  Nothing was really left hanging, but it didn't feel like a conclusion.  I was shocked that it just ended.  I expected at least one more chapter to round everything out.

Despite this, I did devour this book.  I got so wrapped up in the story and plight of Kate and Vincent, that I barely put it down.  If you are a fan of the series, I think you'll still enjoy If I Should Die, but beware of the ending.  If you haven't checked out this series, check out my review of Die For Me.

Also, the leather pants reappear.  :)

Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Published May 8th, 2012
HarperTeen
384 pages (Paperback)

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I wish there was only today, just right now, and no forever.

It seems fitting that I fell in love in Paris. Under the city's glamorous surface there's a battleground of immortals.

Vincent, too, is an illusion. Handsome, chivalrous, and witty, he's got everything a girl could want . . . except mortality. But when I chose Vincent, I chose love over reason and safety.Vincent swore to resist his very nature so that we can be together. But I refuse to stand by and watch him suffer. I'll do whatever it takes to fight against his fate. (From Goodreads)

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I'm surprised that I waited so long to continue this series, but with book three of the trilogy out, I figured I should give it a go.  I'm glad I made this choice.

They're basically zombies!  How fun is that?!  While not technically "zombies" the idea of revenants is a refreshing change within the paranormal genre I already adore.  I still can't quite wrap my head around the idea of dying and coming back to life.  Intriguing, but a little weird.

As far as characters go, by far my favourites this time round are the secondary ones.  Jules, Ambrose and Georgia add a lightness to the book.  They're the humour, which a book about dying needs.  Vincent and Kate continue on with their undying love thing.  It's fine.  There's a little tension, but nothing major until a good chunk of the way into the book.  I really wanted Kate to do something "epic".  Her dialouge started to get a little predictable, and she really needed a spark in the plot to get her going again.  As I said though, the secondary characters really kept this book going for me.

The Parisian setting is likely my favourite part.  It makes me wish I was sitting there right now, drinking coffee on a patio to the scent of fresh bread.  I have never had such an urge to go to Paris in my life!  Kudos, Amy Plum.  My other favourite part was the ending.  Some of it was predictable, but parts of it were also completely unexpected, and have set up for an exciting third book!

While I really enjoyed this book, it was missing a little something.  Until I Die is a good sequel, but I hope for a little something more from the conclusion to this trilogy.

Much love, Samantha
PS.  I don't recall any leather pants in this one.  This makes me sad but hopeful...

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Published May 5th, 2011
HarperTeen
341 pages (Hardcover)

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again. (From Goodreads)

As I'm reading this book, I was writing my "Love List" post.  Things kept popping up in this book from my list, and I had a moment where I was really impressed.

Then the characters put on leather pants.  Well done, Amy Plum.

I really enjoyed Die For Me.  With a strong pace and beautiful setting, it's hard not to fall for Amy and Vincent's story.

I loved the Parisian setting.  Paris itself is just such a magical place, it becomes easy to believe in the revenants.  The whole idea of the revenants is interesting, albeit a tiny bit sadistic.  A compulsion to die over and over again?  Interesting, but kind of grim.

I was a little concerned for the characters.  Did Kate go to any therapy sessions after her parents death?  I think she could benefit from them.  Why is everything so black and white for her?  And Vincent, you are a stalker.  You may not be Edward-level creepy, but you do need to calm down a bit.  You aren't fooling me with your gorgeous French-ness.

Die For Me didn't have an overly suspenseful ending, but rather left you in a comfortable place of craving more.  I will definitely be reading Until I Die very soon!

Much love, Samantha