The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Title: The Vespertine
Author: Saundra Mitchell
Series: Vespertine #1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's
Publication Date: March 7, 2011
Pages: 304

From Goodreads:
It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

***

What a fantastic historical fiction/paranormal book! I have never read a book where these two topics were intertwined but I know that I want to read more like it!

The Vespertine is a beautifully written book, hands down. The author is truly gifted when it comes to eloquent and easily flowing writing. I was instantly wrapped up in the language and the plot of the story from page one .

The main character, Amelia, was so interesting to read about and follow her story. Amelia starts to have visions of the future at sunset, and word gets around that she can predict other people’s futures. This, of course, spirals out of control and makes for a very enthralling story. As if Amelia doesn’t have enough to worry about, she begins to fall in love with Nathaniel, who has his own secrets. I can’t get enough of forbidden romance, and The Vespertine certainly delivers in this arena. The attraction between them is so strong and it literally made my heart race – now that’s a good love story!

Zora, Amelia’s cousin, was a favorite character of mine. She really brought Amelia out of her shell and instigated a little bit of drama and troublemaking for the pair. She did play a large part in the word getting out about Amelia’s visions, so this was a little bit of a drawback for me. I found myself giggling at Zora at some of the things she said and really enjoyed her interactions with Amelia.

You definitely need to pick up The Vespertine if you’re looking for a new twist on historical fiction and paranormal romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more!

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