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Sunday, November 25, 2012

{REVIEW} THE CHARMED (THE CHARMED TRILOGY #1) by CHRISTINE WENRICK

The Charmed (The Charmed Trilogy, #1)Series: The Charmed Trilogy #1
Publisher: Red Tree House Publishing
Publication Date: 8/29/12
Format: ebook
Pages: 306
Source: Received from author for review.

In The Charmed—Book One of The Charmed Trilogy—Olivia Ann Greyson sees only one future for herself—to compose and perform the music she has loved since she was a child. But that future changes in an instant when a commuter train taking her to the city crashes and is attacked by, unbelievably, a coven of vampires! As the rabid creatures feed their thirst on the surviving passengers, Olivia is spared from an unthinkable fate because of the intervention of another vampire—Caleb Wolfe, a figure from her past who, for reasons he doesn’t understand himself, would do anything to protect her.
After one familiar touch, Olivia recognizes the man behind the vampire. Soon love, and a powerful supernatural connection, begins to grow between them. But with that connection Olivia starts to notice starling changes happening within herself, and violent events make it clear that the vampire coven which wanted her the night of the train crash won’t stop until they have her.
Time is running out for Olivia and Caleb to discover why all this is happening. And the answers they find may painfully tear their new love apart.
 

With a fated romance amid a danger-filled world, The Charmed is a story that will resonate with lovers of Adult Paranormal Romance.

The Charmed is a story that I really enjoyed. You have a heroine in Olivia who is a bit innocent, but not completely naive. A bit dramatic in her emotions, but not over-the-top melodramatic. Caleb, her savior and love, was a true romantic hero. He was all man, er, vampire...a manly, protective man who also happens to be a vampire. Their relationship, intense and fast-moving, was very steamy, dramatic, and heart-warming.

The vampire world that author Christine Wenrick built was familiar to other stories in some ways, but managed to have a unique enough spin to make it her own. The bad vampires were scary, the good vampires could be scary when pushed to the limit, but had human-like qualities as well. There are dhampirs, a human/vampire hybrid, who live somewhere in between. There are even vampire hunters, who didn't play a huge part in this book, but I expect a lot more out of in book two. As for Olivia...well, she is something all her own, something unlike I had ever read about before. I'm not going to go into it deeply, because it takes a decent bit of explanation, and it's something better left to the book.

There is one aspect to The Charmed that I think some readers may pick at the love story. Caleb and Olivia's attachment could seem like a case of insta-love to some, but I don't mind it when I can feel the connection strongly. I just felt that I should probably point that out. ;-)

The Charmed was a quite beautiful story. I enjoyed its destined, yet challenged lovers, and the dangerous world they live in. This is a series that I look forward to continuing in book two, The Charmed Souls.


Favorite Quote:

  "My teary gaze turned to face him, and the vampire's presence was never more real to me than at that moment. His lips lingered just inches above my own, and his sweet, cool breath tingled across my cheek while mine drew in sharply. This was the first time I had seen him out of the shadows -- and his human face was stunningly handsome."  (13%)


  "And then I knew--I knew everything I needed to know. 'Do you see what's happening, Caleb? I am a mirror. I can only reflect your true nature.' Happy tears began to fall over my cheeks. 'And your reflection is beautiful.' His features softened and his eyes reverted as I watched them change to the beautiful gray tones of Caleb, the man."   (95%)



You can purchase The Charmed at:
Amazon | Barnes & NobleSmashwords



About the author:
Christine is the author of The Charmed Trilogy. She lives in the scenic Pacific Northwest where she enjoys hiking, camping and photographing many of the wonderful places that served as inspiration for her novels. Her biggest reward in life is any given day when one of her books connects with a reader, because she herself is such a lover of reading.
You can connect with Christine at GoodReads.


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19 comments:

  1. Great review, A! I think it must be hard these days to write books that aren't stereotypical, esp. when it comes to vamp books, so it's great that this still managed to hold it's own. Also, I don't mind insta-love if it feels genuine :)

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  2. I really want to find some good vamp book and this sounds like a fun read! Love the quotes. ;)

    Great review, Andrea! :)

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  3. Haven't read a really good adult paranormal in a while. Thanks for sharing.

    Valerie

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  4. This sounds like a book I would enjoy. I haven't really read a vampire book in a while I don't think. Great review!!

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  5. Fabulous review! Adding this to my TO READ SOON list! I do love a good vampire love story though ;)

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  6. Great review. I have found myself drawn to more adult books lately, and this sounds like a good paranormal to check out. I know a lot of people don't like insta-love, but I don't have a problem with insta-love in novels, unless it is really cheesy. I am glad you liked it.

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  7. It's good that even though the story felt rather familiar there was enough to make it stand out. And so happy to see that even though the romance could be taken as insta-lovey it didn't bother you. Awesome review chick, you make me want to read more adult stuff!

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  8. This sounds like something I would enjoy and I like that you felt it was fresh. Great review!

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  9. As soon as I saw the piano on the cover I knew I would be adding this book to my reading list! Love the sound of this one and those great quotes you included! Awesome review!

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  10. I have not heard of this series, but it sounds good! The piano on the cover really intrigues me -- I've never come across that in spec fic before. Nice review!

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  11. When I saw this cover, I thought it was a NA book. I would have NEVER thought it was going to be about vampires! Sounds like it has a nice little twist. Insta love doesn’t really bother me because it happened to me in real life. I know, I know gag but I was a gonner :)

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  12. I'd never heard of this one, but glad to hear that you enjoyed and there is good writing and characters.
    I agree, if I can feel the strong connection and understand it, then insta love isn't too terrible.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  13. Oh I do love me a good vampire book and honestly I don't really mind insta love in a paranormal world cause you are breaking the rules of reality as it is. Great review!

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  14. This sounds great! If you liked it I know I will.:)

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  15. I've never heard of this one but it sounds like something I would enjoy, thanks for the review!

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  16. The romance sounds really appealing to me even if it is a bit fast. I guess sometimes insta-love works. Especially where vampires are concerned. I'm not sure why, but they seem to make it work. :)
    Lovely review, and once again, very convincing!

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  17. Sounds like an interesting read. Glad you enjoyed it. :) I like the cover.

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  18. Well, I have read a lot of books about vampires. Some of them are original, some are not. So, I hope this book will be different and it will be unique. I love the two quotes your provided, and I think Olivia is great heroine. GREAT review, Andrea!
    Your new reader
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  19. I agree, the insta-love can get annoying, but when the connection is strong, I'm falling just as hard as the characters :) Love the ooey-gooeys. So worth it!

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