Blog Archives
Until I Die by Amy Plum Book Review
Book: Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum, HarperTeen, May 8, 2012
Book Info: YA paranormal, Review copy courtesy of Edelweiss, Available in HC 357 pages
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
More Info: Goodreads | IndieBound | Amazon
Until I Die by Amy Plum is the second book in the Revenants trilogy, and the sequel to last year’s Die For Me. In this series, Kate has recently lost her parents and moved to Paris with her sister to live with their grandparents. She meets a mysterious boy named Vincent who is actually a revenant, which in this book is a good zombie basically. But like any paranormal couple they have their problems, as well as the bad revenants called Numa who are always after them. In the sequel Kate and Vincent have a reality check about their future as a couple and we learn more about the revenants history.
I liked Until I Die just as much as the first book and was thoroughly entertained. There are character reveals and surprises that kept me guessing, and some hints about where the trilogy conclusion is heading. Until I Die is one of the better “middle” books and I didn’t feel like there were any slow parts- the only negative is where Plum left the story hanging at the end!
The book picks up where Die For Me left off. Kate and Vincent are happy together but hanging over their heads is the idea that their romance can’t last forever. Kate will eventually grow old and die and Vincent’s role is to sacrifice his life for humans again and again. They work independently to try to find a way to make it work as a couple, but their investigation is causing even more danger for themselves and their loved ones.
Even though it’s been a year since I read the first book I easily fell back into the story and immersed myself into the world of the revenants. The Paris setting is very charming, and the author uses the setting to her advantage by having the characters explore all the city has to offer. All of the characters are back in the sequel, and the revenants characters are my favorite, especially Jules and Ambrose. There are new characters as well that help explain more about the revenants back-story.
There is a whodunit mystery this time around, and even though I’m usually slow to figure these things out, in this book I called it early on. There are also some unsubtle hints about the direction of the series and the characters, and I can’t wait for the final book to find out if my suspicions are correct.
This is one of my favorite new paranormal romance series and the characters and the setting make it a delight to read. And Amy Plum lives in France so she knows her stuff and makes it feel like you are on a Paris vacation. The book is evenly paced and hard to put down, especially as you get close to the end. Like I said earlier though, Plum ends this one in a frustrating spot and it left me really anxious for the final book. If I Should Die is expected May 2013.
Check out the book trailer:
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Book: Die For Me (Revenants) by Amy Plum, HarperTeen, May 10, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Format/pages: Hardcover 341 pages / Audiobook 9 hours, 20 minutes
Format read/Source: Harper Audio audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan, finished July 8 2011
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
With so many paranormal choices on the shelves, it’s not easy to find one that has that special unique quality. Die For Me satisfied my paranormal craving by introducing the revenant concept and featuring a picturesque Paris setting. The first book in the Revenants trilogy sets up the mythology, characters and romance and left me wanting more.
Kate Mercier and her older sister Georgia have recently moved from the States to Paris to live with their grandparents after the death of their parents. Georgia deals with her grief by going out every night, while Kate keeps a lower profile. She’s a bookish girl with a fondness for museums, and she finally ventures out of her room to soak up the atmosphere. She quickly meets and becomes enamored with Vincent, a gorgeous and charming local, with a secret to hide. Vincent is a revenant, which is an undead zombie-type being. He and his band of fellow revenants don’t terrorize the people of Paris by hunting flesh though; they sacrifice their lives over and over to save others. They also have to look out for the evil revenants called numa who don’t have the kind intentions of Vincent’s group. Kate must decide if a relationship with the undead Vincent is worth the challenges that come with it.
I was enticed to pick up this book because of the Paris setting and the idea of the revenants. The premise did not seem entirely original, but the combination of romance, Paris, and this revenant element worked for me. The first book sets up a lot of options to explore in the sequel, and I’m intrigued to continue the series. The writing and even pace kept my interest along with the mix of romance, mythology and action.
Kate as a character is sensible and cautious, and this relationship with Vincent takes her out of her comfort zone. She’s understandably having a tough time dealing with the death of her parents, and not sure if she can handle Vincent’s unique situation. Vincent is protective, sweet and generous to Kate and wants to find a way to make her comfortable with him as a revenant. Their love story doesn’t move too quickly, and they have many romantic moments as they explore Paris together. We are introduced to Vincent’s friends and they liven up the story with tales of their history and challenges with the undead life. I especially liked Jules and Charlotte and their friendship that develops with Kate.
Regarding the listening experience of the audiobook, reader Julia Whelan does an impeccable job handling the character voices and French words used throughout the book. Her narration is perfect for Kate, but she also does a stellar job with the other voices such as Vincent and his friends, Kate’s grandparents, and her sister Georgia with her occasional Southern accent. One of the reasons I chose the audiobook version of Die For Me was to hear the French words and pronunciation spoken correctly since my French language skills are lacking. Julia Whelan handles the language well. Though there is not too much French spoken in the book because Kate speaks to Vincent in English because he doesn’t usually get to speak it. Die For Me is one of my favorite audiobook experiences so far this year.
I would describe this book as a paranormal romance, and while there is an element of action and danger, it felt like more of a love story. The revenant story is compelling and I’m so curious to see what will happen next. Happily, Die For Me does not end with a big cliffhanger, but there are hints of things to come that have me intrigued. The sequel is called Until I Die (that sounds ominous) and should be out around May 2012.
For more information:
Goodreads | Amazon | Amy Plum’s website
Related articles
- Audiobook Review of Die for Me by Amy Plum (abookwormshaven.com)
- Review: “Die For Me” by Amy Plum (witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
- Guest Post from Die For Me author Amy Plum (acasualreader.com)
Waiting on Wednesday: Die For Me by Amy Plum
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating! Want to participate? Post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine.
This week’s selection is Die For Me by 2011 debut author Amy Plum. I just saw this on Goodreads recently and it sounds really good. The heroine, Kate, moves to Paris after her parents’ death, when she falls for Vincent, an undead revenant. The revenants sound kind of like a new twist on zombies. I guess I’m on a zombie kick after just finishing watching The Walking Dead. Die For Me is the first book in a planned trilogy. It is due to be published May 10 2011 by HarperTeen. Isn’t the cover gorgeous?
From the Inside Flap:
MY LIFE HAD ALWAYS BEEN BLISSFULLY, WONDERFULLY NORMAL. BUT IT ONLY TOOK ONE MOMENT TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies…immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I’m fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart–as well as my life and my family’s–in jeopardy for a chance at love?
Book Title: Die For Me
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: May 10 2011
Genre: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
For more information:
Author’s website / Goodreads / Amazon
What are you waiting on this week?
