Friday 25 March 2011

Book Review - Claire de Lune

Title: Claire de Lune
Author: Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Release Date: 5 Aug 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1847389282


Synopsis
Hanover Falls hasn't had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. But when people suddenly start dying in Claire Benoit's town, panic spreads fast. At Claire's sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. Claire, however, is more interested in the fact that the gorgeous Matthew Engle keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever...  

My Review
I heard about this book a long time ago and decided I wanted to read it, and I have to admit I have had it in my locker at work since November, I had forgotten all about it until I had a sort out yesterday afternoon and found it. I immediately looked at it and thought 'oh yeah, I wanna read that!' So I grabbed it and brought it home. 
The story instantly pulled me in, I was intrigued about how the story would pan out and what twist the author would bring to another Werewolf story.
Claire turns sixteen and has a party, but she doesn't know most of the people, they are only there because she has her own pool, all but her best friend Emily, and Matthew, the school hottie who Claire has liked for a long time. The party ends suddenly when a sighting is reported of a werewolf right outside. Claire doesn't mind, Matthew promises to call her, plus Claire is tired and her hands are itchy, she has a weird rash and it's spreading round her ears too. The next day her mum tells her the truth, she is really a werewolf, and now she has turned sixteen she will begin to change. A whole new world opens up for Claire, but she's not sure she really wants it. Especially as Matthew's dad is in charge of the hunt to get rid of all werewolves. Life just got complicated.
I really liked this story, Claire's struggle is moving and I enjoyed seeing how she developed and adjusted to her new life. Her mum was a bit of a puzzle at first but i came to like her. 
The descriptions in this book are great and it really felt like I was sitting there seeing it all and experiencing it.
Claire and the other wolves need to discover who the rogue wolf is and try to stop the killings before they are traced back to them. The book is set up so you think you know who the rogue wolf is, but then changes suddenly and the attention is switched. This was cleverly done and I felt slightly foolish for being so sure of my judgment only to get it totally wrong.
Claire de Lune is a story of trust, growing up, magic, love and seeing the beauty of the person inside you. It's not about what you are, it's about what you do. Anyone can make a difference.
Truly magical and enchanting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I sat down intending to read for about an hour and ended up sitting for 2 and a half hours and finishing it.

My Rating
i would give this book 9/10 very well written and totally addictive.    

3 comments:

Leanna Elle said...

I meant to read this one ages ago and never got around to it. I like the sound of it, even though I am not a huge werewolf fan. (Team vamp!) ;)

Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic said...

Great review. Has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it.

barmybex said...

Thanks for stopping by.
I'm really into werewolves at the moment, but like my vamps too. Anything paranormal really. You should try it, was very good.

Yeah star-crossed lovers told to keep away from each other, very Rom & Jule. :D