Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

Title: Claire de Lune
Author: Christine Johnson
ISBN: 9781416991823
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page #: 336
Got Book: From my library

Summary:
"Torn between two destinies...

Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and her crush 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 finds her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart. Burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever ..."
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First Lines:

"The smooth mirror of the pool's surface shattered as three boys cannonballed into it at the same time. Shrieks erupted from the cluster of girls who got splashed."
Page 1
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Review:

I picked this one up mostly because of all the wonderful reviews I have read on all the book blogs. Of course, the very awesome cover doesn't hurt either. It's the story of a girl who has just been told that she's a werewolf from her mother who has been distant all of her life. The whole course of the book follows her acceptance and understanding of what her new life is going to be like.

One thing I thought was interesting was the relationship Claire had with her mother. You can watch it transform throughout the story. She starts out very stand-offish and uncaring. As the pieces of reality unravel, you can see their relationship change to a mutual understanding and beyond. It seems rare-ish to have such a prominent parental character in these paranormal teen books. Maybe I just haven't noticed, but this one really shines in that relationship.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book is that the love relationship doesn't take massive forefront throughout the story. There are times when the romance part of paranormal romance is just overpowering. There is a taste of romance, but it's not the whole story - it's refreshing.

Honestly, I thought I had this story pegged about halfway through. I was sure I knew who was killing the humans... I knew who was hiding something... all of it. But I was soooo wrong. Absolutely threw me for a loop. I really kinda enjoy it when a book can do that for me. This one definitely succeeded. But I do have to say that once I thought I had it figured out, I got a little bit bored. Like... there wasn't anything shocking or interesting until it started to unfold at the end. But that's the only downside on this one.

I will be recommending this one to all my fantasy reading girls. It's a great addition and will be loved by many. Pick this one up for sure if you're into the fantasy stuff - especially in the werewolf genre :). I hope to see a lot more from this author. Check out her website to get updates - I look forward to anything she might be coming out with!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Katie's Book Blog
Pure Imagination
Book Crazy
Luxury Reading
The Story Siren
The Compulsive Reader
Reclusive Bibliophile
And lots more. Take some time to check them out - there are varying opinions on this one. But perhaps you should read it and make your own! :)