Title: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: May 10, 2011
Pages: 341From the Publisher: In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.
When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life–and memories–behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.
Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant–an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
First Thoughts: I was drawn in immediately to this world. The concept of the Revenants dying over and over to sacrifice themselves to save people was something I couldn’t get enough of. The writing is so smooth and so easy, made for such a great read. I am definitely addicted to this series.
The Story: Kate’s parents recently died in a car accident, so Kate and her sister, Georgia, are sent to live with their grandparents in Paris. Kate is so overcome with depression, but she tries to just keep going by reading and rereading books and keeping to herself…until she meets Vincent. Vincent is stunningly gorgeous, but isn’t like her, he is a Revenant. When Kate finds out about his kind she knows she should stay away, but at the same time no one else has made her feel alive. She must decide what path to take.
The Pacing: I think this might be one of my new favorite categories when discussing a book because I realize how critical it is to me actually liking the book. It was perfect in this book, and I know that is no easy task. I got introduced the characters, the setting, and the world of Revenants and never had to go back to reread. Every step built so nicely on the last one. Well done!
The MC: Oh, Kate was so very real to me. Let’s face it, many times we read YA paranomal books and the teen is parentless. This was written in a way that was so very emotional, I couldn’t help but connect with Kate. While Kate was drowning in depression, I could feel that she did want to come out of it, she just didn’t know how. The progression she went through was very natural and my heart broke for her.
The Book Boyfriend: Oooh la la Vincent! He makes old fashioned so hot! Chivalry isn’t dead and I loved his stalkerish ways. (I am not kidding.) Loved him, loved him, loved him! That is all.
The Romance / Swoon Level: I adored it. Yes, some insta-love but it was so sweet and honestly meant to be. I felt Kate’s pain as she tried to stay away from Vincent, and I knew she wasn’t doing it to play games. The love was genuine and at the same time it hurt my heart. I do wish it had been more of a burn, but it was sweet and I loved it none the less.
Twists and Turns: None, but the ending was still a nail biter even though I had envisioned a happily ever after.
The Ending: I loved it and now the scene is set. I could see this story as a stand alone novel, but feel like we only scratched the surface learning about Revanants. Now I just want to know everything about them.
Any Gripes: A little on the surface feeling to it, and I do wish the story had delved deeper or been a little more complex. However, there are more books and I feel like the layers will build up from here.
Rec it? Yes, a great start to a series and I can’t wait to read more!
