This week is a fascinating example of how changing a few details can sometimes make all the difference on a cover, or no difference at all.  Just a few minor changes to J. R. Ward’s LOVER REBORN tightened up the whole composition to make a good cover great, but changing the entire cover model wasn’t enough to get TANGLE OF NEED a thumbs up in my book.  

Black Heart by Holly Black 

Description: Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love. No Author Comment Available.

Series: Curse Workers #3 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Release Date: April 3, 2012 Source: Tez Says
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This run of covers is much less cinematic than the ones with real models, a much more fantasy feel.  Given the edgy feel of the series, I think the live action covers fit the series better.  This one is rather generically YA.	This has to be the UK cover…it looks nothing like the US versions, but I still think the purple almost disco vibe is a wrong fit for this series in any country.

Previous Covers in This Series

Title: The Dark Divine Author: Bree Despain Series: The Dark Divine #1 Cover Art: N/A Genre: Paranormal YA Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd ISBN-10: 1405254580 ISBN-13: 978-1405254588     Review Copy Source: Bought Reviewed by: Abigail

Book Description

A Prodigal Son
A Dangerous Love
A Deadly Secret

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

 Review

I had read a few overzealous reviews before reading this book, so I knew going in what the big secret was (don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for anyone just in case), but even without that element of mystery, I still thought that THE DARK DIVINE was a really good read. 

I was a little leery about this book despite the largely positive reviews (including one big rave from my younger sister) because I was expecting a heavy handed, inaccurate depiction of the Christian Divine family portrayed by Mormon author Bree Despain.  In reality, the religious characters were not overdone, if a little too perfect in a 1950’s sort of way (even their imperfections were turned out to be perfect).  But religion didn’t play nearly as big a role as I was expecting.  Little nods, however, like the prodigal son parable and the character names, were well used and added a level of authenticity to the story.

The writing felt a little lite, even for YA, not ever really creating scenes as vividly as similar titles (e.g. TWILIGHT, SHIVER).  And some of the characters were a little cliché (Don might as well have been called Lennie from OF MICE AND MEN).  What was vivid was the relationship between Grace and Daniel.  Grace’s desire to redeem bad boy Daniel mixed with a growing doubt and suspicion about his past, and his hot and cold behavior towards her.  We’ve seen this romantic interplay in dozens of books but when done well, as in THE DARK DIVINE, it’s magic.

Overall, THE DARK DIVINE is sort of like the little sister of TWILIGHT and SHIVER: lots of promise and a strong romance, but still some growing to do.  All of which makes me hopeful for THE LOST SAINT when it’s published on December 28, 2010

Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.

My Rating:

3/5
Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Click HERE to read an excerpt from THE DARK DIVINE

THE DARK DIVINE book trailer

Previous books in the series:

1. N/A

Also reviewed by:

• Juiciliciousss Reviews
• In Bed With Books
• Tez Says