Book Review: Born at Midnight

Author: C.C. Hunter
Edition: St. Martin's Griffin Paperback
Released: March 29th 2011
Series: Shadow Falls #1
Pages: 406 approx.

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

MY REVIEW:

I don't know how I even came to own this book but all I can say is that I'm very glad I did! This book had a great plot, well-developed characters and a very engrossing writing style - I loved every second I spent reading it. I know there've been a few mixed reviews on this book, but I'm definitely on the side that loved it! But what to say that might persuade some of you... Yes, it was amazing, and yes, I loved it, but how to turn my gushing into words... Hmmm.

One of the main aspects of this book that I loved the most was the plot. At first, I thought parts of it might have resembled Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins but I never really compared the two whilst reading it. But if you loved one then I definitely think you can love the other! Anyway. Born at Midnight was rather unique compared to a lot of other supernatural/paranormal books out there in the way that the author involved a lot of different supernatural creatures. There were vampires, faeries and shapeshifters to name a few! I mean, shapeshifters! How many books have you read about shapeshifters?! This book was also really surprisingly funny at times. And I mean the laugh-out-loud kind of funny! I was literally in tears at one point. I won't give too much away about what had me on my knees wheezing but I will say this. The whole kitten/Perry scene was to blame! Even thinking about it, I can't help but smile! :3

Even though this book was in third person, I still really loved the main character Kylie. She's one of those characters with attitude! She could hold her own and always had a witty remark up her sleeve when needed. Between Kylie's two suitors, I admit I'm Team Lucas. He was mysterious and dark... and what can I say? That always intrigues me! Though Derek was an alright character and all, he was just too insistent and clingy for me to like him as much as I could have, unfortunetly.

In conclusion, Born at Midnight proved to be a very enjoyable read. The main character was snarky and confident, a bad boy/werewolf was involved and there was the constant mystery of what Kylie's full supernatural ability actually was that kept me hooked. Even though I read this book a few months ago - if you're wondering, I've been writing this review with the help of notes! ;) - I've still yet to get my hands on the next book in the series, Awake at Dawn. Hopefully I'll get the chance to read it sometime soon though - I want to know what's going to happen to Kylie next! Oh, and almost forgot! I recommend this book to lovers of snarky, witty main characters, paranormal/supernatural lovers and Hex Hall fans!

FIVE STARS! xD

 

Happy Reading,

Rachel xoxo