Natalie Star

I will say right off that I really liked this book: the premise, the new idea for paranormal, and the character actually maturing and becoming less self-absorbed and smug about her life, as she started to learn and utilize her new powers. This is an author in the YA market to watch – I do think a younger reader will instantly accept and relate to the pieces that felt more unreasonable to me as one old enough to have YA readers in their house.

The only real piece that I got tired of was with one character’s accent: while it did help to reinforce his tough guy persona, allowing him to step into a protective role midway into the book, I had to keep reminding myself that his speech pattern was different and as much a part of him as curly hair and a straightener was to Billie.

What Natalie Star has done with great effect, is create a new form of a paranormal gift that unfolds and defines itself as Billie is growing and coming to accept its warnings. Even the one sent to integrate her into her new existence isn’t entirely sure of what she can do, or where this gift will lead. Such a grand deviation from the “woke up as a werewolf” where you already are aware of what the character’s skills and powers are. This leads to a delicious sense of discovery and increases the tension as nearly everything could be beneficial or harmful to Billie, and she doesn’t have a way of determining those until her necklace signals a warning. We all learn together, and the story is paced to allow those quick bursts of realization that are just as surprising to the characters as they are to the reader.

A terrific start for this fledgling author, I can’t wait to see more of what she produces. I received a copy of this book from BTS Virtual Book Tour for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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The story was unique and thought-provoking, unveiling Billie’s fate progressively with the unexpected occurrence of none of the characters knowing what gifts she really possesses. The plot moved quickly causing a little confusion at parts particularly concerning Billie’s destiny which could have been a little more detailed at the beginning even though questions are cleared up towards the end.

At first my impression of Billie was one of extreme dislike, she seemed like the typical ‘bitchy’ high school popular kid tormenting all of the kids around her. Her continued negative attitude towards “Freak Boy” and Ramey made her less likable as a character. As the story progresses we see Billie mature and recognize her attitude toward others not in her immediate circle needed adjustment. She also comes to accept her destiny and the problems she has to overcome.

The other characters were developed very well and were likable. Tony’s apparent accent was a little distracting for me but I did like that he supported Billie even though his tough guy persona was undermined by the pure paranormal situation no human
ould stand against.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Also on http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-keeper-by-natalie-star_18.html… (plus d'informations)