VeganYANerds: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Redemption (Beautiful Creatures #4) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Published October 24, 2012 by Razorbill

Source: Penguin Australia

Rating: 4 paws

From the blurb: Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?
Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is the fourth and final book in the Beautiful Creatures series. Set in a fictional town, Gatlin, Ethan must do whatever it takes to reclaim his life and get back to his girlfriend, Lena. The previous book left us with a major cliffhanger and this story picks up right after that. Ethan must now take a perilous journey, with the help of his mother, Lena, and their extended family and friends.

Recently I mentioned that my taste in books has changed, particularly when it comes to paranormal YA series, and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy this book because I started the series so long ago. I was happy to discover that I did enjoy returning to Gatlin and to the lives of Ethan and Lena. I've always found them to be likeable characters; they’re both so sweet and caring, always willing to go to great lengths to protect their love, each other and their friends and family. I have also always liked that for the most part, Ethan is a regular guy, and that Lena is the one with paranormal abilities as she’s a Caster.

Beautiful Redemption starts off from Ethan’s point of view and then about half way we get to hear from Lena, before finishing the story off with Ethan again. I enjoyed the change in perspectives; it bought a freshness to the story and allowed me to find out what was going on back in the real world. The story was intriguing and I had no doubt that Ethan would keep trying until he succeeded. I was happy with the resolution between Ridley and her sisters and also enjoyed the banter between her and Link!

I was surprised to find myself moved by the story, particularly the ending – I should have seen it coming, but I didn't I was happy (and sad) with the final outcome and feel that Beautiful Redemption is a fantastic conclusion to the series. I am sure that this series is going to gain popularity due to the first book being made into a film, and fans of YA paranormal stories will enjoy this series, a lot.

Thanks to the fantastic people at Penguin Australia for my review copy.

22 comments:

Natalie (Mindful Musings) said...: I am so behind on this series! And I know what you mean about your taste in books changing. I think mine has as well. When I first read Beautiful Creatures when it came out, I loved it. Then I did a reread a year and a half later, and I ended up dropping my rating down to three stars. I still liked it, but so many things irked me the second time around that I guess I didn't notice the first time. Anyways, I tried reading the sequel about a year ago, and I just could get into it. I plan on trying again eventually. We'll see!; 31 December 2012 7:24 am
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...: i had no idea there was a fourth book!! i love the photo, too :); 31 December 2012 9:47 am
Sarah (Clear Eyes, Full Shelves) said...: I enjoyed the first two books quite a bit and have the third book on my Kindle, but for some reason I haven't caught up with the series. But with the movie coming out (the trailer looks pretty cool), I should probably finish up these books.

The green of the book cover goes beautifully with your cat's eyes! :); 31 December 2012 10:41 am
Ruby Ham :) said...: I've been meaning to read this series for a while! The characters of Ethan and Lena sound so likable! Great review by the way! And that cat is just adorable! I also love your header..! Sorry I'm rambling so much... But when I discover great blogs like this, I tend to turn to 'ramble mode'... Anyway, I'm a new follower and look forward to more great posts!
~ Ruby @ http://feedmebooksnow.blogspot.co.uk; 31 December 2012 10:43 am
Erin W. said...: While the book was kind of slow for me but I still quite enjoyed this book, especially when we finally got Lena's perspective. That was really cool.

Great review!; 31 December 2012 2:28 pm
Nick said...: I've always been wary of starting this series because of the mixed reviews. Now with the movie coming out soon, I'm thinking I should probably give it a shot. I'm glad to hear that this book worked for you, Mandee. I just love it when a series ends brilliantly and just the way I want it to.
Lovely review as always, Mandee! :); 31 December 2012 4:53 pm
Leanne said...: All the Beautiful Creatures' covers are fabulous, and this one in particular! I'm glad you liked it, Mandee. Lovely review :)

P.S. Are you excited for the Beautiful Creatures movie that's coming out soon?; 31 December 2012 5:05 pm
Tanja - Tanychy said...: I'm still not sure should I read this or not! I mean I've heard good and bad things about it. Only the movie is coming out - so I'll probably read it :) Great review :); 31 December 2012 9:21 pm
Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf said...: I'm still debating picking up book 3 in this series...to be honest books 1 & 2 were just ok for me...; 1 January 2013 1:14 am
Brandi Kosiner said...: Good to hear that it was a good ending. I've been worried for same reasons about getting back into this series, but you've eased that a bit.
Happy reading,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog; 1 January 2013 3:19 am
Keertana said...: I'm so glad this conclusion was satisfying! I haven't read this series, nor do I particularly plan to, but I do love the covers and I am thrilled that the ending was good. It's always a shame when the last novel is disappointing, so I'm glad this book didn't take that path. Incredible review, dear, and Happy New Year! :); 1 January 2013 3:43 am
Candace said...: I still haven't read the book before us, which is horrible since I loved the first two. I'm definitely going to have to get busy and get them read! So glad this one didn't disappoint!; 1 January 2013 8:49 am
readingdate said...: Wonderful review, Mandee. You make me want to pick up this series again. I've only read the first book so I have some catching up to do! The books are so long it's intimidating, but it helps to know that the series conclusion is satisfying. Also I like that their is a dual narrative.
Happy new year and thanks for all your recs this year! Looking forward to more great posts from you in the new year, Mandee :); 1 January 2013 8:51 am
Alex (A Girl, Books, OtherThings) said...: This series is one that I meant to read long ago but then I paranormale-ed-out and never went back to give it a second look :D

I'm glad you still enjoyed it, even after your taste changed, because that's not always the case. :D; 1 January 2013 9:42 am
Shooting Stars Mag said...: I still need to read this series, but I'm glad the ending was good and you still loved the story. Sometimes tastes do change by the time the end of a series comes around. Hope you love the movie!; 1 January 2013 11:40 am
Maji Bookshelf said...: ive always wanted to read this series, but because of its HUGE size im always scared to start it! Im glad you ended up enjoying it despite your change of taste in paranormal books! Also, LOVE your blog! New follower! and happy new year!
- Farah @ MajiBookshelf; 1 January 2013 8:57 pm
Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...: I think considering how much we all read, it's natural that our tastes change, but we (I, at least) always like to go back to some old favorites. I had no idea this was one of yours, the reviews are all over the place, but I'm certainly intrigued.
Great review as always, and happy new year, lovely!; 2 January 2013 12:41 am
Andrea @The Bookish Babes said...: Gah, I have this series and have yet to even begin! I want to read at least Beautiful Creatures before the movie. I'm glad you enjoyed BR.
Great review!; 2 January 2013 6:31 pm
Novels On The Run said...: Happy New Year Mandee :) xx

I have only read book 1 in this series. I need to read the others. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Mich:); 2 January 2013 6:33 pm
Carly said...: So glad you enjoyed this!! It's my favourite series! I adore Ethan & the whole sweet world, which I will probably go back & visit again & again! I agree about the ending! Thanks for a wonderful review! Bring on the film!! :); 3 January 2013 2:31 am
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...: I love this series and I have been trying to sneak this one in between books and I just need to set aside some time for it. I am glad it conludes the series well and that it was a great addition to the series. I adore Link and personally think a spinoff series should be done from his POV. I am glad there won't be another dreadful cliffie at the end of this one!; 3 January 2013 4:35 am
Lauren said...: I didn't even read this because I haven't read this series. But it's on my list for the year!; 3 January 2013 12:46 pm