Born at Midnight by C.C Hunter | Book Review

(Shadow Falls #1)

Published: March 29th 2011

Synopsis:

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, shapeshifters, 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 Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)

Book Information

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Genre(s): Young-adult Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Page Count: 398

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 0312624670

It’s been a while since I posted an actual book review so… Let’s get started!

If I had started to write this review right after I finished it, it would’ve probably gotten 5 stars. But as I was thinking more about it, I had to go with 4 stars. Like my other book reviews rated 4 stars, this isn’t a bad book, just not an ‘outstanding’ book.

Not-really-quick-summary

So, Born at Midnight is about 16 year-old Kylie Galen, who has a lot to deal with on her plate: her parents are getting a divorce, her boyfriend broke up with her, and then to top it off she has a stalker no one else can see. After getting caught at a party with drugs, Kylie’s mom sends her off the a camp for troubled teens (called Shadow Falls). Kylie soon finds out the camp isn’t really for ‘troubled teens’. Instead, it’s a camp for supernaturals (vampires, werewolves, faeries, shapeshifters, witches) to come to terms with what they are and learn how to be able to co-exist with humans. Kylie is immediately in denial, and remains as such for most of the book (which is partially annoying, but also understandable). And then she has two–no, three guys vying for her affection; Derek, a half-fae, Lucas, an acquaintance from her past, and a werewolf, and her ex-boyfriend, Trey. Not only this, she still has to deal with her stalker (who may or may not be a ghost) and an undetermined threat. We go along as she sorts out her feelings, accepts (partially) what she is, makes new friends, and starts to become a stronger person.

Plot

I loved the plot, as I love supernatural and paranormal stories. I’m definitely biased when I say this book ruled for paranormal. I also loved how we meet so many different characters with different abilities; definitely a plus.

Also, the action was reasonably paced, and while it wasn’t the kind of action that got me biting my nails or anything (not that I do that often), it was suspenseful and was just right for the story.

Characters

I have to say, I didn’t love Kylie, but I didn’t dislike her either. C.C Hunter has a way with her plot and writing however, where she compels us not to stop reading. I especially liked all the secondary characters, like Kylie’s roommates, Della (a vampire) and Miranda (a witch). I liked Della more, but there were also other characters I also felt partial to. I enjoyed the romance scenes as well, and although there’s a love triangle verging on square in the first book, it was enjoyable (to me, anyway) therefore added to the reading fun.

The ‘what am I’ factor seems like it’s going to be dragged out throughout the series, which I’m actually okay with. I mean, yes, I’m questioning and wondering, but it just adds to the suspense of the series, and will keep me hooked.

I definitely recommend this book and series! It will take you on a suspenseful adventure, filled with humor, romance, and heart-filled moments. This author’s works are not that well-known it seems, but it definitely should be!

Be sure to check out the book trailer and teaser below!