#162 Book Review: Covet

Covet (Clann #2)
Release Date: October 2012
Author: Melissa Darnell
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart that…

Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honour it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them in directions neither could have foreseen, prepared for...or possibly withstand.

A reckoning is coming...and not everyone will survive.

Cover:
I like how the cover still has the same theme as the first one, although the background is red compared to the cover of the first book. I definitely prefer the Aussie cover over the US cover because the US cover actually looks creepy.

Story:

Would you let your love go, even if it hurts so badly for their sake?

Savannah's answer to this question would be yes. Covet picks up directly from Crave's ending. Sav and Tristan are on their way home when Sav finds out that her nanna has been kidnapped by the Clann. When they arrived, Sav tells the Clann that she promises to not involve herself with Tristan and begs them to let her nanna go. Tristan does not want to let Sav go but Sav wants to. So begins a story of torn-apart lovers who must stay away from each other and finally obey the rules...

Forbidden love is a common genre in the YA world, but Melissa Darnell is able to capture the feeling excellently. Similar to Crave, this book is written from Sav and Tristan's POV, showing how they are both trying to move on but can never forget their love for each other. The tension between the Clann and the Vampires are still going and a new paranormal element is added to the story, creating an interesting blend. Melissa's exploration of vampire and witches folklore are really interesting. The combination of vampires and witches itself are already different among other YA books out there and when she introduced the new paranormal element, I was surprised, in a good way! The climax of the book is really exciting and when the book ends, I am desperate to read the next book. As this book is quite huge, I think the story could have been wrapped up in a shorter way because some scenes in the book dragged quite a bit.

Characters:
Sav has grown throughout the book. She seems a little more mature than Tristan, finally embracing her identity and following the rules. Although, she is still in love with Tristan and fighting that feeling is hard. Meanwhile, Tristan does not want to let his love go. He wants to fight for it and often, he puts himself in danger to actually find a way to be with Sav together. The love between them is gorgeous yet really sad at the same time. At times, I feel like giving up to because it seems that there are no other ways for them to be together. Even Sav's kiss can kill Tristan. I love how we can read from both Sav and Tristan's perspective. Emily, Tristan's sister is a really awesome sister because she truly understands Tristan and never stops helping him. Sav's best friend, Anne, is really interesting because she hides a secret that when finally discovered, adds to the paranormal aspect of the story. Sav's mom and dad also play important roles in this story and also Sav's life. Sav's dad tries to help Sav adapt with her vampire side. The characters are really enjoyable to read about!

Overall:
In this enticing sequel to Crave, a tale of forbidden love, stakes are higher. When letting your love go for their sake seems like the only option, would you take it? Melissa Darnell gorgeously captures the theme of forbidden love, added with an interesting blend of paranormal elements. If you love Crave, then you will love Covet! Absolutely can't wait for Consume, the third book in the series, coming out next year!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Covet!

Thank you Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy!