Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker
Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker
It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp -- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.
Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance -- and loner boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her.
This debut novel is full of atmosphere, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance.
BEWARE THE WILD suffered from a case of "almosts" for me. The world was almost there, and I was almost attached to the romance, but unfortunately those "almosts" kept me from really connecting to this story. The world behind the story was supposed to be creepy, especially the swamp, but it just didn't quite feel like enough to really suck me in. As the blurb says, there's atmosphere, but it just wasn't fleshed out enough to really give the air I think this was trying to achieve. It's a shame, because this could have been one heck of an enthralling and chill inducing read, but it ultimately fell flat.
Another bit of disappointment for me was the characters and the romance. I had a hard time connecting with Sterling. I didn't get her behavior towards her brother, and the eating disorder to punish him for growing up. Yes, I realize he was her protector, but frankly the way she stood up and was determined to get him back once the swamp took him, seemed at odds with her previous actions that led to the whole situation in the first place. It just seemed out of character and too strong willed for the type of person she seemed to be at the beginning. That being said, I did enjoy seeing her grow and gain confidence, which kept me interested in the story. However, one thing I didn't enjoy too much was the romance between her and Heath. I just didn't quite get it as it was another one of those cases where something just seemed to be missing. I just didn't feel the chemistry nor the connection, which made it not work for me.
While BEWARE THE WILD kept me interested, it wasn't the enthralling read I was hoping for, but overall mediocre in the end. It's a shame because this one could have been great. That being said, I definitely see potential for this author and will be checking out her future books.
(Received a copy from the publisher)
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Other Reviews:
The Nocturnal Library
Dark Faerie Tales
Xpresso Reads
