Captivate Review

SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ NEED

Author: Carrie Jones

Release Date: January 5, 2010

Pages: 258 (ARC)

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Other Titles In The Series: Need

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.
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This is such a fun, captivating series! (It's a pun, get it?) Captivate completely surpassed all of my expectations that Need had set, and I ended up liking it even more that I liked Need.

The plot took the entire series in a whole new direction that I didn't see coming. It's full of warm-and-gooey-on-the-inside romance, tear-jerking moments (even though I didn't cry because I don't cry except once in a very blue moon), heart-pounding action, and paranormal evil/good(?) pixie goodness.

Zara, our protagonist, is truly an unforgettable character. When I was first beginning Need, it felt like I was visiting an old friend. Her boyfriend, Nick, is the "OMG he's SO dreamy" type boyfriend, and he and Zara are perfect together. I love both of Zara's friends, Devyn and Issie, and I love their side romance. I even like the new pixie in town, Astley (I think. It could change in a split second, depending on the what happens in the next book). Yep, lots of character love going on here.

Carrie Jones has that teen voice. That teen voice that's sarcastic, witty, and can then turn into a poetic, romantic voice, and then it can turn into non-stop action. And no matter what mode Carrie Jones is in, all the writing flows. She's such a good storyteller.

The ending didn't tie things up very nicely. I would've loved a little more closure, but at least I know there's a sequel that I am now on the edge of my seat waiting for. But in conclusion, Captivate is sure to please fans of Need, and I have a feeling that the series will just continue to get better.


(I was provided with an ARC to review from Bloomsbury.)