Fateful: Book Review

Novel: Fateful by Claudia Gray
Release Date: September 13th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Won from Katie's Book Blog

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over. 

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   The Titanic has always been one of my favorite events to learn about, and Fateful made it even better. The historical relevance is so present throughout the novel, and the writing is beautiful. The storyline is original, although it does share large similarities to the movie Titanic, but in this novel, the roles are switched, and the tables are turned with a taste of paranormal romance and a hint of mystery.

   Tess Davies is a girl with a mission when she steps on board the Titanic, but when she meets Alec all her thoughts of a life in New York City are put to the side, because not only she is in danger but so is Alec. They are being chased by a werewolf killer on board the Titanic, and there is only so much time before they can stop hiding from him...

   The main character, Tess, is fantastically structured. That was one of my favorite things about the novel. She has history, and those memories and issues kept on reoccuring in the novel and ended up playing a part in the storyline. Tess has to decide in the end though if she wants to end up like her family - or be herself. 

   Fateful kept me guessing and never let me down. A fantastic remake of a classic story.