Review: Fateful

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Summary: In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets….

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, 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.

My Thoughts: I’m a bit at a loss for how to talk about this novel, how to feel about it. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I have to admit that there were a few roll-the-eyes moments, especially toward the end.

Werewolves on the Titanic. An interesting, and unique (so far as I’m aware, at least), idea. With the whole Alec-and-Tess thing, I will admit that I was occasionally concerned that this was going to be too similar to the somewhat-recent movie, Titanic. You know, Rose and Jack. They meet, they fall in love, they are separated forever – just with a werewolfish twist.

Thankfully, my fears weren’t realized.

Meaning, that’s not what this is. Yes, it is aboard the Titanic, and as such could be called historical fiction – historical fantasy? Yes, two teenagers/young adults meet, fall in love, act on that love, etc. Yes, one is a first-class passenger and the other is a third-class passenger. But I promise you that it is not the same as the movie. Not at all. The meat of the story is quite different. There is a lot of suspense just with the pair being hunted by another passenger. The added tension of knowing it’s a doomed ship, wondering when/how it’ll affect the hunt, is remarkable. The days are dated, so we get an idea of when it’ll happen, but once it does it’s sneaky.

The sinking of the Titanic is almost as heartbreaking as it was watching the movie. I had tears in my eyes as Tess is trying to help the Lisle family get to safety and as Tess and Alec are searching for a lifeboat together. I had tears as Tess describes the sounds and sights of this horrific tragedy. (The book is told 1st-person from her perspective.)

And that is where I’ll end discussing the story. As mentioned above, there were a few roll-my-eyes moments, but I’m aiming to keep this review spoiler-free. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Tess is an excellent character, and Alec has a charming personality.

Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.

Read It: Fateful is scheduled for release on September 13, 2011. You can pre-order your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 and iChallenges 2011.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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