Book: Crave
Author: Traci Wolff
My Rating: 2.5 Cheesy Stars
Hey bookworms, this week’s review is a rare negative review, so buckle up. Remember back in the 2000’s when sparkly vampires were a thing? Well, the 2020’s have created their own version. Did I read it? Yes. Did I enjoy it? I don’t even know. I’m talking about Crave by Traci Wolff, who even thanks Stephenie Meyer in her dedication. Makes sense because this story is crazy reminiscent of Twilight. This review is going to be slightly spoiler-y, so stop reading now if spoilers aren’t your thing.
Bella – Oops! Sorry, I meant Grace – finds herself moving from warm, sunny California to remote, NOT sunny Alaska after both her parents die in a tragic car accident. Her uncle is the dean of a private school and she’s going to live and go to school there. But it’s not a normal private school, it’s a school for Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Dragons! Does it take Grace an uncomfortable amount of time to figure this out? Yes, yes it does. She meets Jaxon, a hot, aloof student and they instantly have a connection that has everyone talking because Jaxon doesn’t talk to anyone! (Does this sound familiar???) She’s at school for like less than a week and almost dies at least 4 times before a final battle against Jaxon’s dead brother’s ex girlfriend. Grace almost dies, Jaxon almost dies, the ex girlfriend ACTUALLY dies, but they saved the world. …OR DID THEY? The book ends on a pretty major cliffhanger that’s going to have you saying, “Wait, what?”
Ok, here’s the thing, this was fun in a cheesy, cliche nod to Twilight kind of way. But before you commit, just remember this is at least a four book series. It was fun for the first book, but I’m halfway through the second and I’m more annoyed that there are two more books than I am excited about them. These characters make the most illogical choices, and there are some weird plot holes that don’t necessarily affect the story, but they do annoy me. Like, time seems to be more of an abstract concept in this book. Why did it take 500 pages to cover the span of like two weeks? And these “kids” are like 100 years old, but they’re in high school…can we explain that? And their school in Alaska is literally a castle. In Alaska.
I won’t say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did read over 500 pages in a couple of days. But I also won’t say I highly recommend it. If you liked Twilight, maybe you’ll be into this? Personally, I don’t know if I have it in me to finish the rest of the series this year.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.