A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young Review

Title: A Want So Wicked
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: June 26, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is.

After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose affect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.

Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really?

Elise’s life has changed rapidly ever since waking up in the park with absolutely no memory of how she got there. But the changes are fast, frightening and just enough to keep her awake at night and rock her to the very core. Without and forewarning, Elise can now read into people’s lives, which is both an entirely inconvenient and unwanted gift. She can see what makes things tick, and she knows there’s a darkness lurking around her, but she has no idea why. To make matters worse, there are two very attractive boys suddenly vying for her attention. One draws her in with his bad-boy charm. The other exudes a familiarity and connection she can’t look past. What are these changes happening in Elise’s life, and can she discover the meaning of it all before it’s too late?

I remember reading the first book in this series, A Need So Beautiful last year, and I really loved the story. Although not the freshest idea, perhaps, it was well written with just enough angst to keep me riveted. Suzanne Young has crafted a worthy follow-up with her sophomore novel, A Want So Wicked, in which we’re invited, once again, to share in her characters’ epic journey to self-discovery and ultimate triumph over darkness. With vivid imagery, strong prose and a cast of emote and well-rounded characters, the story is well-fleshed out with a strong beginning, middle and end. Most of all though, we’re given a heroine that we can relate to, and we become invested in her journey through A Want So Wicked.

I have to admit that I’m a bit on the fence about A Want So Wicked, to be honest. I remember really enjoying book one, and feeling that the journey moved at a good pace, was well-rounded and had tons of self-discovery through our heroine, Elise. However, with book two, I felt almost as if we had the same exact scenario playing out before us, though we were given a new setting and different characters. If I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure if the story evolved much in this installment, which is a bit unfortunate because, heck, I wanted to know what’s happening with Elise! Now, don’t get me wrong, the writing style is just as fluid and fast-paced as before. The plot is still engaging and entertaining, and I definitely still wanted to know what was happening throughout the novel. Plus, A Want So Wicked gives us Harlin who, let’s be honest here, is pretty much awesome all wrapped up in a sexy little bow. He’s a very heartfelt character, and he’s one that I can actually feel for. His emotions, his actions and his demeanor just ooze charisma, and his addition really heightens the investment we have in Elise’s journey, which is a definitive strength. One other qualm I, unfortunately, had was that the villains were just so blatantly obvious throughout the story. The characters might not have seen it, but I did, and I prefer a bit of shock and awe. Regardless of its faults though, A Want So Wicked is engaging in its writing style, and the characterization is true to form, rich and inviting.

Despite a few flaws, A Want So Wicked was a good story overall. It will definitely find its place on many a bookshelf. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.