Young Adult Book Review: Compulsion by Martina Boone
Title: Compulsion
Series: Heirs of Watson Island
Author: Martina Boone
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Age Group: YOUNG ADULT
Genre Type: Southern Gothic
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
Source: Bought
Publisher: Simon Pulse
SUMMARY:
All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.
Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.
Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.
Dear Compulsion,
Your Dark, Southern Charm, Gothic Overtones and Gorgeous Cover Lured Me Into You Sweet Embrace. I sighed happily as sweeping plantations, crumbling and stately sat among enchanted gardens and sparkling fountains taking a life of their own, sweeping me away. Destined romance, bitter secrets, and dark betrayal led me down your mysterious path.
Deep into the heart of South Carolina lies Watson Island, where whispers of Voodoo, pirates, curses and a generations-old-feud lie in wait for Barrie Watson. Thank you for introducing me to such an interesting heroine like Barrie. She's smart, caring, unpredictable and a bit of a spitfire that likes to see the best in people. I laughed at her penchant for high heels, ones that she determinedly wore proudly, if awkwardly as well. I found her gift fascinating, and could not wait to see how it played out in the story.
I loved every moment spent with our young heroine as she slowly unraveled the mystery behind the founding families of Watson Island. Young and adventurous privateers, Thomas Watson, Robert Beaufort and John Colesworth would leave a legacy beyond gold and treasure, one that their heirs would inherit, but some would say it is a curse while others a gift. A midnight river of burning flames, the mysterious Fire Carrier and haunting yunwi lent the perfect amount of supernatural atmosphere, delighting me with shivers.
A good Southern Gothic is always at its best with a tragic love story and the hope of one destined as well, and Compulsion did not disappoint me as swoon-worthy Eight Beaufort's southern charm and warm charisma heats up the pages as an undeniable attraction blooms between Eight and Barrie. I held my breath as I wondered about these two, caught-up in their families dark secrets and curses, their star-crossed romance, sweetly romantic.
As someone who loves strange, old house, you delighted me with your hidden rooms and secret tunnels. Like the thumping of drums, my heart pounded as dark, blood magic and a supernatural force collided with an 300 year-year-old curse. Real and not real enemies made me question just who was at work behind all the danger.
Suspenseful, beautifully written, and filled with terrific atmosphere, you held me spellbound. I loved every moment spent with you and count the days until we meet again, and you share your next adventure in Persuasion, next in the Heirs of Watson Island series.
My Rating: 5 Stars. I loved it!
