The Vespertine
The Vespertine
by Saundra Mitchell
Released March 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
This is a book you need to read. I loved this book! The plot line was incredibly original- it was not a normal ya paranormal romance. I loved the detail about the historical setting the book was placed in. I loved the relationship between Zora and Amelia. The relationship between Amelia and Nathaniel was smoking! (And I don't really use that phrase, ha ha!) I thought that the author added a great touch by going back and forth between the present time and telling the main story in a "past tense" point of view.
The only thing I was sad about- that it was over. I wanted the story to go on for another 100 pages. I had so many unanswered questions: where did Amelia's powers come from? Where did Nathaniel's powers come from? What happened after the end (the author tied it up nicely, but there are still so many unanswered questions!
I noticed on Goodreads that there is going to be a companion novel next year. I am excited to do a little more research about this next novel. All of that to say- go check this book out!
