Book Review & Giveaway: A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Available in ebook and paperback.

I purchased this book on a whim and it was the best spontaneous buy all summer.  I honestly can’t stand books that have a guaranteed happy ending and midway through A Need so Beautiful, there were two plausible endings to the book and both were bittersweet.  Instead of the typical instant-love-triangle mess of many YA novels, the heroine starts out already involved in the boy of her dreams.  Charlotte’s problems with her boyfriend arise because of her “Need” to do good things for other people.  As these compulsions become more frequent, she finds it harder to hide it from other people.  I really connected to Charlotte.  Although she liked doing good things for others, she really wanted to have a chance to live her own life.  As the book progresses, Charlotte discovers that she may end up with no life at all.

I can’t say that the characters were unique, as Charlotte’s best friend, Sarah, is a shopaholic who only wants to be loved by her father.  Charlotte’s boyfriend, Harlin, is pretty tame and quiet, since he’s still getting over the murder of his father a few years ago.  I can’t say that I’m a fangirl, but I can see where his sensitive nature can be attractive.

As for the ending, apparently a chapter was added at the very end to transform this stand alone book into a series.  I like the book better without the epilogue, but I also enjoyed reading the second book…so whatever.  It wasn’t a cliff-hanger (well, maybe it was a “bridge-hanger”…you’ll understand after reading) so I’m satisfied.

If you love YA fantasy with a melodramatic twist, this is an awesome book to check out.  The concept of angels “Forgotten” are unique and the book will keep you engaged until the last word.

Characters 4/5

Concept 5/5

Pacing 5/5

Grammar 5/5

Ending 4/5

Summary:

 We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten…

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become–her mark on this earth, her very existence–is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny–no matter how dark the consequences.

Grade: A-

This book appeals to fans of YA fantasy, who enjoy a new twist on angels.

If you’re interested in purchasing this book, you can buy it from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  More reviews are available at Goodreads.

This book was purchased because I saw that the author was doing a book signing near me.  I loved the books so much, I decided to purchase second copies at the book signing.  You can win signed copies of both A Need so Beautiful and A Want so Wicked by clicking HERE or on the image below:  (Ends July 28th)