Initial Reaction:



The Forsaken by Laura Thalassa picks up right where The Cursed left off (SPOILER NOTE: If you haven't read the previous books in this series, there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review). Andre and Gabrielle are on the run as the clock on Gabrielle's life begins to wind down. She is more vampire than human now and if she's going to escape the Devil, she needs to find a way to NOT die. Easier said than done for this heroine ;)

Laura Thalassa has done it again! Not only has she left me with a massive book hangover but also a cliffhanger I can't handle!!!!! My favorite characters are back and of course I love them. The world-building and prophecy surrounding Gabrielle are delved into a bit more and overall this is just a fantastic bridge to the end of the series :D

Gabrielle and Andre are two of my all-time favorite characters. Gabrielle is independent, a bit naive, and willing to do whatever it takes to save those she loves including giving herself for them. Andre will do ANYTHING to save his soulmate, and I do mean ANYTHING! He's handsome, a bit rough around the edges and for a man/vampire who hasn't had human emotions in hundreds of years does a pretty good job of having emotions where Gabrielle is related.

This book, more than the others, focuses solely on Andre and Gabrielle, their relationship, and their ultimate separation. It's darker than the other volumes as Gabrielle faces her death, but also more romantic as Andre and Gabrielle come face to face with their feelings for each other. They've already admitted they love each other, but it goes much deeper than that in this installment to the series. I can honestly say it tugged on my heartstrings more than once!

Overall this book, while short, is perhaps my favorite of the series so far. As I already said you get a more indepth look into Andre and Gabrielle which I loved, but there's also this time element that Gabrielle is fighting. As the clock winds down, the author conveys (very well) this sense of dread and foreboding that has followed Gabrielle though the whole series. Is this book a bridge to the end? Yes, there's not a lot of character growth/development and it doesn't really deviate from the series main plot as we get closer to the end. Is it still enjoyable? ABSOLUTELY!!! If you're already a fan of the series, don't put off reading it!! If you're not, I suggest starting with book one and working your way through especially if you like young adult, urban fantasy :D