Compulsion Pages: 448 on October 28, 2014
Series: Heirs of Watson Island #1
Also in this series: Persuasion, IllusionBeautiful Creatures meets The Body Finder in Compulsion, the first novel in a spellbinding new trilogy.
Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lived 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.
Compulsion is one heck of a read. I can see this book, and trilogy, appealing to so many different kinds of readers. It will appeal to fans of romance, mystery, as well as fans of creepy/dark books. It is labeled as a southern gothic. I can’t say that I have had too much experience in this particular genre, but if they are all like Compulsion, I need to start reading more of them. Compulsion was great. It had so many layers and such a depth to its’ story.
You really had to pay attention or you would miss something. Compulsion really builds and builds so read each page carefully. A few times I felt myself getting swept up in the story and reading quicker and quicker to find out what was going to happen next and then before I knew it I felt a little lost, like I had missed something. The book actually started out that way for me. The name Mark was thrown around by the main character for like two or three chapters before I actually had any idea what his relation to Barrie was. But I think the author made some details and story aspects obscure on purpose to add to the mysterious atmosphere of the book. Once I got a couple of chapters in, knew who Mark was and found Barrie describing the pull she felt towards finding “lost” things, I knew this book was a keeper. I was hooked from that point on.
The story is crazy good, and it just keeps unfolding. Right when you think there couldn’t possibly be any more, there is. I loved learning about the three plantation families, and the curse of the fire carrier. I loved seeing the Watson and Beaufort gift. I want Eight’s gift more than Barrie’s, that’s for sure. The romance between Barrie and Eight is great as well. There are a lot of character in Compulsion, and I feel like there will only be more as the story continues, so there are a lot to keep track of. When you throw in spirits and all of the family tree members of the three families, it was a little hard to keep track of them all the time. Especially with how intertwined the three families are. Can anyone say drama and scandal galore? I ate it all up.
The characters are fantastic. I wasn’t crazy about Barrie’s name. It took me a while to get used to the main girl as a Barrie. But once you move past that, there are a whole cast of characters for you to either love or hate. I loved most of them. I had a love/hate relationship with Barrie’s cousin, Cassie. But no matter which side you turn up on with her, there is no denying that she is an excellent addition to the story. Overall, I was so impressed with Martina Boone’s creation in Compulsion. I loved the mixture of magic, curses, romance and just plain creepiness. It is a book that has left an impression on me, and I can’t wait to see what she will bring us next.
To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below to enter to win
(1) $100 Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository Gift Card. International.
(1) Prize pack with 10 books! SWEET EVIL, DEATH SWORN, MADMAN’S DAUGHTER, ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD,ECHOES OF US, A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU,THE BODY FINDER, THE TAKING, and STONE COLD TOUCH. US Only.
(3) Swag packs containing a Compulsion necklace, key bookmark, signed bookplate, and “I have a Compulsion for reading” temporary tattoos. International.
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Week One:10/20/2014- Once Upon a Twilight- Guest Post
10/21/2014- The Eater of Books!- Review
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Week Two:
10/27/2014- Reading with ABC- Review
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kindlemom1
Barrie is an unusual name but I kind of liked that Eight called her Bear. 😉
Great review and I am so happy you liked this every bit as much as I did.
Esty @ Boarding with Books
I’ve been hearing so much about Compulsion and Martina Boone, I’m dying to try this! Thank you for the chance to win the giveaway. I accidentely pressed enter after my name and didn’t get my mailing address in.. anywhere else I can provide it?
Giselle
Wonderful review, Michelle! You make me excited to read this one! I have a copy and I HAVE read a few pages of it but not enough to really judge how I feel yet. I was in the mood for a more mindless read the day I picked it up so I didn’t DNF it or anything like that. I love how atmospheric it sounds and the whole mystery of it all seems to well done! To me I think getting used to the name Eight will take longer than Barrie haha.
Edmond
Wow, $100 gc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity.
Olivia
Ooh this sounds like the perfect book for me, and like the author crams a lot of different genres into one book! I have this on me for review, so I really can’t wait to read it now, and might shove it up further on my TBR list. One I will have to read with a close eye so I don’t miss anything though :3
Wanda Tracey
I am entering to win the gift card and am very excited to have a chance.I love reading.Thank you so much for this great giveaway!!
Stephanie Ehmann
I agree with you about Barrie’s name, as well as Compulsion being a heck of a read! I can’t wait till Persuasion comes out!
La La in the Library
I also loved Compusion, so much so that I joined the street team! I requested an eARC of Persuasion a few days ago on Edelweiss and am going crazy waiting to hear if I am approved. 🙂
Katiria Rodriguez
Ohh great review! I’ve been wanted too check out this book since I first lay my eyes on it a couple of years ago. Plus I heard many great reviews about it and after reading your review I really want too check out this series asap. Thank you so much for the awesome post.