25 November 2014

Today's Read: Compulsion by Martina Boone

Compulsion by Martina BooneWhat if you lived your whole life in complete ignorance of your extended family? When Barrie Watson's mother dies and her godfather can no longer care for her, the teen learns not only that she's the ultimate heir to a family plantation, located clear across the country on a South Carolina island, but that her mother has a living twin sister. What else will Barrie discover after she settles in to her new home in the east?

The heat that crept into the airport baggage area whenever the door opened should have told Barrie Watson that she had arrived in hell. But it wasn't the Charleston weather, or the fact that her mother's sister, who she'd never even heard of before the funeral, was three hours late picking her up. Neither of those things kept Barrie's butt glued on top of her suitcase and her eyes on the door.

It was hope that kept her stuck, that stole her breath and made her eyes smart every time some likely looking woman rushed in and scanned the nearly empty area around the luggage carousels. Barrie hated hope. Too often, it was a Go Directly to Jail card that led to disappointment.
Compulsion by Martina Boone (Simon & Schuster / Simon Pulse, 2014, p. 1)

Quick Facts
  • Setting: Watson Island, South Carolina; modern times
  • Circumstances: When Barrie's mother dies, she moves in with her aunt on the family plantation and learns that the Watsons are entangled in a three-hundred-year-old history with the other two main families on the island. That history, Barrie soon realizes, involves blessings, curses, secrets, and perhaps a little witchcraft.
  • Characters: Barrie Watson, who has the gift of finding things; Charles (Eight) Beaufort, who has the gift of knowing what people want; Cassie Colesworth who is cursed with never getting what she wants; the teens' relatives and others on the island
  • Genre and audience: Southern Gothic, contemporary fiction; cross-over young adult to adult
  • Themes & story elements: curses, family feuds and secrets, murder, revenge, Native American spirits, folk lore, pirates, voodoo, love, loss, loneliness, trust, family, friendship, death
  • Character development & plot: This was a slow start but is now picking up speed; Barrie is smart, somewhat impulsive, and knows how to stand up for herself; the romance aspect was predictable and a bit quick but is believable enough; Eight (not crazy about the nickname) has a few flaws to keep him real; Cassie's true self is easy to spot (though apparently not to Barrie).
  • Things I like so far: The strong Gothic elements; the unearthing of family secrets (and maybe treasure) drew me in and is keeping me there; I like the adults in Barrie's life (Aunt Pru and godfather Mark)
  • Recommendations: For fans of Southern Gothic and stories with voodoo, curses, and family secrets
  • Miscellaneous: The first in the new Heirs of Watson Island series; hoping this doesn't end on a cliff-hanger

23 comments:

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea 11/25/14, 7:07 AM  

This is a good intro. I would definitely read more.

Unknown 11/25/14, 8:45 AM  

I might have to read this one. I know how she feels about hope. It can be so hard.
Here's my TT - http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/11/25/teaser-tuesdays-89-rehab-is-for-witches/

Katherine P 11/25/14, 8:47 AM  

Love the intro and the family secrets premise is my kyrponite. Adding this to my TBR! Thanks for sharing!

Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves) 11/25/14, 8:48 AM  

Ooh - this one sounds good! I am definitely a fan of Southern Gothic and family secrets, etc! And also of Charleston!

Laurel-Rain Snow 11/25/14, 9:03 AM  

I was immediately hooked by the premise and the intro was great...I love secrets and can't wait to find out what is waiting for this character.

Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

Monica's Bookish Life 11/25/14, 9:39 AM  

This looks promising, and I would keep reading! I love Southern Gothic.

Heather 11/25/14, 9:40 AM  

Sounds good. Three hours late certainly does not make for a favorable start or impression. Mine: Think Twice

Suzie Quint 11/25/14, 10:46 AM  

I know how she feels about hope. I'm that way about surprises. Good opening.

Sandra Nachlinger 11/25/14, 11:53 AM  

This sounds like the kind of book I adore. Family drama, a dramatic change of scene, and an unusual setting. I'll buy this book!
My Tuesday post features RAINSHADOW ROAD.

Kathy Martin 11/25/14, 12:48 PM  

This sounds good. I haven't heard of it before and will be adding it to my wishlist. Happy reading!

Cleopatra Loves Books 11/25/14, 1:48 PM  

This sounds so good! I love hidden families especially as I suspect there are many more secrets to come. The aunt sounds a bit uncaring though and that teaser is heart-breaking. Thanks for visiting my TT https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/teaser-tuesday-november-25/

Daryl 11/25/14, 2:39 PM  

oh no not another one i will get hooked on ;)

Nise' 11/25/14, 2:40 PM  

I like the summary and intro, I would keep reading.

Unknown 11/25/14, 3:29 PM  

Sounds interesting! Here is my TT http://newpaperadventures.blogspot.com/2014/11/teaser-tuesday-nov-25.html

Anonymous,  11/25/14, 3:45 PM  

This sounds like a good read.

Unknown 11/25/14, 4:45 PM  

Wow, this sounds really sad! This young teen seems like life has kicked her down a few too many times. I hope you are enjoying it though!!

Here are My teasers...

Yvonne 11/25/14, 5:44 PM  

Really good intro! I'd read more.

Anonymous,  11/25/14, 6:19 PM  

I was actually looking up this book the other day on Goodreads. Looks good! Hope you enjoy it :)

Juli Rahel 11/25/14, 6:47 PM  

Sorry for being so late with commenting today! I think I've seen this book on a different blog and it sounded really interesting. I like the intro and I think everyone can relate to being picked up late, although Barrie does find herself in a completely different situation. I hope you enjoy this one. Thanks for sharing :) have a great week!
My Tuesday Post
Juli @ Universe in Words

Margot 11/25/14, 11:22 PM  

Oh, I like the way this starts. I'd like to read more.

Amanda 11/26/14, 7:47 AM  

This one sounds like a lot of fun!

Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms 11/27/14, 6:51 AM  

WOW, Beth! This sounds amazing! I really wonder what Barrie will find about her family, and her mother, too by extension.
Adding this to my TBR :)

Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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