When I first saw a preview for Beautiful Creatures, I was sitting in the movie theater with people who have nothing to do with children’s or young adult literature. They seemed to be equally intrigued and confused by what we’d just seen on the screen. Because I was familiar with the book, I was able to lean over and clue them in. For once, I felt very cutting edge.

The movie is based on a bestselling YA novel with a very vocal fan base. Since the book first hit the shelves, it has been satisfying readers who wanted another paranormal romance after they finished reading the Twilight or Mortal Instruments series. Even more important than whether this book has a focus on vampires or werewolves is the fact that readers get a male narrator.

In a small Southern town where nothing ever seems to change, changes are about to come. A new girl shows up at high school one day, a relative of the town’s mysterious recluse. Over time, Ethan (our narrator) discovers that Lena is the girl who has been haunting his dreams and that their family histories are intertwined in unexpected ways. He also learns that Lena is capable of using real magic and that on her upcoming birthday she will be claimed for the Light or the Dark. As far as I’m concerned, this is a pretty potent mix: atmospheric Southern setting. Romantic entanglement. Family secrets. Small-town history. And of course, a battle between good and evil.

Count me in.

You can find Beautiful Creatures in TAB right now!

Tags: Movie, Review