Through the Looking Glass: Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Fateful by: Claudia Gray
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 328
Format: Hardcover
Series: Unknown
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Paranormal Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

Summary from Goodreads:

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It's 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they're sailing on--the RMS "Titanic"--reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He's in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it's because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec's past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him--and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the "Titanic" is over.
In "Fateful," "New York Times" bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the "Titanic"'s first--and last--voyage.

My Review:

Set with a backdrop of the RMS Titanic, I knew that this would be a mesmerizing read. I've always had a keen interest in the history of the Titanic, and seeing that with an added paranormal element made it so much more enticing.

Tess is a ladies maid for a wealthy British family, the Lisles. This book was completely in her perspective and it was refreshing and surprising to experience what the thoughts are of the servants. In movies, TV shows, and books, the help is usually portrayed in the background or as bleak and unimportant. Hearing what its like to be in the head of a servant in a rich family really puts things into perspective.

Every character in Fateful has a complex intricacy, even the minor ones. Tess especially. She was incredibly strong and understanding of the strange and unexplainable things that were happening constantly around her. With the feral nature of Mikhail threatening her every move, she braved through it all with her chin up.

Alec was one of those characters who will go to the ends of the earth to protect the people he cares about. While that is admirable all of the time, it is dangerous and reckless sometimes. But still, I couldn't help thinking he'd be anyone girls knight (wolf?) in shining armor. Tess's strength about Alec's secret makes for the perfect coupling of two exquisite characters.The concept of werewolves on the Titanic seemed a bit strange to me at first but became intriguing and thrilling soon after opening the book. The ancient and modern reaches of the Brotherhood made it hard for me to imagine a happy ending, but alas, you will have to read it to find out!

Official Rating: