Book: Crave
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Rating: 5/5 Stars
It’s been far too long since I wrote a review, but this book warrants one. First of, holy shoot, did this one catch me off guard! I had read rave reviews on this and saw the hype via social media, but I didn’t believe it. my library hold came through this week and I am not kidding when I say I could not put this book down (or headphones down since it was in audio format…). Tracy Wolff’s ability to craft this world and these characters is incredible and it is the most captivating thing I have read in way too long.
Before I dig into this review, here’s the Goodreads summary:
My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.
Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.
Which could spell death for us all.
Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.
First things first, YES, it does have a similar feel to Twilight, but NO it is not like a Twilight knock off in any way. It has some nods to everyone’s favorite vampires, but it is completely unique in its own right. I wanted to start out with that and say I am not going to be comparing this to Twilight, even though it gave me some of that lovely Twilight-is nostalgia that I loved so very much!
The world building of this book is incredible and having started Crush, the sequel, it’s safe to say the Tracy Wolff is a master at it. The academy and the world of these paranormal creatures is amazing. She makes this remote castle in the Alaskan wilderness into a dream world, full of vibrant characters and beautiful scenery and deadly events. The setting alone took my breathe away, but the magic and her own unique take on these paranormal beings made it completely one of a kind.
On top of this amazing world at the academy I am OBSESSED with the characters, two in particular. I adore Jaxon. He gives me all the moody vibes that I always got from Edward, but I am not lying here when I say I like him more. His attitude, the mystery about him and his standoffish attitude all add together to create the most perfect main man on campus! In addition to Jaxon, we have my new favorite dragon, Flint. I have never seen a shapeshifting dragon in a book before (going between dragon and human form) and I AM SO IN LOVE. I also adore that at the start of this book Wolff uses the chess set to reference all of these characters we will meet throughout the book. It’s amazing and I love it so much!
If you have been missing the paranormal Twilight vibes in your life, this book is so for you! I got through it in 3 quick days via audiobook, listening sporadically during my planning periods and drives to work. I can’t recommend it enough, and even bought my own copies because the obsession is real! Go out and get yourself a copy today!!
Happy Reading!
