Book Review: Emmy's Song

Emmy's Song (Maldito Series #1)

By: Christy Trujillo

Format: Ebook

Publisher: Devine Destinies

Release Date: October 2009

Buy it at Amazon

Source: Provided by Author

Audience: Young Adult - Paranormal

This book definitely proves the saying - "Don't Judge a Book By its Cover." I don't think I would have picked this one up if the author had not requested it because the cover just looks cheesy. However, after the request came in and I realized that this was a paranormal read with Latino flare, I decided I needed to give it a try. I am always on the lookout for books with Latino characters and culture. Many of my Latino students have a really hard time finding characters that resemble themselves in YA literature. I am happy that when school starts back soon I will have another series to recommend to them.

There were some flaws with this one. The writing in this book is solid, but it wasn't anything unique. At times the dialogue seemed a bit trite and unrealistic. Also, I found myself slipping into teacher mode as I was reading. There were some typos and I felt like Trujillo was telling more than showing. Instead of letting me learn about things gradually about the characters, there were scenes were it felt like I was reading a laundry list of characteristics. I struggle with the same thing in my writing and would guess that showing vs. telling trips up most writers. I am hopeful that the other books in the series will have some of these minor issues fixed. Writing the first novel is always a difficult step and the writing becomes smoother with practice.

However, in spite of all of these issues, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the others. Trujillo has taken the idea of vampires and included the Maldito. I love the lore she has created around the Maldito. I found myself fascinated with piecing together the history of the Maldito and their battle with the vampires. I also really loved these characters. I think Trujillo has done a beautiful job of breathing life into Emmy, Cale, and the others. The foundation she laid in this first installment will help to drive the series forward. I am excited to see where she heads next. 

If you are a fan of vampire stories, then this is a must read. I was pleasantly surprised that while Trujillo didn't change much of traditional vampire lore, she did add something new to the genre with Maldito and their story. Trujillo and this series have lots of potential.

One Last Gripe: I don't really understand the purpose of the prologue and epilogue.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The Maldito lore

First Sentence: He's stretched out on the freshly lain carpet, smiling at me.

Favorite Character: Emmy

Least Favorite Character: Sarah

Summary:

Life is good for eighteen-year-old Emellia Ortega! Not many teenagers can say that, but Emmy isn't your average teenager. On the fast track to making her dreams come true, she has her sights set on a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and nothing can stop her. Nothing, that is, except Cale Cruz.

With perfect pitch and unbelievable good looks, he quickly weaves his way into the hearts of everyone around him. Drawn to him with an intensity she cannot explain, Emmy soon finds out that Cale has a secret. He is Maldito, half-human, half-vampire and has returned to seek revenge on the vampires that slaughtered his family. Thrust deep into a world she never knew existed, Emmy will risk everything she has worked for to join Cale in his fight as tragedy slowly tears her perfect world apart.

When a link between their past is discovered, fate's perfect plan begins to spin a web around them stronger than anyone could have imagined. Together they tackle impossible situations, fight impossible battles, and embark on an impossible journey that will change both of their lives. But when love is stronger than death, anything is possible .

"Bienaventurados los malditos porque son los únicos que pueden salvarnos." Blessed are the cursed for they are the only ones who can save us.