Clearly Ethan and Lena are recreating the love that was between (uncle) Ethan and Genevieve. A do-over so to speak. With a twist, of course, since the family is already cursed. I love that Ethan and Lena can kelt - talk in each others' minds. That is so intimate and romantic. I love that they stood by each other from the beginning and yet also kept their distance even knowing that they wouldn't be able to stay apart. Common sense and rebellion in just the perfect doses. Of course they are meant to be together, he protects her and she him.
I can't wait to find out what Ethan is. Clearly he is something. At the end of the book, he claims he has no power when he isn't with Lena. I think he is wrong and very much so. Why else would Amma be his housekeeper? She is a seer, she knows where she needs to be and who to look out for. Also how does his mother communicate with him if she isn't something? And why would Sarafine need to kill her off? Why would his mother be investigating Genevieve, (uncle) Ethan, and the locket in the first place? How could Ridley get into the Ravenwood house by just touching him? There are only so many options for what Ethan could be. He must be something powerful; everyone, including Uncle Mason agree on that. However, he isn't a caster. So he isn't a child of Lilum, or Lilith as she is known in other series. A great and powerful demon commonly accepted as the mother of demons (I think) and the mother of half breed demons, those whose human blood is tainted with demon blood. That leaves the Fae (think fairies) or Angels (nephilium if you read Cassandra Clare). I am more inclined to think Angels but that is mostly because it goes with the Light/Dark theme they have going through the book.
I don't quite understand why Casters have to choose to be Light or Dark. It seems like a Caster would be most powerful as a balance between the two, like with all things. It must have something to do with finding their true name. Except we see that Ridley isn't completely bad when she spares Ethan's father and seems to have some affection for Link. Maybe a caster can switch sides? Sort of like Larkin? Speaking of Larkin, how was he able to enter the Ravenwood house? He is Darker than Ridley. I feel that must be some influence of Sarafine's or a special application of his ability as an illusionist. Would have to be a powerful illusion to fool the house.
Lets talk about Link. He is sort of the model best friend. Accepting of Ethan and Lena regardless of the crap going on. Sticks up for them in front of the school and his mom, all the while maintaining a low enough profile that he can still hang out with them. And he accepts Lena and really seems to like her, as a friend of course. I love everything he stands for: open mind, acceptance, rolling with the punches, best friendships. He is just what Ethan needs in that small-minded town. And the song that Lena writes for him is the perfect antidote for all the hating going on. Of course it is a spell but I think all it was meant to do was show them what they were truly doing and not let them hide behind any stupid excuses. Their attitude toward Lena is unforgivable. Trying to get her kicked out of school, making up stories and accusations. So pathetic. And Link is in the middle of it because his mother is leading the charge against Lena, and yet he still eats lunch with them and jokes with them daily.
I think my favorite part of the book was when Uncle Macon and Aunt Marian show up to the council meeting where the town is trying to kick Lena out. They were both spectacular. And the secrets and dirty laundry they aired just goes to show that there is always another secret, even when all secrets are supposedly known. The little digs at debutantes and those girls dressed in "Gone with the Wind" dresses for the Winter formal were equally hilarious.
I love that there is a hidden Caster library and that it has a mortal librarian. It just makes so much sense, though it does seem like it should be open more frequently.
I love seeing the powers of a Naturalist. I can't wait to see how those powers evolve. How epic was the battle?! She blocked out the moon so she couldn't be claimed! That is power. Though does she now have to be Claimed on her 17th birthday? And will the members of her family on the side she declines all die like was supposed to happen on her 16th birthday? Maybe she can choose to be both? So no one else has to die. Four family members in one book is a bit much.
As for Lena and Ethan, it is so cute that he calls her L. It seems so appropriate since she doesn't know her true name. Lena works too but L seems to fit her better. Maybe her true name will start with L. As for this story of a Caster being too strong to be with a Mortal, we don't have to worry about it because Ethan isn't a pure Mortal. End of story. He is strong and something else so they can be together in the end. L will ultimately decide to go Light or perhaps Gray/Dusk/Dawn(?) - some mixture of the two and we will find out that Ethan is part Angel or Fae or something and they will be able to stay together, break the curse, figure out what happened to his Mom and why, and probably several other plot lines that have yet to develop.
I am very excited to see this film. I hope it is as good as the book. I have already purchased the next two in the series, which is what I will be doing for the rest of the week. Neglecting my TV shows again, except for Downton Abbey (though if Downton continues to be such a downer I might start boycotting it too) and the Superbowl. :) Go Niners!
Stars: 4.5/5
Can't wait to read the next one!
