You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Nastasya* Crowe is old. She is 459 to be exact, although she still looks like she’s 17 and can usually be found acting like it too. She has been floating through life from one party to another for hundreds of years, until the night her best friend does something that scares her. Completely freaked out, Nastasya runs away. Because Nas can’t come up with a better option, she escapes to River's Edge, a rehab-like facility for immortals. Her goal is to stay a few days until she figures out what to do next, but something about River and her home forces Nas to confront her painful past. Although that scares Nastasya more than anything else, she feels compelled to stay.
A strong protagonist voice always makes a book stand out to me. After being inside of Nastasya's head for three books in a row, she is definitely on my Top Favorite Female Voices list (or she would be if I had one). I absolutely loved listening to her think and speak and do. The thing is, Nastasya is not very likable at first. She is selfish, self-indulgent, self-centered and shallow, but I was still easily able to emotionally connect with her from the beginning. Nastasya is also hilarious, and says whatever she thinks, especially when it’s something she should probably keep her mouth shut about. But Nastasya’s quick wit also hides some deep hurts. This poor girl's struggles with guilt and pain hurt my heart! Nastasya’s layers run deep and Tiernan expertly peals them back throughout this book.
A lot of paranormal books feature characters that are immortal; in fact, it is almost a requirement for a PNR. But very few handle it like Immortal Beloved does. Instead of featuring a character that becomes immortal, or discovers that she is one, Nastasya has already lived a very long life when we meet her. What we get to see from her voice is the burden of immortality. What it’s like to live so long unchanging and face hundreds of years of loss, struggles and life along the way. All of that has greatly affected Nastasya. It also has a lot to do with how she's lived her life in recent centuries. River’s rehab program is different from any one I’ve ever seen, because it is for people who have endless years behind and before them. But I grew to believe in its effectiveness (and begrudgingly, so did Nastasya). There are a few immortals in other books that I'd like to send there too.
Because Nastasya has lived for so long, to get to know her, we need to get to know her past. I despise don't usually care for extended flashback scenes, but I was impressed with how well the ones in Nastasya’s narrative served to emotionally tie me to her. They are well placed and give the reader enough information to get to know her and her history, without it overwhelming the present action. I don't think I could have understood her as well as I did, without those sections.
The other element about Immortal Beloved that stands out to me is the fact that it’s primary focus is on the inner struggle and character development of Nastasya. Although there are some bigger paranormal story elements at work, this is primarily a book about Nastasya’s self-discovery and personal growth. Despite the fact that she and the other characters are immortal and view life very differently than you or I would, this story felt like contemporary fiction to me in places. And though Nastasya looks like a teenager and has been living like a spoiled youth for centuries, she has been all grown up forever, and has experienced hundreds of years of grown up things. Because of that, I think this story has great crossover between YA and Adult audiences.
Although I’ve primarily talked about Nastasya in this review, there are many other characters introduced, which I also grew to love (or loathe) as I read through this series. One of them is the guy that becomes Nastasya’s love interest. Reyn is the first person that Nastasya meets at River's Edge, which is unfortunate, because he’s not very welcoming at all. In fact, he doesn’t seem to want her there. But Nastasya thinks there’s something familiar about him, though she can’t place him. Eventually she discovers why that is, and all I can say is WHOA. Reyn is very hard to read at first. He’s pretty much the definition of taciturn, especially when he’s around Nastasya. But there is a reason for everything, and like Nas, his layers run very deep. I was a bit unsure of him and them after reading this book, but I love how their relationship builds slowly throughout the series.
The Immortal Beloved series is written as one continuing story line split over three books, and I’m very glad that it is now fully published so I could read it back to back. The end of Immortal Beloved isn’t really a huge climactic moment, but it felt like the close of the first chapter in Nastasya’s growth. Having been able to read the series as I did, I like the way that the story unfolded throughout the three books.
I fell in love with Nastasya, Reyn, River and the entire Immortal Beloved series. Have you read these books yet?
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Mild – no great immediate danger, but clear that the overarching story is incomplete.
*I think the biggest struggle I had with this series is Nastasya's name (Nastasya, Nasty, Nas). Not only is it tricky to spell, but it just doesn't roll off the tongue easily. Thankfully, Nasty changes her name frequently, because I don't think I could call her that indefinitely.
**Are you wondering what type of immortal Nastasya is? For some reason I went into this series thinking that she was going to be a vampire. Nope. If I were going to equate her to something, it would be a witch. But these characters are wonderfully unique.
A strong protagonist voice always makes a book stand out to me. After being inside of Nastasya's head for three books in a row, she is definitely on my Top Favorite Female Voices list (or she would be if I had one). I absolutely loved listening to her think and speak and do. The thing is, Nastasya is not very likable at first. She is selfish, self-indulgent, self-centered and shallow, but I was still easily able to emotionally connect with her from the beginning. Nastasya is also hilarious, and says whatever she thinks, especially when it’s something she should probably keep her mouth shut about. But Nastasya’s quick wit also hides some deep hurts. This poor girl's struggles with guilt and pain hurt my heart! Nastasya’s layers run deep and Tiernan expertly peals them back throughout this book.
A lot of paranormal books feature characters that are immortal; in fact, it is almost a requirement for a PNR. But very few handle it like Immortal Beloved does. Instead of featuring a character that becomes immortal, or discovers that she is one, Nastasya has already lived a very long life when we meet her. What we get to see from her voice is the burden of immortality. What it’s like to live so long unchanging and face hundreds of years of loss, struggles and life along the way. All of that has greatly affected Nastasya. It also has a lot to do with how she's lived her life in recent centuries. River’s rehab program is different from any one I’ve ever seen, because it is for people who have endless years behind and before them. But I grew to believe in its effectiveness (and begrudgingly, so did Nastasya). There are a few immortals in other books that I'd like to send there too.
Because Nastasya has lived for so long, to get to know her, we need to get to know her past. I despise don't usually care for extended flashback scenes, but I was impressed with how well the ones in Nastasya’s narrative served to emotionally tie me to her. They are well placed and give the reader enough information to get to know her and her history, without it overwhelming the present action. I don't think I could have understood her as well as I did, without those sections.
The other element about Immortal Beloved that stands out to me is the fact that it’s primary focus is on the inner struggle and character development of Nastasya. Although there are some bigger paranormal story elements at work, this is primarily a book about Nastasya’s self-discovery and personal growth. Despite the fact that she and the other characters are immortal and view life very differently than you or I would, this story felt like contemporary fiction to me in places. And though Nastasya looks like a teenager and has been living like a spoiled youth for centuries, she has been all grown up forever, and has experienced hundreds of years of grown up things. Because of that, I think this story has great crossover between YA and Adult audiences.
Although I’ve primarily talked about Nastasya in this review, there are many other characters introduced, which I also grew to love (or loathe) as I read through this series. One of them is the guy that becomes Nastasya’s love interest. Reyn is the first person that Nastasya meets at River's Edge, which is unfortunate, because he’s not very welcoming at all. In fact, he doesn’t seem to want her there. But Nastasya thinks there’s something familiar about him, though she can’t place him. Eventually she discovers why that is, and all I can say is WHOA. Reyn is very hard to read at first. He’s pretty much the definition of taciturn, especially when he’s around Nastasya. But there is a reason for everything, and like Nas, his layers run very deep. I was a bit unsure of him and them after reading this book, but I love how their relationship builds slowly throughout the series.
The Immortal Beloved series is written as one continuing story line split over three books, and I’m very glad that it is now fully published so I could read it back to back. The end of Immortal Beloved isn’t really a huge climactic moment, but it felt like the close of the first chapter in Nastasya’s growth. Having been able to read the series as I did, I like the way that the story unfolded throughout the three books.
I fell in love with Nastasya, Reyn, River and the entire Immortal Beloved series. Have you read these books yet?
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Mild – no great immediate danger, but clear that the overarching story is incomplete.
*I think the biggest struggle I had with this series is Nastasya's name (Nastasya, Nasty, Nas). Not only is it tricky to spell, but it just doesn't roll off the tongue easily. Thankfully, Nasty changes her name frequently, because I don't think I could call her that indefinitely.
**Are you wondering what type of immortal Nastasya is? For some reason I went into this series thinking that she was going to be a vampire. Nope. If I were going to equate her to something, it would be a witch. But these characters are wonderfully unique.
I wish I'd liked this more. The vacuous nature of the characters at the beginning had a purpose in the plot but it really made it difficult for me to warm to Natasya as she changed. Will appeal to teenage girls but not one for the crossover market.
First 200 pages - 1 star
Last 150 pages - 5 stars
This was such a slow start but once it got to the characters, conflict, and plot, it got really good.
Plot synopsis: rehab in the guise of summer camp for selfish and immoral immortals
Last 150 pages - 5 stars
This was such a slow start but once it got to the characters, conflict, and plot, it got really good.
Plot synopsis: rehab in the guise of summer camp for selfish and immoral immortals
Also reviewed on the blog: http://gloriousbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/immortal-beloved-review_21.html
I fell in love with this book from reading just the first few pages.
It was so different straight from the start both in the writing style and the story. It was obvious from the start that the protagonist had an amazing backstory and a lot of emotional baggage as it were. It was made clear in bits and pieces through the book which gave it a really nice pace and didn't reveal too much to make me lose interest.
I loved how it was written in a sort of 'what you see is what you get' kind of tone if that makes sense. It was truthful and to the point and above all it was written in Nastasya's point of view and boy did her personality shine through! I really loved how her character developed throughout the story, moreso than any book that I've read before I think. It was very refreshing and it was great to read about a character who is really strong and yet really vulnerable at the same time. Plus, it didn't hurt that she made the story hilarious at times!
I don't really have anything else to say to be honest. The pace was a little slow at times but it felt necessary and it definitely picked up quickly!
I definitely recommend this read. It's one that cannot be put down if you can help it. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author.
I fell in love with this book from reading just the first few pages.
It was so different straight from the start both in the writing style and the story. It was obvious from the start that the protagonist had an amazing backstory and a lot of emotional baggage as it were. It was made clear in bits and pieces through the book which gave it a really nice pace and didn't reveal too much to make me lose interest.
I loved how it was written in a sort of 'what you see is what you get' kind of tone if that makes sense. It was truthful and to the point and above all it was written in Nastasya's point of view and boy did her personality shine through! I really loved how her character developed throughout the story, moreso than any book that I've read before I think. It was very refreshing and it was great to read about a character who is really strong and yet really vulnerable at the same time. Plus, it didn't hurt that she made the story hilarious at times!
I don't really have anything else to say to be honest. The pace was a little slow at times but it felt necessary and it definitely picked up quickly!
I definitely recommend this read. It's one that cannot be put down if you can help it. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Really good book, at first I didn't like her, but then we grew to know more about her, so yeah :) once I understood, it made sense :) yep.
I received an advanced copy of Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan from Little Brown Books for Young Readers. I had heard a lot of buzz around this book and was not disappointed.
Nastasya, Nasty has been here on the earth for 450 years. She looks like a teenager but has experienced much in her many years. She is what is known as an immortal who rarely dies. In fact it takes a whole lot to kill an immortal. She had been hanging out with her group of friends and really has enjoyed parting with them until an event happens that changes her life. That event leads to her questioning everything that has happened in the past, her actions and what she wants to be in the future.
As the story unfolds, both Nasty and the reader learn more about her life and a mystery is revealed. The book kept me wanting to turn the page faster and faster to see what was going to happen next and what romance would be revealed. The interactions of the various characters and Nasty's growth as a human continued to deepened throughout the story and left me wanting more. I can't wait until the next installment.
Nastasya, Nasty has been here on the earth for 450 years. She looks like a teenager but has experienced much in her many years. She is what is known as an immortal who rarely dies. In fact it takes a whole lot to kill an immortal. She had been hanging out with her group of friends and really has enjoyed parting with them until an event happens that changes her life. That event leads to her questioning everything that has happened in the past, her actions and what she wants to be in the future.
As the story unfolds, both Nasty and the reader learn more about her life and a mystery is revealed. The book kept me wanting to turn the page faster and faster to see what was going to happen next and what romance would be revealed. The interactions of the various characters and Nasty's growth as a human continued to deepened throughout the story and left me wanting more. I can't wait until the next installment.
This book surprised me. A lot. Like, a lot, a lot. And all of those surprises were good.
Honestly, this was one of those books where I was scrolling through Goodreads in the middle of the night, aimlessly reading book synopsis after book synopsis, electronically creating a little pile of “to read” books that I knew I would probably never actually get around to reading and / or if I did, it would probably end up being a dud, since I tended to think everything sounded great in the middle of the night. Sleep hysteria.
I am so glad I actually read this book. As I said, it was nothing like I expected it to be. From the title, Immortal Beloved, I think I expected something far more romantic, and far less troubled youth / coming of age story immortal style; more Immortals After Dark a la Kresley Cole than the subtle romance of say, the Hunger Games Trilogy . Honestly, I think it was a pretty good combination. While the writing style reminded me a lot of Cole (Nastasya was strong and sassy, laugh out loud funny at times) it wasn’t only about about the inevitable relationship. Don’t get me wrong, my heart was definitely beating for Reyn (who doesn’t love a mercurial Viking God), but I really enjoyed that this was more a story about Nastasya and who she was and where she came from than simply a story about two people who started of hating each other that we all knew would end up loving each other by the last page.
I actually really liked so much about this book. Like I said, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I picked this up. I know what I wasn’t expecting, and it was the amazing trip through time that I received. I think my favourite thing about this book were the flashbacks, the memories of different eras, different countries and times that Nastasya had lived through over the last five hundred years.
I have obviously read a lot of different fantasy books. This wasn’t the first book I have read about immortals or witches or magic or that touched on different eras of time but as I was reading it I never once though, “really? Hasn’t this already been done?” While there was nothing insanely new about any of the concepts, she did a really good job of combining it all in a way I hadn’t read before. I also really liked how the author incorporated the magick, light and dark, and where it originated, and how she “explained” their immortality.
Honestly, I loved it. Every last word.
I am so glad there is a second and a third… and I am desperately hoping they don’t let me down.
Honestly, this was one of those books where I was scrolling through Goodreads in the middle of the night, aimlessly reading book synopsis after book synopsis, electronically creating a little pile of “to read” books that I knew I would probably never actually get around to reading and / or if I did, it would probably end up being a dud, since I tended to think everything sounded great in the middle of the night. Sleep hysteria.
I am so glad I actually read this book. As I said, it was nothing like I expected it to be. From the title, Immortal Beloved, I think I expected something far more romantic, and far less troubled youth / coming of age story immortal style; more Immortals After Dark a la Kresley Cole than the subtle romance of say, the Hunger Games Trilogy . Honestly, I think it was a pretty good combination. While the writing style reminded me a lot of Cole (Nastasya was strong and sassy, laugh out loud funny at times) it wasn’t only about about the inevitable relationship. Don’t get me wrong, my heart was definitely beating for Reyn (who doesn’t love a mercurial Viking God), but I really enjoyed that this was more a story about Nastasya and who she was and where she came from than simply a story about two people who started of hating each other that we all knew would end up loving each other by the last page.
I actually really liked so much about this book. Like I said, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I picked this up. I know what I wasn’t expecting, and it was the amazing trip through time that I received. I think my favourite thing about this book were the flashbacks, the memories of different eras, different countries and times that Nastasya had lived through over the last five hundred years.
I have obviously read a lot of different fantasy books. This wasn’t the first book I have read about immortals or witches or magic or that touched on different eras of time but as I was reading it I never once though, “really? Hasn’t this already been done?” While there was nothing insanely new about any of the concepts, she did a really good job of combining it all in a way I hadn’t read before. I also really liked how the author incorporated the magick, light and dark, and where it originated, and how she “explained” their immortality.
Honestly, I loved it. Every last word.
I am so glad there is a second and a third… and I am desperately hoping they don’t let me down.
Será que no es el momento, porque siempre he releido esta saga y la devoraba, pero ahora mismo no me ha llegado. Solo en plan que cuando lo cogía me gustaba, pero no me apetecía cogerlo. La habré leído ya demasiado jajaja
Amazing!!! Again!! How does she do it?! Every book, every word, sends me into a world all its own! I can't wait to start Darkness Falls!!
I really liked this book. Nastasya is such a great character, I absolutely love her. And even though there's not enough action in the book it still manages to keep your attention. I can't wait to read the next book!