Lament by Maggie Stiefvater: A Review

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

Lament is a dark faerie fantasy that features authentic Celtic faerie lore, plus cover art and interior illustrations by acclaimed faerie artist Julia Jeffrey.

  

My Thoughts

I've wanted to read all of Maggie Stiefvater's books ever since I read The Scorpio Races and loved it. Thankfully, even though I wasn't sure what to expect of her earlier works (and it being my first faerie book as well), she didn't disappoint me, despite not being blown away by it. I love Maggie's writing and this one was no exception.

She creates a believable world out of the unbelievable. She brings these creatures to life and creates an atmosphere that not only invokes images but feelings and smells, too. I felt fully immersed in Deirdre's world.

It says in the description (which I did not read prior to reading the book...) that Deirdre is infatuated with Luke. I think obsessed is more like it, and vice versa. I found that a bit off-putting, really. How many times are we going to see the main characters have insta-romance? As the story unfolded I became a bit more accepting. But still. Insta-crush? Sure. Insta-obsessed-with-you-love? Pass.

I did really like James, though. He's the type of friend everyone wants in life. One who believes you no matter how crazy you sound; who's there to help you out, no questions asked; who will kick a faerie ass if necessary. Who doesn't need that every once in a while?

Some of the twists within the story had me reeling. I was excited that I didn't see it coming. I was a little worried at first that she was too accepting, too quickly, of the weird things happening. I mean, all of the sudden there's magical things going on and she is totally okay with all of this? But it was done in such a way that worked. Maggie is awesome like that.

I've ordered Ballad from my library and look forward to continuing the journey when it arrives. I won a giveaway for a book of choice... I chose Ballad. :)