Review: Isle of Night

Title - Isle of Night

Author - Veronica Wolff

Series - The Watchers #1

Genre - YA Vampire

Format - Kindle

Published - September 6th 2011

Publisher - NAL Trade 

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Is life offering fewer and fewer options? Then join the dead. 

When Annelise meets dark and seductive Ronan, he promises her a new life-if she has the courage to chance the unknown. Now, she's whisked away to a mysterious island and pitted against other female recruits to become a Watcher-girls who are partnered with vampires and assist them in their missions. To survive and become a Watcher, Annelise has to beat out every other girl, but she's determined to do so, because to fail doesn't mean dishonor-it means death.

Review

Annelise was thrilled that she had graduated early and could get away from her dad and step-mother. She was finally going away to college and make something of herself only upon arriving at the university of Florida does she learn that she needs to take a swimming test and her diploma won’t be read for her to register. Crushed Annelise heads out to her run down civic only to encounter Ronan an attractive stranger who offers her more than just a ride but a chance to change her life forever. Drawn to the stranger she agrees to go with him because she doesn’t want to return to her life back with her dad.

When she arrives at the island she learns that it’s not just a school for the gifted but that they are going to be trained as watchers to work with real vampires. Out of all the new recruits only 5 will make it to the end, which means Annelise will need to train and compete for her spot. With the vampire blood in her system she is stronger but will it be enough to survive the grueling training as well as a roommate who doesn’t like her? What about Ronan?

I wasn’t sure about Annelise at first but as the book progressed she was ok but I had a hard time connecting with her. I was frustrated with how quickly she was willing to go off with Ronan who is a complete stranger and clearly he was using his charm on her. I mean I get it life sucks at home so anything has to be better than what she was used too.

I’ve had Isle of Night on my TBR for longer than I can remember. I even picked up a physical copy. I honestly didn’t love the book. I had a hard time connecting with Annelise she’s one of those characters that frustrated me right from the start even though she’s genius smart. That being said I think the author created a unique spin on the vampire concept. Overall the story is well written it flows smoothly from start to finish. I just struggled to get into the story. It just wasn’t my kind of vampire story, but others may enjoy it more. I feel bad that I didn’t enjoy the book because I’ve had such high expectations. I hope to give it another chance down the road. 

2 out of 5 stars