In the fall I read Beautiful Creatures, Book One of the Caster Chronicles in an epic marathon read. I perhaps should have taken more time because as I started to read Beautiful Darkness barely two months later I was like, huh? I don't remember that happening. The finale of the first (and second) books is very fast paced and things can easily slip through the cracks (especially with a headcase like me).One of many series built on the very loose idea of the Twilight saga (very loose meaning it has something to do with the supernatural, a love story, and it has a black cover to let you know it). Thankfully, this series in general, has a couple of things going for it. First the male protagonist and narrator gives the book a certain edge, even if readers may have doubts what two middle aged women know about the mind of a seventeen-year-old boy. Far less whiny than the myriad of angsty teenage girls its a welcome relief even if he is lost in love. THe tension feels less drama-queen and more realistic (in spite of the demons, casters, incubi, and magical animals that can guide you into visions) perhaps because of all that. Knowing what has happened in the first book, which you will not understand Beautiful Darkness without, makes the loe connection make sense even in the moments that have you smacking your forehead.
If I had to pick my favorite thing about the Caster Chronicles, which despite appearances I do really enjoy, it that they are a true modern Southern Gothic. I've had a weak spot for Southern Gothic since I first John Berent's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil in nonfiction and Faulkner's A Rose for Emily in fiction, and have read it ever since. It is a genre that is difficult to define, because the supernatural element (Stohl's area of expertise according to the author page) is not necessary to create it, however a certain amount of darkness is. The Deep South seems to have a mystique of its own, created by magnolias and moonlight, creole and cotillions, voodoo, religious fervor and sin all intermingle in a intangible and complex backstory. Certainly there are a number of Southern Gothic out there, however this one is fascinating because it is completely modern and still it works and is equally eerie and fascinating.
Overall this book is a good mix, strongly young adult, but not out of the question for adults (hey the Twilight Moms read it). THe new characters, Liv and John Breed lend a edge to the story that distinguishes it from Book One, and those enraptured by the supernaturals will be drawn further into the Caster world. I can't help but admire the dedication and skill of the team of writers, as a solo activity writing is a challenge, it must take some serious dedication to write with a good friend and have that writing meld so well. Don't be afraid, there's some beautiful things out there in the dark.
