Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Paperback, UK Edition, 336 pages

Published March 29th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers (first published September 13th 2011)

A tragic tale about falling in love on the world’s most infamous ill-fated sea voyage as heroine, Tess, discovers darker secrets that lie beneath the doomed crossing… and a hidden brotherhood that threaten to tear her lover from her forever. 

The RMS Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever built, but for eighteen-year-old Tess Davies it’s a prison. Travelling as a maid for the family she has served for years, Tess is trapped in their employ amid painful memories and family secrets. 

When she meets Alec, a handsome upper class passenger, Tess falls helplessly in love. But Alec has secrets of his own… and soon Tess is entangled in a dangerous game. A sinister brotherhood that will do anything to induct Alec into their mystical order has followed him onboard. And Tess is now their most powerful pawn. 

Tess and Alec fight the dark forces threatening to tear them apart, never realising that they will have to face an even greater peril before the journey is over… 

Let's start off with the fact that this book is about werewolves. On Titanic.

This doesn't happen often. I like that. A little out there, but just makes the cut. 

I've been a fan of Claudia's since the release of Evernight, and it's safe to say this book didn't disappoint.

I wasn't sure about the novel when I first picked it up, because I'd heard mixed reviews, and a lot about dying.

I mean, it's Titanic, it happens...but nobody likes getting attached to a character only to have them die at the end. Or that might just be me.

MC's were enjoyable. Tessa is great and practical, as noted multiple times by Alec. 

I'll admit at first I was iffy about the twos relationship. Alec came off a tad snobby at first, and I didn't feel like they had much of a starter connection.

His issue was actually a lot like Edward's in Twilight, now that I think about it. You know what I'm talking about...

The whole, "I'm a monster, Bella!" ship.

Point proven, Robert. 

Anyways, it was all a bit aggravating. But in the end, Alec manned up and really made his way to my heart.

Throughout the course of the novel, I kept catching myself envisioning scenes from the movie Titanic. There was mentioning of the grand staircase and a few real life personas, which included John Jacob Astor and then wife Melanie. The historical recreations were original, and I seriously dug it. Which says a lot, considering I've been spacing out of APUSH for a good portion of this past year. Shame on me.

As a reader, I feel that when a book can make you cry, it's done its job.

Fateful made me cry, a lot. It might have to do with the fact that I kept hearing My Heart Will Go On in the back of my mind, or that a lot of people REALLY DO DIE, but it did. I cried. And I loved it.

If you're looking for something that hasn't been done yet, a mild historical fix, or some steamy romance set back to date on the Titanic (Jack and Rose lovers!) then hit up Claudia's aisle.

3.5 stars to Fateful by Claudia Gray!

NOTE: CONTEST WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THIS WEEKEND! I'LL ANNOUNCE THEM SOMETIME TOMORROW OR SUNDAY, SO BE SURE TO CHECK BACK SOON! AND ALSO, OUR NEXT GIVEAWAY WILL BE HELD THIS COMING MONDAY!