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miissamy9023's review against another edition
5.0
The ending was really good so I'm not going to read the other two books in the series and spoil it
laurenbookishtwins's review against another edition
2.0
I received a free copy from the publishers via Edelweiss.
Actual rating: 2.5
I was a little bit dubious going into Compulsion because I had read some mixed reviews, but because I’m a fan of southern gothic’s, I eagerly jumped into it despite my reservations.
Barrie’s (actually named Lombard) mother has just died, and her Godfather is dying of cancer, so Barrie is forced to move in with her Aunt Pru down in South Carolina on the Watson family plantation. Barrie is soon thrust into a generations old long feud between the founding families of Watson Island - one family that is cursed by an ancient spirit, and the other two who were blessed with magical gifts. With the help of sun-kissed, rich, posh boy Eight Beaufort, Barrie begins to unravel the secrets of Watson Island.
Some reviewers loved it, others not so much. Unfortunately for me, I was the latter. That’s because Compulsion was lacking the one thing I was really looking forward to, and that was the paranormal, southern gothic aspect. Granted, there was a little bit with the rather mediocre gifts and anticlimactic finish (also mixed up with some murder mystery), but a lot of it was dragged down with contemporary drama and it left me feeling rather…meh.
The characters were not all that likeable, either, particularly Barrie who I found was mean to everyone, but more so Eight. Eight, who was nothing but nice to her and for some unknown reason continued to stay friends with her and managed to put up with all her teenage angst and mood swings. Eight, even, was nothing but a two-dimensional, run of the mill, YA love interest.
One thing I really can praise Compulsion for, though, is the magical, smooth writing that compels you to read on. Other than that, I found Compulsion a rather lacklustre paranormal.
Actual rating: 2.5
I was a little bit dubious going into Compulsion because I had read some mixed reviews, but because I’m a fan of southern gothic’s, I eagerly jumped into it despite my reservations.
Barrie’s (actually named Lombard) mother has just died, and her Godfather is dying of cancer, so Barrie is forced to move in with her Aunt Pru down in South Carolina on the Watson family plantation. Barrie is soon thrust into a generations old long feud between the founding families of Watson Island - one family that is cursed by an ancient spirit, and the other two who were blessed with magical gifts. With the help of sun-kissed, rich, posh boy Eight Beaufort, Barrie begins to unravel the secrets of Watson Island.
Some reviewers loved it, others not so much. Unfortunately for me, I was the latter. That’s because Compulsion was lacking the one thing I was really looking forward to, and that was the paranormal, southern gothic aspect. Granted, there was a little bit with the rather mediocre gifts and anticlimactic finish (also mixed up with some murder mystery), but a lot of it was dragged down with contemporary drama and it left me feeling rather…meh.
The characters were not all that likeable, either, particularly Barrie who I found was mean to everyone, but more so Eight. Eight, who was nothing but nice to her and for some unknown reason continued to stay friends with her and managed to put up with all her teenage angst and mood swings. Eight, even, was nothing but a two-dimensional, run of the mill, YA love interest.
One thing I really can praise Compulsion for, though, is the magical, smooth writing that compels you to read on. Other than that, I found Compulsion a rather lacklustre paranormal.
karenholmes's review against another edition
5.0
There are three families, there are two gifts and there is one curse. The story unfolds in the very Gothic South of the US, inhabited by ghosts and other legends you'll have to read to uncover.
I have to admit I had a hard time getting into the story at first. The new girl arriving at an unknown family sounded a bit clicheish. But little by little the story crept into me and added element after element that made me want to know a bit more, and a bit more and I ended up reading the story in no time.
The romance seems well paced and the teen angst and un-decisions very well portrayed.
So eager to read the next one!
I have to admit I had a hard time getting into the story at first. The new girl arriving at an unknown family sounded a bit clicheish. But little by little the story crept into me and added element after element that made me want to know a bit more, and a bit more and I ended up reading the story in no time.
The romance seems well paced and the teen angst and un-decisions very well portrayed.
So eager to read the next one!
svreads's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best YA books I've read this year. Can't wait to read the newly released sequel.
meeranair_54's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Simon Pulse and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
Barrie Watson lived an oblivious life with her mother, knowing nothing about her familial background and the reason behind her mother’s gruesome scars. Until after her mother’s death, when she is introduced to a whole island of connections and a lonely Aunt Pru who meanders in the intimidating Watson house without much thought. Barrie is not only anxious at the possibility of new found blood relations, but is also curious about the pressing sense of loss that emanates from the other wing of Watson’s Landing. What grave matters lurk beyond the door? Ought she to use the Watson gift and solve mysteries buried long ago by the rest?
Filled with magic and mayhem, Compulsion takes the readers on a thrilling ride between family feuds that are hundreds of years old and individuals who bear the brunt of their ancestor’s devious crimes. As she comes to terms with a life that her mother left behind, Barrie must decide whom to trust. Between her Aunt’s constant rebuttal of the Colesworth family and her own instincts to help her poor cousins, Barrie gets involved in magic that binds her to the fate her mother fled from.
This book has a mind blowing synopsis which makes you want to run out in bedroom slippers and grab a copy from the nearest store. Lucky for me I got an e-arc before the book hit the shelves. And here’s the deal, the novel meets your expectations and somewhere after the middle starts catapulting way above anything you’d have hoped for. Atleast it did that for me. Barrie lived such a secluded life, yearning for Lula’s (her mother) approval and not getting any, she turns to Mark, who I feel wins the award for best character hands down. He is Lula’s friend and Barrie’s caretaker and becomes more close to her than her mother could ever be. An unending supply of love, affection, joy from him helps Barrie pull through difficult times. The Romeo-Juliet-ish feel that is brought on by the three founding families – Watson; Beaufort; Colesworth adds a lot of drama and fun to the plot. There are sparks of interest between people from feuding families and then there are downright contempt that they feel for one another. Bring in a whole lot of magic into that and you’ll see why this book is one of the best of 2014.
Two families blessed with a gift and one family bearing a curse, not only live close by but are responsible for what happens in the aftermath of the climax (which is a true nail-biter). Eight Beaufort and Barrie begin to like each other from the start which I found to be a little apprehensive but the way Martina Boone describes their chemistry, it warms you to such an extent that you start rooting for them. He is the ideal boyfriend with just enough flaws to remind you he is human. I did sympathize with the Colesworths because lets face it, their plight was brought on by what some other Colesworth fella did ages ago. But Cassie Colesworth (Barrie’s cousin) being portrayed as a confident, stunning person who does have insecurities that she covers up with fabulous hair – gets to you at a point. The one reason that pulled me back from giving it a 5 star is that I felt the beginning to be a little slow paced and I started to question the awesomeness laid out in the synopsis. Also Cassie’s character was really predictable no matter how sweet she was made to be. All in all, its an amazing book and I recommend it to all fantasy, young adult fans. You won’t regret taking up this one.
Barrie Watson lived an oblivious life with her mother, knowing nothing about her familial background and the reason behind her mother’s gruesome scars. Until after her mother’s death, when she is introduced to a whole island of connections and a lonely Aunt Pru who meanders in the intimidating Watson house without much thought. Barrie is not only anxious at the possibility of new found blood relations, but is also curious about the pressing sense of loss that emanates from the other wing of Watson’s Landing. What grave matters lurk beyond the door? Ought she to use the Watson gift and solve mysteries buried long ago by the rest?
Filled with magic and mayhem, Compulsion takes the readers on a thrilling ride between family feuds that are hundreds of years old and individuals who bear the brunt of their ancestor’s devious crimes. As she comes to terms with a life that her mother left behind, Barrie must decide whom to trust. Between her Aunt’s constant rebuttal of the Colesworth family and her own instincts to help her poor cousins, Barrie gets involved in magic that binds her to the fate her mother fled from.
This book has a mind blowing synopsis which makes you want to run out in bedroom slippers and grab a copy from the nearest store. Lucky for me I got an e-arc before the book hit the shelves. And here’s the deal, the novel meets your expectations and somewhere after the middle starts catapulting way above anything you’d have hoped for. Atleast it did that for me. Barrie lived such a secluded life, yearning for Lula’s (her mother) approval and not getting any, she turns to Mark, who I feel wins the award for best character hands down. He is Lula’s friend and Barrie’s caretaker and becomes more close to her than her mother could ever be. An unending supply of love, affection, joy from him helps Barrie pull through difficult times. The Romeo-Juliet-ish feel that is brought on by the three founding families – Watson; Beaufort; Colesworth adds a lot of drama and fun to the plot. There are sparks of interest between people from feuding families and then there are downright contempt that they feel for one another. Bring in a whole lot of magic into that and you’ll see why this book is one of the best of 2014.
Two families blessed with a gift and one family bearing a curse, not only live close by but are responsible for what happens in the aftermath of the climax (which is a true nail-biter). Eight Beaufort and Barrie begin to like each other from the start which I found to be a little apprehensive but the way Martina Boone describes their chemistry, it warms you to such an extent that you start rooting for them. He is the ideal boyfriend with just enough flaws to remind you he is human. I did sympathize with the Colesworths because lets face it, their plight was brought on by what some other Colesworth fella did ages ago. But Cassie Colesworth (Barrie’s cousin) being portrayed as a confident, stunning person who does have insecurities that she covers up with fabulous hair – gets to you at a point. The one reason that pulled me back from giving it a 5 star is that I felt the beginning to be a little slow paced and I started to question the awesomeness laid out in the synopsis. Also Cassie’s character was really predictable no matter how sweet she was made to be. All in all, its an amazing book and I recommend it to all fantasy, young adult fans. You won’t regret taking up this one.
pshultz1029's review against another edition
4.0
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. I love the cover, it's so beautiful and it was signed which made me super happy! I can't wait for the next book, I entered to win the ARC of the next book and I hope I get it because I don't want to have to wait till October for it. I really like the family history info we get in the book I find that kind of stuff really interesting. I hope the next book explains how Barrie sees the ghosts and yunwi since it doesn't seem like her aunt does. I will be anticipating the follow up to this great book!
smartinez9's review against another edition
3.0
This is a difficult rating. On the one hand, I genuinely enjoyed this—it was gloomy and fun. The classic gothic tropes, while on paper over the top (orphan sent to live with family she’s never met, in a decaying manor hiding dark secrets), fit the genre, and is always down for secret passageways and abandoned tunnels. I liked Barrie, Mark, Eight, and Pru.
My issue with the book was the lack of explicit acknowledgment that the wealth of the characters’ is literal blood money made off the backs of slaves. The fact that Cassie puts on Gone With the Wind (which is in no way criticized, other than the “genius” and revolutionary act of Rhett being played by a “light-skinned African-American boy,” with no discussion of the glorification of the antebellum South) and moans about how the “Yankees” “stole” her family’s wealth during the Civil War—wealth that they did not earn, on land that they stole—is pretty disgusting. The stereotypical Native American witch spirit and African voodoo priest are also questionable.
That said, giving the author the benefit of the doubt, Barrie does point out the hypocrisy of calling their ancestors “privateers” when they were slave-owners and thieves, and remind Eight that the “well-built” tunnel is that way because of slave labor. Also, in some ways, the fact that the family can’t leave the land and are haunted by native spirits serves as a reminder that you can erase generational trauma or pretend atrocities never happened. The irony of the Watsons not being able to leave the land they trapped slaves on feels fitting. The idea that the most important family is the one you choose has positive implications in the rejection of Emmett and Wyatt and celebration of Mark as Barrie’s real mother.
Additionally, the fact that the author was born in Prague and learned English as a second language suggests that maybe she wasn’t as acquainted with the nuances of language around race and slavery in America, such as the problematic overtones of Gone With the Wind, the hypocrisy of vilifying the “Yankees,” or what it really means to be living on a plantation, which could be understandable if she didn’t grow up immersed in US racial and political history.
My issue with the book was the lack of explicit acknowledgment that the wealth of the characters’ is literal blood money made off the backs of slaves. The fact that Cassie puts on Gone With the Wind (which is in no way criticized, other than the “genius” and revolutionary act of Rhett being played by a “light-skinned African-American boy,” with no discussion of the glorification of the antebellum South) and moans about how the “Yankees” “stole” her family’s wealth during the Civil War—wealth that they did not earn, on land that they stole—is pretty disgusting. The stereotypical Native American witch spirit and African voodoo priest are also questionable.
That said, giving the author the benefit of the doubt, Barrie does point out the hypocrisy of calling their ancestors “privateers” when they were slave-owners and thieves, and remind Eight that the “well-built” tunnel is that way because of slave labor. Also, in some ways, the fact that the family can’t leave the land and are haunted by native spirits serves as a reminder that you can erase generational trauma or pretend atrocities never happened. The irony of the Watsons not being able to leave the land they trapped slaves on feels fitting. The idea that the most important family is the one you choose has positive implications in the rejection of Emmett and Wyatt and celebration of Mark as Barrie’s real mother.
Additionally, the fact that the author was born in Prague and learned English as a second language suggests that maybe she wasn’t as acquainted with the nuances of language around race and slavery in America, such as the problematic overtones of Gone With the Wind, the hypocrisy of vilifying the “Yankees,” or what it really means to be living on a plantation, which could be understandable if she didn’t grow up immersed in US racial and political history.
karen_hallam's review against another edition
5.0
After her shut-in mother’s death, teen-aged, Barrie Watson is free to seek out the family kept secret from her all her life. She arrives at Watson Landing, greeted by a live albino peacock, and discovers a family heritage of privateers, rice plantations, and an ancient curse.
The sense of place is the first thing that takes hold of you. The visual descriptions set you into the dreamy, hot and steamy southern charm of Charleston, South Carolina. Drawing you into a compelling world of oak and cypress woods, Spanish moss, and sprawling southern plantations. Where disturbed characters, unspoken family secrets, and a dark curse hooks you. You don’t want to leave Watson Landing, yourself.
Barrie can’t believe her eyes; Watson Landing is an exact replica of the home she grew up in with her mother, Lula, in San Francisco. Except for the shutters that hung drunkenly on the windows, in fact, the entire mansion is falling into ruin. Oddly, the lush, manicured gardens surrounding the house are not. Barrie can sense something. She feels the Watson gift communicating through her. Barrie wonders what she’s gotten herself into coming here.
We meet Aunt Pru, Lula’s twin, sitting on the steps of Watson Landing as if lost. There’s a deep sadness shadowing Pru. A deep-seated feeling of neglect tugs at you: the aging beauty that is Watson Landing, the fading, neglected beauty of Aunt Pru, all with their secrets. One of those secrets, Barry immediately finds out, has to do with her aunt’s neighbor, Seven Beaufort. When she shakes his son, Eight Beaufort’s hand, something inside her clicks, the air clears. As if this new world is opening up to her and every secret has its time. Every character has a story.
Marc’s an interesting character. You’ll like Marc. At first, I didn’t know who or what his part was, until the story blossomed. I found him real, and endearing. He’s the only support Barrie has had through life, until now. I won’t go on too much, because there is a bit of lead in with him and the events, and I’d rather you get the full pleasure of the build up.
I didn’t want to put this book down. Every time I had to do something, I carried it with me. There’s so much sadness, but there’s hope, and there’s family, and feuds, all rolled into a new world for Barrie Watson. If you love being swept away in gothic charm, you will be lulled into Compulsion. One of my favorite scenes has to do with fire, and ghosts, and an ancient curse. It’s a stunning visual scene. I still see it. It’s breathtaking.
This is the first book in Martina’s YA Southern Gothic trilogy, The Heirs of Watson Island, will be available from Simon Pulse Fall 2014. Recommended for readers 14 and up. Martina Boone tells me Pru (my favorite character) comes into her own in the second book. I can’t wait to read it!
caitlinxreads's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly, I didn't like most of the characters names. They were just kind of weird, but that is an easy thing to get over when the rest of the story is so incredibly interesting and especially when that was my only problem with this book.
This story is set in the south on Watson Island. I love the south, I'm from it, and I love hearing stories about it, so that gave this story a bonus for me. There are three plantations, two still standing and one destroyed. The setting and the way it is described is beautiful and so easy to imagine. The main character, Barrie, is staying at Watson Landing, a huge house that is falling apart. "The house emerged slowly from behind the violet-shadowed trees. Where at first there was only an impression of whitewashed bricks, fluted columns, and gabled roofs..." "A shutter hung drunkenly on a nearby window like it was going to crash down at any moment. Paint peeled from one of the tall columns, and mortar had crumbled from between the bricks." The descriptions are rich with detail throughout the book, a must for me to stay interested.
The characters were alive and vibrant, so different and interesting. Barrie makes a few stupid decisions just to prove that she can do what she wants, and to make Eight mad, I wanted to scream at her more than once. But she is smart and interesting. She and Eight together is just amazing. Eight... The dream guy, Charles Beaufort the eighth. I loved him. I love both southern boys and baseball players, lucky me that he is both. He is a great match for Barrie. They challenge each other throughout the book and are a cute YA couple.
Cassie and Wyatt... I can't even imagine having to deal with one of them.
There were twists throughout the story, and so many at the end. The supernatural elements were like none I have ever read, with Native American influences and a unique type of magic. The mystery kept me guessing and surprised more than once. I can't wait to read the next book. If it is anywhere close to the quality of this one, I am sure to love it too.
This story is set in the south on Watson Island. I love the south, I'm from it, and I love hearing stories about it, so that gave this story a bonus for me. There are three plantations, two still standing and one destroyed. The setting and the way it is described is beautiful and so easy to imagine. The main character, Barrie, is staying at Watson Landing, a huge house that is falling apart. "The house emerged slowly from behind the violet-shadowed trees. Where at first there was only an impression of whitewashed bricks, fluted columns, and gabled roofs..." "A shutter hung drunkenly on a nearby window like it was going to crash down at any moment. Paint peeled from one of the tall columns, and mortar had crumbled from between the bricks." The descriptions are rich with detail throughout the book, a must for me to stay interested.
The characters were alive and vibrant, so different and interesting. Barrie makes a few stupid decisions just to prove that she can do what she wants, and to make Eight mad, I wanted to scream at her more than once. But she is smart and interesting. She and Eight together is just amazing. Eight... The dream guy, Charles Beaufort the eighth. I loved him. I love both southern boys and baseball players, lucky me that he is both. He is a great match for Barrie. They challenge each other throughout the book and are a cute YA couple.
Cassie and Wyatt... I can't even imagine having to deal with one of them.
There were twists throughout the story, and so many at the end. The supernatural elements were like none I have ever read, with Native American influences and a unique type of magic. The mystery kept me guessing and surprised more than once. I can't wait to read the next book. If it is anywhere close to the quality of this one, I am sure to love it too.