Book Review: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain and GIVEAWAY!

The Lost Saint: A Dark Divine Novel by Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication date: December 2010
ISBN: 9781606840580
Source: Review copy provided by publicist

Grace Divine was sure that after saving her true love from the wolf, things would get better.  But, when her beloved brother runs away, her world seems to fall apart.  She wants to develop her own powers, but isn't quite sure if she can do it without giving in to the wolf within herself.  When a mysterious young man offers to help her find Jude, she jumps at the chance.  But, will he come between her and Daniel or will more than that separate them?

Things I Liked:
This book definitely helped me remember what it is that I love about paranormal YA.  I loved the excitement and the adventure that kept you on your toes and wondering what would happen next.  I enjoyed learning more about the mythology of the paranormal beasts in this series.  It had just the right amount of teenage drama and crazy fantasy stuff to make a good blend.  I was invested in the story and it didn't seem to follow exactly the way the romance does in these kinds of books.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.  Some favorite parts:

But then again, wasn't the superhero supposed to be the one who was always forgetting about plans last minute, or running off during important dinners?  If anyone was going to be standing someone up, shouldn't it be me? p258 of ARC

She pulled out my stake - or at least something that looked like my stake, only the hilt of it was now covered in bright blue crystals and diamond-like gems. 
"You bedazzled my stake?"
"Um...Surprise," April said. "Just because you're hunting nasty stuff doesn't mean you can't do it in style." p285 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
I would occasionally get annoyed at Grace for her constant need to save everyone.  She had a real hero complex.  She was also extremely stupid and blind throughout the book.  Doing stuff she knew she shouldn't and walking into dangerous situations.  Though, that seems to be a requirement for heroines in paranormal books.

Read-alikes:
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@ 
fairly regular throughout, nothing strong

mrg-factor: X  
some situations that were steamy, but really mild

v-factor: ->-> 
a bit of gore and blood

Overall rating: **** 

I happened to get an extra ARC which I'm offering up to one lucky reader.  Fill out the form below by next Monday, January 3, for your chance to win it!  (US only.) (Contest closed.)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage