Quick Take

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated by none other than the King of the Mantle of Dracul, she goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as her personal assistant, has his hands full saving his girl's soul while planning a fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating viewpoints, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat aristocracy as they play out a dangerous, diabolically witty love story for the ages.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Eternal

Introduction

"Eternal" by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a captivating young adult novel that delves into the world of vampires and guardian angels. The story follows Miranda, a shy and unsure teenager who becomes entangled in the dangerous and supernatural world of vampires. With its quirky characters, diabolical wit, and heart-pounding romance, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

About Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cynthia Leitich Smith is a best-selling and award-winning children's-YA writer. She has written numerous books, including "Tantalize," which "Eternal" is a companion to. Smith is also a NSK Neustadt Laureate and the author-curator of the Native-centered Heartdrum imprint at HarperCollins Children's Books. Her writing style is geared towards young adults, and her stories often explore themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.

Analysis of Views

Unusual and Quirky: Readers appreciate the book's unique and quirky premise, with vampires and guardian angels being thrown into the mix. They find the story intriguing and enjoy the unexpected twists and turns it takes.
Engaging Characters: The characters in "Eternal" are well-developed and engaging. Miranda, the protagonist, is a relatable and sympathetic character who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Zachary, her guardian angel, is also a compelling character, with his love for Miranda being a central aspect of the story. Readers find both characters appealing and enjoy getting inside their heads.
Sad yet Inspiring Romance: The romance between Miranda and Zachary is described as sad yet inspiring. It explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Readers find the love story emotionally impactful, with characters that have depth and dimension. It's noted that it's more impactful than Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series.
Dark and Gripping: The book has a darker tone, with vampires being portrayed as monstrous creatures. The story is gripping, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The author's ability to create a sense of danger and suspense is praised by readers who enjoy being immersed in the story world.
Unique Vampire Society: The vampire society in "Eternal" is unique and intriguing. Readers appreciate the exploration of vampire hierarchy and the rules that govern their existence. It adds depth to the story and creates an immersive reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique Plot: The unique blend of vampires and guardian angels sets "Eternal" apart from other books in the genre. The plot is fresh and engaging, making it a standout read for those seeking something different.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in "Eternal" are well-written and have depth. Readers appreciate the development of Miranda's character as she navigates her new life as a vampire princess. Zachary's love for Miranda adds an emotional layer to the story, making it relatable and heartwarming.
Engaging Romance: The romance between Miranda and Zachary is described as sad yet inspiring, making it a compelling aspect of the story. Readers find it emotionally impactful and enjoy the exploration of themes such as sacrifice, redemption, and good vs. evil.
Darker Tone: The darker tone of "Eternal" adds a sense of danger and suspense to the story. Readers enjoy being immersed in a world where vampires are portrayed as monstrous creatures, creating a thrilling reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Emotion: Some readers felt that there were times in the book where emotions were not fully explored or expressed. They felt that certain moments lacked depth or resonance, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the story.
Predictability: A few readers found the plot to be predictable or formulaic at times. They felt that certain events or revelations were telegraphed from early on in the book, which diminished their sense of surprise or excitement.

Conclusion

"Eternal" by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a captivating young adult novel that explores the world of vampires and guardian angels through the eyes of its protagonists, Miranda and Zachary. With its unique plot, well-developed characters, engaging romance, darker tone, and exploration of themes such as sacrifice, redemption, and good vs. evil, this book has garnered positive reviews from readers who appreciate its quirky premise and emotional impact. While some readers felt that certain aspects of the book lacked depth or predictability, overall "Eternal" is recommended for those seeking a fresh take on the vampire genre with relatable characters and a gripping storyline.