Die for Me by Amy Plum

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life—and memories—behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant—an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel.

Review:

Beguiling, unique, and full of swoon-worthy romance, Amy Plum’s Die for Me not only introduces an absorbing new voice to YA, but also a series that is sure to capture many fans as it continues.

Die for Me begins the story of Kate, a girl who has not had the best of luck lately. For one, after a tragic accident leaves her sister, Georgia, and her orphans, they are off to leave with their grandparents in the beautiful city of Paris. Lonely and full of bitter feelings, Kate truly feels like life will never get better, that she will never stop missing her parents ever second of each day...then she meets Vincent. Secretive, alluring, and sweet, Vincent captures her heart the first time she meets to him. However, Vincent is hiding a major secret, one that could tear him and Kate apart, or make their relationship stronger than ever. Which will occur- will Kate find the love of her love within Vincent, or will she run away from him? Only time and more pages will tell in this deeply engrossing tale of one girl’s path to finding herself once again.

One of the best aspects of this would was the setting. Ms. Plum did a fantastic of allowing the setting to jump right of the page with her descriptions, allowing the reader to get a true taste and feel of the Paris right along with Kate as the story progressed.

The characters of this were also full of fun and intrigue, making the story even better. For one, I loved Kate. She was a main character I clicked with from the start. Her feelings and thoughts were easily relatable, and I also loved that she was strong- never letting anyone or anything get in her way one bit. Her relationship with Vincent was another high point. A common problem I have with YA books is a weakly developed main romantic relationship. However, that was not at all the case with Kate and Vincent. Built on plenty of getting-to-know the other moments, their relationship truly did feel believable when finally it did bloom. More importantly, I really enjoyed all the drama, twists, and turns that come with it, and I am sure many will agree with me on that.

The secondary characters of this were also well developed. Some of my favorites included Kate’s sister Georgia, whose zest and attitude constantly brought plenty of funny moments to the novel, as well as Vincent’s friends- Charlotte, Charles, Jules, and Ambrose.

One of the things that originally attracted me to this book was the premise, and I have to say the execution was even better than I expected. I thought the idea of “revenants” was fantastic, and more importantly, Amy Plum did a great job of fully fleshing out the idea to the fullest potential possible. I also adored all the twists and turns it added to the novel. From the fight scenes to the fear it brought to Kate and Vincent’s relationship, there truly was not a moment where I was not on the edge of my seat, quickly flipping the pages, dying to know the conclusion.

I will admit, though, I was a bit put off by some small similarities Die for Me shares with Twilight in the beginning, but by the end of the book Amy truly made this idea and series her own with her world building as well as writing.

Full of fun, drama, and romance, Die for Me is, without a doubt, one of my favorite reads of this year- one I will be suggesting repeatedly come its release in May.

Grade: A-

Die for Me is now out!

Source: HarperCollins via Netgalley- thanks!

Book Trailer:



Amy Plum on Die for Me: