What's Hot? Books.

Author: Kate Evangelista

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance 

Publication Date: 30th April 2012

Goodreads Summary: At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

I've seen reviews for Taste popping up all over the blogosphere and after hearing such great things about it, I just knew that I had to get my hands on a copy. I have just spent the entire morning whizzing through Taste and it was absolutely fantastic. It exceeded my expectations by far and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would give that 'zombies' (or any sort of flesh-eating creatures) are my least favourite supernatural creatures.  

Taste really has a way of drawing the reader in. I was completely engrossed in this story and found myself feeling the emotions of the characters and I even shed a tear or two which was very unexpected. I felt a connection to all of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Phoenix, in a way that I haven't felt whilst reading a book in a very long time. The characters are all compelling, particularly Phoenix, Demetri and Luka. All three of these characters  have some sort of deep emotional baggage which makes them all the more intriguing. All the boys in the novel sound devastatingly beautiful and the description is superb. In my mind's eye I can perfectly imagine each and every character because of the intricate and detailed writing. 

The writing brought out real emotions in me and had my heart pounding, my stomach squirming and my fingers tingling with every word I read. The romance in Taste was electrifying and I could feel shivers through my body as I was reading certain passages. The chemistry between the two protagonists is undeniable though my one criticism would be that at the beginning of the novel it wasn't made clear which boy she was fated to be with. For some people this will be a good thing, but, personally, I would've preferred it if there had been a little less confusion. 

With most paranormal romances, I can see the end coming a mile off, and even though the ending of Taste wasn't that surprising, I still didn't see it coming because my mind was too engrossed in thinking and being the characters. This story is new and unique and I had no idea what to expect from it. The plot was constantly twisting and turning in a series of unpredictable events that had me gripped from the onset. Kate Evangelista has created a completely new world that you yearn to learn more about

It was really refreshing to read a YA Paranormal Romance that didn't have vampires or werewolves in it and I commend the author for her originality. In addition, both the cover and the title really suit this book and make it look like a really interesting read, and it is even better on the inside! This is an absolute must read for any teen with an interest in the paranormal romance. Kate Evangelista has another three upcoming YA books that I can't wait to get my hands on as I'm sure they'll be just as electrifying, if not more.

Anyone else read Taste or have another 'zombie' novel to recommend? Comment below! :)