The Beautiful might not have been a new favorite, but it was close. The Damned absolutely is a new favorite. I’m in so deep and I don’t even care. While this didn’t have a murder mystery, it had plenty of other elements in lieu of one: intriguing exploration of a world hidden inside and alongside our own, paranormal feuds, and SO MUCH romantic tension, almost too much to handle.

Celine Rousseau and Sébastien Saint Germain are now two of my favorite characters. The dynamic they had, even when they were, frustratingly, trying to move past their feelings for one another, was exquisite. They had me feeling all sorts of things, and that scene at the 87% mark? HECK YES. AMAZING.

Of course, after that, everything went to crap. The last few chapters were so much more intense than I expected them to be. One event in particular hurt. It hurt a lot. And the ending wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but I refuse to believe this is the true end of the series. I don’t care if it’s listed here on Goodreads as a duology. THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE. I NEED MORE.

I’m not sure what else to say. I’m emotional with my cat way too late at night. Read these books. They’re Ahdieh’s best work and top-tier YA vampire content.

Representation:
• Biracial protagonist
• Numerous characters of color in significant and supporting roles
• Sapphic side character

CW: blood, gore, violence, death