Sandy's Reviews > Die for Me

Die for Me by Amy Plum
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really liked it
bookshelves: endings-i-love, premise-i-love, read-in-2011

Amy Plum's Die for Me is an enchanting debut novel with a rich setting, fresh mythology, and charming supporting cast. I was swept away by the story and read into the night because like Kate, I just HAD to know what Vincent is.

Die for Me's revenant is my new favorite paranormal. Plum's mythology is so creative and refreshing after the countless vampire, werewolf, fairy, demon, yadda, yadda stories I've read. Her explanation for what a revenant is and how a person becomes one feels so...noble. These are NOT zombies. The entire concept and the revenants' calling is really quite benevolent and beautiful. Finally, a paranormal with a purpose I can cheer for (unlike, say, drinking blood).

And that SETTING. I mean, IT'S PARIS. Plum's vivid descriptions of Paris perfectly match her mythology. There's an old world, exotic feel to the story, and Paris suits this well. Plus that gorgeous setting lends itself to some breathtaking double cheek kisses, sublime hot chocolate, and swoony French lines.

Although there is immediate attraction between Kate and the enigmatic Vincent, Plum lets the romance simmer for a few chapters, which I love. You know those books where you add up the days and it turns out the characters have only known each other for a week before they're declaring their undying love? This is not one of them. Kate and Vincent exchange glances at a cafe. And a few weeks pass. They bump into each other at a cafe. And a few more days pass. They even go on a few dates. Yes, the romance has a Twilight feel at times, but it is sweet and captivating. (Vincent just needs to tone down the stalkery/needy tendencies at times.)

Unlike so many YA books that have cardboard supporting characters, Die for Me's secondary characters are charming *cough, Jules* and well developed. Jules, Jules, Jules. I'm not really a fan of the YA love triangle, but if Jules is involved, I'm all for it in Book 2. This supporting cast adds flavor and wit to the story, from the sweet Charlotte to the delightful Ambrose.

The action really picks up towards the end of the book, and thank you, thank you for a cliffhanger-free ending that nicely resolves the current book's main conflicts. After the gripping battle scene, the last chapter also lets us indulge in a little delicious escapism. Why don't more books end this way?

Die for Me has an original paranormal concept that I love and a vivid setting that I can't wait to visit again in Book 2. (And isn't that a beautiful cover?)
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Reading Progress

January 7, 2011 – Shelved
May 7, 2011 – Started Reading
May 7, 2011 –
page 125
36.66% "This is SOOOO good!"
May 8, 2011 – Finished Reading
June 3, 2011 – Shelved as: endings-i-love
June 3, 2011 – Shelved as: premise-i-love
June 3, 2011 – Shelved as: read-in-2011

Comments Showing 1-12 of 12 (12 new)

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message 1: by Flannery (new) - added it

Flannery Kate and Vincent exchange glances at a cafe. And a few weeks pass. They bump into each other at a cafe. And a few more days pass. They even go on a few dates.

Dates? What are those? I won't believe any love unless it is instantaneous and forever. Who needs anything as mundane as getting to know each other? Psssht. :)


message 2: by oliviasbooks (last edited May 15, 2011 11:36PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

oliviasbooks "*cough, Jules* and well developed. Jules, Jules, Jules.

Me too, Sandy!!

Amy!!!! Look over here; show your editors! We do love Jules. Give him space!!!! (No pressure! *grins*)


Sandy Flannery, who knew dates would become novel? I never saw it coming.

(Glad to see you're back!)


Sandy Olivia, agreed!

MORE JULES, PLEASE, AMY!!! Read everyone's status updates--Goodreads is awash with Jules fangirls!


Lucy This sounds great - I may have to read this one next. The setting, the characters, and the paranormal element all sound very intriguing! Thanks for sharing your review.


message 6: by Lora (new)

Lora I'm excited for this one. I'm just waiting for it to come in at my library.

Great review, Sandy:)


Sandy Thank you, Lucy and Lora. I hope you enjoy it!


message 8: by Milly (new) - added it

Milly Can't wait to read this one! Wonderful review Sandy!


Cait hahaha I love how you're totally right and we read and love the same books. I loved Die for Me! :D


Sandy Cait, our book taste is 83% similar. I think that's the highest I've ever had.


message 11: by Cait (last edited Jun 01, 2011 07:10PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Cait Holy crap that's high hahah. I don't think I've ever had anyone with taht many similarities, either. It's cool to know someone who shares a lot of the same tastes, that means we can talk about a lot of books! :) and by the way love your review :)


Isabel Wow, I couldn't agree more! I know how you feel about when characters know each other for so little time and already they somehow seem to be madly in love. It even happens in some books that I love! When you think about it, it isn't really possible to come to understand someone in so little time. That was definitely something I liked about this book! :)


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