Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

Goodreads Summary:

It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp -- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.

Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance -- and loner boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her.

This debut novel is full of atmosphere, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance.

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

Beware the Wild sold me on a genre I’ve recently been tiring on. As soon as I’m ready to give up YA paranormal novels, I get sucked in again by books like Beware the Wild. I really enjoyed the concept and for a debut novel, I thought the execution was very well done.

Beware the Wild grabbed me from the beginning. The swamp bordering Sterling’s town is filled with mystery and danger. When her brother ventures into the swamp, he doesn’t return. Instead, Lenora May comes out and besides Sterling, the townspeople have forgotten her brother ever existed.

Sterling was a fantastic character. She was tough and stubborn and I admired her unwillingness to be cast under the spell of the swamp. A few of her actions were impulsive, but I admired how she was willing to take risks to save the brother who always acted as her protector. Sterling’s romance with Heath was sweet and their relationship takes more center stage by mid-point in the novel.

The action slowed a little in the middle of the book, but picked up again during the last third. The author threw in some creepy twists and I was never sure who was going to make it out of the swamp alive. I didn’t love the conclusion, but I felt like the plot was wrapped up nicely.

I’d highly recommend Beware the Wild based on the writing alone. While reading, I felt transported to this creepy and ethereal swamp where magic is possible.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!