Title: Chrysalis
Author: Michel Prince
Series: Chrysalis #1
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press LLC
Published: 17th April 2012
Summary:
In the annals of dysfunctional families, the Chisholm’s are working their way to the top. Drug abuse, an unwed mother with multiple fathers, and the questionable cash flow for the 'pretty one'. All this from a seemingly normal, two parent middle class family. But were the choices truly made of their free will?
Bad choices are a Chisholm family trait, one that confounds the youngest child, Ellie, who's trying to separate herself by making smart decisions. And falling for Oscar Jeffreys, the hottest guy at school, would be number one on the list of Chisholm family disasters. Yet the crazy part is it’s not a one sided attraction. Somehow Ellie has caught Oscar Jeffreys’ eye. Sure she could see the barriers between them. Race, age, popularity. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum. But a demon set to destroy her family? She can't see that.
Oscar provides security and acceptance Ellie never imagined she deserved. As the passion of first love grows, Ellie honestly believes she has a chance to beat the odds and live a happy, normal life. Then her world collapses around her. With the help of a guardian angel, Ellie learns of a world that has unknowingly surrounded her for years. And she'll have to find strength buried deep inside to save not only her future, but flush out and stop the demon in her midst.
And Ellie will have to learn that sometimes the hardest lesson about growing up is accepting that you're worth more.
Bad choices are a Chisholm family trait, one that confounds the youngest child, Ellie, who's trying to separate herself by making smart decisions. And falling for Oscar Jeffreys, the hottest guy at school, would be number one on the list of Chisholm family disasters. Yet the crazy part is it’s not a one sided attraction. Somehow Ellie has caught Oscar Jeffreys’ eye. Sure she could see the barriers between them. Race, age, popularity. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum. But a demon set to destroy her family? She can't see that.
Oscar provides security and acceptance Ellie never imagined she deserved. As the passion of first love grows, Ellie honestly believes she has a chance to beat the odds and live a happy, normal life. Then her world collapses around her. With the help of a guardian angel, Ellie learns of a world that has unknowingly surrounded her for years. And she'll have to find strength buried deep inside to save not only her future, but flush out and stop the demon in her midst.
And Ellie will have to learn that sometimes the hardest lesson about growing up is accepting that you're worth more.
4/5
This was a very moving and thought-provoking novel. The issues that are addressed are heartbreaking and are dealt with in a very real and honest way. Even though this is a paranormal read, it is also very true to life and could easily pass for a contemporary if the paranormal aspect was removed.
I loved both Ellie and Oscar. They are were perfect for each other. They both have a past that they need to confront if they are to have any hope of a happy future together. Ellie is a very vulnerable and damaged character. She has to deal with a family that is falling apart at the seams. With parents that don't notice her, a brother that is a drug addict, and two sisters who have no respect for their bodies or themselves, with one of them one step away from being a prostitute. Ellie must fight her inner demons that say she is no better than her sisters and is destined to have a life like theirs. She has to find the confidence and the courage to make more of herself and to realise that she deserves to be loved and to be happy for once.
Oscar also has his own past to deal with. He has to show people that he is no longer the school playboy but has grown up and wants to be a better man.
These two are perfect for each other. Their love is so real and sweet. They are each others rock and they help one another to grow and become stronger.
Along with all these issues, they also have to deal with the stigma of an inter-racial relationship. This I thought was dealt with in a very convincing way by the author. Oscar, the black senior, and Ellie, the white sophomore, come up against a lot of prejudice and hate. They have to deal with a constant stream of threats and insults that are thrown their way, especially Ellie. Their relationship comes under pressure as they try to not let the rumors and insults get to them. I have personally never witnessed problems with inter-racial couples where I live but I know that in America it is very different. I felt that the author dealt with the issue in a very honest way, she didn't sugar-coat anything.
Up until around the half-way mark you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a contemporary novel but we are slowly introduced to the bigger issue at hand. The story behind why Ellie's family is tormented by a demon was simple yet effective but I still feel that we haven't gotten the whole story and we can expect plenty more to be revealed in book #2.
Overall, this is a gripping, moving and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to both contemporary and paranormal lovers alike.
*Note 1: There were a few grammatical errors throughout the book but I received an ARC version so these errors might not be present in the final edition.
*Note 2: Due to the use of foul language and quite a lot of sexual references, I would recommend this to a more mature age group.
*I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Thank you so much for reviewing Chrysalis and being honest.
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