Little Library Muse: Review: Coexist Keegan's Chronicles #1 & Giveaway

Author: Crane, Julia
Title: Coexist Keegan's Chronicles #1
Publisher:Valknut Press
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication: June 10, 2011
Rating: 4 out 5
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Received from: Author for a honest review/blog tour
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Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans. In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known. An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?

Review: This story is told from various perspectives and the plot flowed well. Firstly, I love Keegan, though I may be a bit partial to the fact that she is a photographer, who just happens to love nature. Secondly, Crane did an excellent job of creating well-rounded characters each with their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, interests and talents. What is interesting about this book is that it plays on older traditions where the mate was predetermined magically at young age, and they are not allowed to meet or know the others name until they are eighteen. Another important aspect are the gifts that each elf has, Keegan has the ability to disappear but her younger brother Thaddeus is not only a warrior but the most gifted seer the Elfin society has seen in generations. He has a tough gift that causes him to seek isolation, I mean who wants to know the fate of everyone around you at all times and not be able to warn them of impending danger. Thaddeus holds the key that changes the playing field for not only the elves in the war but Keegan as well. I found myself drawn towards the relationship between Rourk and Keegan, as the war draws closer keeping them apart becomes more difficult and they are allowed against the rules to see each other earlier than they should. Yet, once they are together, it is such a sweet moment that I just didn't want them to part ways. However, as the war between light and dark escalates, something happens that will change everything that Keegan knows about her world.

This is such a cute book, and it was nice seeing the world through Keegan's eyes as her world is full of such color and life, though she seems to love white tees and skinny jeans. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters. Crane creates a bit of a twist on the elf fantasy genre by updating them and integrating them in the human society, which is very intriguing to see her take on this, I mean elves that eat meat. As with most young adult books there is a love triangle, I am of course team Rourk, and who is the other guy. Overall, I was so engrossed in the novel that the words became more than words but pictures in my mind as I watched the story unfold before my eyes. I can't wait to read the next two books and find out what Keegan’s role is in the war between light and dark!!