Devoted by Hilary Duff

Release Date: 29th September, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia

Pages: 416pgs

The Story

Dark forces and powerful people are on a mission to destroy Sage and the mysterious elixir that gives him immortality. When Sage is kidnapped, Clea feels certain that he is still alive and she will stop at nothing to save him.

Clea turns to her friend Ben for help, and together they form a dangerous but necessary alliance with the ancient faction Cursed Vengeance, whose information can lead Clea to Sage. But if Clea fails to locate Sage before Cursed Vengeance does, she risks losing Sage forever.

As events unfold and she gets closer to her goal of finding Sage, Clea begins to question just who she can trust. Has Ben played a part in Sage's kidnapping, and in their past lives? Will Clea manage to save Sage before it's too late, or are their dangerous and tragic past destined to repeat all over again?

The Review

A big thanks to Caroline from Simon & Schuster for sending me a review copy of this book!

When readers hear about their favourite and least favourite celebrities writing a book, you immediately think that it isn't possible that you would enjoy it, let alone think they can actually write something decent. Some celebrities get a book deal because of the enticing printed word of their famous name, but unlike some celebrity books I've read in the past, Hilary Duff can actually write a pretty fun and entertaining book. Plus it helps being a fan of hers. DEVOTED is the sequel to Hilary Duff's debut YA novel Elixir and while I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, but the ending itself was enough to get me wanting to continue with this series.

In this second installment, Clea - the novel's main protagonist - returns and she has finally found her soul mate in the handsome and yet dangerous Sage. After discovering that she once loved Sage through many past lives - lives that ended tragically by the way - Clea is more than determined to stop history repeating itself, so she can be with her one and true love forever. But when her soul mate is suddenly kidnapped, Clea has no choice but to team up with her friend, Ben, whom has a 'thing' for Clea. So it only proves that this new alliance forming between them is going to get a hell of a lot more complicated.

Truth be told, I loved the sequel DEVOTED compared to the first book Elixir. For me personally, I found this book had much more intensity about it - in a good way - and what with our leading man Sage missing, there's all this questioning and high emotions running about and for once I could actually connect with Clea as a character rather than continue to pull away from her. She has grown as a character and despite her flaws, many readers can relate to her. Same goes with Sage. Even though his character doesn't get the spotlight (he's kidnapped after all) as much as Ben does. But not to worry Sage fans, he's still in there. As for our dear Ben . . . well he's gorgeous and I'm glad to have more of him in this book. [I'm a big fan of his] Now regarding the storyline on a whole, it was a very exciting adventure this time round and there's a lot more on the line for Clea and for those around her. I admit readers will have some shocking moments in the book - some that may make you mad - and talk about a major cliffhanger! So evil . . . so evil . . . [Afraid I'm not allowed to spoil here]

If you have read Elixir and you're not entirely sure whether to read its sequel - or perhaps you are already a fan of Duff's books - then be sure to pick yourself up a copy of DEVOTED. It's everything a young adult book should be and will entertain fans that love twisty-shocking turns, thrilling epic adventure and heart-stopping action. And some romance. But be warned readers: the cliffhanger is very, very cruel and will leave you questioning on what's going to happen next to our heroine Clea. Because trust me here - the ending was a complete turn around.

The Rating

4/5 stars