The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Here’s a blurb from Ms. Bree Despain’s site: Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Someone asked me as I was reading this book what it was about, I said about this girl named Grace who’s love, Daniel, has returned, blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, I didn’t know at the time that Daniel was a werewolf. I liked the fact that the whole wolf ordeal was kept well tucked away until later in the book. I thought the fact that Grace is daughter of a pastor made for a unique interesting perspective. There aren’t many times the preacher’s kids get involved in such age old matters as the literal struggle between the divine and the damned. I also liked the tree being a prominent fixture in the story. Something living that grows and changes, as their relationship does, but it’s rooted to the past as well. It was also refreshing to have a break from the swearing and sex that seem to permeate much of the YA lit scene today. I know it’s part of reality. However, so are those kids that abstain or don’t consume alcohol or drugs. It was nice to see them get some shelf time too.  :)  I liked Daniel because he was on the verge of being a real bad boy and what girl doesn’t love that. I always knew I didn’t want an actual bad boy, just a boy who knew how to be bad enough to keep it interesting. That’s Daniel. I loved how the prodigal son story was woven within this. I’ll give this 3 ½ roses and am looking forward to the sequel, The Lost Saint, currently scheduled for release December 28, 2010. Oh and the cover of The Dark Divine is amazing! Totally <3 it!