5 Stars: An Incredible Read
Series: A Need So Beautiful #1
Hardback: 271 Pages
Publication: June 21, 2011 by Balzer & Bray
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten…
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become–her mark on this earth, her very existence–is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny–no matter how dark the consequences.
Charlotte has a powerful voice. She’s kind, beautiful, and willful. Underlying the entire book is a hint of desperation. Charlotte is a gentle, loving girl by nature, but the growing inability to conceal her Need is driving her to the breaking point. She has a life with people who care about her. She doesn’t want to hide anything from them, but she’s afraid that they’ll think she’s crazy. What else do you think about a girl with compulsions to help complete strangers that can happen at any time of day?
A Need So Beautiful isn’t a long book, yet it had me enchanted for an entire day. Somewhere, I found myself hanging on every word, eager to turn the page and yet wanting to absorb every single word. There’s action in this story; more than that, there is mystery and yearning. Charlotte can’t escape the Need, but she doesn’t want to be Forgotten. She wants to leave her mark in history just like the rest of us.
I did feel that we didn’t need the last chapter, as the thought of Charlotte giving herself to the light was such a beautiful, bittersweet ending. However, I am excited at the same time, as it tells us that there is more to this story–that there will be a sequel, even without Young’s announcement. I can’t wait to read the sequel, A Want So Wicked!
There are suggestive scenes in this book. I recommend A Need So Beautiful for the older teen readers.
Add/Buy
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Kara D. says
Good review. The cover's beautiful too!
lameciac says
Beautiful cover!
Elizabeth says
I really wanna read these books love the cover 🙂
Suz Reads says
I love this cover and was curious about this book! I am glad to read how much you liked it because the story sounds so interesting! I can't wait to read it!
Sarah Kalaitzidis says
The review is just so beauitful 😛 Seeing the 5 stars and the review I really need to read this book now! Thanks for the great review!
Jolene and Family says
Loved the review! Sounds like a series I really need to get started on
Gaby says
OMG I love the yellow goldish color for the background of the book 🙂
Amy S. says
I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I too love the cover. I really love the gold colors.
Eli Yanti says
book 1 dan book 2 are great, i want it T_T
great review, can't wait to read this series 🙂
starryblue says
I haven't this book, but now I have to read it. Suzanne Young sounds like an incredible writer.
Amanda Ray says
I love stories/books that grab you and don't let go until you are finished with them! This sounds like a great read. Will add to my TBR list. Thanks for the great review!
missymyt says
This is on my TBR list! Can't wait to read it.
Steph says
This book sounds so interesting! I'm glad that you liked it so much. It's definitely on my TBR wishlist!
Lili says
I like that this book is on the shorter side. While I prefer longer books, it's nice to take a breather and read a shorter book every now and then. Shorter books can be absolutely amazing too! lol
Samantha Jean says
I really enjoyed reading A Need So Beautiful, and actually liked the length. I don't care for super long reads because a lot of the time there is just too much info-dump or unnecessary scenes which should've/could've been cut in editing. This story had just enough of everything to give you an amazing story with twists to keep you engaged and the opening for a sequel which made you wish you already had the second book but didn't leave you cursing about the long wait.
fourheadjen says
I'm glad you enjoyed this book! It really is unique! And now, I must go and request A Want So Wicked, haha.
Madisonnnn ^__^ says
Hmm… this doesn't sound like the typical angel type book. I can't wait to read this when I have time – it sounds like a wonderful book 😀
Bookie Bee says
I am so glad you liked this book. I have been hearing great stuff about this and I have finally added it to my TBR, thanks to you!
Crystal says
It's a wonderful book. I just finished the sequel A WANT SO WICKED and enjoyed it as well. Hope you like this book!
Raimy-rawr says
thanks for the great review! I really want to read this on but I have a feeling I may be waiting for a while cos I dont think it has a UK pub yet!
Natalie Aguirre says
Thanks for the review. I've heard great things about this and got an ARC. Can't wait to read it.