"WATERFALL," by Lauren Kate, Delacorte Press, $18.99, 400 pages (f) (ages 14 and up)
"Waterfall," Lauren Kate’s sequel to "Teardrop," is a young adult romance that draws the reader into a fantasy world — one that exists on Earth. Kate uses strong similes and metaphors to create riveting descriptions of the heroine’s emotion-packed world while keeping the novel interesting for readers. The question is whether the emotions will save or destroy.
The novel continues where "Teardrop" concluded, with Eureka Boudreaux, and what remains of her loved ones, swimming across the ocean to Turkey.
In "Teardrop," Eureka, who is human, found out she is descended from Atlanteans and has powerful tears — a trait a heartbroken ancestor had that flooded the city of Atlantis, causing it to sink, and ultimately froze King Atlas for a thousand years.
In "Waterfall," the world is flooding with Eureka’s powerful tears — tears that could lead to the liberation or destruction of the world. There are those in Turkey who may have more answers and the knowledge necessary to defeat the wicked King Atlas of Atlantis.
However, once in Turkey, Eureka discovers more surprises that increase her inner struggle. While everyone knows Atlas can be destroyed, no one knows how Eureka will succeed without killing her best friend Brooks — for Atlas has completely possessed him. Her Atlantean heritage is darker than she realized.
She doubts her goodness and her ability to save those around her. She knows the power of her emotions, but she continues to suffer more loss, which makes controlling her feelings more difficult. Eureka struggles between these negative and positive emotions and how to use them to redeem herself and rescue the world. Indeed, the real danger may not be Atlas at all.
As "Waterfall" explores the complexity, power and necessity of emotions, it focuses on family and friends and the consequences that come with loving them as Kate delves into Eureka’s feelings on these issues. The thought patterns described are realistic and tangential as events bring back memories — all without distracting from the plot. While the writing is strong, some questions and reasons remain unanswered, perhaps to help readers resolve things for themselves.
"Teardrop" should be read before "Waterfall" for readers to understand the back story.
There is some physical violence, and while the descriptions are not explicit, there is imagery of mangled bodies and blood. There is also smoking and teen drinking. The physical romance does not go beyond French kissing and close contact. There is some swearing and crude name calling.
If you go ...
What: Lauren Kate book signing
When: Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, laurenkatebooks.net
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Also ...
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Where: Barnes and Noble, University Crossings Plaza, 330 E. 1300 South, Orem
Web: barnesandnoble.com
Katrina Hawkins is a graduate of Brigham Young University, a Utah native and a freelance writer. Her email is katrina.hawkins21@gmail.com.