Feature Friday ARC Review : Behold the Bones by Natalie C. Parker

*Feature Friday ARC Review is a meme hosted by The Tattered Page to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them.*

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperTeen 

Publication date: February 23, 2016

Pages: 368

Source: ARC

The Story:

A haunting, chilling, and atmospheric southern swamp tale—perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver.

In this companion to Beware the Wild, the book New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White called “American myth at its very best,” Natalie C. Parker takes readers on a journey back to an eerie Louisiana swamp town.

Candace “Candy” Pickens has been obsessed with the swamp lore of her tiny Louisiana town for . . . forever. Name any ghostly swamp figure and Candy will recite the entire tale in a way that will curl your toes and send chills up your spine.

That doesn’t mean Candy’s a believer, however. But with swamp haunts appearing in town every day, a suspicious new family in town, and her own mind starting to betray her, Candy must come to terms with the one piece of swamp lore she’s never heard before. It’s a tale that’s more truth than myth, and may hold all the answers . . . and its roots are in Candy’s own family tree.

- via Amazon

Rating: 

My Review: 

Tag Line:

The most dangerous curse is the one that lies within.

Opening Line:

Grandpa Craven kicked it the day I was born.

Plot:

The premise of Behold the Bones was something different than what I tend to read and very intriguing. I could not put the book down! For as long as the Cravens could traced back on their family tree, they have been cursed. When one Craven was born, one must die. The Craven Curse. An unforgettable curse, when Candy had the yearly reminder of her beloved grandfather's death. A curse with a great personal consequences to Candy when she received devastating news about her future, discovers a strange connection to a mystery cherry blossom tree in the swamp and hauntings were being reported all over town as the towns folklore came to life as ghosts. To make matters worse . . . Candy could make the ghosts go away. And she was caught on camera. The last thing she wanted was to be the star of a reality ghost TV show. Escape the Craven family curse and the small life in Sticks, Louisiana were the only plans she had on her radar.

Without thinking, I jump to my feet and hold up my hands. "Mad Mary Sweet!" I cry. "Stop!"

But, of course, she doesn't stop. Shrieking, she rushes straight into my hands. She's cold. so cold against my skin, but then she vanishes like fog. - page 131

The setting  of Behold the Bones was real, the story took place in Louisiana -- I felt transported. The characters were alive and had a great dynamic. The pacing was just right for the story. The story did not feel rushed or draggy. I absolutely loved Parker's style of writing! The Southern colloquiums were so authentic and this was the first time I have read a story set in the south. I actually felt as if I were in the south with the characters (Beautiful Creatures was also one had real southern air). 

Heath urges caution, saying "Maybe we shouldn't," but I wave him off. Girls can get away with more rudeness than boys. So long as I remember to use wide eyes if I get stopped, we won't catch much trouble. - page 74.

All in all, I recommend Behold the Bones with great enthusiasm! Parker's first novel, Beware the Wild has been expressed to my Wishlist.

Character Breakdown:

Candace "Candy" Pickens - Her character was definitely my favorite. She was real, fiesta and a "take names" sort of character.

Notable Quote:

"Nice to see you, too, Candy," he answers. You can always tell a decent boy from a dangerous one by the trail of their eyes cut during conversation. Heath's eyes are unwavering, they promise stability and honesty and roses on Valentine's. - page 70

Meet the Author:

Natalie C. Parker grew up in a navy family in which having adventures was as common as reading fairy tales. Though the roots of her family are buried deep in southern Mississippi, she currently lives in Kansas with her partner in a house of monsters. Beware the Wild is her first novel. 

***Check out Natalie C. Parker's website for more information about her and Behold the Bones: HERE

Happy Reading!