Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Page Count: 288 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
* Spoiler Alert: This book is part two in a series. If you haven't read the first book, this review may contain spoilers *
Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is.If A Need So Beautiful is a look into the purity of good, than A Want So Wicked opens our eyes to the damaging effects that evil has. A Want So Wicked is from Elise's point of view (not Charlotte's,) and we learn more about Onika and her past which is definitely something I enjoyed. I loved A Need So Beautiful, but A Want So Wicked tore me up inside; there's a depth of emotion to this story that was a bit lacking in ANSB. It was heartbreaking watching Elise's life shatter and piece itself back together as she realizes who she truly is.
After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose effect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.
Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really?
Elise's definitely a different character from Charlotte, but I still found myself drawn to her. Also, Harin is back and hotter than ever! I really fell in love with him a second time around. There's a new love interest named Abe who was positively charming in the beginning until I realized he was actually very creepy. There was something really off about him that I didn't quite understand. I think the most interesting part for me is the connection I saw between Elise and Charlotte. While Elise has her own personality, there were qualities about her that reminded me of Charlotte and I loved how Young combined the two girls into one cohesive character.
The story line itself was pretty similar, but still different enough to keep me interested. I loved learning more about Onika and how/why she became a shadow. There's a lot more backstory given in A Want So Wicked that helped piece a lot of things together. The plot was really unpredictable, I completely did NOT see that ending coming!!! I'm really hoping there will be another book in this series to tie things together, I can't wait to see what's going to happen to Elise and Harlin!!
If you haven't already picked up this series, I definitely recommend it. Just make sure you read A Need So Beautiful first!!! Overall, I really loved A Want So Wicked much more than ANSB. I'm always a fan of the darker side, so getting to see that made everything much more enjoyable. The characters are as amazing as ever, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next! Fans of angels, demons, romance, and intrigue will want to pick this one up!!