Im not sure what I expected when I first delved into this debut by Amy Plum, but whatever it was certainly wasnt this refreshingly romantic story. It reads like a fairytale; beautiful and magical that makes you wish you could fall into the world of Kate and Vincent. Very rarely has a debut novel so captured my adoration and attention the way Die For Me has.

When Kate arrives in Paris following the deaths of her parents, shes in a numbing freefall. It was painful to see the way she had so completely tucked into herself and was starting to shut down until Vincent. I think the romance of Kate and Vincent will go down as one of my favorite novel romances of all time if for no other reason than their love wasnt easy.

When Kate discovers Vincent is a revenant and what that entails, she actually walks away. It seems like authors are so quick to get to the romance nowadays that they forget the reality. The reality is most teenage girls wouldnt jump at the chance for a supernatural boyfriend. Most would be freaked as hell and would need a few weeks (as Kate does) to fully accept the implications of what that means. I love that while Kate was sweet and innocent she was also insecure and scared enough to admit that maybe she was in over her head. I love Amy Plum for letting the readers see that weakness.

Ive read dozens of paranormal romances and mostly the reaction to finding out ones significant other is not-so-human is either the immediate thats OK, I love you anyway even though weve only known each other for a few days or an initial hesitation only to be replaced by wondrous ardor the next chapter. Plum doesnt take the easy way out and her characters are all the richer for it.

No matter how epic the love, nor no matter how earth-shatteringly awesome the hero/heroine is, no story is complete without a dynamic cast of characters. Allow me to assure you that this book has that covered in spades. From Kates whimsical sister Georgia to Vincents enchanting kindred (I could seriously devour an entire series for each of these characters, and I may stage a riot if I dont see some Ambrose/Charlotte in the next book), there is never a dull moment to be found.

Plums time spent in France clearly shows as the novel is rife with lush description that literally puts you in the scene with the characters as they walk the Parisian streets. I could almost smell the buttery crescent rolls baking and the warm aroma of cappuccinos as I turned the page. Her in-depth knowledge adds an extra layer that is as fantastical as the lights of Paris.

In case you havent noticed, Ive fallen head-over-heels for this novel to the point where Ive already pre-ordered it. I recommend anyone reading this review go and do the same. I promise you wont regret it. I certainly dont.

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I listened to this on audiobook. The second book, Until I Die, has already released and the final book in the series, If I Should Die, is scheduled for a May 2013 release. It was a very well done paranormal book thats Parisian setting and creative take on zombies make it something special. While I loved the beginning of the book, I wasnt as enamoured with the ending.

Kate and her sister Georgia move to Paris to live with their grandparents after their parents are killed in a car crash. Kate is struggling with her grief and drifting around reading books in cafes when she meets Vincent. Vincent is beautiful and somehow different from everyone she knows. Her and Vincent start to spend time together, but then Vincents best friend is killed in front of Kate and Vincent doesnt seem to care. When Kate sees Vincents friend walking around the next day she suspects that Vincent and his friends arent as human as they seem.

I loved the idea behind the zombies in this book, it was fascinating and super creative. Basically Vincent and his family are Revenants. These are humans that die when sacrificing themselves in place of someone else, because of this sacrifice they rise as Revenants. The Revenants have an urge to sacrifice themselves to save humans. They do this over and over to help save humans lives. The rules behind how the Revenants work are interesting and really well done.

Kate makes an excellent and down to earth heroine. She is struggling with grief but doing her best to dig her way out. There are multiple places in this book where her sadness just about broke my heart. She really loves art so there is a lot of art-talk in this book.

Vincent is your typical super sensitive, yet dark and mysterious type. He is sensitive and romantic to the extreme. There were parts of the book where I felt that he was too perfect and so syrupy sweet that it was a little sickening. Still the romance between Kate and Vincent is touching and full of mutual respect; I really enjoyed it.

The setting is awesome. The whole book takes place in Paris. I loved hearing about the beautiful sights and it made me want to travel back there to find all the beautiful little nooks and crannies that Kate and Vincent found. I wish more YA paranormal books were set in international locations; they are just so fun to read and learn about.

The story focuses mostly on Kate discovering what Vincent is and how to deal with it than anything else. This is more of a mystery type book than an action-based one. Although, the Revenants do have enemies and there is a pretty well done fight scene between the two groups at one point in the book.

The book is well written and engaging. I ended up enjoying the beginning of the book more than the end. Plum did an excellent job of building and unfolding the mystery about Vincent. The ending where they fight the enemy Revenants felt a bit forced and rushed.

As you might imagine there is a heavy theme of death throughout the book; death is very prevalent in Kate and Vincents life. So those sensitive to the topic of death be warned.

Overall an excellent YA paranormal. This book presents a very creative take on zombies and I enjoyed it a lot. I also enjoyed the down to earth heroine, the sweet respect based relationship between Kate and Vincent, and the exotic Parisian setting. I enjoyed the beginning of the book more than the end, the ending felt a bit rushed. I cant wait to see what the next book holds for this truly bizarre couple. Highly recommended to those who love YA paranormal reads without cliched love triangles and insta-love.

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Unique and not stale. I am shocked that this isn't more popular than it should be. The descriptions in this book do exactly what a book is supposed to do, draw the reader away to another place. This sat on my night stand in a pile forever. Now I feel guilty that it had been buried and forgotten til I cleaned up. If read from a teen perspective this book is breathtaking and exciting.

Kate, a 16yr old, & her older sister Georgia lose their mother and father and are forced to move to Paris to live with their grand parents. While coping with her loss, Kate stumbles on a hidden world of immortals. Vincent is an immortal (zombie) that risks his life to save others. He sees Kate and falls instantly for her. But Kate struggles to accept immediately. The love story between these two is so sweet and emotional.

My biggest grief with this is the use of the word zombie. The author makes up everything else so well that I cringed everytime this word appeared on the page. The most exciting part of this book is the new world that it creates.

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*No Spoilers*

This book is like a Parisian fairy tale and, being a Francophile, I found this to be a Good Thing. Amy Plum conveys her love of this charming city so well that Paris becomes an integral part of the story -- the lovely bridges over the Seine, the smart cafes, those elegant buildings with black slate roofs, that distinctive smell while walking along the quay. Paris is not Every Town...it's the Enchanted Forest.

Kate & Vincent, then, are Sleeping Beauty & the Handsome Prince or Cinderella & Prince Charming or Buttercup & Wesley. The couple for whom we wish a Happily Ever After. The pair who must overcome obstacles (wicked step mothers and evil queens or pirates) to earn the right to be together. Kate & Vincent do this, and if Kate is a little reluctant at first to open herself up to love after losing her parents so very recently, well, it's understandable. And if Vincent is a bit too good to be true or too perfect, well, he's waited...a while, to find True Love & he's going to *dazzle* her.

Vincent's secret, which Kate uncovered fairly early & in a way that gave me goosebumps, is a doozy. Plum then turns your assumption on its head by *tweaking* things just a tad. In a good way. :) Can't say more without giving away what should be learned along side Kate.

* Vincent's buddies are likable & added to the story book feeling, think The Three Musketeers.
* Kate's grand-parents were sweet, but barely present in her life & they certainly had no impact on keeping Kate-the-orphan *safe* - another standard from folk tales.
* I found Kate's sister Georgia a nonentity until the end of the book, when a pivotal plot point revolves around her stubbornness and stupidity.

If you like your fairy tales sweet yet with a pinch of danger, international settings that make you want to buy a plane ticket and go there right now, your heroines plucky & your heroes handsome and honorable, then this tale is for you.

Grade 3 1/2 Stars

Two last points to mention:

Terrible first line -- Och, what were Plum and her editor thinking, allowing that awful line to remain?

GORGEOUS Cover! I'd like a print of it to frame, it's so pretty.

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