If I Should Die

If I Should Die (Die for Me #3)

by Amy Plum 

3.5 stars

405 pages

Published May 7, 2013, by HarperTeen

A satisfying, if predictable, ending to a well-done trilogy.

Classic themes of redemption and good conquering evil encapsulated in good writing and a sweet love story. And some awesome mortal combat! What could be better?

The reason for the 3.5 stars is because the Champion could have been more Champion-y. Better, stronger, more powers, etc. But the champion, when it shows up, is just like any other revenant, except for some pumped-up "perception," which is cool, but just not enough. I wanted a super superhero!

There were some loose ends, too, that were not tied up at the end. Some characters were left with unresolved stuff.

Also, I dropped stars for teen sex. Teens have enough to worry about in this era. They don't need to be thinking sex is all OK, then getting pregnant.

Now I'll remove myself from my moral soapbox.

I am glad that I read this trilogy. It was satisfying and original and had all the elements of a good YA book. I can recommend!

Until I Die

Until I Die (Die for Me #2)

by Amy Plum

4 stars

353 pages

Published May 8, 2012, by HarperCollins Publishers 

 I am so happy! I just read a fantastic sequel! Yay!

I always pick up a sequel with a bit of hesitation because many, many times I am bitterly disappointed in Book #2 or #3 after a wonderful Book #1. (a.k.a. Hunger Games)
In this sequel, we learn more about revenant lore and legend. We meet Violette and Arthur - two revenants from the 16th century who are the "experts" on numa. And Kate is learning how to fight. I love a good fightin' girl.
The focus isn't so much on the looooove between Kate and Vincent - but the goal of making the relationship last.
Pacing was fast. Fight scenes well choreographed and easy to follow. And characters are further fleshed out. Everything a good sequel should have.
I can't wait to pick up #3 in the "Die for Me" series!

Die for Me

Die for Me (Die for Me #1)

by Amy Plum

4 stars

341 pages 

Published May 10th 2011 by HarperTeen

Another love-at-first-sight YA paranormal story. You'd think I'd get tired of them, right? But it's amazing what good writing and a healthy dose of drama and action can do for you. It's addicting.

This book introduces a new kind of "paranormal": revenants. There are good revenants and bad revenants. I've heard of "bad" revenants, but never of "good" revenants, so props to Amy Plum for introducing me to that. And our human heroine (she's 16 years old) falls in love with a good one ... who is technically waaaaay older than her, which is kind of "ew." But whatever, I can overlook that.

Also, it seems like all the characters in YA fiction are fabulously wealthy and are hotness personified. Just once, I'd like the hero/love interest to be dirt poor and normal looking. THAT would be an interesting story.

Anyway, I'm ignoring that and focusing on the imaginative premise. Which I really like. It's very clever how she invented a whole way of life for these undead people. She gives new meaning to the phrase "dead to the world."

Although I enjoyed the book quite a lot, a bit more action and less "lovey mush" would be nice. Maybe the next books will focus more on the action, since the "lovey mush" has been established. And I would like to know why Jules is all stalker-y.

I'll be reading the next in the series - I hope it's as good as this one.