Lenni Reviews: Wildalone by Krassi Zourkova

College freshman, Thea Slavin has just come to Princeton to study music from Bulgaria. A genius with the piano, she is quickly overwhelmed trying to fit in and keep up with her furious schedule of study and practice, as well as a brooding boy; Rhys, relentlessly pursuing her. Not only him but his brother, Jake is also interested in her. Between the boys, the piano, and the school, a family secret also emerges and Thea must ensure she doesn't let past mistake jeopardize her future.

This story is beautifully told. The prose is twisting and smooth, like Zourkova is casting a spell on you. However, a good chunk of this book felt like it could have been cut. There were so many scenes where, at the end of them, I didn't feel like I got anywhere in the story. By the end I was satisfied, I loved how reality and myth and magic all collide, the romance bits were OK, and Thea is an interesting person you can sympathize with. But it's a long slog to get through. 

Over all, this book is meandering but beautiful. If you like a slightly mature love story like Twilight with more depth and a more likable heroine,Wildalone is a good choice.

Can't get enough of Lenni's writing? See more here.