Review - Illuminated by Erica Orloff

Title and Author: Illuminated by Erica Orloff

Publisher: Speak

Publication Date: December 9th, 2011

Paperback/Hardcover: 256

Genre: Young Adult 

 

Summary:

An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history

Review:

The cover of this book was the first thing that caught my attention. I really liked it and I thought the whole premise was interesting.
When Callie’s uncle finds an illuminated manuscript with a hidden message, they decide to track the story of the manuscript and end up stumbling into the story of one of history’s most well-known star-crossed lovers.
I actually liked the main character, Callie and thought she was quite smart, trustworthy and likeable. I also really liked he uncle. He was a great secondary character that brought a lot to the story.
August was another character I liked. He’s very smart as well, kind and sexy.
I do think there could have been a little more character development, though, and I would have liked if the romance between Callie and August hadn’t been so instantaneous. I still liked them as a couple, though; I just would have liked their relationship to develop more slowly.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the manuscript they find and the fact that the story between Heloise and Abelard is a real one. This is a short book, though, so I knew things would develop quickly.
All in all, Illuminated is an interesting book with a good story. There’s adventure, a little mystery and romance with a slight paranormal element in there.
If you like a little bit of history mixed with mystery and romance I think you might enjoy this book. It was definitely able to keep me entertained.

Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)

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Author Interview - Erica Orloff

Erica Orloff was kind enough to answer a few of my questions. I hope you enjoy this interview.

1 – Tell us a little bit about you.
I’m a full-time writer/book editor. I’m a native New Yorker, transplanted to Virginia. I still miss the bagels. :)  I’m a mom of four from an adult daughter down to a 6-year-old Pirate Boy. Both my parents live with me—so we are a truly three-generation household. In my non-existent free time—and I do mean non-existent—I like to knit, read, play poker, and feed the ducks with the little Pirate Boy.

 

2 - Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, when did you decide you wanted to write?
I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, though I went through the whole animal-lover/want to be a veterinarian thing when I was a teen.

 

3 – I really liked Illuminated. How did you come up with the idea of writing a book revolving around an illuminated manuscript and a celebrated couple?
I think illuminated manuscripts are beautiful, and when I did some research on palimpsests (hidden texts beneath texts), I loved the metaphor. It’s the idea of whether or not we can ever really know someone’s secrets.

 

4 – Have you always been interested in history and its mysteries?
I have. I am a total geek about learning one little factoid in history and then next thing you know I’ve spent hours researching and reading about it. I write middle-grade fiction as Erica Kirov, and the Magickeepers series blends real historical figures with my fictional ones.

 

5 – Of all your characters, which one was the hardest to write?
I rewrote the father once or twice—Callie’s father. I wanted to show how someone could seem so   . . . awful or unkind, but that in some ways, he was also misunderstood.

 

6 - What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about writing? And what about the least rewarding?
I love hearing from readers. When writing for middle grade kids, especially, they are so excited and enthusiastic. I also love that “shiny new manuscript” moment, when you are starting a book and anything is possible. I don’t know what I don’t like except that occasional book signing that goes over like a lead balloon. Though most of mine have been a lot of fun.

 

7- What author or authors have influenced you the most?
I started out as a comedy writer—wrote chick lit titles for Red Dress Ink. So my work has always been fairly dialogue driven. Consequently, I love Elmore Leonard. Also like Neil Gaiman. I am in awe of Margaret Atwood.

 

8 – Are you working on a new book right now? If yes, what can you tell us about it?
I am. But the announcement is about three weeks away (waiting for the counter-signed contracts. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter so you can see when I announce it!  But suffice it to say, I am SUPER excited because it has a very unusual concept.

 

9 – Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
Just that I’ve appreciated hearing from my chick lit readers who then bought my Magickeepers series or vice versa, my Magickeepers moms who have now bought Illuminated or other books of mine. I just am grateful for reader support over the years.

Thank you for the interview!

You can find Erica Orloff at:

Official Website

Twitter