Book Review: Thrall by Jennifer Quintenz

Thrall (Daughters of Lilith #1) by Jennifer Quintenz
Genre: Young Adult (Paranorma Romance)
Date Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Secret Tree Press

Braedyn is a normal girl just trying to survive high school with her two devoted friends, Royal and Cassie. Together they’re doing a pretty good job of shrugging off the slings and arrows cast their way by the popular crowd when a new boy, Lucas, moves into the house next door. Suddenly Braedyn finds herself falling in love for the first time.

But as her sixteenth birthday approaches, Braedyn discovers humankind is at war with the Lilitu, an ancient race of enticing demons that prey on human souls. Her father is a member of the Guard fighting against the Lilitu - and so are the new neighbors, including her crush, Lucas. 

As her world starts to unravel at the seams, Braedyn learns the right answers aren’t always clear or easy. And as for “good” and “evil” – it all depends on how we choose to act.

Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian myths of Lilith and her offspring, Thrall explores first love, strong friendships, and taking on adult responsibilities against the backdrop of powerful supernatural forces and life-and-death stakes.

Thrall is the first book in the Daughters of Lilith series by Jennifer Quintenz. From the first few pages, I was quickly swept up into Braedyn's world. There is a massive struggle between good and evil within this book, sometimes within the same person. I thought Braedyn was a wonderful character. She's loyal, smart, witty, and has a strong sense of family. She has a lot thrown at her, and she handles herself well. She's a strong character worth rooting for. The story is told from her point of view, and through her eyes, you can see the battles each of the characters are fighting not just on the outside, but within themselves as well. I enjoyed how these characters had so much depth. The story in general had a lot of depth to it. The romance is forbidden and potentially dangerous, which always adds a little something extra in my opinion. The book is fast paced and thoroughly kept my attention. Thrall definitely kept things interesting. I love how the author weaved in some mythology and made it her own. I'm really looking forward to this series, and I can't wait to read more!

Thrall by Jennifer Quintenz was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

“Without another word he slid toward me, slipped his arms around me, and drew me forward into a kiss. Our lips met and the jolt of electricity I felt in my stomach dwarfed every kiss I'd imagined us having. My willpower broke, swept away by the force of my feelings. For one moment, nothing was real beyond that kiss.” 

I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My childhood hobbies included writing and illustrating stories, and by the time I left for college I had a stack of hand-made books over two feet tall.

At UNC-Chapel Hill I majored in English and studio art, but spent most of my time in the Lab! – UNC’s awesome and prolific black-box theater. After college I moved to Los Angeles and earned my MFA in film and television production from USC.

I have worked as a television writer, author, and graphic novelist. I’ve written for Twentieth Television, Intrepid Pictures, and Archaia Studios Press. I currently live in Los Angeles with my husband, son, and two wily cats.

Thrall is my first novel.

To learn more about Jennifer Quintenz and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.