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Caster Chronicles #1-3
Beautiful Creatures
There were no surprises in Gatlin County. At least, that's what I thought. Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations.
Mysterious, suspenseful, and romantic, Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, and Beautiful Chaos introduce a secret world hidden in plain sight. A world where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen. Sometimes life-ending.
This stunning paperback set makes the perfect gift for fans of this bestselling Southern gothic romance.
Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations.
Mysterious, suspenseful, and romantic, Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, and Beautiful Chaos introduce a secret world hidden in plain sight. A world where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen. Sometimes life-ending.
This stunning paperback set makes the perfect gift for fans of this bestselling Southern gothic romance.
1616 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2011
41 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Kami Garcia
112 books17.4k followersKami Garcia is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. She is the coauthor of the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES series, which has been published in 51 countries and 37 languages, with over 10 million copies in print. In 2013, Beautiful Creatures released as a feature film from Warner Brothers. Kami is a cofounder of the YALLFEST kid lit book festival and the author of five solo novels, including her Bram Stoker Award-nominated novels Unbreakable and Unmarked (THE LEGION series) and The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos. Kami’s first graphic novel Teen Titans: Raven, with artist Gabriel Picolo, is the first book in her TEEN TITANS series for DC Comics and the adult series JOKER/HARLEY: CRIMINAL SANITY, from DC Black Label.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 11, 2021
First book - 3 stars
Second book - 4 stars
Third book - 3 stars
Second book - 4 stars
Third book - 3 stars
September 4, 2020
I really liked the first book in the series but the second and the third book in the series disappointed me. There were so many plot holes. Pacing was inconsistent and overall, I found myself getting bored reading the second and third books.
Beautiful Creatures - 4 stars
Beautiful Darkness - 2 stars
Beautiful Chaos - 2 stars
Beautiful Creatures - 4 stars
Beautiful Darkness - 2 stars
Beautiful Chaos - 2 stars
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January 26, 2012AMAZING!!!
July 13, 2020
Check out my reviews on the main page of each individual book!
July 7, 2013
The only character in this book series that I liked was Link, a supportive character and best friend to the main character, Ethan. The doomed teenage would-be lovers Ethan and Lena were boring and vapid. I noticed a theme throughout all 3 books that the characters would be trying to solve a mystery or problem with information they already had. They'd have an "aha" moment and just review the old information and somehow have the answer. Many solutions to problems were similar to hour-long TV crime shows where you know within the last 10 minutes, the crime will be solved and someone will confess. To quote Amma, if I had a dime for every time a secondary character popped up at the last moment to save the day for Ethan and/or Lena, I'd live in a castle.
30% of each book covers high school experiences, such as walking down a hallway, answering questions in class, dealing with a school bully, or wondering what's for lunch in the cafeteria.
And FYI, if every time I kissed my boyfriend I felt a burning sensation, I'd have to make us both appointments at the doctor. Don't think I missed the symbolism there-- a warning to young readers to not have sex and to remain pure.
I wasted my 4th of July weekend and countless hours reading to finish this series. The only good thing about this book series is that I borrowed it from a friend, which means I didn't spend $29.00 to buy the collection. I wonder if the movie is better...
30% of each book covers high school experiences, such as walking down a hallway, answering questions in class, dealing with a school bully, or wondering what's for lunch in the cafeteria.
And FYI, if every time I kissed my boyfriend I felt a burning sensation, I'd have to make us both appointments at the doctor. Don't think I missed the symbolism there-- a warning to young readers to not have sex and to remain pure.
I wasted my 4th of July weekend and countless hours reading to finish this series. The only good thing about this book series is that I borrowed it from a friend, which means I didn't spend $29.00 to buy the collection. I wonder if the movie is better...
March 15, 2013
This is the next "Twilight" series in my opinion. I felt this entire series, from Beautiful Creatures through Beautiful Redemption . I could not put any of these books down...nor did I want to!! I absolutely enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait to read the next and the next. I actually ordered the new paperback (Beautiful Redemption) from the UK, as it had not yet been released in that format in the US. I think it is definitely a good Young Adult book, but I am a 37-year-old mother and LOVED it! I really don't think there are many age boundaries. I loved that the story drew me inside it. I felt like I could've been there experiencing this with each of these high school kids. I think the authors did an amazing job creating something original, heart warming, thoughtful, and extremely entertaining without having to try too hard.
July 12, 2019
Beautiful creatures
The twist and turns in this book are amazing you won't believe the ending its action packed and page turning for sure.
Beautiful darkness
It's the seventeenth moon full of chaos and a choices. They add a member to the group, but who knows if she stays. They add a hybrid to the mix or maybe it will be two. The whole gang changes at the end of the book. All the old ties are figured out and Lena makes her claiming choice or dose she???
Beautiful choas
This book is a slow start, but the cliff hanger holy wow. The whole town is shook up after the order is split thanks Lena. The cliff hanger made me want to cry I can't wait to finish this series with book 4.
The twist and turns in this book are amazing you won't believe the ending its action packed and page turning for sure.
Beautiful darkness
It's the seventeenth moon full of chaos and a choices. They add a member to the group, but who knows if she stays. They add a hybrid to the mix or maybe it will be two. The whole gang changes at the end of the book. All the old ties are figured out and Lena makes her claiming choice or dose she???
Beautiful choas
This book is a slow start, but the cliff hanger holy wow. The whole town is shook up after the order is split thanks Lena. The cliff hanger made me want to cry I can't wait to finish this series with book 4.
June 6, 2023
It’s been a while since I read this series but I absolutely loved it. Being a southern girl, it particularly hit my heart with the locations and even names of the characters (Macon is a town not too far from me lol). The story was great and each character well developed. I have yet to find another YA series I enjoyed more than this one.
October 20, 2024
A supernatural series centered on Ethan Wate, a teenager in the small Southern town of Gatlin. His life changes when he meets Lena Duchannes, a mysterious girl with magical powers. As their bond deepens, Ethan is drawn into Lena’s family’s world of powerful Casters—witches who face a curse that could turn Lena toward darkness.
November 30, 2016
Did these as audio and I must say it was one of my favorite narrators to date. I have since read other books by the same narrator and want more still. Also, the sound effects ROCKED, when windows shattered, you heard a window shatter, it was awesome.
March 4, 2013
Just finished the Caster Chronicles. Done and done. Overall, the writing was great, the story was fantastic and I highly recommend this series.
When I first started the series, Beautiful Creatures, I was enthralled. I kept urging my non-fiction reading honey pie to have a listen to Beautiful Creatures. The language is rich, vivid and evocative. I listened to it via Audible and the narration was fantastic. The worlds and creatures, people and places were unique and believable. I liked it that the authors wove the story around historical events (the civil war), veered away from the usual vamps and weres and took the paranormal in new directions, steeped in the South.
I had to slog through Book II, Beautiful Darkness. It got off to a slow start, was good enough to keep my attention, but seemed to stumble a bit. In fact, while I remember bits and pieces of it, nothing lasting sticks in my mind. Still, I had to keep going and finish with Beautiful Chaos.
I read and relaxed with Chaos through the intense stressors of daily life, of which there were many, and the excitement of a long planned scuba dive trip. Like the first book, I was again enthralled with the rich language and the narrators well-done characterizations. The characters were known and beloved to me. The story zipped along, worlds fell apart and sorrow reigned. Still, a thread of hope and love simmered along the pages.
When it got to the end, I couldn't believe the direction the authors took the story. It was poignant, it was sorrowful, I felt outraged, I felt hopeful, I felt angry, but in the end I was left with the satisfaction of a well-written book that did not follow formulaic patterns - that's my kind of book. Were it not for Book II I would have given the whole series 5 stars.
That said, I just noticed that another book follows - Beautiful Redemption. While I might get around to reading it, I think I'm pretty sated with Beautiful at this moment.
When I first started the series, Beautiful Creatures, I was enthralled. I kept urging my non-fiction reading honey pie to have a listen to Beautiful Creatures. The language is rich, vivid and evocative. I listened to it via Audible and the narration was fantastic. The worlds and creatures, people and places were unique and believable. I liked it that the authors wove the story around historical events (the civil war), veered away from the usual vamps and weres and took the paranormal in new directions, steeped in the South.
I had to slog through Book II, Beautiful Darkness. It got off to a slow start, was good enough to keep my attention, but seemed to stumble a bit. In fact, while I remember bits and pieces of it, nothing lasting sticks in my mind. Still, I had to keep going and finish with Beautiful Chaos.
I read and relaxed with Chaos through the intense stressors of daily life, of which there were many, and the excitement of a long planned scuba dive trip. Like the first book, I was again enthralled with the rich language and the narrators well-done characterizations. The characters were known and beloved to me. The story zipped along, worlds fell apart and sorrow reigned. Still, a thread of hope and love simmered along the pages.
When it got to the end, I couldn't believe the direction the authors took the story. It was poignant, it was sorrowful, I felt outraged, I felt hopeful, I felt angry, but in the end I was left with the satisfaction of a well-written book that did not follow formulaic patterns - that's my kind of book. Were it not for Book II I would have given the whole series 5 stars.
That said, I just noticed that another book follows - Beautiful Redemption. While I might get around to reading it, I think I'm pretty sated with Beautiful at this moment.
March 6, 2013
I was quite interested in the fact that two female authors had written romantic youthnovels from a boys perspective and view. Also, I'm generally interested in magic, fantasy, witches etc - so these books peaqued MY interest directly.
Sometimes I feel it's a bit boring, drawn out - childish. And sometimes it's absolutely great.
I also feel the authors sometimes get lost along the line - the 'red line' - but they soon catch up to it again; mostly.
There ARE better books in this genre - but I still liked them all, and I will continue reading them until they're completed. I gave the box with the latest three books 3stars because together they're good - BUT:
I feel - and this is my main problem with the books - that they drag it out waaay too long. And they're doing it with only ONE main problem/issue/pending choice. That's what they keep going at in every book - only in every book there's a new or several new smaller issues to be handled/clear/solve to be able to perhaps find a way to choose. That's what these books are about. Choosing.
And sure, I also at the same time LIKE the fact that they're trying to explain just how hard it can be to pick - to choose; and choose wisely and CORRECT.
For a young witch in a southern small, biggoted little town - I'm sure that is indeed - a problem.
But for three - four books??? With 2-300-ish pages in each?
- No.
But again - all in all a series worth reading.
The good sides win over the bad here - I love the series quirks and perks - all the special people. The characters. The setting.
Read them. :-)
Sometimes I feel it's a bit boring, drawn out - childish. And sometimes it's absolutely great.
I also feel the authors sometimes get lost along the line - the 'red line' - but they soon catch up to it again; mostly.
There ARE better books in this genre - but I still liked them all, and I will continue reading them until they're completed. I gave the box with the latest three books 3stars because together they're good - BUT:
I feel - and this is my main problem with the books - that they drag it out waaay too long. And they're doing it with only ONE main problem/issue/pending choice. That's what they keep going at in every book - only in every book there's a new or several new smaller issues to be handled/clear/solve to be able to perhaps find a way to choose. That's what these books are about. Choosing.
And sure, I also at the same time LIKE the fact that they're trying to explain just how hard it can be to pick - to choose; and choose wisely and CORRECT.
For a young witch in a southern small, biggoted little town - I'm sure that is indeed - a problem.
But for three - four books??? With 2-300-ish pages in each?
- No.
But again - all in all a series worth reading.
The good sides win over the bad here - I love the series quirks and perks - all the special people. The characters. The setting.
Read them. :-)
November 12, 2015
If you liked this then I am truly sorry for what I am about to write but...
It's not often I put a book on the not worth it shelf but yeah that's how I feel.
Maybe it's the writing style or... actually I have no Idea. I just couldn't get into it. At all. I bought the beautiful creatures and Beautiful Darkness books together and struggled through the first with many a times thinking I should just give up but once a book is opened there's no way I can put it down until the end and I don't even think I bothered with the second one. I might have done but who knows it had no impact what so ever and therefore I can not remember.
Sorry!!
Keep Reading
The Beautiful Creatures Paperback Set: Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos
It's not often I put a book on the not worth it shelf but yeah that's how I feel.
Maybe it's the writing style or... actually I have no Idea. I just couldn't get into it. At all. I bought the beautiful creatures and Beautiful Darkness books together and struggled through the first with many a times thinking I should just give up but once a book is opened there's no way I can put it down until the end and I don't even think I bothered with the second one. I might have done but who knows it had no impact what so ever and therefore I can not remember.
Sorry!!
Keep Reading
The Beautiful Creatures Paperback Set: Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos
June 24, 2013
I don't have the first 2 reviews, but I do have the review for the third book. Oh... and the rating is just the average of all 3 books.
Beautiful Chaos
Blog: http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-beautiful-chaos-by-kami-garcia-and-margaret-stohl.html
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/406032603
Beautiful Chaos
Blog: http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-beautiful-chaos-by-kami-garcia-and-margaret-stohl.html
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/406032603
Read
December 17, 2013Loved this YA supernatural series. Southern high school boy falls for teenage witch in a bewitching romance. Very down to earth and believable and lots of interesting southern social customs thrown in for believability. Hero has a hilarious side kick who physically shares in the adventure into the unseen spiritual realms that surround us. Of course, the local librarian is a key player. This was made into a summer movie which I did not see but I read this entire series. Easy read and unique take on this genre.
February 13, 2013
My daughter had me read this series along with her. I enjoyed them but they are different with their combination of fantasy and southern culture. I don't know if it's a cop out that Lena can't decide if she's good or bad or if it's a metaphor that there's good and bad inside everyone. I look forward to reading the last book to see what really happened to Ethan. I was surprised they are making the first book into a movie. Didn't know they were that popular.
July 23, 2013
For anyone who enjoys reading teen fantasy romance, this is a great series. Centered around the love story between a "Caster girl" and a "Mortal boy", this series offers a gripping narrative throughout. A feature that I in particular enjoyed, was references to other quotes and books by the book lovers within the story.
In a nutshell, if you have a taste for supernatural teen romance, Caster chronicles would not disappoint you!
In a nutshell, if you have a taste for supernatural teen romance, Caster chronicles would not disappoint you!
September 25, 2012
This series kept getting better and better...th love story between Lena and Ethan show the deep connection they have and the crazy passion that they share. I love the historical component and the imagery invoked from the menus, to the heat of the south, to the history embedded in the story line and the characters...Just Wonderful!
March 10, 2014
I read the first one with great ease and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I bought the second one. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get into the second one. It just wasn't as fluently written as the first one and I kind of lost interest only a few chapters in. I was extremely disappointed as I was really excited to find out the end of Ethan and Lena's story, but now I won't be able to. Disappointed.
January 5, 2015
awesome story line, just not very well put together. Ethan was much to feminine and it was way to emotional from a males point of view story.
over all though i did have to finish it to find out.
did want to shoot myself in the movie however.
absolutely horrid!
over all though i did have to finish it to find out.
did want to shoot myself in the movie however.
absolutely horrid!
April 14, 2012
Loved every second!
May 9, 2012
Haven't yet read the last :/
July 13, 2013
the first of the books was so amazing i finish it in 2 days, it was lunch and dinner practically. but then it became too much fantasy. Anyway, I did enjoy them all
October 17, 2012
Libros realmente muy bien escritos ,empezas a leer y no paras !!!!
February 18, 2013
A really great series!! The second book is kinda angsty but if you can get past that everything else is great!
Read
February 19, 2015A semi-entertaining book that was easy to read before bed. I finished #1 and it didn't have me dying to start #2 so I am going to take a break before starting it back up.
March 15, 2013
Great book. Now I want to read the whole series. Is nice to read from the normal teenage boy point of view as he date a magical girl with great powers. Very good.
March 17, 2013
I know, supernatural teen romance. At least there are female characters with real agency here. And it is so southern gothic.
March 17, 2013
Very interesting story:) good characters,interesting plot and magnificent story:)
March 30, 2013
Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews