What do you think?
Rate this book
Beautiful Decay
Ellie Miller has always needed her space. Literally. With a touch that rots whatever she encounters, Ellie must keep people at a distance for their own good. Not that her classmates are itching to be best friends with the "freak" of the high school.
So when newcomer Nate MacPherson makes it his mission to get close to her, Ellie has her suspicions. But when he identifies her as a viviomancer who can work the forces of life and reveals himself to be a necromancer who can manipulate death, Ellie finds herself trusting Nate and the romance that is blossoming between them. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they will need more than their abilities to keep a zombie mom and a conglomerate of evil-doing supernaturals under control.
After spending her life pushing everyone away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her power and willingness to let people get close to her may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
So when newcomer Nate MacPherson makes it his mission to get close to her, Ellie has her suspicions. But when he identifies her as a viviomancer who can work the forces of life and reveals himself to be a necromancer who can manipulate death, Ellie finds herself trusting Nate and the romance that is blossoming between them. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they will need more than their abilities to keep a zombie mom and a conglomerate of evil-doing supernaturals under control.
After spending her life pushing everyone away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her power and willingness to let people get close to her may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
17 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 5, 2015
I hated the ending but this was beautiful book and I absolutely loved it.
Review to come.
Review to come.
January 20, 2021
This is a book I found last year while checking out Amazon paperback deals. It was cheap, sounded very interesting, and I love the title!
Ellie lives an isolated, lonely life and everyone at school calls her a freak. Even her parents are uncomfortable around her because her touch rots anything she touches.
She wears gloves all the time, her only friend is online, and although Ellie's smart she isn't looking forward to much of a future. Until she meets the new kid in school. Nate has his own condition and as their friendship intensifies, Ellie realises she's not the only freaky person in town...
Wow. I didn't expect to enjoy such an unknown book SO much. It was awesome! I shouldn't be surprised because a lot of great titles slip under the radar, so I'm really glad I found this one.
I was very curious about this book since it arrived and moving it up to the top of my TBR pile was a great idea. The supernatural angle was dark and so fascinating. It was delivered in a very organic way and also took a very unexpected turn I didn't expect.
What starts out as a story about a shunned girl with a rotten curse everyone avoids, soon becomes the tale of two online friends, before shifting to her finding her first true friend in the boy in school. BUT, before you get comfortable with all of that, the supernatural twist hits and you realise the boy has even more secrets than the girl. And that while Nate's condition makes him a little temperamental, there's a real emotional connection between these two. And this is before you find out the secret he's keeping at home! 👀
Yep. This story is packed full of so much awesome stuff, and Ellie's such a wholesome narrator--though she has so many reasons to not be--that I couldn't help falling deeply into her antiseptic, loveless life as she discovers the true sense of mutual caring. As she slowly learns she does in fact deserve love and respect.
I also really liked Mackenzie because she was cool, understanding and fun. Not to mention has her own very interesting story.
The worst characters in this book were the parents. They were awful and kept the secrets they had no right to keep quiet. But it was refreshing to see adults behaving like the assholes some can be to their own children.
This is a great YA supernatural story with some great ideas and some fantastic imagery. Loved it! 🌱
Ellie lives an isolated, lonely life and everyone at school calls her a freak. Even her parents are uncomfortable around her because her touch rots anything she touches.
She wears gloves all the time, her only friend is online, and although Ellie's smart she isn't looking forward to much of a future. Until she meets the new kid in school. Nate has his own condition and as their friendship intensifies, Ellie realises she's not the only freaky person in town...
Wow. I didn't expect to enjoy such an unknown book SO much. It was awesome! I shouldn't be surprised because a lot of great titles slip under the radar, so I'm really glad I found this one.
I was very curious about this book since it arrived and moving it up to the top of my TBR pile was a great idea. The supernatural angle was dark and so fascinating. It was delivered in a very organic way and also took a very unexpected turn I didn't expect.
What starts out as a story about a shunned girl with a rotten curse everyone avoids, soon becomes the tale of two online friends, before shifting to her finding her first true friend in the boy in school. BUT, before you get comfortable with all of that, the supernatural twist hits and you realise the boy has even more secrets than the girl. And that while Nate's condition makes him a little temperamental, there's a real emotional connection between these two. And this is before you find out the secret he's keeping at home! 👀
Yep. This story is packed full of so much awesome stuff, and Ellie's such a wholesome narrator--though she has so many reasons to not be--that I couldn't help falling deeply into her antiseptic, loveless life as she discovers the true sense of mutual caring. As she slowly learns she does in fact deserve love and respect.
I also really liked Mackenzie because she was cool, understanding and fun. Not to mention has her own very interesting story.
The worst characters in this book were the parents. They were awful and kept the secrets they had no right to keep quiet. But it was refreshing to see adults behaving like the assholes some can be to their own children.
This is a great YA supernatural story with some great ideas and some fantastic imagery. Loved it! 🌱
April 22, 2013
Big thanks to Running Press for the giveaway! :)
With a touch that rots, Ellie Miller keeps a safe distance from people. Both for their safety and her own comfort. But then Nate MacPherson comes to town and makes it a priority to get close to Ellie. Terrified she might hurt him, she does the only thing she knows to do, turn the other way. But when Nate shows Ellie an ability of his own, she sees someone who could accept her for her. But is she willing to let him get close?
I was excited about this one. I honestly was. This was an amazing book. It really was.
I liked Ellie. Her attitude kind of matches my own. Sarcastic with a potty mouth to go along with it.
Nate was a cutie. He was sweet and I just wanted to yell at Ellie for being rude to him. I mean its one thing if he doesn't know about your "condition" but its totally another thing when he calls it an "ability." The least you could do is say "hey, what do you mean ability?" See? Not that hard, Ellie. Anyway. He was sweet and...and....protective. Very protective.
I absolutely adored Mackenzie. She was all out there. I just loved her. She's the really good friend that'll drive three states away just to help out. Yeah.
I think the only thing that really truly bothered me about this book is that Ellie didn't call her parents to let them know what the fuck was going on. I mean damn. Pick up a phone and say "Hey, mom, going to a different state for a while. Talk to you later." Not. That. Fucking. Hard!
And I refuse to call Nate's mom a zombie. It seems like that term is being misused a lot now a days. Thank you Warm Bodies for fucking that up. Anyway, while Nate's mom does bite and attack she isn't completely a zombie because she fucking TALKS!! So she's more or less the walking talking dead being kept "alive" by Nate with his...ability. And she has reasoning power, which zombies don't have. So yeah, no zombie here. Okay so yeah, I realize I'm going overboard with the zombie thing but it seems necessary.
Anyway, the ending was perfect. I loved it. Will there be another book, there doesn't need to be one, but hey, more power to ya Sylvia.
All in all, this was a great read and when it comes out you people should buy this and read it. It's really good. Enjoy!
With a touch that rots, Ellie Miller keeps a safe distance from people. Both for their safety and her own comfort. But then Nate MacPherson comes to town and makes it a priority to get close to Ellie. Terrified she might hurt him, she does the only thing she knows to do, turn the other way. But when Nate shows Ellie an ability of his own, she sees someone who could accept her for her. But is she willing to let him get close?
I was excited about this one. I honestly was. This was an amazing book. It really was.
I liked Ellie. Her attitude kind of matches my own. Sarcastic with a potty mouth to go along with it.
Nate was a cutie. He was sweet and I just wanted to yell at Ellie for being rude to him. I mean its one thing if he doesn't know about your "condition" but its totally another thing when he calls it an "ability." The least you could do is say "hey, what do you mean ability?" See? Not that hard, Ellie. Anyway. He was sweet and...and....protective. Very protective.
I absolutely adored Mackenzie. She was all out there. I just loved her. She's the really good friend that'll drive three states away just to help out. Yeah.
I think the only thing that really truly bothered me about this book is that Ellie didn't call her parents to let them know what the fuck was going on. I mean damn. Pick up a phone and say "Hey, mom, going to a different state for a while. Talk to you later." Not. That. Fucking. Hard!
And I refuse to call Nate's mom a zombie. It seems like that term is being misused a lot now a days. Thank you Warm Bodies for fucking that up. Anyway, while Nate's mom does bite and attack she isn't completely a zombie because she fucking TALKS!! So she's more or less the walking talking dead being kept "alive" by Nate with his...ability. And she has reasoning power, which zombies don't have. So yeah, no zombie here. Okay so yeah, I realize I'm going overboard with the zombie thing but it seems necessary.
Anyway, the ending was perfect. I loved it. Will there be another book, there doesn't need to be one, but hey, more power to ya Sylvia.
All in all, this was a great read and when it comes out you people should buy this and read it. It's really good. Enjoy!
December 30, 2013
Ok, here's the thing. I really want to like this book. And I think that I could have liked this book. But I had some issues. Potentially spoilery things may happen below.
First off, I didn't buy the Nate/Ellie thing. They just didn't interact enough for me to really grab on to this deep connection they had. I understood where it was supposed to come from, since they have this very unique and important thing in common, and they go through a couple things together, but I just... wasn't feelin' it.
Second off, I wanted to know so much more about the whole viviomancer/necromancer thing, and what that actually meant. I wanted to know more about Audra, more about Nate's father, more about Nate's mother. I wanted more than three pages of really vague and uninformative exposition from Nate. I wanted all of the stupid significance about Ellie's grandmother to have SOME SIGNIFICANCE AND NOT MEAN NOTHING ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I wanted so much more, because that's where the meat of this story is, that's what makes it unique; not talking about HP fic with Mackenzie (whose power is the coolest, and I loved her so much).
Third off, the ending did nothing for me. It was so rushed, and there was so much happening, and then it just ended with a really shoved-down-your-throat kind of "This is the major theme!!!!" type of thing; not my favorite. Were we trying to set up for a sequel? I think it needed more things left untied. But there also wasn't enough resolution to make me feel ok with just leaving these characters be. Nate's an orphan, and the two of them are just leaving? What are three 17 year olds going to do together?
But really the grandmother thing got me the most. It was that stupid comet-shaped birth mark all over again.
The writing was fine; there was too much swearing for my taste (which, you know, is saying something), just because it took the power out of the moments where profanity really should have emphasized the passion of the statement. I wanted to know more about Ellie's childhood, and get a little bit more from her parents/ANY ADULT FIGURE besides complete and udder failure, irresponsibility, and absence. It's like Skins. We need good adult figures in YA too, people.
First off, I didn't buy the Nate/Ellie thing. They just didn't interact enough for me to really grab on to this deep connection they had. I understood where it was supposed to come from, since they have this very unique and important thing in common, and they go through a couple things together, but I just... wasn't feelin' it.
Second off, I wanted to know so much more about the whole viviomancer/necromancer thing, and what that actually meant. I wanted to know more about Audra, more about Nate's father, more about Nate's mother. I wanted more than three pages of really vague and uninformative exposition from Nate. I wanted all of the stupid significance about Ellie's grandmother to have SOME SIGNIFICANCE AND NOT MEAN NOTHING ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I wanted so much more, because that's where the meat of this story is, that's what makes it unique; not talking about HP fic with Mackenzie (whose power is the coolest, and I loved her so much).
Third off, the ending did nothing for me. It was so rushed, and there was so much happening, and then it just ended with a really shoved-down-your-throat kind of "This is the major theme!!!!" type of thing; not my favorite. Were we trying to set up for a sequel? I think it needed more things left untied. But there also wasn't enough resolution to make me feel ok with just leaving these characters be. Nate's an orphan, and the two of them are just leaving? What are three 17 year olds going to do together?
But really the grandmother thing got me the most. It was that stupid comet-shaped birth mark all over again.
The writing was fine; there was too much swearing for my taste (which, you know, is saying something), just because it took the power out of the moments where profanity really should have emphasized the passion of the statement. I wanted to know more about Ellie's childhood, and get a little bit more from her parents/ANY ADULT FIGURE besides complete and udder failure, irresponsibility, and absence. It's like Skins. We need good adult figures in YA too, people.
March 29, 2013
Ellie has always needed her space. Literally. With a touch that rots whatever she encounters, Ellie must keep people at a distance for their own good. Not that her classmates are itching to be friends with the "freak" of the high school. So when newcomer Nate makes it his mission to get close to Ellie, she has her suspicions. But when he identifies her ability, as well as his own, she finds herself trusting him more and more. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they'll need more than their abilities to keep things under control. After years or pushing people away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her powers and willingness to let people get close may be the only way to save the people she loves.
Beautiful Decay is an intriguing look at a rather intriguing and rather complicated girl. Secrets and truths circle her, circle her encounters with someone new, someone who doesn't see her as something to be feared or hated. Her pain, her suffering, is known by the whole town, and this is a look at how she suffers as well as how she learns to break free of her shell.
There is no place for Ellie in her town. She's shunned because of what she can do, shunned because everything she touches dies. There is nowhere for her to fit in unless she hides, unless she fades into the background, but everyone knows she's there. Because of this, she's become a sad girl, an angry girl, an annoyed and bitter girl. Her defence mechanism is harsh biting sarcasm. But she's not avoiding the truth of her ability like her parents, especially her mother who thinks that bleach and going off to college will fix everything.
Then Nate shows up, willing to get close to her, willing to touch her, and sends everything and everyone into a panic. Nate has his secrets, like any new kid in a new school would, but Nate knows. He knows what Ellie can do. With him, she isn't as alone as she used to be anymore, but Nate's secrets are bigger and badder than she ever imagined.
Her ability makes her feared and avoided, but it's an ability I haven't come across much in other paranormal books. In a way, it's similar to Juliette from Shatter Me, but in a way, it isn't. It's not that Ellie sucks the life out of someone when she touches them, it's more that she causes decay. It's more the description of bacteria, mould, and fungi that sets her apart. It may make the novel slightly more disgusting than expected, but it also has an earthy quality. It's life and death at the point where its connected to nature.
Ellie's ability and her classmates avoiding her are a metaphor for Ellie being bullied and verbally abused by those classmates. She's shunned for being different, she's ridiculed, she's called horrible names, she's abandoned. It's only a matter of time before she breaks and strips her gloves off, but it's up to her and how much inner strength she as if she'll crumble or stand tall.
As strange as her world is, it's meeting Nate that sends everything Ellie knew up in the air. Her world sort of becomes his once he shares what he knows about her ability, about his, about her not being the freak she always thought she was. But his world is dangerous and the danger is searching for him, stretching out its dark arms towards him, and if it finds her it might suck her in as well. The last third of the book was filled with suspense and intensity, so much tension and excitement. With that ending, I have many hopes for a second book.
Beautiful Decay is an intriguing look at a rather intriguing and rather complicated girl. Secrets and truths circle her, circle her encounters with someone new, someone who doesn't see her as something to be feared or hated. Her pain, her suffering, is known by the whole town, and this is a look at how she suffers as well as how she learns to break free of her shell.
There is no place for Ellie in her town. She's shunned because of what she can do, shunned because everything she touches dies. There is nowhere for her to fit in unless she hides, unless she fades into the background, but everyone knows she's there. Because of this, she's become a sad girl, an angry girl, an annoyed and bitter girl. Her defence mechanism is harsh biting sarcasm. But she's not avoiding the truth of her ability like her parents, especially her mother who thinks that bleach and going off to college will fix everything.
Then Nate shows up, willing to get close to her, willing to touch her, and sends everything and everyone into a panic. Nate has his secrets, like any new kid in a new school would, but Nate knows. He knows what Ellie can do. With him, she isn't as alone as she used to be anymore, but Nate's secrets are bigger and badder than she ever imagined.
Her ability makes her feared and avoided, but it's an ability I haven't come across much in other paranormal books. In a way, it's similar to Juliette from Shatter Me, but in a way, it isn't. It's not that Ellie sucks the life out of someone when she touches them, it's more that she causes decay. It's more the description of bacteria, mould, and fungi that sets her apart. It may make the novel slightly more disgusting than expected, but it also has an earthy quality. It's life and death at the point where its connected to nature.
Ellie's ability and her classmates avoiding her are a metaphor for Ellie being bullied and verbally abused by those classmates. She's shunned for being different, she's ridiculed, she's called horrible names, she's abandoned. It's only a matter of time before she breaks and strips her gloves off, but it's up to her and how much inner strength she as if she'll crumble or stand tall.
As strange as her world is, it's meeting Nate that sends everything Ellie knew up in the air. Her world sort of becomes his once he shares what he knows about her ability, about his, about her not being the freak she always thought she was. But his world is dangerous and the danger is searching for him, stretching out its dark arms towards him, and if it finds her it might suck her in as well. The last third of the book was filled with suspense and intensity, so much tension and excitement. With that ending, I have many hopes for a second book.
January 10, 2015
Upon reading Beautiful Decay I came to the realization that this book was definitely not an ordinary love story. Beautiful Decay involves the supernatural, family secrets, and personal struggles. It may seem out of the norm but it is actually quite relatable in some aspects from financial issues to the loss of loved ones. This book peeked my interest when they introduced Ellie a girl who was the complete opposite of what people consider normal. Her character draws you in with her point of view on everything going on around her. What she faces everyday and how she has to take extra precaution just so nobody gets near her. Beautiful decay is what I consider a typical boy meets girl and fall in love with original situations hidden in deception and lies.
Ellie Miller or “Typhoid Mary¨ is 17 year old girl whose only friend is someone she meet on the internet struggles to keep a secret that only her family knows meets Nate Macpherson the new boy at school. Little is know about Nate since he tries to keep his personal life hidden from others. Nate the only person who has every even attempted to talk to Ellie is now the prey for her enemy Amber the most popular girl in school. Though it doesn’t bother Ellie at all since she could careless to whatever happens to Nate. That is until Nate tries to reach out to Ellie by telling her that he knows what she is. Ellie obviously confused and curious by what he meant by ¨what she is¨. She decides to get to know Nate but is shocked by what he reveals to her and barely has the slightest clue on what it to come in the near future.
The relationships between the characters makes the book a lot intriguing towards the reader. While the character's are trying to figure out who they are; the dependence on each other is more frequent as the story goes on. Making the relationship between the characters stronger and stable. Even though the obstacles facing them such as a secret organization and sinister plans trying to separate Ellie and Nate. They are somehow able to get past most of these obstacles going against them. Overall Beautiful Decay is a well written book that is able to capture you with each character’s personality and page turning situations.
May 23, 2014
Like what gives? Ellie, Kenzie, and Nate just... what? Go off into the distance? Unless this book has a next one to it, I don't recommend it. So much left unanswered. And you will feel disappointed, like there's a cliffhanger but the book tried to not have one.. failed miserably. I'm a teenager, sorry if my "critique" isn't a technical and fancy-worded one. But coming from a kid who loves reading books like this... I just felt there was so much emptiness at the end. I want to know more about these three and their families... will I ever know? Will there be a second book? I've no idea, so far that I've tried to find... sadly no. I will not be remembering this book.... That's the taste I'm left with. =/
P.S. If Sylvia Lewis or her friends read this, Please make another book. I'm dying here. iI mean I felt a connection; the bullying, the abandonment, the overwhelming feeling to hurt the bad guys.... there was cursing which made me feel even closer. Best part? There wasn't the awkward to detailed disgusting sex scene that every teenage book has to have now. It was so perfect for me. Oh please, oh please, don't leave me hanging. Make another one, 'tis not finished!
P.S. If Sylvia Lewis or her friends read this, Please make another book. I'm dying here. iI mean I felt a connection; the bullying, the abandonment, the overwhelming feeling to hurt the bad guys.... there was cursing which made me feel even closer. Best part? There wasn't the awkward to detailed disgusting sex scene that every teenage book has to have now. It was so perfect for me. Oh please, oh please, don't leave me hanging. Make another one, 'tis not finished!
May 28, 2015
This book was terrible. There was barely any plot until about 2/3 of the way in. There were also a number of things mentioned that seemed significant but weren't at all addressed. If feels like this book should be the start of a series but as far as I'm aware it's a stand alone which makes all the more irritating. Also there was absolutely no chemistry between Nate and Ellie. They seemed to be together just for the hell of it even though they didn't really have anything in common and to be honest, weren't even that nice to each other. I was very confused by their relationship. Ellie's relationship and complete disregard for her parents was also frustrating, mainly because there was no discernible reason for the severity of her contempt towards them. The complete lack of explanation for anything that was brought up within the book gets another mention, because it was that annoying. I liked Mackenzie most of the time but the best thing about this book was that it was only 300 pages.
December 10, 2013
What an awesome new find!! Fresh, original, and interesting, Beautiful Decay gives a new look at the popular topic of necromancy and asks the question: what if there were people who could, respectivley, control either life or death in organisms? What would that look like? How would they function in the world, and what would be good, as well as the evil, they might be able to contribute to the world?
However: POTTYMOUTH, POTTYMOUTH, POTTYMOUTH!! Holy crap, yo... is the F word REALLY needed THAT many times? I mean, whoa. Deluge of dirty words to go with the literal dirt and germs of this book.
However: POTTYMOUTH, POTTYMOUTH, POTTYMOUTH!! Holy crap, yo... is the F word REALLY needed THAT many times? I mean, whoa. Deluge of dirty words to go with the literal dirt and germs of this book.
August 3, 2014
Beautiful Decay overall was a decent book. I wanted to love it so much more than what I ended up feeling. From it's predictability (which actually works to this book's advantage) to a cliffhanger ending, I just needed more from this book to love it. From what I have gained, it seems that there is no sequel to this book. Even an 100 page story that answers some of the questions in this book would give it a better rating. So overall, if you're looking for a story about bullying, romance, and paranormal things, take a look at this novel.
July 16, 2014
Quick read. The main character is very similar to Elsa from "Frozen". Really, all this girl needs is to "Let it go".
October 2, 2018
I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this. I found it at the local Half Price store, quickly read the blurb and thought it was vaguely interesting. Then it sat on my shelf for a few years. Ah...that happens more often than it should!
Anywho, this story is about a girl a peculiar kind of power. Germs, little creepy crawlies--she can make them grow and spread. She can make her school desks become mushroom-infested, black mold-infested...seriously, you name the gross thing, and she does it. So she wears gloves and stays away from people. Her mother is OCD about cleaning the house because of it.
Well of course insert love interest who is more than he appears, and a best friend who may also be more than she appears (even though she's an online bf). But it only got better and more creepy once Nate showed up! Nate has a little problem with his mother. Won't get into specifics b/c of spoilers but just know that I thought the whole ending was sufficiently creepy and I'm glad I chose this to kickstart my October reading.
Anywho, this story is about a girl a peculiar kind of power. Germs, little creepy crawlies--she can make them grow and spread. She can make her school desks become mushroom-infested, black mold-infested...seriously, you name the gross thing, and she does it. So she wears gloves and stays away from people. Her mother is OCD about cleaning the house because of it.
Well of course insert love interest who is more than he appears, and a best friend who may also be more than she appears (even though she's an online bf). But it only got better and more creepy once Nate showed up! Nate has a little problem with his mother. Won't get into specifics b/c of spoilers but just know that I thought the whole ending was sufficiently creepy and I'm glad I chose this to kickstart my October reading.
June 28, 2023
I haven't read YA in a minute, and while this story was good....I feel it was missing quite a few pieces to the story. And the ending of course left me hanging....no epilogue either. 🙃
I did like the potential though and Ellie was such a sweet girl....unless you pushed her too far.
A girl with the ability to make things grow with her touch...even if some of it is rot. It's just intriguing.
Then we meet Nate who unlike everyone else in her school, or life really, isn't afraid to get close. In fact he's drawn to her and knows more about what she is than she does.
He of course has secrets himself, but soon after Ellie is aware of those secrets she still can't stay away from him.
And why would she when he's the only other one she knows that's like her.
The drama of this was good. But like I said things were missing....like what was going on with her grandmother, and what about her parents? What happened after they escaped their attackers ?
I did like the potential though and Ellie was such a sweet girl....unless you pushed her too far.
A girl with the ability to make things grow with her touch...even if some of it is rot. It's just intriguing.
Then we meet Nate who unlike everyone else in her school, or life really, isn't afraid to get close. In fact he's drawn to her and knows more about what she is than she does.
He of course has secrets himself, but soon after Ellie is aware of those secrets she still can't stay away from him.
And why would she when he's the only other one she knows that's like her.
The drama of this was good. But like I said things were missing....like what was going on with her grandmother, and what about her parents? What happened after they escaped their attackers ?
August 23, 2018
I loved this book.
It's been a while since I've read YA anything. I love the genre, but my TBR list is constantly growing. I've had this book for about year and have just gotten around to reading it. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
I love the subtle chemistry between the main characters. I know a lot of YA romances are right in your face with and I like them too, but the writer did a beautiful job of weaving Elle and Nate together through circumstance and subtle exchanges.
I also loved the ending of this book! I loved how it completed Elle's character arch and she not only embraced her abilities, but found others who did too.
It's been a while since I've read YA anything. I love the genre, but my TBR list is constantly growing. I've had this book for about year and have just gotten around to reading it. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
I love the subtle chemistry between the main characters. I know a lot of YA romances are right in your face with and I like them too, but the writer did a beautiful job of weaving Elle and Nate together through circumstance and subtle exchanges.
I also loved the ending of this book! I loved how it completed Elle's character arch and she not only embraced her abilities, but found others who did too.
July 4, 2022
The plot was really good and there were really good moments, but there were better ways for the events to happen. I loved Ellie's character development, but it would have been really cool if Ellie's character development had more to do with herself than to do with Nate.
January 7, 2018
I've never heard anything like it, which means I liked it, actually I loved it
September 24, 2018
So much wasted potential.
July 30, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book but the ending felt rushed. There was a build up to it and then bam it was over. I would read more but the author doesn't have much to offer.
October 22, 2022
I absolutely love this book, I have read it 20 times now this year, like actually no joke, the author really needs to make a second book and they need to make a movie out of it
October 29, 2023
DNF - I couldn't get into it enough.
November 13, 2013
The book opens with Ellie talking to a spider through her window. From the very beginning of the book, I got a sense of her loneliness and longing to be normal, to be able to touch, well, anything.
The story is an intriguing one. Ellie has a "condition", for lack of a better word. Whatever she touches rots away. Fungus and bacteria are drawn to her and by touching them, they grow out of control. She has to wear gloves to avoid touching anything. She can't touch any person without the gloves because she can cause sickness by touching and even death.
In order to cover up the real story, her parents told the school she has a condition and she can't come into contact with other students. So, she does attend class, but no one sits in the seats around her. Her fellow students think she's a freak. They have even given her the nickname of Typhoid Mary. She thinks she's a freak. What's worse, her parents think she's a freak. Her parents are conveniently never home when she is home and her mother routinely scrubs the entire house with ammonia just to ensure there is no fungus or bacteria in the house that Ellie could touch.
Her one source of comfort is talking to her online friend, Mackenzie. She can't tell Mackenzie what is really up with her, but she tells her as much as she can. I had suspicions about Mackenzie all throughout the book, but I was way off base. I won't reveal her role in the book as that would be a spoiler.
So, Ellie goes to school at the opening of the book to find a new kid in class. His name is Nate and he tried to sit next to Ellie She basically gave him the cold shoulder. I realize that part of her response was a defense mechanism, but she was pretty bitchy, to put it bluntly. He tried to extend his hand to make a friend and she just totally shut him down. Although, he did ask, " You have an...ability?" He seems to know something about her. Something intriguing.
She pushes Nate away and he seems to make his way to the cool crowd. It really gets under her skin and she can't stop thinking about him. Then, the unthinkable happens. Nate sits down with Ellie at lunch after one of the popular boys throws a grape at her head. He sits with her for several days, which draw the attention of the popular kids. When one of them says nasty things about Ellie, Nate stands up for her. After they have words, Nate makes to shake the other boys hand, but he goes all white, looking like he was in pain or having some sort of attack. So, Nate's been keeping some secrets of his own.
Ellie confides to Nate that she is basically a plague bearer, but he doesn't act surprised. Instead, he tells her that he could tell she has an ability and he does as well, although his ability is the opposite of hers. She can manipulate life. He shows her what he can do by bringing an insect back from the dead.
Then there is a zombie, a wraith, an evil business man who is hunting Nate, life, death, decay, broken bones, a car chase and maybe, just maybe a little romance.
While I enjoyed the book enough, it is not an instant favorite. The story was actually pretty slow paced for most of the book. A lot of the story also took place inside Ellie's head. She felt sorry for herself a lot. Heck, I felt sorry for her. She had parents who seemed to be afraid of her because they were never home while she was awake, but they somehow held onto their conviction that she was a normal girl that could do normal things like go to college. I can't imagine what it would be like to never be able to reach out and touch someone.
Nate, at first, seems like a normal guy, good looking, makes friends fast, but we do find out that he has a lot of secrets he's hiding. Secrets that wouldn't get him elected as prom king. Sitting with Ellie and sticking up for her has basically caused him to commit social suicide, but it doesn't seem to phase him. He has an ability and he tries to help Ellie understand what she is. I really felt bad for Nate. He had a lot going on, a lot to handle for one so young. He had his own reasons for needing to keep people at a distance, all of which slowly unfolds and is too horrifying to imagine.
All in all, though, it was an okay Halloween read.
The story is an intriguing one. Ellie has a "condition", for lack of a better word. Whatever she touches rots away. Fungus and bacteria are drawn to her and by touching them, they grow out of control. She has to wear gloves to avoid touching anything. She can't touch any person without the gloves because she can cause sickness by touching and even death.
In order to cover up the real story, her parents told the school she has a condition and she can't come into contact with other students. So, she does attend class, but no one sits in the seats around her. Her fellow students think she's a freak. They have even given her the nickname of Typhoid Mary. She thinks she's a freak. What's worse, her parents think she's a freak. Her parents are conveniently never home when she is home and her mother routinely scrubs the entire house with ammonia just to ensure there is no fungus or bacteria in the house that Ellie could touch.
Her one source of comfort is talking to her online friend, Mackenzie. She can't tell Mackenzie what is really up with her, but she tells her as much as she can. I had suspicions about Mackenzie all throughout the book, but I was way off base. I won't reveal her role in the book as that would be a spoiler.
So, Ellie goes to school at the opening of the book to find a new kid in class. His name is Nate and he tried to sit next to Ellie She basically gave him the cold shoulder. I realize that part of her response was a defense mechanism, but she was pretty bitchy, to put it bluntly. He tried to extend his hand to make a friend and she just totally shut him down. Although, he did ask, " You have an...ability?" He seems to know something about her. Something intriguing.
She pushes Nate away and he seems to make his way to the cool crowd. It really gets under her skin and she can't stop thinking about him. Then, the unthinkable happens. Nate sits down with Ellie at lunch after one of the popular boys throws a grape at her head. He sits with her for several days, which draw the attention of the popular kids. When one of them says nasty things about Ellie, Nate stands up for her. After they have words, Nate makes to shake the other boys hand, but he goes all white, looking like he was in pain or having some sort of attack. So, Nate's been keeping some secrets of his own.
Ellie confides to Nate that she is basically a plague bearer, but he doesn't act surprised. Instead, he tells her that he could tell she has an ability and he does as well, although his ability is the opposite of hers. She can manipulate life. He shows her what he can do by bringing an insect back from the dead.
Then there is a zombie, a wraith, an evil business man who is hunting Nate, life, death, decay, broken bones, a car chase and maybe, just maybe a little romance.
While I enjoyed the book enough, it is not an instant favorite. The story was actually pretty slow paced for most of the book. A lot of the story also took place inside Ellie's head. She felt sorry for herself a lot. Heck, I felt sorry for her. She had parents who seemed to be afraid of her because they were never home while she was awake, but they somehow held onto their conviction that she was a normal girl that could do normal things like go to college. I can't imagine what it would be like to never be able to reach out and touch someone.
Nate, at first, seems like a normal guy, good looking, makes friends fast, but we do find out that he has a lot of secrets he's hiding. Secrets that wouldn't get him elected as prom king. Sitting with Ellie and sticking up for her has basically caused him to commit social suicide, but it doesn't seem to phase him. He has an ability and he tries to help Ellie understand what she is. I really felt bad for Nate. He had a lot going on, a lot to handle for one so young. He had his own reasons for needing to keep people at a distance, all of which slowly unfolds and is too horrifying to imagine.
All in all, though, it was an okay Halloween read.
May 18, 2013
Ever since reading the premise for Beautiful Decay by author Sylvia Lewis I was seriously dying to start reading. I admit that what really had me interested was that the main character has a touch that can rot things (which instantly had me thinking of Typhoid from the Elektra movie) and that there would probably be some romance tossed into the mix. The novel sounded like something I would definitely fall in love with and guess what? I did!
Beautiful Decay focuses on the life of main character Elizabeth “Ellie” Miller who, for as long as she can remember, has had a touch that can rot through anything. Ellie’s ability is transmit through her hands and so to protect the world (and people) around her from withering away to nothing almost instantly, Ellie wears a pair of gloves. Everybody around Ellie thinks that she is a freak and cruelly gave her the nickname “Typhoid Mary”. Everybody is afraid of Ellie, including her own mother. It’s not until she walks into class one day and everything changes: The new boy in school, Nate MacPherson, sits down next to her.
Nate reveals to Ellie that everything she has ever believed about her ability is wrong. He explains to her that her touch is not a curse but is really a gift and one that, if used properly, can change the lives of people for the better. However Nate also reveals to Ellie that he also isn’t what he seems: He is a necromancer, a person that can work with death. Ellie is a viviomancer, somebody that can work with life. Ellie learns that there is a whole community of necromancers and viviomancer but that to exploit their abilities is practically asking for a death sentence. It’s with Nate that Ellie learns the lengths that her abilities can go to and discovers just what the world she was meant to exist in is really about.
I really loved getting to be inside of Ellie’s head because her entire life is just plain traumatic. Everybody is afraid of her, her own mother is afraid of her and is in denial about Ellie’s situation—and Ellie’s self-esteem is practically non-existent. Everybody uses Ellie as a punching bag despite the fact that she could give them flesh eating diseases before they could even notice it ever happened. Everybody keeps her at a distance and I loved it when Nate’s character tried to fix that problem in Ellie’s life. Suddenly she isn’t so alone and Nate, awkward, cute and somewhat inappropriate, as he may be was definitely somebody that I’m glad Ellie fell in love with. The two of them are in the same boat, you know?
Beautiful Decay is unique. I haven’t read a novel like it before, I mean I’ve read novels about necromancers and all that jazz before but never has there been a novel like Beautiful Decay before. All I could think while reading the novel was how cool the necromancer and viviomancer powers were and how badly I wanted Ellie to learn to control her ability and get to touch another human being. The cool thing about Beautiful Decay would have to be the necromancers and their zombies. The zombies in this novel aren’t the type you’d see on/in The Walking Dead, they still have parts of their soul… until they get too hungry and want to do nothing but tear other people open. The one zombie that we get to meet in the novel was creepy and in the scenes where she is presented as a hungry beast had me hanging on the edge of my seat.
The descriptions used in the novel during the suspenseful scenes were great. I would constantly be biting my nails and worrying for Ellie or any characters involved in certain scenes. I’d always be worried for her and because everything was written so clearly I could easily imagine the way a character would look or the setting or how something scary would go to something terrifying. Honestly I adored the writing in Beautiful Decay and I hope that there is a sequel because the ending has left me just… dying for more (was that a pun? I think it was a pun).
I’d recommend Beautiful Decay to readers that are looking for a paranormal novel that they’ll fall in love with, readers that want a novel that will teach them about self-reliance and those of us who are just looking for an addicting read.
Beautiful Decay focuses on the life of main character Elizabeth “Ellie” Miller who, for as long as she can remember, has had a touch that can rot through anything. Ellie’s ability is transmit through her hands and so to protect the world (and people) around her from withering away to nothing almost instantly, Ellie wears a pair of gloves. Everybody around Ellie thinks that she is a freak and cruelly gave her the nickname “Typhoid Mary”. Everybody is afraid of Ellie, including her own mother. It’s not until she walks into class one day and everything changes: The new boy in school, Nate MacPherson, sits down next to her.
Nate reveals to Ellie that everything she has ever believed about her ability is wrong. He explains to her that her touch is not a curse but is really a gift and one that, if used properly, can change the lives of people for the better. However Nate also reveals to Ellie that he also isn’t what he seems: He is a necromancer, a person that can work with death. Ellie is a viviomancer, somebody that can work with life. Ellie learns that there is a whole community of necromancers and viviomancer but that to exploit their abilities is practically asking for a death sentence. It’s with Nate that Ellie learns the lengths that her abilities can go to and discovers just what the world she was meant to exist in is really about.
I really loved getting to be inside of Ellie’s head because her entire life is just plain traumatic. Everybody is afraid of her, her own mother is afraid of her and is in denial about Ellie’s situation—and Ellie’s self-esteem is practically non-existent. Everybody uses Ellie as a punching bag despite the fact that she could give them flesh eating diseases before they could even notice it ever happened. Everybody keeps her at a distance and I loved it when Nate’s character tried to fix that problem in Ellie’s life. Suddenly she isn’t so alone and Nate, awkward, cute and somewhat inappropriate, as he may be was definitely somebody that I’m glad Ellie fell in love with. The two of them are in the same boat, you know?
Beautiful Decay is unique. I haven’t read a novel like it before, I mean I’ve read novels about necromancers and all that jazz before but never has there been a novel like Beautiful Decay before. All I could think while reading the novel was how cool the necromancer and viviomancer powers were and how badly I wanted Ellie to learn to control her ability and get to touch another human being. The cool thing about Beautiful Decay would have to be the necromancers and their zombies. The zombies in this novel aren’t the type you’d see on/in The Walking Dead, they still have parts of their soul… until they get too hungry and want to do nothing but tear other people open. The one zombie that we get to meet in the novel was creepy and in the scenes where she is presented as a hungry beast had me hanging on the edge of my seat.
The descriptions used in the novel during the suspenseful scenes were great. I would constantly be biting my nails and worrying for Ellie or any characters involved in certain scenes. I’d always be worried for her and because everything was written so clearly I could easily imagine the way a character would look or the setting or how something scary would go to something terrifying. Honestly I adored the writing in Beautiful Decay and I hope that there is a sequel because the ending has left me just… dying for more (was that a pun? I think it was a pun).
I’d recommend Beautiful Decay to readers that are looking for a paranormal novel that they’ll fall in love with, readers that want a novel that will teach them about self-reliance and those of us who are just looking for an addicting read.
February 9, 2015
Read more reviews like this at http://lovelybooksblog.blogspot.com!
Beautiful Decay was one of those novels that had an amazing idea behind it but just didn’t quite come together right. Ellie was a great character and her ability as a vivomancer was absolutely fascinating, however her relationship with Nate and the story behind him just didn’t quite bring the novel together the way I had been expecting. Definitely aimed at the younger set I have a feeling I would have really enjoyed this book when I was younger but being the age I am now it just didn’t click with me the same way.
Let me start off by saying I love, love, love the idea behind this novel. Ellie’s ability was absolutely fascinating and I was always at the edge of my seat whenever her gloves came off. I just couldn’t get enough of watching how Ellie’s ability worked and learning more about her gift. Nate’s gift as a necromancer was interesting as well and although the story focused a lot on his family and the things he could do with his ability, Ellie’s ability was the one that stole the show. Though the abilities were interesting much of the plot surrounding them, including the reason “bad guys” were after Nate, ended up falling a little flat. When I finally got to the reasoning behind their desperation to have Nate and why they needed his father I had to stop for a minute to make sure I read it right. It made sense but, I don’t know, I just thought it would be more serious.
Ellie was one of those characters I could totally relate to even though she irritated me at the same time. Ellie was an outcast, a subject of bullying and isolation, and because of that I loved her. She was quiet but strong and she put up with a lot from not only her peers at school but from her family as well. Likewise Nate had some qualities I really liked, such as the ability to stand up to the people harassing Ellie and his need to take care of his family. Even though both of them had some really strong qualities they both annoyed me a little bit too, their childish “relationship” drove me insane and there were enough high school cliche’s to make anyone rip their hair out. Even though Nate and Ellie both had their weak qualities that was what made them human and overall I liked them more than I disliked them.
My biggest complaint about this novel was definitely the romance, or non-romance in this case. One moment Nate and Ellie are getting to know each other and the next moments he says “wanna go out?” she says “sure” and suddenly their boyfriend/girlfriend and magically in “love.” I may be exaggerating just a little but trust me, not by much. Even though Nate and Ellie are dating for the last half of the novel much of their relationship building is skimmed over and they don’t even kiss until the very end of the novel and even that feels forced and fake. I felt like the romance was the weak link in this novel and honestly the story would have been a lot stronger without it.
Despite the weak romance Beautiful Decay has an absolutely fascinating premise and great characters. I would recommend this novel to YA fans looking for something original as long as they don’t mind the non-romance romance and slightly childish characters!
Beautiful Decay was one of those novels that had an amazing idea behind it but just didn’t quite come together right. Ellie was a great character and her ability as a vivomancer was absolutely fascinating, however her relationship with Nate and the story behind him just didn’t quite bring the novel together the way I had been expecting. Definitely aimed at the younger set I have a feeling I would have really enjoyed this book when I was younger but being the age I am now it just didn’t click with me the same way.
Let me start off by saying I love, love, love the idea behind this novel. Ellie’s ability was absolutely fascinating and I was always at the edge of my seat whenever her gloves came off. I just couldn’t get enough of watching how Ellie’s ability worked and learning more about her gift. Nate’s gift as a necromancer was interesting as well and although the story focused a lot on his family and the things he could do with his ability, Ellie’s ability was the one that stole the show. Though the abilities were interesting much of the plot surrounding them, including the reason “bad guys” were after Nate, ended up falling a little flat. When I finally got to the reasoning behind their desperation to have Nate and why they needed his father I had to stop for a minute to make sure I read it right. It made sense but, I don’t know, I just thought it would be more serious.
Ellie was one of those characters I could totally relate to even though she irritated me at the same time. Ellie was an outcast, a subject of bullying and isolation, and because of that I loved her. She was quiet but strong and she put up with a lot from not only her peers at school but from her family as well. Likewise Nate had some qualities I really liked, such as the ability to stand up to the people harassing Ellie and his need to take care of his family. Even though both of them had some really strong qualities they both annoyed me a little bit too, their childish “relationship” drove me insane and there were enough high school cliche’s to make anyone rip their hair out. Even though Nate and Ellie both had their weak qualities that was what made them human and overall I liked them more than I disliked them.
My biggest complaint about this novel was definitely the romance, or non-romance in this case. One moment Nate and Ellie are getting to know each other and the next moments he says “wanna go out?” she says “sure” and suddenly their boyfriend/girlfriend and magically in “love.” I may be exaggerating just a little but trust me, not by much. Even though Nate and Ellie are dating for the last half of the novel much of their relationship building is skimmed over and they don’t even kiss until the very end of the novel and even that feels forced and fake. I felt like the romance was the weak link in this novel and honestly the story would have been a lot stronger without it.
Despite the weak romance Beautiful Decay has an absolutely fascinating premise and great characters. I would recommend this novel to YA fans looking for something original as long as they don’t mind the non-romance romance and slightly childish characters!
October 7, 2014
When Ellie Miller touches things--people, furniture, paper--they begin to rot. Her bare hands can leave trails of mold of spawn infectious bacteria. She doesn't know why she has this condition or how to control it. All she knows is that she is dangerous and, as far as everyone is concerned, has an "immune disorder." Right.
Compared to her anti-septic house and terrified parents, school could almost be considered a relief. At least it could if Ellie wasn't simultaneously bullied and ostracized. Luckily, the Internet can keep Ellie's secrets so she is able to have online friends like Mackenzie who loves her unconditionally. Although Mackenzie also doesn't know the details of Ellie's condition. No one does.
Except a new guy shows up at school and he does seem to know about Ellie. Instead of being afraid or dismissive, Nate acts like he wants to know her. Nate seems to recognize what she can do and maybe even know what how to control it, that is if Ellie can even stand to talk to him in Beautiful Decay (2013) by Sylvia Lewis.
Beautiful Decay is an interesting take on the world of necromancers and their rarer counterparts viviomancers.* There is definitely a lot more to both Nate and Ellie than raising the dead or hanging out with zombies.
A slow start only serves to underscore just how much action there is in the latter parts of the story as Ellie learns more about herself and begins to connect more with Nate and Mackenzie. Although the pacing is off--the story could easily have started fifty pages in and added somewhat more closure at the end--the plot is solid and fairly entertaining.
That said, descriptions of the decomposition left in Ellie's wake is disgusting. Beautifully written but also very gross. While it was a turn off for me at times, it will likely be very appealing to readers who might otherwise shy away from a book that hints at romance (or has a female narrator). References to the Harry Potter fandom, recent Marvel movies and Tumblr might also draw readers in. These elements also have the potential to date the novel fairly quickly.
Beautiful Decay is a thoughtful, often clever novel that hints at more to come about Ellie, Mackenzie and Nate.
*According to this book anyway. I have no idea if viviomancers are a real thing. Although it would be cool if they turned up in other books.
Possible Pairings: The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Alchemy by Margaret Mahy, The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel, Pivot Point by Kasie West
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher*
Compared to her anti-septic house and terrified parents, school could almost be considered a relief. At least it could if Ellie wasn't simultaneously bullied and ostracized. Luckily, the Internet can keep Ellie's secrets so she is able to have online friends like Mackenzie who loves her unconditionally. Although Mackenzie also doesn't know the details of Ellie's condition. No one does.
Except a new guy shows up at school and he does seem to know about Ellie. Instead of being afraid or dismissive, Nate acts like he wants to know her. Nate seems to recognize what she can do and maybe even know what how to control it, that is if Ellie can even stand to talk to him in Beautiful Decay (2013) by Sylvia Lewis.
Beautiful Decay is an interesting take on the world of necromancers and their rarer counterparts viviomancers.* There is definitely a lot more to both Nate and Ellie than raising the dead or hanging out with zombies.
A slow start only serves to underscore just how much action there is in the latter parts of the story as Ellie learns more about herself and begins to connect more with Nate and Mackenzie. Although the pacing is off--the story could easily have started fifty pages in and added somewhat more closure at the end--the plot is solid and fairly entertaining.
That said, descriptions of the decomposition left in Ellie's wake is disgusting. Beautifully written but also very gross. While it was a turn off for me at times, it will likely be very appealing to readers who might otherwise shy away from a book that hints at romance (or has a female narrator). References to the Harry Potter fandom, recent Marvel movies and Tumblr might also draw readers in. These elements also have the potential to date the novel fairly quickly.
Beautiful Decay is a thoughtful, often clever novel that hints at more to come about Ellie, Mackenzie and Nate.
*According to this book anyway. I have no idea if viviomancers are a real thing. Although it would be cool if they turned up in other books.
Possible Pairings: The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Alchemy by Margaret Mahy, The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel, Pivot Point by Kasie West
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher*
June 19, 2013
This was so freaking good! But I don't know how to explain why, dammit! From the summary, I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, but man, I just couldn't put it down!
Okay wait, first the negatives: IMO, there's really only a couple major issue, but it's enough I had to deduct a star: one minute the MC's are meeting and going through their getting to knows you's, the next they're ILY-ing each other...and I have no idea how that came about. Seriously, it totally blindsided me. Also we really don't know enougha bout teh hero...would have LOVED to learn more about him,and this is more a preference than a negative, but I want to read a few paragraphs -at least- from the his pov!
But the rest of the book, was soo good, I broke my self imposed rule of not staying up past midnight to read! (on a side note, I am sooo tired as I'm writing this :p )
As for the world, honestly I just want to know more...and I want to know where the MC's and co are gong next....and I want to know the answer to the questions surrounding the h's parent/family. See, maybe that's why it's soo good, I just finished it, and already I want to know more. It's not a perfect book, there was one or two very minor things that bugged me, beyond what I wrote above, but the rest of the story overshadows them, that now, I can't even remember what they were...and I was too engrossed to stop and make a note of any of it :)
Okay, so reading back, I know that's not very informative, so:
Beautiful Decay is written in first person, from the heroines pov, is a quick, and easy read, pretty tame on the YA heat factor, IIRC, has few if any real info dumps (though this may be why I'm itching for more), and very little angst, and a pretty engaging over all story. Maybe it's supernatural aspect isn't 100% original, but it's def off the beaten track.
Oh and how's about this: necromancers, viviomancers, zombies, and who knows what else abound in the world of BD. If you're a fan of any of those definitely give this a try....though to be fair, if you're like me, and not particularly into any of them, you should try it anyway, you might be surprised how easy it is to get sucked in!
So somewhere in the realm of 4 stars :D
Okay wait, first the negatives: IMO, there's really only a couple major issue, but it's enough I had to deduct a star: one minute the MC's are meeting and going through their getting to knows you's, the next they're ILY-ing each other...and I have no idea how that came about. Seriously, it totally blindsided me. Also we really don't know enougha bout teh hero...would have LOVED to learn more about him,and this is more a preference than a negative, but I want to read a few paragraphs -at least- from the his pov!
But the rest of the book, was soo good, I broke my self imposed rule of not staying up past midnight to read! (on a side note, I am sooo tired as I'm writing this :p )
As for the world, honestly I just want to know more...and I want to know where the MC's and co are gong next....and I want to know the answer to the questions surrounding the h's parent/family. See, maybe that's why it's soo good, I just finished it, and already I want to know more. It's not a perfect book, there was one or two very minor things that bugged me, beyond what I wrote above, but the rest of the story overshadows them, that now, I can't even remember what they were...and I was too engrossed to stop and make a note of any of it :)
Okay, so reading back, I know that's not very informative, so:
Beautiful Decay is written in first person, from the heroines pov, is a quick, and easy read, pretty tame on the YA heat factor, IIRC, has few if any real info dumps (though this may be why I'm itching for more), and very little angst, and a pretty engaging over all story. Maybe it's supernatural aspect isn't 100% original, but it's def off the beaten track.
Oh and how's about this: necromancers, viviomancers, zombies, and who knows what else abound in the world of BD. If you're a fan of any of those definitely give this a try....though to be fair, if you're like me, and not particularly into any of them, you should try it anyway, you might be surprised how easy it is to get sucked in!
So somewhere in the realm of 4 stars :D
November 6, 2017
Original review over on Adele Is Reading (which has a picture of the copy I was reading at the time!).
When I first saw this book, I thought, ‘Hey, what a pretty spine this book has. Let’s see what it’s about.’ I then flipped the book over so I could read the back of the book and ended up being incredibly intrigued by what I read. And since the only reason why I picked Beautiful Decay off the shelves was because I thought that this books spine was pretty, I knew it wouldn’t hurt if I just borrowed the book and gave it a chance.
I am so glad, that I borrowed this book. Seriously — I’ve found a new favourite book. One that I will one day own and have to put beside Uprooted on my shelves, since I love that book as well.
I knew about 30 pages into Beautiful Decay that this book would be one that I would remember for a looong time, if not for the rest of my life. So, lets get into this review!!!
While I do indeed love what this story has to offer, I got to say that the beginning of this story isn’t a very pretty one. The main character, Ellie, gets picked on a lot during and in school. With her not being able to touch anyone, she doesn’t have any friends and literally everyone is scared to touch her. With fear comes anger and bitterness. We see the results of this throughout the majority of the book.
And all of these kids, that know Ellie -or of her- are all terrified of her. these kids being scared all the time they pick on her. They stare at her. Ellie however is used to this and doesn’t let it stop her from doing what she does; which, I’m like, “Hells yeah, girl! Do your thing!��� Yet, everyday Ellie is lonely, until one day she isn’t. When Nate arrives at her school, her life is practically turned upside down.
I don’t want to say too much, because I’ll most likely end up spoiling the book, but I will say this: Ellie’s life gets so much more hectic after Nate moves to town. Ellie realizes so much. Gah! There’s just so much of the world in this book that was left unexplored. I need more of Ellie’s story!
When I first saw this book, I thought, ‘Hey, what a pretty spine this book has. Let’s see what it’s about.’ I then flipped the book over so I could read the back of the book and ended up being incredibly intrigued by what I read. And since the only reason why I picked Beautiful Decay off the shelves was because I thought that this books spine was pretty, I knew it wouldn’t hurt if I just borrowed the book and gave it a chance.
I am so glad, that I borrowed this book. Seriously — I’ve found a new favourite book. One that I will one day own and have to put beside Uprooted on my shelves, since I love that book as well.
I knew about 30 pages into Beautiful Decay that this book would be one that I would remember for a looong time, if not for the rest of my life. So, lets get into this review!!!
While I do indeed love what this story has to offer, I got to say that the beginning of this story isn’t a very pretty one. The main character, Ellie, gets picked on a lot during and in school. With her not being able to touch anyone, she doesn’t have any friends and literally everyone is scared to touch her. With fear comes anger and bitterness. We see the results of this throughout the majority of the book.
And all of these kids, that know Ellie -or of her- are all terrified of her. these kids being scared all the time they pick on her. They stare at her. Ellie however is used to this and doesn’t let it stop her from doing what she does; which, I’m like, “Hells yeah, girl! Do your thing!��� Yet, everyday Ellie is lonely, until one day she isn’t. When Nate arrives at her school, her life is practically turned upside down.
I don’t want to say too much, because I’ll most likely end up spoiling the book, but I will say this: Ellie’s life gets so much more hectic after Nate moves to town. Ellie realizes so much. Gah! There’s just so much of the world in this book that was left unexplored. I need more of Ellie’s story!
June 21, 2013
Ellie Miller cannot touch anyone (or anything for that matter); because as soon as her fingers graze an object, mould blooms. She's learned to live a lonely life and have accepted that being normal is an impossibility - especially when even her parents treat her like she's got the plague (even if she does). Some say she has the touch of death, but one person believes she gives life. When a newcomer refuse to become a part of the majority that treats her like a freak, Ellie's isolated world become slightly crowded for her taste - because finding a kindred spirit comes at a hefty price.
With a comic book-esque characters and the impossibility of a romance between the leads, I'm a little baffled that this book doesn't have a lot of following on Goodreads. The writing is better than most of the books that I've been reading lately. But just when I was ready to give it my stamp of approval, it went and did this.
Sigh.
But listen, I think you should give this book a chance. In my reading world, popping the 'p' is one of those unforgivable things an author could write in her novel. I hate it - almost as much as the generous usage of 'as' and 'like' and that dreadful, awful love triangle. But allow me the chance to try and convince you that this book is an awesome read, regardless.
If you're a fan of comic books or heroes and heroines with supernatural abilities, then you should read this book.
If you're a fan of an almost impossible romance between characters, then you should read this book.
If you're a fan of necromancers and zombies, then you should read this book.
If you're craving for a new flavour, then this book has your name on it.
Trust me, this book is good. I just can't get over that thing that irks me.
With a comic book-esque characters and the impossibility of a romance between the leads, I'm a little baffled that this book doesn't have a lot of following on Goodreads. The writing is better than most of the books that I've been reading lately. But just when I was ready to give it my stamp of approval, it went and did this.
Sigh.
But listen, I think you should give this book a chance. In my reading world, popping the 'p' is one of those unforgivable things an author could write in her novel. I hate it - almost as much as the generous usage of 'as' and 'like' and that dreadful, awful love triangle. But allow me the chance to try and convince you that this book is an awesome read, regardless.
If you're a fan of comic books or heroes and heroines with supernatural abilities, then you should read this book.
If you're a fan of an almost impossible romance between characters, then you should read this book.
If you're a fan of necromancers and zombies, then you should read this book.
If you're craving for a new flavour, then this book has your name on it.
Trust me, this book is good. I just can't get over that thing that irks me.
April 25, 2014
I picked this book up for two reasons. First off, I definitely judge a book by its cover, as I know we all do no matter how the saying goes, and this book is pretty. It has a soft texture and flowers on the spine, a big tree on front, and unlike most YA fiction these days there isn't some dramatic teenagers looking at me from the front. But a cover isn't the only reason to pick out a book, the concept to this one sounded great.
A girl with a touch that rots, how poetic is that? And the potential for character study, where you have to be isolated to protect everyone else, it's a great idea, and one I haven't seen before which is hard to find in YA these days. But while the concept is poetic, the book is definitely not. I didn't read a single quotable or noteworthy line and the tone of the book was slightly juvenile but for me it really worked with this book. Most YA I read is all scrubbed clean and it's written in a way that it's meant for a young audience but it written like it still wants to please the parents. No sex, no swearing, keep it PG people, which is pretty annoying. This book is written like its about real kids, and kids I would hang out with. Geeks who like Tumblr and use the word fuck when it feels like no other word will do. I could definitely relate to these kids. Well, they're only four years younger than me so kids isn't fair.
And the book definitely lived up to my expectation of new ideas. I won't go into it because spoilers, but man, I was definitely engrossed in the magics and methods of the world Lewis was building. And I really hope she's writing a sequel cuz I would love to see more. If you're a geek like me who loves a little bit of magic and horror in your fiction and is desperate to read something different I'd definitely recommend.
A girl with a touch that rots, how poetic is that? And the potential for character study, where you have to be isolated to protect everyone else, it's a great idea, and one I haven't seen before which is hard to find in YA these days. But while the concept is poetic, the book is definitely not. I didn't read a single quotable or noteworthy line and the tone of the book was slightly juvenile but for me it really worked with this book. Most YA I read is all scrubbed clean and it's written in a way that it's meant for a young audience but it written like it still wants to please the parents. No sex, no swearing, keep it PG people, which is pretty annoying. This book is written like its about real kids, and kids I would hang out with. Geeks who like Tumblr and use the word fuck when it feels like no other word will do. I could definitely relate to these kids. Well, they're only four years younger than me so kids isn't fair.
And the book definitely lived up to my expectation of new ideas. I won't go into it because spoilers, but man, I was definitely engrossed in the magics and methods of the world Lewis was building. And I really hope she's writing a sequel cuz I would love to see more. If you're a geek like me who loves a little bit of magic and horror in your fiction and is desperate to read something different I'd definitely recommend.
January 29, 2015
Ellie Miller has the ability to make things rot. Because of that she has made it her life long goal to stay away from people. Because of it she is the freak of the school and has no friends except Mackenzie, a girl Ellie met on the internet. She has come to accept that she will never be accepted anywhere in town because of her ability.
Then new kid Nate Macpherson takes an interest in Ellie. At first Ellie could care less what happens with Nate and her personal tormentor Amber. But when Nate tells her that he knows what she is and shows her his own abilities does she becomes more interested. But Nate has secrets of his own; being a necromancer will do that. And when Ellie and Nate get together secrets are bound to get out.
I had accepted this book for review a long time ago and I have no idea why it has taken me this long to review this book. This is a great story. I feel for Ellie. She is shunned, tormented, and bullied because of her ability to make things decay. My heart just breaks knowing that she clearly understands that this is how her life is going to be until the end.
Nate was so sweet and I could completely understand why Ellie just kept pushing him away. I’m glad that he finally got through to her. And I have to say, Nate’s mom as a zombie was great. Just know this is no typical brainless zombie. There is time and place for them and I’m so glad that she was so much more.
This is a great story. I have not seen many abilities like Ellie’s before. I like how it worked into the story; definitely one that makes this book even more interesting.
This is one paranormal young adult book that you will want to add to your collection.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Then new kid Nate Macpherson takes an interest in Ellie. At first Ellie could care less what happens with Nate and her personal tormentor Amber. But when Nate tells her that he knows what she is and shows her his own abilities does she becomes more interested. But Nate has secrets of his own; being a necromancer will do that. And when Ellie and Nate get together secrets are bound to get out.
I had accepted this book for review a long time ago and I have no idea why it has taken me this long to review this book. This is a great story. I feel for Ellie. She is shunned, tormented, and bullied because of her ability to make things decay. My heart just breaks knowing that she clearly understands that this is how her life is going to be until the end.
Nate was so sweet and I could completely understand why Ellie just kept pushing him away. I’m glad that he finally got through to her. And I have to say, Nate’s mom as a zombie was great. Just know this is no typical brainless zombie. There is time and place for them and I’m so glad that she was so much more.
This is a great story. I have not seen many abilities like Ellie’s before. I like how it worked into the story; definitely one that makes this book even more interesting.
This is one paranormal young adult book that you will want to add to your collection.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2013
Everything Ellie touches turns to mold and begins to rot. Even her own mother is afraid of her. At school she’s a freak and other kids avoid her like the plague until the day Nate shows up. From Nate she learns more about her special abilities as well as the ones he has. She also discovers that she’s not the only one in the world who can do what she does, and that some would seek to control her and use her special power for their own gain. As she discovers more about the good side of her abilities, Ellie must find the strength to break away from her tightly controlled life to create a future for herself.
Beautiful Decay by Sylvia Lewis is an intriguing story with elements of both paranormal and horror. All her life Ellie has been told that she can’t touch people, so she feels isolated, alone and lonely. Her only friendship is online with McKenzie, who lives far away. She truly doesn’t know how to react when Nate treats her as though she’s a normal person. But when she discovers that Nate has secrets too, and she can be herself around him, she’s alternately freaked out and relieved.
While Beautiful Decay moves a little slowly at first, the pace picks up pretty quickly as it twists and turns in unexpected ways. Ellie is a strong character who has to overcome feelings of self-revulsion if she every hopes to make a connection with others. While her situation is unique, many teens will certainly be able to identify with her struggle to find the beauty in herself and her abilities. Will there be a sequel? I certainly hope so.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Beautiful Decay by Sylvia Lewis is an intriguing story with elements of both paranormal and horror. All her life Ellie has been told that she can’t touch people, so she feels isolated, alone and lonely. Her only friendship is online with McKenzie, who lives far away. She truly doesn’t know how to react when Nate treats her as though she’s a normal person. But when she discovers that Nate has secrets too, and she can be herself around him, she’s alternately freaked out and relieved.
While Beautiful Decay moves a little slowly at first, the pace picks up pretty quickly as it twists and turns in unexpected ways. Ellie is a strong character who has to overcome feelings of self-revulsion if she every hopes to make a connection with others. While her situation is unique, many teens will certainly be able to identify with her struggle to find the beauty in herself and her abilities. Will there be a sequel? I certainly hope so.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews