Review: Coexist by Julia Crane

Book: Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1) by Julia Crane
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy 
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Available Formats: Ebook / Paperback 

Publication Date: June 19th, 2011
How Did I Get This Book: Blog Tour
First Sentence: "Keegan's call echoed in Rourk's mind as he was finishing his set."
Preview Book: Read Chapter 1
Description: Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends—she’s an elf, descended from a long line of elves that lives in secrecy alongside humans.
In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are 18. Against tradition, Keegan’s brother Thad told her Rourk’s name because his visions warned him she’d need Rourk’s protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan’s side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known.

An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan’s family in the future of their society. Depending on the outcome of the battle Keegan and Rourk may never have their life together.

I love the concept of Coexist. I idea that your soul mate is predetermined and you would never have to search for them. Sure it sounds like a familiar concept, but in Coexist it actually works. When I think of someone not having the ability to chose their partner, I immediately think of dystopian books/societies. But Crane presents this has a sort of utopia. There are flaws in Keegan's elfin society, but the system isn't flawed; it's magic. People are actually happy and in love. So although Crane took a concept that has been used before, she turns it completly on it's head.

I loved the connection between Rourk and Keegan. I'll admit, I was a bit weary of Rourk - his narratives did not really do much for me. But when Keegan and Rourk finally meet, all of my doubts were gone. They are simply wonderful together. I do not want to spoil anything, but their meeting was both touching and beautiful. I am definitely a huge fan of these two. That beings said, I did have a few issues with Coexist.  While I enjoyed the majority of the characters, I found some of them to be rather flat. Especially Donald. I don't know a blasted thing about Donald.

And I am a little disappointed at the sheer amount of magical creatures Keegan ends up knowing. That just seems incredibly far fetched to me. I was also not a huge fan of the ending. Let me tell you folks, the final plot twist was a doozey. A game-changing, head-spinning doozey. And I for one, did not like it. Plus, the final obstacle that the characters face was settled entirely too quickly and easily. There was such build up and then it was all over so quickly.

In short, I was loving Coexist until about the last fourth of the book. Then things went a bit haywire. But I still enjoyed it and I am interested to see what becomes of the characters; especially Keegan, Rourk and Thaddeus (Keegan's little brother).

Favorite Quotes:

"If he's not able or willing to protect you, he is not worth your time."

When she thought his name, it pierced through his heart.

His face looked rugged, angled with eyes that were confident. He looked exactly like what he was, a warrior. She could not believe he was all hers.