Warped by Maurissa Guibord
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Source: ARC from publisher
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon
Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.
Warped is a beautifully written debut novel, it's a captivating fantasy with a fairy-tale-esque feel.
Initially we are introduced to the Norns... or the Sisters of Fate if you will. Weaving together the fabric of life. Decided when your particular thread of life has fullfilled it's purpose. The Sisters had several strands stolen and they will stop at nothing to get them back!
And then we are introduced to Tessa. Tessa's dad owns a bookstore... that they live above. How awesome is that. I guess, perhaps, only a true book lover could appreciate that, but I thought that was a nice touch! And who wouldn't want to discover a century old novel or a beautiful unicorn tapestry in a box of old books... fun.
I have to say that Maurissa's story captured me right away. The novel has a very unique aspect of magic to it. The tapestry and the novel... the "flashbacks" I had a hard time putting this novel down and extracting myself from this world. It was beautifully written and the characters were addicting! I loved Tessa's friend Opal. That is the kind of friendship that I always wished I had! (And still do!)
I loved the aspect of the mythology... with the Fates and the tapestry. Maurissa did an awesome job depicting what could have been a very difficult aspect to the novel. I loved the tapestry... the descriptions of the tapestry itself, the importance of the tapestry to the novel... genius people!
And I can't fail to mention Will... an English nobleman transported from the 16th century to present day. Handsome, arrogant and chivalrous all rolled into one. It's no wonder that our dear Tessa falls for his charms, even though she tries desperately to deny it!
Warped is a magical story and an awesome debut! I can't wait to read whatever Maurissa writes next! (Be sure to add this one to your Debut Author Challenge lists!!)