Francesca's writing is almost lyrical. Her characters comes to life. Quite an enjoyable story. ( )

Abused girl turned stalker fairy tale. I still like Block's style, but the subject matter was a bit off this time. (November 19, 2006) ( )

Odd little book about a girl named Ruby who has a Knowing. The I’m-not-sure-why-I-know-something-but-I-do sort of Knowing. After a rough childhood – alcoholic and abusive father – she decides to search out the movie star Orion, knowing that they are destined to be together. Because hey, somebody has to be with the gorgeous hunk, so why not her, right? Even with the ultimate themes centered around healing and becoming a new person fueled by love I felt this book was a little too dark. I just didn’t feel the light that should have been there to off set the bleakness that comprised so much of the book. ( )

Francesca Lia Block once again acknowledges real issues in life through a story of magic and fantasy. A blend of love, witchcraft, healing, fears and dreams, this book will make take you on a journey, fighting and loving side by side with Ruby.

A young woman with a troubled past discovers her soul mate.

I wish I could give this one a rave review, but the book just didn't do much for me. On the surface, I should have loved it. The authors begin with a good premise rife with emotional impact. They structure the story in such a way that each small event layers onto those that have come before. There are some beautiful passages. And yet, the book just didn't speak to me.

I think it's because I never felt that the authors delved deeply enough. They gloss over quite a bit. Sometimes, I've found that this works to great effect in Block's novels; here, it didn't. There just weren't enough of the beautiful, telling moments that make stories like this really come to life. I didn't feel as though I were placed in a position to understand Ruby's love for Orion. It felt like infatuation, and unhealthy infatuation at that. It wasn't until the very end that I began to get a sense of what they might mean to each other... and by then, it was far too late.

On the plus side, the magic was nicely incorporated into the story.

Is this must-read Block? Sadly, no. (I can't say how it measures up to Staton's work, as this is my first experience with her). If she hadn't had a hand in it, I would be perfectly happy to pass it along to someone else. I've sometimes found, though, that I get a great deal more out of her stories the second time through, so I'm keeping it around just in case it clicks after another reading. ( )