- Series: Heirs of Watson Island
- Hardcover: 448 pages
- Publisher: Simon Pulse (October 28, 2014)
- ISBN: 9781481411226
- Source: Personal copy
After her mother passes away, Barrie Watson is sent to live with her aunt at to her mother’s childhood home at an old South Carolina plantation. Her mother never shared information about her family; a fire on the night of Barrie’s birth stole her mother’s beauty and the life of her father. Since then, they’ve lived as recluses in their own home.
When Barrie arrives at Watston Island, she finds herself to be a prisoner of another type, stuck in the middle of a generations-long battle between the three founding families of Watson Island. The ancient spirit responsible for cursing one of those families is a constant reminder to the island’s past. The other two families were granted magical gifts that eventually grew into compulsions.
As a member of one of the families granted a compulsion, Barrie is haunted by unseen forces. Her compulsion is to locate missing objects; she becomes obsessed with locating items that explain her mother’s sudden departure from Watson Island years ago. What she uncovers, however, not only explains her mother’s departure but uncovers a family secret that, if uncovered, will destroy one of the founding families.
What drew me to reading Compulsion was the setting, but what won me over was the unique storyline and rich characters. I’m a fan of Southern fiction and, add a sprinkling of the supernatural and I’m sold. Boone succeeded at crafting a beautiful homage to the rich southern culture and folklore. Barrie’s character is a rewarding one; she’s been dealt a difficult card in life yet still manages to get by. Her spitfire attitude and strong connection to Mark, the neighbor that filled in a as a father-figure when her own father died, create a young woman that refuses to let any obstacles bring her down.
The romance between Barrie and Eight (a member of another founding family) is genuine and not forced. I’ve found that, in a lot of YA, the romance added to the equation seems false and manufactured. Yet the bond that is forged between these two is bound together by fate. As this is the first book in a trilogy, I hope to learn more about the connection between these two characters.
The storyline is wholly unique; I honestly haven’t read anything like it. Ancient Native American spirits (a fire monster) that haunts three families? I’m sold. The history of their powers (compulsions) has captured my attention as well; I hope the author spends some time building up the history.
Compulsion has so many compelling traits, a storyline filled to the brim with love, revenge, mystery, family secrets. All in all, a well-rounded and nearly perfect read. I can’t wait for the next book, due out next Fall. Highly, highly recommended.
Check out Boone’s inspiration on her Pinterest Page!
