Review: Consume by Melissa Darnell (Clann #3)

Consume (Clann #3)
Melissa Darnell
Published: Aug. 27, 2013 (Harlequin Teen)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Krista

Rating (out of 5):  2.5 stars

Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it does reference events in previous books from the series.

The beginning of Consume, the third in the Clann trilogy, deals with Tristan’s transition period after he was killed by one of his and Savannah’s so called allies, forcing her to turn Tristan into a witch/vampire hybrid. As a new vampire, Tristan must recover his lost memories and struggle to control his new found nature—only then can they return to Jacksonville. Unfortunately, no sooner have they arrived than a shocking and tragic event forces them to run.

For the majority of the book Tristan and Savannah are on the run or hiding with their loved ones and these scenes slowed the pace of the book, almost to a halt.

That being said the strength of the prior two installments, and subsequently Consume, was the relationship between Tristan and Savannah; or to clarify the struggle between the two. As much as they tried to stay apart they would soon find themselves drawn towards the other, although rarely at the same time. The push and pull between the characters is what kept me glued to the page.

In Consume, with Tristan’s transformation it could have been assumed that their relationship would be on more stable footing. Instead the characters are still finding their way tentatively toward each other. Although they are both now immortals they are still teenagers and still figuring out who they are. They both see their relationship as permanent but are still unsure on how to get there. The main conflict, which causes a decisive rift between the two, is the moral quandary Tristan faces when dealing with his families murderer. Tristan’s anger and need for vengeance, clouds all of his actions, whereas Savannah is uncertain if she can watch this darkness control him.

I honestly enjoyed the previous two books, but after finishing Consume I was left feeling disappointed. With the majority of the book spent in hiding, the characters did not seem to have much growth or movement. In the end their showdown with the villain is almost lackluster rather than the epic finale it could have been. The resolution of the conflict between the Descendant and Vampire races is overly simplified compared to the buildup in the prior novels.

I would still recommend the series as a whole, because of the almost tragic Shakespearean relationship between Tristan and Savannah. The struggle and attraction between the two characters is what kept me coming back for more. But I suggest lowering your expectations when it comes to Consume, the final book in this trilogy.

Sexual content: Kissing