BECOME by Ali Cross

Become by Ali Cross is a gritty YA paranormal with a tough-as-nails heroine and an interesting take on heaven and hell.

Let me start by saying that Desolation Black was my kind of girl.  At just sixteen, the daughter of Lucifer wasn't afraid to show some defiance and more than a little backbone.  The descriptions in the book were spot on.  I could actually feel the icy cold of hell.  (In Cross's book, the fires issue a freezing burn).  I could totally understand how sensory deprivation could be its own torment.  (When Desi walks the halls of hell, her combat boots make no sound).  The details added so much to this world; the picture they created was terrible yet rich and completely believable.

One of my favorite things about Desi was her ability to deal.  When she's banished to Earth by her father, Desi doesn't cry about it.  She slips on her combat boots and leaves the only home she's ever known--even though her last trip to Earth ended in tragedy.  When she's forced to live with Daniel, one of Lucifer's loyal followers, and all of his perversions, Desi doesn't cave an inch.  One of my favorite parts was where Desi elbows Daniel's smarmy carhop in the face for trying to cop a feel.

Like I said, my kind of girl J.

Her mission is simple: Corrupt Miriam Carr, a suicidal alcoholic who's this close to the edge.  All Desi has to do is push her over--and into the waiting arms of Lucifer.  But things change when Desi and Miri unintentionally become friends.  The two girls form a bond that awakens a spark inside Desolation, a goodness she's tried all her life to keep hidden.  When she finally Becomes, Desi's convinced that her fate as a demon is sealed.  But her choices have only just begun--and with a war brewing between heaven and hell, the daughter of Lucifer may just be the world's only hope for salvation. 

I loved the tone of the book.  Talk about edge, Desi's voice was razor sharp, and Cross didn't pull any punches.  Daniel's house was truly a den of sin.  Drugs, sex, greed.  I felt so bad for Desi having to be around all that, having that be her legacy.  Also, the scenes with Michael were some of my absolute favorites--their first kiss in particular. *swoons*  James (the bad boy) was an interesting character.  Honestly, I wouldn't have minded seeing Desi end up with him.  I know, I know, that's not how it's meant to be, but what can I say?  I love going against the grain.  I'd love to see Desi go for the bad boy (or at least have it be an option ;)).

Now, the end was a bit confusing.  I don't really know much about Norse mythology, so all the talk of Odin, Asgard, Helheimer, Valhalla, the Spear of Destiny etc. kind of threw me off.  For me, there was too much info dropped too fast.  Once I sorted through everything, though, I was very satisfied with how the story ended.

Become was fantastic you guys.  I'd recommend it for the grit alone, but when you throw Desi into the mix, there's no question.  It's a must-read!

Happy reading everyone, and thank you so much to Ali for letting me be a part of her tour!!  This book rocked J

Ninja Girl