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 Compulsion is one heck of a read. I can see this book, and trilogy, appealing to so many different kinds of readers. It will appeal to fans of romance, mystery, as well as fans of creepy/dark books. It is labeled as a southern gothic. I can't say that I have had too much experience in this particular genre, but if they are all like Compulsion, I need to start reading more of them. Compulsion was great. It had so many layers and such a depth to its' story. 
 You really had to pay attention or you would miss something. Compulsion really builds and builds so read each page carefully. A few times I felt myself getting swept up in the story and reading quicker and quicker to find out what was going to happen next and then before I knew it I felt a little lost, like I had missed something. The book actually started out that way for me. The name Mark was thrown around by the main character for like two or three chapters before I actually had any idea what his relation to Barrie was. But I think the author made some details and story aspects obscure on purpose to add to the mysterious atmosphere of the book. Once I got a couple of chapters in, knew who Mark was and found Barrie describing the pull she felt towards finding "lost" things, I knew this book was a keeper. I was hooked from that point on. 
 The story is crazy good, and it just keeps unfolding. Right when you think there couldn't possibly be any more, there is. I loved learning about the three plantation families, and the curse of the fire carrier. I loved seeing the Watson and Beaufort gift. I want Eight's gift more than Barrie's, that's for sure. The romance between Barrie and Eight is great as well. There are a lot of character in Compulsion, and I feel like there will only be more as the story continues, so there are a lot to keep track of. When you throw in spirits and all of the family tree members of the three families, it was a little hard to keep track of them all the time. Especially with how intertwined the three families are. Can anyone say drama and scandal galore? I ate it all up. 
 The characters are fantastic. I wasn't crazy about Barrie's name. It took me a while to get used to the main girl as a Barrie. But once you move past that, there are a whole cast of characters for you to either love or hate. I loved most of them. I had a love/hate relationship with Barrie's cousin, Cassie. But no matter which side you turn up on with her, there is no denying that she is an excellent addition to the story. Overall, I was so impressed with Martina Boone's creation in Compulsion. I loved the mixture of magic, curses, romance and just plain creepiness. It is a book that has left an impression on me, and I can't wait to see what she will bring us next. 
 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs