Title: Avalon High
Author: Meg Cabot
First published December 27, 2005
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060755867 (ISBN10: 0060755865)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
When her family’s ancestral home in Scotland calls her, Emily doesn’t hesitate to answer. But what she finds there is beyond her wildest dreams.
Ancient myths come alive in the Scottish countryside, and Emily discovers that her family has been keeping secrets for centuries. As she navigates this new world, she finds herself drawn to Lachlan MacKinnon, the son of a rival clan, whose rugged looks and fierce loyalty both intrigue and unsettle her.
But their families are sworn enemies, and Emily’s own family doubts Lachlan’s intentions. When she sees a creature in the night with eyes like Lachlan’s, Emily can no longer deny that neither the MacKinnons nor the Callums are what they seem.
Torn between loyalty to her family and love for her family’s mortal enemy, Emily must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Scotland with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.
About the Author
Meg Cabot, also known as Jenny Carroll and Patricia Cabot, was born on February 1, 1967, in Bloomington, Indiana. She was born in the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, which is considered an unlucky sign.
However, this did not affect her upbringing as not many people in her hometown were aware of the stigma surrounding it. Meg faced some struggles during her teenage years, such as failing freshman Algebra twice and cutting her own bangs.
After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City to pursue a career as an illustrator. Unfortunately, she failed at this and turned to writing novels as a form of emotional support.
She worked various jobs to pay her rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
Meg is a successful author, having written nearly fifty books for both adults and teens. She has sold fifteen million copies worldwide, with many of her books becoming #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Her most notable work is The Princess Diaries series, which has been published in over 38 countries and adapted into two hit movies by Disney. Meg has also written other popular series, such as the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You?
series, as well as standalone novels like Teen Idol, Avalon High, and Jinx.
Currently, Meg is working on a new children’s series called Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls and a paranormal series called Abandon, which will debut in the summer of 2011. She divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with her husband and cats, including her primary cat, one-eyed Henrietta.
Editoral Review
Meg Cabot’s Avalon High is a thrilling young adult novel that blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure with a thought-provoking examination of the nature of loyalty, destiny and the power of friendship. First published in 2005, it has remained a beloved classic of the young adult genre.
The novel tells the story of Ellie Harrison, a teenager who moves with her family to Annapolis, Maryland. Ellie attends Avalon High, where she meets Will Wagner, an attractive and popular student who is a prime candidate to win the coveted position of class president.
However, Ellie begins to notice strange occurrences surrounding the school and her classmates, leading her to suspect that they may be part of a legend where Arthurian legends might actually exist. Avalon High is a deftly crafted novel that balances action and romance without sacrificing the depth of the characters.
Cabot’s writing style effectively conveys the contrasting moods of the story, from lighthearted and humorous moments to scenes of suspense and melodrama. The novel’s themes, especially the role of loyalty and destiny, are woven expertly into the plot without feeling preachy or didactic.
Moreover, Cabot sets the story against a backdrop of Arthurian legend, which she adapts to the modern-day setting in a seamless manner. Through Ellie’s investigation, Cabot expertly incorporates Arthurian lore into the story, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers who may not be familiar with the legends.
Additionally, the novel’s exploration of issues such as betrayal and redemption resonates with readers, helping to make the characters seem authentic and relatable. Avalon High also shines in its characterization, as Cabot creates characters that are both endearing and complex.
Ellie, the protagonist, is a strong, witty young woman who is more than capable of handling herself in a dangerous situation. Will, meanwhile, is charming and likable, but also harbors secrets that drive the plot forward.
Even the minor characters are given distinctive personalities that help bring the story to life. If the book has any flaws, it lies in its occasional predictability when it comes to plot twists.
Some readers may see the novel’s major twists coming well in advance, slightly detracting from the suspense of the story. Additionally, certain elements of the Arthurian legends can feel contrived, as if they are included only to fit the storyline, rather than organically included in the plot.
Overall, however, Meg Cabot’s Avalon High is a thrilling and engaging novel that will capture readers’ hearts. With unforgettable characters, a mesmerizing setting, and plenty of action and romance, it is sure to delight fans of the young adult genre.
Furthermore, the novel’s thoughtful exploration of issues such as loyalty and destiny make it a worthwhile read for any reader, regardless of age or genre preference. Rating:
Target audience: young adult, fans of fantasy, romance, and adventure novels.
