Book Review: Crave (Crave, #1) by Tracy Wolff
When I first stumbled upon Crave by Tracy Wolff, I found myself drawn in by the promise of a captivating mix of vampires, forbidden romance, and an academy setting. Who could resist? After all, I grew up in the golden age of YA paranormal romances, and the nostalgia alone was enough to pique my interest. But while I dove into this world, my excitement quickly morphed into a blend of confusion and frustration. Spoilers ahead, folks—I’m warning you now!
From the start, we meet Grace, a grieving teenager who moves to an all-too-conveniently gothic academy in Alaska after losing her parents. It’s a classic setup designed to be riddled with mystery and allure, and I have to admit, the initial intrigue hooked me. But as I read on, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the predictability of the plot. It felt like I was checking off boxes on a familiar list of YA tropes: the brooding bad boy, the mysterious family secret, even the classic “you’re meant for more than you know” vibe.
Let’s talk about Grace. She’s thrown into a whirlwind of supernatural chaos but reacts in a manner that left me cringing—head over heels for Jaxon, the brooding vampire with all the red flags of an emotionally unstable love interest. The quick pacing of events, which some may find exhilarating, felt rushed to me. One moment she’s mourning her parents, and the next she’s touching a hot guy who clearly warns her to keep her distance. It’s hard not to feel frustrated by her lack of common sense as she falls for him at lightning speed.
Speaking of Jaxon, what’s with the cliché “dark and tortured hero”? Don’t get me wrong—I love a good hero with depth, but Jaxon comes off as a stalker who embodies all the worst aspects of toxic masculinity, wrapped in a pretty package. It’s baffling how Grace positions him as her knight in shining armor when he’s literally the embodiment of “stay away from this guy” warnings. Not to mention Lia, the supposed villain, whose motivations seemed less like a well-crafted twist and more like an afterthought. Plot holes galore!
Despite my grievances, I’ll admit that the book is undeniably fast-paced. There’s a certain joy in burning through chapters as you try to navigate the tangled web of supernatural intrigue. And yes, I did find myself shaking my head at certain moments, but I also appreciated that it got me out of a reading slump, which is no small feat these days.
For anyone who enjoys a mindless escapade filled with romantic tropes and a fast-paced plot, Crave may just fit the bill. It’s hardly Shakespeare, but if you’re looking for something to pass the time or maybe to walk down memory lane of typical YA romance, this could be it. As for me, while I can’t say I loved this book, I might still pick up the sequel—if only to confirm whether my favorite character, Hudson, is still alive.
In conclusion, Crave is a rollercoaster of mixed feelings. If you’re already invested in the genre or looking for a read that doesn’t require too much deep thought, grab a copy and see if it resonates with you. Just don’t be surprised if you end up questioning every character’s life choices—because trust me, you will.