Review: Descended - Jett

Descended - Jett
by Dana Pratola

Plot Summary:

When a reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met.

Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

Expectations:

I read a review that likened this book to a combo of Batman and Jane Eyre.  Sold.

Review:

This is such a page-turning read!  The mystery surrounding Jett Cestone is set up early, and there is so much tension trying to figure out what he is.  His powers or special talent is sparingly revealed so that when Haven actually gets to see him, my eyes were rushing over the words to try and get the complete picture.  It was the most interesting way to maintain a suspenseful romance I have come across.  Especially as you don't "see" him until near the middle of the book.

I liken this story to a sort of Beauty and the Beast tale with Haven being invited to stay in Jett's home to complete her art project and becoming closer to Jett and discovering his secrets in the process. The romance is well crafted because Haven and Jett's personalities are so clear and strong, and through their conversations and banter you can see them drawing together.  Jett and Haven also became more three-dimensional because of their personal problems that affected the way they relate to other people.  I felt like the author created a believable psychological depth to the narrative by having many characters deal with relatable and realistic issues.

There is a strong Christian message wrapped into the story which wasn't too heavy-handed but surprising because the story did not seem like a traditional Christian romance.  Although I admit I've not read much in that genre.  I think it was surprising to me because the ideas raised in this book that legitimately challenge conventional Christian thinking is not resolved in a way that adheres to those teachings, but are still moral in a way that echoes Charlotte Brontë's "conventionality is not morality."  I appreciated the ideas that the author challenged and thought this story was uniquely thought-provoking because of it.  I did have qualms as I was reading about the issues in Jett and Haven's relationship - especially the mental scarring that was behind Jett's actions and if with that Jett and Haven could really have a healthy relationship.  There is compromise and I'm not sure if I can see their relationship working realistically, but this is a story after all and a really engaging, romantic and suspenseful one which I completely enjoyed!

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