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Yvonne Woon
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Dead Beautiful Kindle Edition

by Yvonne Woon (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 221 ratings
A compelling paranormal mystery about love...and death.

On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, Renée Winters was still an ordinary girl. She spent her summers at the beach, had the perfect best friend, and had just started dating the cutest guy at school. No one she'd ever known had died. But all that changes when she finds her parents dead in what appears to be a strange double murder.

After the funeral, Renée's wealthy grandfather sends her to Gottfried Academy, a remote and mysterious boarding school in Maine, where she finds herself studying subjects like Philosophy, Latin, and the "Crude Sciences." It's there that she meets Dante Berlin, a handsome and elusive boy to whom she feels inexplicably drawn. As they grow closer, unexplainable things begin to happen, but Renée can't stop herself from falling in love. It's only when she discovers a dark tragedy in Gottfried's past that she begins to wonder if the Academy is everything it seems—and if Dante is everything he seems.

Dead Beautiful is both a compelling romance and thought-provoking read, bringing shocking new meaning to life, death, love, and the nature of the soul.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    465 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  4. Publication date
    September 21, 2010
  5. Reading age
    14 years and up
  6. Grade level
    9 and up
  7. File size
    1.4 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up–Renée Winters, after being inexplicably called into California's Redwood forest, walks right up to the spot where both of her parents lay dead after suffering apparent heart attacks. Stranger still, their mouths are stuffed with gauze and coins are scattered about their bodies. The teen is put under the care of her estranged grandfather, who sends her to Gottfried Academy, a boarding school devoted to Latin, philosophy, and a strange mix of sciences, located across the country in Northern Maine. There, she meets fellow student Dante and is intensely drawn to him–and he to her. A series of suspicious events occurs throughout the first semester as Renée and Dante grow closer and students mysteriously die. Woon slowly–yet suspensefully–reveals that children who die and are left unburied for 10 days wake up part alive and part deceased. Undead. Gottfried Academy exists to teach both the living and the Undead about this transformation and the rules concerning it. Dead Beautiful could be described as Twilight at Hogwarts. Despite numerous parallels to Stephenie Meyer's saga, Woon pulls off some interesting twists and captures readers with the romantic connection between Renée and Dante. This novel will be an easy sell to readers who are still dying for more paranormal, forbidden, chaste romance. Woon sprinkles in some philosophical ideas that set the story apart from others in the same genre. Riveting and different, it is a real page-turner.Emily Chornomaz, West Orange Public Library, NJ
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Darkly handsome Dante Berlin is the object of every girl’s desire at gothic Gottfried Academy, but he seems unreachable until new girl Renée Winters crosses his path. They discover a mutual attraction, complicated by the fact that Dante is undead and Renée is very much alive. A string of murders that create more undead causes Dante and Renée to start an investigation that reveals the true purpose of Gottfried Academy as well as the potentially fatal connection between the two teens. Boarding-school story meets Murder, She Wrote meets the Twilight series in this nifty title, which also offers an attention-grabbing take on zombies. Detailed world building and setting contribute as much to the story as character and plot. Atmospheric touches such as school rituals, classes like Imaginary Arithmetic, and the use of Latin as the “insider” language all add to the ambience. This lacks the sassy humor of many zombie books—not a failing, just a fact—so give this to the earnest Twilight crowd but also to teens who like impossible love stories with supernatural flavor. Grades 8-11. --Cindy Welch

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004774J9A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 21, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 21, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 465 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 221 ratings

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Yvonne Woon

Yvonne Woon

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
221 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's paranormal elements clever and enjoy its mysteries, with one noting how they don't overshadow the romance. Moreover, the book is beautifully written, charming, and customers find it absolutely engrossing, with one review highlighting how the curriculum is woven well into the storyline. Additionally, they appreciate the character development, with one review specifically praising the heroine's intelligence.

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17 customers mention "Mystery content"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery elements of the book, particularly its clever paranormal elements and interesting premise, with one customer highlighting the fascinating details about burial practices.

"...The way the author writes it is fantastic. She gives you subtle possibilities and hints at different outcomes for what this unique mystery might be,..." Read more

"...But, that is okay. All this myth, all the mystery, all the new undead plot line, was so different and fun that Renee's slowness didn't really bother..." Read more

"...The school has an interesting history within the book, and feels as though it could actually be a real place...Gottfried Academy...even the name has..." Read more

"...But that said, the actual writing of the book and story are just magnificent!!!" Read more

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining to read, with one customer noting it's not just another YA novel.

"...this unique mystery might be, but when the mystery is revealed, it's brilliant (and will catch you off guard)...." Read more

"...all the mystery, all the new undead plot line, was so different and fun that Renee's slowness didn't really bother me too much...." Read more

"...Overall, Dead Beautiful was an entertaining read, though I would suggest holding off on buying until it is released in paperback...or check it out..." Read more

"...I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It takes the whole academy type of setting to another level. It wasn't just another book set in a boarding school...." Read more

10 customers mention "Engrossedness"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book absolutely engrossing, praising its brilliant concept, with one customer noting how the curriculum is skillfully woven into the storyline.

"...Beautifully told, thoroughly engrossing, and absolutely leaves you wanting more! *..." Read more

"...Then...she meets Dante; the most elusive, intelligent, drop dead gorgeous boy in school; and wonder of wonders he's talking to her...." Read more

"...That's how beautifully written this story is. It pulls you in from the start and the pages just keep turning; for me, they turned deep into the..." Read more

"I give Dead Beautiful a three star rating because the concept is really great, but the execution is a bit slow and boring...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"8 positive1 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer noting that the heroine is smart.

"...I loved the characters, especially Dante. I do not know what it is but I always find a place in my heart for the good guys...." Read more

"...They showed potential to become truly memorable characters, but they never really evolved from the awkward teens presented at the beginning of the..." Read more

"...She also had some awesome minor characters that helped shape her perfectly and while they were minor they had huge personalities...." Read more

"...Renee is a smart heroine, and her personal journey grappling with the grief of her parents is sensitively played out without turning into tear-..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book.

"...Beautifully told, thoroughly engrossing, and absolutely leaves you wanting more! *..." Read more

"...I am completely a fan now. I loved the flawless writing that we see in Dead Beautiful. Also the beautiful language...." Read more

"...I felt like I was living the story along with her. That's how beautifully written this story is...." Read more

"...Love a book that keeps you turning pages. Well written and fun to read!" Read more

3 customers mention "Charm"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming.

"...-material, and I appreciate the fact that this author called him good-looking, showed his effect on the heroine, and left it at that...." Read more

"...He always seems to know what she is thinking. He seems sweet and he tries his best to protect her and while he does keep secrets from her he has to...." Read more

"...Despite the dark tone the romance that develops is charming and intriguing. The dark tone to the book simply draws you in...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Autumn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uniquely engrossing and equally chilling. A spectacular author debut!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This story was instantly grabbing as it starts with the main character, Renee, losing something that we can almost all relate to at some point: Parents.

    As Renee's parents die a sudden death, her entire world was changed within a matter of days. Obviously, losing people always evokes immediate change, but Renee suffers more as she loses her parents and then is ripped from her home, her town, her school, her friends, and her environment. She's sent to boarding school across the U.S. to the East coast, opposite of everything she knows. As she struggles with the grief of losing her parents and being shuffled into this new life that her grandfather has chosen for her, she quickly finds that her new school is rife with mystery, intrigue, death, and, of course, hot boys that she's forbidden to date. Along with the secrets of the school come the secrets of a beautiful boy that she falls for. He's mixed up within the mystery surrounding the school and when Renee digs up answers, she digs up his shocking past.

    Anyway, without giving away too much from the story, the reason for the mystery on campus is definitely something new. Not all new approaches to teen/YA paranormal fiction are creative, done well, or engrossing, but this book is all of those things. The way the author writes it is fantastic. She gives you subtle possibilities and hints at different outcomes for what this unique mystery might be, but when the mystery is revealed, it's brilliant (and will catch you off guard).

    My rambling aside - most definitely pick this book up. It's hard to put down once you start and you'll want to solve the mystery on your own (and you also might want to punch some of the characters in the book in the face for being creepy and downright weird).

    Beautifully told, thoroughly engrossing, and absolutely leaves you wanting more!

    *RANDOM END NOTE*: This reminded me of the new debut "Nevermore" by Kelly Creagh. Not in the story line, mystery or plot but, by the brilliance of the unique, new, and engrossing paranormal twist in both of these books.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • DBD
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story that will take hold of you in a tight grip and hold on till the end
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Rene's life is just getting started or so it would seem. She has a great best friend Annie. She's caught the most coveted boy in schools attention. She has everything to look forward to until.

    It's her birthday all is good in the world till she and Annie drive home from the beach. Rene tells Annie to go a different way home than normal and that's when her real story begins.

    Rene's loses her mom and dad and is the one to find them. While being watched over by Annie's mom; her astranged grandfather comes in and tells her she's going to be moving to Maine with him and going to the same school (first time she's heard of it) that both of her parents went, met and eloped from. Her seemingly perfect life turned upside down is further complicated by the school Gottfried Academy which is much more than it seems as are its students. As is Rene. What Rene does not know about herself and her family could cause her harm or is it what the other students are capbable of?

    She moves on with her life through her grief, makes new friends while attempting to hold on to the old ones who seem to be pulling more and more away. Then...she meets Dante; the most elusive, intelligent, drop dead gorgeous boy in school; and wonder of wonders he's talking to her. Funny thing is he doesn't know why but he can't seem to stop needing her, or just being near her.

    As she attempts to solve her parents murder, and those of some students, as well as, Gottfied's curse she is drawn deeper and deeper into the history and mystery of what she is and what are closest friends are too. Without giving more away; the story ends with Rene having to make a choice that none of us ever want to make.

    And I'll end with the sincerest hope that Yvonne Woon will write a sequel...
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nori's Closet
    4.0 out of 5 stars So much better than I thought!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    It's about Renee Winters. The book starts on her 16th birthday. She's in the car with her best friend, leaving the beach, when she senses something and has her friend pull over. She then runs through a forest, sensing that she needs to, and comes across the dead bodies of both her parents. And even though both her parents had coins on their eyes, and gauze in their mouths, their deaths were determined to be heart attacks.

    Renee is then taken in by her wealthy grandfather (who had had a falling out with her parents many years earlier). And he sends her to Gottfried Academy, a fancy boarding school with strict dress codes, no electricity(!), and rules prohibiting any dating amongst the students. Renee is upset about her parents and knows something does not add up about them both dying from a heart attack at the same time. She soon learns that a student at the academy died the previous year, also from a heart attack, and goes on a hunt to find a connection.

    Renee has a habit of getting into trouble at school and is continuously found outside of her dorm with Dante, the boy she falls head over heels for. He's very lonely and almost never speaks to anyone, but immediately befriends Renee, and their connection is strong from almost the first day. He tutors her in Latin, and while she starts to fall for him, she also comes to realize how strange he is. Renee never really gets punished for all her late night escapades (searching for clues and spending time with Dante) because the teachers all seem to love her for the skills she has in her horticulture class, which is all about digging, planting, and finding the right soil. Renee is also very good at finding dead animals. They seem to turn up throughout the whole book.

    The book in large part is about murder and mystery, and discovering why so many people around the academy seem to die from heart attacks. It does have a lot of soul mate type romance, but it gives new meaning to the term, soul mate. By the time, I'm almost positive this is another vampire series, I find out that it's much more complicated than that. I might be spoiling things a little, but I feel I need to in effort to describe what makes the book unique amongst other supernatural YA books. Dante isn't a vampire; he's undead (sort of a mix between a vampire and a zombie). And the reason he is undead is because he died before the age of 21. Anyone who dies before they are 21 (aka: still a child), will come back to life if not buried under ground. And when they come back, they come back with almost no feeling (not taste, no smell, etc.). They don't eat or sleep, and they generally just feel empty because they are missing their soul.

    When a child dies (who's not buried), their soul goes to someone being born at the exact moment of their death. And the myth is that if the undead child finds the new person who has their soul, and kisses them on the mouth, they will then get their own soul back, and another chance at life. But no one in all of history has been able to track down their soul. And to live longer than the 21 empty years granted to undead children, the undead can kiss anyone on the mouth, steal their souls and kill them, so they can live just a little bit longer.

    Once Renee learns about the undead, I knew it described Dante, and I knew that she must have had his soul. The headmaster asked about her birthday earlier, and I was able to put two and two together way faster than Renee. But, that is okay. All this myth, all the mystery, all the new undead plot line, was so different and fun that Renee's slowness didn't really bother me too much. There's a lot of history mixed in with myth here. I loved learning along with Renee about the history of burial. I loved reading what past philosophers said about immortality. I loved the concept of the school. I loved how similar Dante and Renee were, and how well they balanced each other. I enjoyed reading about Renee's friends. And I found all the details about burial so fascinating and unique.

    I didn't originally think I was going to like this book because of the very rushed beginning. The scene where Renee finds her parents happened too quickly. I wanted more detail, more feeling about how exactly Renee felt to discover her parents. Instead that part was kind of summarized. And while Renee thinks back on that moment a lot in the future, I feel like that scene was too good and too important to rush over like that. I mean discovering the dead bodies of your parents is a YA gold mine. Why fast-forward to after the funeral?

    But, I did end up loving this book. Though, I do think the main characters not being able to kiss each other on the mouth is a little overdone. It was not what I was expecting. It was so much better than what I was expecting.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Carolyn Flint
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in Australia on July 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Like nothing I have read before. I’m so enthralled by this book. I’m really enjoying how different it is. On to the next one in this series.
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