REVIEW: Revel by Maurissa Guibord

Title: Revel
Author: Maurissa Guibord
Publisher:  Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: February 12th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 352 pages
Source: Won from Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:
There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.

Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.

Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.

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• I had not heard a lot about Revel before starting it so I was pleasantly surprised when I really enjoyed it.  The story was full of mythology, love and action.  
• Delia is looking for her last bit of family and ends up finding so much more.  She is a strong willed, smart protagonist that has strong family values.  I really enjoyed how she didn't back down and tried to do what was right.  She had a strong moral compass.
• The modern mythology fit perfectly into the story and was easy to imagine an island such as Trespass. The existence and secrecy of the island is protected by the mythology and demi-gods that surround it. 
• The imagery of both the demigods and the monsters painted such a real picture that the story just flew by.  It was easy to invest in the characters.  
• The romance stayed fresh and cute with no serious love triangle.  It also did not overpower the story.
• I was on my toes the whole book.  The plot was on the darker side full of drama and turmoil; it was unpredictable and took turns I was not expecting. 

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• Actually, there was not a lot I did not like. 
• It was a great book just short of a higher rating; the only thing I would have liked is a bit more history about Trespass.  It was such an interesting island and the author set up a good explanation for how the island ruled by demi-gods exists in a world like today without being uncovered.  I wanted to know more about the way the town functioned and more about the Delia's family history. 

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Revel was a great standalone book that blended modern mythology with drama beautifully.  I think it is a hidden gem and well worth the read if you love mythology!