Need (novel series)

Last updated

Need
Need CJones.jpg
Cover of Need, the first novel in the series
Need
Captivate
Entice
Endure
Author Carrie Jones
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreFantasy novels
Publisher Bloomsbury USA
PublishedDecember 23, 2008

Need is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Carrie Jones, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The focus of the story is a teenage girl named Zara, who joins a struggle against a society of malicious pixies. As the books progress, Zara encounters a series of personal challenges, and bonds with new friends and romantic interests.

Contents

Overview

The series follows Zara White, a strong-willed girl who is prone to helping others. Following the death of her stepfather, she is sent to live with her step-grandmother in Maine as part of her recovery. Zara discovers that her new town is home to a slew of vicious pixies, headed by a king, and becomes a prominent figure in the opposition. Amidst the conflict, she meets several new friends and allies, including a paranormal romantic interest named Nick. [1]

Background

Story development

Author Carrie Jones has claimed that she was inspired to write the story upon seeing a peculiarly dressed person at a fair, after which she began to envision certain images and scenarios within the tale. The author was particularly interested in writing about pixies, believing them to be a largely unexplored subject in folklore. [2]

An audio book for the first novel began production in 2009, with actress Julia Whelan providing the voice of Zara. [3] In a 2010 interview with The Hiding Spot, Jones stated that the series would likely run for at least four books, and that she had researched Norse mythology and pixie mythology while developing the second novel, Captivate. [4]

Character creations

During a 2009 interview, Jones discussed her motivations in creating and developing the character of Zara.

A lot of contemporary fantasy novels for adults have incredibly confident, butt-kicking heroines but that dominance hasn't completely taken over the young adult genre. There are still a lot of damsels in distress, which is okay, but I wanted some variety, some female leads who become tough and still are girls, who have bravery and empathy. Zara's development is like those adult protagonists for a reason. Girls deserve stories where the butt-kicking and the saving isn't ALWAYS done by the guys. They deserve stories where the female isn't always the damsel in distress. She can be in distress sometimes, but not all the time. [5]

According to the author, many of the male characters were inspired by actual people in her life, which facilitated her efforts to make them three-dimensional. [5]

Zara

Zara is a strong-willed girl with a tendency to help others. She and often takes note of various phobias which she discovers around her. At the beginning of the story, she moves to Maine to live with her grandmother while recovering from the loss of her stepfather. She states that before coming to Maine, she wouldn't really have cared if she had died. Soon afterward, she meets several new friends, and learns of a struggle against violent pixies within her town. Zara is most notable for her various quirks, such as being half pixie [later full pixie after Astley pixie-kissed her], wearing vintage band concert t-shirt the vast majority of the time and jeans with holes and peace signs, her short stature and running ability, and even her unusual name, which means 'princess'. [6]

Nick

A boy who Zara meets upon moving, Nick is a werewolf who becomes deeply engaged in the struggle against the pixies. He is something of a loner, but shares a romantic relationship and a close bond with Zara amidst the conflict. Despite his slight loner nature, he protects others, but to a different degree than Zara. He is described as tall and attractive. His father is a shifter but it is later revealed in "Captivate" that Nick's parents are dead. He has a major temper and an even more major tendency to do reckless things in order to save others. [6]

Grandma Betty

Betty is the family member who Zara lives with upon her arrival in Maine. She possesses an unusual array of talents for her age, and supports those who oppose the pixies. She is also a "were" who can turn into a tiger. She is the town paramedic, so is constantly being called away in a medical state of emergency. She is a terrible cook. She usually wears plaid flanell shirts, despite being a grandmother. Despite these various quirks, she is also a strong grandmother to Zara. [6]

Isabelle

A friend of Zara's, Issie is a pleasant and cheerful presence within the story. She is known at school as the "hyper girl", and Zara thinks she's very childishly cute. She has wild brownish hair, and a bright style. She has a love of bunny rabbits. She also has a romantic interest in her friend Devyn. While being a human without any notable abilities, she provides aid to all of her friends in the fight against the pixies. [6]

Devyn

A brainy boy who researches the pixies, Devyn provides the group with intellectual assistance. Devyn, also like Nick, is part were, and is capable of transforming into an eagle. He was paralyzed from the waist down when an arrow lodged into his spine. But because of a were's healing abilities, he recovers rather quickly from the injury. He and Issie are suggested to have romantic feelings for each other. [6]

Astley

Astley is a pixie king, and romantic interest of Zara's, with ambiguous intentions. It is eventually revealed that he wishes to make Zara his queen. He is Zara's lover and best friend. [7]

Cassidy

Introduced in the second book, Cassidy is an elf/human hybrid who possesses an ability to see the future. Her bond with Devyn eventually makes Issie jealous. However, she gradually becomes a close friend of Issie's, and bonds with the others as well.

Ian

Ian is the once innocent friend of Zara. Ian is killed by Betty for attempting to turn Zara to his side, the pixie side.

Book releases

Book #TitleUS release
1NeedDecember 23, 2008
Need introduces a teenager named Zara White, who moves to Maine and discovers that a group of violent pixies populate her town. Amidst the ensuing conflict, Zara makes several new friends, including a romantic interest named Nick. [8]
2CaptivateJanuary 5, 2010
Captivate focuses on the aftermath of the battle in Need. The story finds a slew of new pixies arriving in Maine, including a new king named Astley, who becomes an ally of Zara's. [7]
3EnticeDecember 14, 2010
Entice focuses on Zara becoming Astley's Pixie Queen, and the gang's efforts to bring Nick back from Valhalla. [9]
4EndureMay 8, 2012
In the finale, Zara and the others reunite with Nick and prepare for the imminent battle between Bedford and an army of pixies. Amidst this conflict, Zara questions her loyalty to both sides. [10]

Reception

The Compulsive Reader called Need an "imaginative and smart paranormal read," labeling Zara "a clever and likable character with backbone." The article went on to praise the supporting cast, as well as Jones' style, claiming that the author "writes with wonderful clarity, making for some super-creepy scenes." [11] Manga Maniac Cafe, which also interviewed Jones, stated that Need "has a little bit of everything, and it manages to blend all of these wonderful elements together in a reading experience that makes you remember why you starting reading in the first place." The review also called the book's narrative "firm and steady and unyielding, driving events from one crescendo of excitement to the next." [12] In a review for teenreads.com, author Chris Stanley-Dillman applauded the novel for its "nail-biting action and heart-pounding romance," and lauded Jones for having "cleverly planned a prolific plot, building suspense and conflict, and revealing many hidden surprises and twists at just the right moment." [8]

Need was listed as one of VOYA's best speculative fiction books of 2008. [13] In 2009, the novel was nominated for the Young Adult Library Services Association's "Best Books" listing. [14]

Captivate debuted at #7 on the New York Times Best Seller list. [15] Manga Maniac Cafe gave the novel a positive review, but claimed that the ending, which was altered in production to accommodate the series, felt unsatisfying. The article gave particular attention to Zara's inner conflict as the series progressed, stating that "part of what makes her such an interesting character is that she has to deal with her guilt and her self-recrimination when she is forced to do things that go against her belief system." [16] The Compulsive Reader labeled Captivate "witty, suspenseful, and absorbing," also applauding its love triangle for a tendency to provide "plenty of tension that propels Captivate’s plot." The article declared the novel a less-complete story than Need, but remarked that the "surprising turn of events and the cliffhanger ending will have everyone eager for a sequel." While discussing Zara, the review stated that she remained "a strong, admirable heroine," citing her desire to help others. [7] By contrast, The Hiding Spot criticized the character's headstrong nature, expressing a desire for Zara to "think her actions through a bit more." The review praised Jones' dialogue and humor, stating that, "There is something so real and comforting about the characters' interaction, whether they are concerned about another or joking around." [17] Children's author Kelly Fineman proclaimed, "Each character shines (and a few leave behind shiny things) in Captivate," commending Jones' use of Norse mythology as well. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Carrie</i> (novel) 1974 novel by Stephen King

Carrie is a 1974 horror novel, the first by American author Stephen King. Set in Chamberlain, Maine, the plot revolves around Carrie White, a friendless, bullied high-school girl from an abusive religious household who discovers she has telekinetic powers. Remorseful for picking on Carrie, Sue Snell insists that she go to prom with Sue's boyfriend Tommy Ross, though a revenge prank pulled by one of Carrie's bullies on prom night humiliates Carrie, leading her to destroy the town with her powers out of revenge. An eponymous epistolary novel, Carrie deals with themes of ostracization and revenge, with the opening shower scene and the destruction of Chamberlain being pivotal scenes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie-Anne Moss</span> Canadian actress (born 1967)

Carrie-Anne Moss is a Canadian actress. After early roles on television, she rose to international prominence for her role of Trinity in The Matrix series (1999–present). She has starred in Memento (2000), for which she won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female, Red Planet (2000), Chocolat (2000), Fido (2006), Snow Cake (2006), for which she won the Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Disturbia (2007), Unthinkable (2010), Silent Hill: Revelation (2012), and Pompeii (2014). She also portrayed Jeri Hogarth in several television series produced by Marvel Television for Netflix, most notably Jessica Jones (2015–2019).

<i>Sex and the City</i> (newspaper column) Newspaper column by Candace Bushnell

"Sex and the City" was a newspaper column written by Candace Bushnell for The New York Observer from 1994 to 1996. The column was based on her and her friends' lifestyles living in New York City in the 1990s. An anthology of Bushnell's columns was published as a book of the same name in 1996. The columns became the basis for the HBO television series Sex and the City, which led to the 2008 film of the same name, a 2010 sequel, and the HBO Max revival of the series And Just Like That....

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emily Watson</span> English actress (born 1967)

Emily Margaret Watson is a British actress. She began her career on stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1992. In 2002, she starred in productions of Twelfth Night and Uncle Vanya at the Donmar Warehouse, and was nominated for the 2003 Olivier Award for Best Actress for the latter. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her debut film role as Bess McNeil in Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves (1996) and for her role as Jacqueline du Pré in Hilary and Jackie (1998), winning the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress for the latter. For her role as Margaret Humphreys in Oranges and Sunshine (2010), she was also nominated for the AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urban fantasy</span> Genre of fiction, subgenre of fantasy

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy, placing supernatural elements in an approximation of a contemporary or modern, often urban, setting. The combination provides the writer with a platform for classic fantasy tropes, quixotic plot-elements, and unusual characters—without demanding the creation of an entire imaginary world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie Bradshaw</span> Fictional character

CarolineMarie "Carrie" Bradshaw is a fictional character and the protagonist of the HBO franchise Sex and the City, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. In the Sex and the City television and film series, Carrie is a columnist and fashionista who lives in New York City. Her weekly column, "Sex and the City", provides the narration for each episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Clique (series)</span> Series of young adult novels by Lisi Harrison

The Clique is a young adult novel series written by Canadian author Lisi Harrison and originally published by Little, Brown and Company, a subsidiary of the Hachette Group. The series was reprinted by Poppy books. The series revolves around five girls: Massie Block, Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvil, Kristen Gregory, and Claire Lyons, who are known as The Pretty Committee. The Pretty Committee is a popular clique at the fictional, all-girls middle school, Octavian Country Day (OCD). Claire and her family move from Orlando, Florida to Westchester, New York, where they live in the Blocks' guesthouse. Claire is initially considered an outcast due to her financial and fashion status. As the series progresses, Claire slowly develops a friendship with Massie, realizing that she must earn her friendship, and eventually becomes a member of the group.

Carrie Weaver is an American author of contemporary romance novels.

<i>Broken Soup</i> 2008 childrens novel by Jenny Valentine

Broken Soup is a 2008 children's novel by Jenny Valentine. It was shortlisted for the 2008 Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the 2008 Costa Book Children's Book Award, and longlisted for the 2008 Booktrust Teenage Prize. It has also been longlisted for the 2009 Manchester Book Award and nominated for the 2009 Carnegie Medal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie Jones (author)</span> American author

Carrie Jones is an American author, known for her work in young adult fiction. She has written both fantasy and non-fantasy novels, including the paranormal series Need. Jones has received multiple awards and appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.

<i>The Carrie Diaries</i> 2010 novel by Candace Bushnell

The Carrie Diaries is a young adult novel, the first in a series of the same name by American author Candace Bushnell. The series is a prequel to Bushnell's 1997 collection Sex and the City, and follows the character of Carrie Bradshaw during her senior year of high school during the early 1980s and part of her life in New York City working as a writer. The Los Angeles Times described it as "addictive" and "ingenious."

<i>Paranormalcy</i>

Paranormalcy is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Kiersten White, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story focuses on a girl named Evie, a member of a special international police force assigned to paranormal cases. As the tale progresses, Evie's professional duties begin to conflict with her growing desire for a normal life.

Epic Horse is a historical fiction series by author Victoria Holmes. There are three books in the series each following a new heroine and setting. The idea was first thought of when Holmes worked for Working Partners and came up of a historical fiction story. Each book has separate inspirations and influences on the time period and characters.

<i>Mockingbird</i> (Erskine novel) Young adult novel by Kathryn Erskine

Mockingbird is a young adult novel by American author Kathryn Erskine about a girl with Asperger's syndrome coping with the loss of her brother. It won the 2010 U.S. National Book Award for Young People's Literature. In 2012, it was awarded the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award.

<i>Unearthly</i> Novel series by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Cynthia Hand, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story follows a teenager named Clara, who learns that she is part angel and has a purpose to fulfill on Earth. While seeking answers about her role, Clara encounters friends, enemies, and romantic interests amidst her journey.

<i>Ruby Sparks</i> 2012 film by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Ruby Sparks is a 2012 American romantic fantasy comedy-drama film written by Zoe Kazan and directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton. It stars Paul Dano as an anxious novelist whose fictional character, Ruby Sparks, played by Kazan, comes to life, and his struggles to reconcile his idealized vision of her with her increasing independence. The reviews of the movie were favorable.

<i>Gone Girl</i> (film) 2014 film by David Fincher

Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and written by Gillian Flynn, based on her 2012 novel of the same name. It stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon in her film debut. In the film, Nick Dunne (Affleck) becomes the prime suspect in the sudden disappearance of his wife, Amy (Pike) in Missouri.

Lorraine Heath is an American author of contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance and young adult novels under multiple pen names, including Rachel Hawthorne, J.A. London, and Jade Parker. She is known for her "beautiful, deeply emotional romances" and in 1997, she received the Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Best Short Historical Romance for her novel Always to Remember. As of June 2015, fifteen of her titles made the USA Today bestseller list.

Carrie Mac is a Canadian author of more than a dozen novels for Young Adults, both contemporary and speculative. Her latest work is the literary novel, LAST WINTER, due out from Random House Canada in early 2023. She also writes literary short fiction, and creative non-fiction. Some of her accolades include a CBC Creative Nonfiction Prize, the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, and the Arthur Ellis Award, as well as various other awards and recognitions.

<i>Children of Blood and Bone</i> 2018 young adult fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone is a 2018 young adult romantic fantasy novel by Nigerian-American novelist Tomi Adeyemi. The book, Adeyemi's debut novel and the first in a planned trilogy, follows heroine Zélie Adebola as she attempts to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha, following the ruling class kosidáns' brutal suppression of the class of magic practitioners Zélie belongs to, the maji.

References

  1. ↑ "Need by Carrie Jones". needpixies.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  2. ↑ Julie (January 7, 2010). "Interview: Carrie Jones – Author of Need and Captivate". mangamaniccafe.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Need by Carrie Jones". booksonboard.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  4. ↑ Sara (January 8, 2010). "Interview: Carrie Jones (Author of Need and Captivate!)". thehidingspot.blogspot.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  5. 1 2 Fineman, Kelly (May 18, 2009). "Interview with Carrie Jones". kellyrfineman.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Need by Carrie Jones". needpixies.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 "Captivate by Carrie Jones". thecompulsivereader.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  8. 1 2 Stanley-Dillman, Chris. "Need by Carrie Jones Novel Review". teenreads.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Carrie Jones profile". goodreads.com. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  10. ↑ "'Endure' ('Need', #4)". goodreads.com. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Supernatural July: Need by Carrie Jones". thecompulsivereader.com. July 24, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  12. ↑ Julie (December 20, 2009). "Need by Carrie Jones Novel Review". mangamaniaccafe.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror—2008" (PDF). voya.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 16, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Best Books for Young Adults Nominations". ala.org. November 9, 2009. Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  15. ↑ "Best Sellers". The New York Times . January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 20, 2010.
  16. ↑ Julie (January 2, 2010). "Captivate by Carrie Jones YA Novel Review". mangamaniaccafe.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  17. ↑ Sara (January 8, 2010). "Review: Captivate by Carrie Jones". thehidingspot.blogspot.com. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  18. ↑ Fineman, Kelly (January 4, 2010). "Review of CAPTIVATE". kellyrfineman.livejournal.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.