Nameless: A tale of beauty and madness by Lili St. Crow

Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9781921880193.
(Age 14+) Recommended. Fantasy. Fairy tale retold. Enrico Vultusino, godfather of the Seven, the most powerful families in the land a magical alternative universe, discovers a 6 year old girl all alone in the snow. Camille is mute and scarred and Enrico takes her home to be raised with his own son, Nico. Now 16, Cami is no longer a mute but is distrustful of all except her close friends Ruby and Ellie and Nico who she loves. When she meets Tor, who is also scarred, the secrets of her birth begin to appear.
Lili St Crow writes dense, complex stories that draw the reader in with their complicated plots and strange characters. Cami is a wonderful heroine, who struggles with a stutter, nightmares and irrational fears, but who is prepared to take risks and who has an underlying strength. St Crow builds up an atmosphere where the reader is always uncertain and questioning about the motives of the people around her. Does Enrico love her and will she be able to stay as a Family member when he dies? Is Nico interested in her? And who is the strange boy Tor and why is she so drawn to him, even though she knows it is dangerous to be with him?
This is a dark and Gothic like story of Snow White, with vampire godfathers, powerful families, and strange and terrifying things living underground. It is not a story for the faint hearted who are looking for a light romance with vampires. The suspense around Cami's birth and what could happen to her is taut and exciting and I couldn't put this book down. I look forward to the next in the series.
Fans who enjoyed the paranormal series, Strange Angels or who like paranormal tales will be thrilled with this unique story with its themes of magic, love, friendship and betrayal.
Pat Pledger