Review of Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Synopsis:
Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.  Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable--she erased.  Now at seventeen years old, she's clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities.  Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.  

Nathan is convinced his family's plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying.  After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering.  He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah's hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart.  Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in forever--and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

X-men meets My Name is Memory in Karen Amanda Hooper's latest young adult release. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given: ★★★★★

Overall View:
 I was given this book for a honest review.
Wow! Where to begin? I read this book as soon as I found some time to sneak away from my exams.  It was indeed worth it! I was very grateful that I was able to slip away from reality and enter the world of Maryah and Nathan.  The book captured my attention at the very beginning which was quite a surprise as I usually took a long time to get into the book.  I couldn't out the book down until I reached the end.  So many elements were beautifully built throughout the story.  I can't believe I have never heard of this book before!  This book is a MILLION, no, BILLION times better than twilight! I am a very forgetful person but somehow I was able to remember all the characters.  I was surprised at how easily their names had stuck to me.
The book inflicted so many different emotions upon me.  I was overwhelmed by the quick changes from a happy mood to a dark and solemn atmosphere.  When I reached the end I was aching for the next book. 

Characters (WARNING: May contain Spoilers):
Maryah - 
Description of Character: Maryah is a strong willed and determined girl when she puts her mind to it.  She is also one of the first eight Elements.  Maryah is soul mates with Nathan.  She erases her memories after her eighteenth death.  At this point, we don't know why she did it but there are chances that this will be revealed in the next book.

Review of Character: I liked Maryah's character.  It was truly sad to read the part where Maryah lost some of the most important people in her life.  To make things worst she has to stay in a house of strangers.  I don't think i would be able to take all that stress and grief.  To know that there is no one in the world whom you can truly talk to and not be judged is hard.  I admire her strength and courage as she faces the obstacles thrown at her.

Nathaniel -
Description of Character: Nathaniel, also known as Nathan and Nat is a dedicated soul mate to Maryah.  He is hurt and confused to find out his soul mate had "erased."  Nathaniel has the power to transport to any place he desires.  

Review of Character: Nathan was a hard character to understand at times as his emotions sway.  This makes sense though as he had lost the love of his life, literally.  Maryah doesn't remember him.  To make things worst, many people are aiming for her life.  It was surprising to see that him slowly pull through all the mist that clouded his judgement as he faced reality.  

*Supporting characters not listed