The Chosen (L.J Smith)

=The Chosen=

The Chosen was the fifth novel in the 'Night World Series' written by L.J.Smith (Lisa Jane Smith). It was first published on February 1st, 1997 by Simon Pulse. Since it's release it has been reprinted several times due to it's cult status amoungst J.L.Smith fans.

Plot Summary

This book begins with an introduction to the central protagonist, Rashel Jordan. In the opening chapter she is introduced to the Night World at the tender age of 5 with the murder of her mother by an unknown vampire, who is later revealed to be Hunter Redfern, a respected lamia elder. This traumatising event is offered as the motivation behind Rashel's decision as a 17 year old to hunt and kill vampires. In the opening chapters we are offered an insight into her mind as she goes about her business after dark in Boston. We are introduced to her world and her loathing of vampires.

Rashel's eventual love interest is also introduced at an early stage in the book. John Quinn, or 'Quinn' as he is known, is described in a melancholy state, reminiscing on his rebirth as a vampire and his early love, Dove Redfern. Similar to Rashel's inset hatred of vampires, Quinn is presented as hating humans due to the murder of Dove at the hands of his father.

In this manner, the two central protagonists are provided with motivation to hate each other, though we suspect this hatred will be short lived.

Quinn is discovered and captured by a group of zealist vampire hunters and imprisoned in a cellar. Rashel, who numbers among the group, takes pity on him, and encourages her fellow vampire hunters to continue the hunt while she stands guard over the prisoner. She suspects that the others means to torture him, and intends to kill him honourably. Before Rashel can do this, Quinn engages her in conversation. Rashel finds herself attracted to the vampire and allows him to break free of his constraints. The two fight, however upon touching they find themselves drawn to each other and fall instantly in love. Before Quinn can remove the ninja-type mask that Rashel wears, the other vampire hunters return and the couple are broken up as Quinn is forced to flee.

Characters

John Quinn Born in the Sixteenth Century in Charlestown, Boston, John Quinn grew up in a very religious enviroment due to his father being a minister. However, after fallign in love with the daughter of a respected man in his Charlstown called Hunter Redfern he was turned into a vampire in order to marry her. Seeking his fathers help his rash behaviour led to his father killing Dove, his love, and atempting to do the same to John. Following these events he became called only Quinn, and while he never married into the Redfern family he was allowed to become Hunter's heir.

Rashel JordanAt age five, both of Rashel's parents where killed, which led to her being placed into foster care. She used this to her advantage by killing vampires in each new city she was taken too, searching alos for the vampire who killed her mother. She made a name for herself as 'The Cat' by killing many vampires and werewolves. While continuing to work alone, she also worked with a local group of vampire hunters.

Themes

The novel expands upon the central idea of 'forbidden love', a reoccurring theme in the work of the author, L.J. Smith. Although Rashel feels a strong connection with Quinn, her personal history and her own experiences as a vampire hunter prevent her from acknowledging these feelings. Likewise, Quinn begins to doubt his lifestyle and hatred of humans.

Trivia

In conversation, Rashel is compared to Buffy the Vampire Slayer by a minor character, Daphne.

Due to Rashel being known as 'The Cat', Batman and Catwoman are often mentioned due to vampires being 'bats', and the fact that both sides must keep their identities secret.

Quinn features as a minor character in the previous Night World novel, Daughters of Darkness.