I am always skeptical about reincarnation romances.

On the one hand, the concept of reincarnation as used in a fictional plot is marvelously freeing. The author might dip in on various romantic time periods, weave one tragic plot through another without actually killing the leads. Unfortunately, very rarely do writers actually take full advantage of these possibilities, and choose instead to settle for the love-at-first-sight trope.

Here's the thing: I actually don't have a problem with love at first sight. I believe that it's possible. In fact, I believe that a strong enough writer can even pull it off. Unfortunately, Kirsten Miller is not strong enough for this task. That's not to say she doesn't have talent--she does, and plenty of potential as well. She simply doesn't go through with characterization and wimps out on what could have been an edgy male lead.

Our lead, Haven, is set up as a tough, no-nonsense chica who wears kimonos and designs dresses with her gay best friend, Beau. (Although Beau is kind of stereotypical in every way, he was probably my favorite. I have my weaknesses.) However, as "The Eternal Ones" progresses, Haven rapidly falls into this sort of naivete that, as a social misfit and general outcast, she should not possess. I rarely like naive characters anyway--but Haven had no reason to be so innocent. What gives?

Iain, Haven's love interest over the centuries, had more promise. I'll admit it: I was sucked in by the concept of a famous boy being reincarnated over the years, and, in this lifetime, using his fame to find his beloved. Considering Iain's talents (which I won't spoil) it made sense that he would recall his love for Haven. Her insta-love for him is a bit less believable. And by "a bit" I mean a lot.

I have no problem with a dark, unhealthy romance as written in YA. I don't expect characters to be role models. But Haven and Ian's love story is just kind of stupid. She's constantly changing her mind about him, when any logical person would evaluate the facts and make a fairly reasonable assumption. It all harks back to this innocent-girl thing.

I couldn't entirely hate the book, as I did get a sense of doom and gloom about Iain. (Called the actual villain from a mile away, but Iain was a bit more mysterious.) I really wish that Miller had followed through as far as that promise goes. She could have had a very interesting read on her hands. As it is, "The Eternal Ones" flops.