The Chosen (L.J Smith)

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[edit] The Chosen

The Chosen was the fifth novel in the 'Night World Series'. It was first published on February 1st, 1997 by Simon Pulse.

[edit] Plot Summary

This book begins with an introduction to the central protagonist, Rashel Jordan. In the opeing 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.

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.

[edit] Trivia

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

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