The Poisoned House: A Ghost Story by Michael Ford

Ford, Michael.  Chicago, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 2011.  $8.99.  ISBN: 978-0-8075-6590-2.  Horror/Historical Fiction.  Age/Grade Level: Teen 9+ (high school and+)  Format: Book

This book was a bit disappointing.  It seemed like a good choice, but it was very slow in getting to the action.  It tells the story of Abigail (Abi) Tamper, who truly existed in 1850’s London (and changed her name to Abigail Merchant) and this story is loosely based on her life, but it is made more of a story and told through Abi’s perspective in this book.  Her mother is killed, and she begins to be haunted by her mother’s ghost.  Abi has never known of her father, but has always served as a maid in Lord Greave’s household, Greave Hall.  Sam, or Master Greave, son of Lord Greave returns back from the war, loses his leg and Abi nurses Sam back to health.  (True part of Abi’s real story.)  Then the book takes a twist with Abi and Sam both being fathered by Lord Greave, which makes the story interesting, but was never actually proven historically.  Shortly after Abi’s mother’s death, Lord Greave falls progressively into madness and he does through most of the story, until he is killed.  It is later found out that Sam accidently poisoned Abi’s mother, while trying to kill Lord Greave, his father, and eventually Sam smothers Lord Greave in his sleep, all because Sam found it abhorrent that his mother fell in love with Abi’s mother (Sam’s own nursemaid) and to add insult to injury for Sam, Lord Greave leaves Greave Hall to Abi merely days after Abi’s mother’s death. (Abi’s inheritance was real, and it was suspected Sam killed his father.)  It was highly predictable, how the story would go, once it was revealed that the murderer of Abi’s mother was not the horrible Mrs. Cotton, housekeeper and sister to Lord Greave, so I found that disappointing.  However, I did like how as a sort of epilogue, they give Abi’s real life obituary from the London Times newspaper, and explain how everything truly went.  I would not recommend this book to a reluctant reader, but definitely to someone who has the patience to read through chapters before the story picks up.  It was an alright story, though I’d rather read something more factual about this Abi Tamper and her life.

Reviewed by Sarah

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sophomore Nora Grey struggles with the death of her father and her mother’s long work-related absences. When she is paired up with Patch in biology class, her initial reaction to the mysterious, quiet guy is not exactly positive. Yet, she somehow feels drawn to him. As dangerous and frightening events start to occur in Nora’s life, her contact with Patch seems to keep her grounded. But, Patch is hiding a lot about himself, and his secrets could be deadly for Nora...

The first in the Hush, Hush series, this novel is perfect for those who enjoy supernatural romance stories. While there are some similarities to Twilight – girl meets mysterious boy in a science class being one of them – Hush, Hush focuses on fallen angels interacting with humans. I love Fitzpatrick’s writing style; I found myself turning the pages and losing track of time. The character of Nora shows resilience, strength and intelligence, traits that some young adult heroines lack. The reader also does not discover all of Patch’s secrets by the end of the book, which is a perfect way to draw readers to the next in the series, Crescendo. I am certainly looking forward to reading the second book.

If you have been debating upon reading the series, movie rights for the series have been optioned, so there could be a movie based on the books in the near future! 

Reviewed by Jessica

The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sylvie Davis would give anything to be able to dance again…The Accident that broke her leg forced her to end her ballet career. Her mother’s decision to remarry also adds to Sylvie’s distress. These two events lead Sylvie to Alabama and her father’s family home. Sylvie’s father, who had passed away years before, rarely talked about his upbringing, so Sylvie is surprised by the size of the house and the roots her ancestors had in the community. Plus, the two guys who hang around the house, Rhys Griffith and Shawn Maddox, are hard to keep out of her mind. Sylvie also begins to see and hear things – a man and a woman from a previous era and the sound of wailing somewhere in the woods. Is there more to Bluestone Hill than meets the eye, or has Sylvie completely lost her mind?

Readers of the supernatural, historical references, contemporary connections to the past, and/or romance should read The Splendor Falls. I tend to gravitate toward any book that examines the past and that may include some sort of supernatural element to the storytelling. For me, The Splendor Falls does not disappoint. I got caught up in Sylvie’s life and her struggle to find a different kind of normalcy. Despite what the adults around her feel, Sylvie wants to stay grounded in the present, not go crazy from her grief over the loss of dancing. There are also elements of mystery to the narrative, specifically Sylvie’s determination to find out exactly is taking place at Bluestone Hill, since no one else at the house will confess to Sylvie that they see and hear the same things she does. And, I have to admit, you’ve got to love Sylvie’s dog Gigi, who helps Sylvie through everything!

Reviewed by Jessica

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

**This is the first book in the Legacy Trilogy**

Seventeen-year old Princess Alera of Hytanica has a problem: by her eighteenth birthday, she must choose a suitor to marry and be prepared to rule Hytanica. Though her father the king says she can choose whomever she wishes, he thinks Lord Steldor, who Alera finds self-centered and obnoxious, would be the perfect choice. Meanwhile, a teen from Hytanica’s enemy Cokyri breaks into the Palace grounds and brings with him secrets that could cause turmoil in Hytanica. Despite the danger, Alera finds herself drawn towards Narian, which makes Alera question her kingdom’s beiefs, her father’s rule, and makes her reexamine her own future.

Legacy is the perfect book for those who love to read about medieval-like kingdoms and those who do not mind very descriptive passages. Kluver uses details to allow readers to vividly see the gowns worn by characters, the rooms in the Palace, the Hytanican countryside, etc. Readers who are not interested in a lot of description may be turned away from the 400-plus pages. However, I enjoyed reading the descriptions and seeing the characters, specifically Alera, develop throughout the book. Alera is a strong character who wants to desperately get away from the current ways of thinking in her kingdom but strives to find a way to do so without angering her father. I must admit, there were times I found Alera’s actions to be a little petty, but it seems that by the end, she does grow up.

I look forward to reading more about Alera and Hytanica in the other two books in this series.

Reviewed by Jessica

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Age Level: Young Adult
Format: Book

Cas Lowood is not your usual teenage guy...instead of hanging out with friends and attending parties, he spends his nights tracking down murderous ghosts and killing them.  Cas inherited this ability from his father, who was murdered by a ghost he was trying to kill. Armed with his father's athame, Cas and his mom move from place to place taking care of these harmful ghosts. However, their move to Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a bit different. Cas is drawn to Thunder Bay by the legend of Anna Dressed in Blood, a girl brutally murdered in 1958 who haunts her old home and murders anyone who dares enter its doors. For Cas, this sounds like every day work. Except, it's not. Cas soon discovers there's more to Anna then everyone knows, which prompts him to re-evaluate his mission.

Considering how many books I read with female main characters, it was extremely refreshing to read a book starring a male main character written in the first person! Blake's characters are quirky and very likeable. I liked this book for its unique concept - student by day, ghost killer by night - and for the characters. Though I have not seen the TV show "Supernatural," I have heard readers make comparisons between this book and the show. Blake's writing style keeps you reading to find out what happens next.

Readers who do not like violence or gory scenes may have to skip a few paragraphs throughout the book - killing ghosts is not a clean job. Though written for young adults, adults who enjoy ghost stories or the supernatural may enjoy reading this book.

The sequel to Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares, came out in August. I can't wait to read it!

Reviewed by Jessica

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Age Level: Young Adult
Format: Book

Tamsin Greene feels she does not fit into her family...all of her family members are witches, and she is not. While working in her grandmother’s bookshop one day, Tamsin meets a man who wants her help finding a lost object. Because her family is known to find lost objects, and she wants to prove her worth to her family, she agrees to help him. Little does she know, this simple agreement leads to life changing events, including finding out the truth about herself and the truth behind her family’s past.

An exceptionally fast read, I absolutely enjoyed reading Once a Witch. I like Tamsin, who while trying to prove her worth to her family also learns a lot of lessons that will help shape her personality and truly understand her role in her family. There’s adventure, romance, fantasy and humor throughout the novel.  Readers interested in fantasy novels, and novels especially about witches, should check out this book. 

This is the first book in a two book series; the second book Always a Witch is just as fun to read. 

Reviewed by Jessica

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

**This is the first in the His Fair Assassin trilogy**

Seventeen-year old Ismae’s life changes dramatically when she is rescued from an arranged marriage and placed in the care of the convent of Saint Mortain, the god of Death. Ismae learns that she is a true daughter of Death, and as such, must be trained as an assassin. Her assignments are to dispatch those who are against the duchess of Brittany; Mortain leaves visible marks to Ismae on his targets. Her most important assignment leads her to the court of Brittany, where she must protect the duchess from enemies. But, what will Ismae do when she falls in love with one of Mortain’s targets?

LaFevers’ has created a wonderfully independent, strong character in Ismae. Ismae comes from a tragic background but yet rises to the challenge of becoming a handmaiden to Death. I cannot wait to see how Ismae develops as the trilogy progresses. 

Readers who like historical fiction may want to check out this book – it is set during the Middle Ages. However, do not let the setting be a deterrent from picking up this book. LaFevers makes the setting work perfectly. As the synopsis above suggests, there is violence throughout the novel, but it is not graphic. Religion, politics, love, death...these themes are discussed in the novel. Grave Mercy seems to have a little bit of every element!

This is truly a captivating novel and leaves the reader wanting more. Though it may be geared for teens, adults will enjoy this book too.

Reviewed by Jessica

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School does not begin the way Jessica Packwood had planned. While waiting for the bus the first day of school, Jessica spots a strange male staring at her from across the street. She is further horrified when she finds out his name is Lucius Vladescu, a new exchange student from Romania who will be living at her farm. Jessica receives the shock of her life when Lucius and her parents state that she is a vampire princess and is to be married to Lucius after her 18th birthday. If the marriage does not take place, Jessica’s birth family the Dragomirs and the Vladescus will be at war.

Completely grounded in logic and fact, Jessica does not believe anything said. For her, vampires do not exist. Jessica likes her life – working on her parents’ farm; competing in math competitions; dating Jake, a nice guy who lives on a nearby farm. As the story progresses, Jessica has to decide if she really believes Lucius’ claims or if she is willing to lose what really matters the most to her.

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a fun, humorous story. I was hooked from the first page and read through the story quickly. Fantaskey has a wonderful writing style and has created engaging characters. Jessica is strong-willed and refuses to give into her convictions; though there are times she cannot believe she can do a task, she is able to perform well and rise to the occasion. Those looking for books with strong female characters may want to take a look at this book. It is also a refreshing departure from the Twilight-esque story – vampires are interpreted in a different light, and I feel that overall the characters are stronger and easier to like (though one could argue about Lucius’ likeability at times). And, part of the story takes place in Lebanon County, which may appeal to those who like to read books with local settings.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

This is the 2011 Adams County Reads One Book selection. Book discussions will take place throughout the county in September 2011. Check your local library for dates and further information.

14 year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit lives on the Spokane Indian reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. On the advice of one of his teachers, Junior decides to enroll in the school off the reservation, where he would be the only Native American attending classes. Junior chronicles his life on and off the reservation, including his family’s battle with alcoholism, living in poverty, losing friends and redefining oneself in a changing environment.

Alexie wrote this as a semi-autobiographical account of growing up on a reservation. Charged with humor and heart-wrenching sorrow, this is an amazing read. There are a few scenes of a graphic nature, but most readers will appreciate a view of society from a different perspective. Junior’s determination to succeed despite obstacles is very uplifting.

I really enjoyed this book; this is one of the best I have read so far this year.

Reviewed by Jessica

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

One evening, while at a club with her best friend, Clary Fray sees something that no human should be able to see - a clash between Shadowhunters and a demon. Not only is she surprised, but so are the Shadowhunters, who are invisible to the naked eye. Then, her mother disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon. What Clary discovers about her mother and her own heritage only begins to help answer the questions she has. Why does Clary suddenly have the Sight to see Shadowhunters and demons? How is her mother connected with the Shadowhunters? Will Clary be able to save her mother in time from the dark forces?

This is the first book in the Mortal Instruments series. I was hooked from page one! Though the middle did drag a little bit for my taste, it was very beneficial towards building up the plot line for the series. There are some twists in the plot I did not see coming, so it made for a very interesting conclusion. By the end of the book, I was ready to get my hands on the second in the series, City of Ashes.

If you like supernatural and fantasy stories, definitely try this!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, or Ani for short, has the gift of speaking with animals, conversing in their language. Ani prefers to converse with the swans than to attend to her duties as the Crown Princess of Kildenree. This upsets her mother, the queen, who decides she must send Ani to Bayern to marry the Bayern prince. As Ani and her entourage journey to Bayern, Ani discovers a plot to kill her before the entourage reaches Bayern. Running for her life, Ani must use her gifts and find inner strength to combat her enemies before something happens to her or even to Kildenree.

This is the first book in the Books of Bayern series and is based on a Grimms’s fairy tale. With wonderful prose and a clear storyline, The Goose Girl is a wonderful book. Hale writes specifically for the teen audience, addressing issues such as self-esteem and peer pressure. Readers can see Ani’s inner strength and self confidence grow during the book’s narration, with the help of friends she makes and from believing in herself.

Reviewed by Jessica

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.

I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.

Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!

Reviewed by Jessica

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can tell the future.
And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.

He's so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late....

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger but not everyone will come out alive...

I will admit, when I first picked up this book I was a little skeptical. I'm over vampires. I've read way too many books lately that have dealt with vampires. But from the first page, I was hooked on this book. I couldn't put it down. The sub-plots with the vampire princess and the werewolf were interesting, but there was so much in the relationship between Mary Ann and Aden. I loved those two characters from the first moment I met them and I wanted to know how it was that Mary Ann could silence the voices.

All in all, this was a very good book. There were many unnecessary plot-lines and characters, but overall it was very interesting. Read it for Aden and Mary Ann. Not for the vampire princess and werewolf.

Reviewed by Sara.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Every time I talk about SHIVER I get chills. Wait, was that sentence incredibly cheesy? Yes! Did I mean every word of it? Yes! Should you read SHIVER? Yes!!! Oh, you would like to know why other than the fact that I practically just begged you to.

SHIVER, the first in a planned trilogy, is Grace and Sam’s story. As a child Grace was attacked by a pack of wolves. Ever since then she has been enamored by the wolves residing in the woods beyond her backyard. One wolf, her wolf, the one with yellow eyes, in particular.

Sam, the boy with yellow eyes, is sensitive to the temperature. When the weather starts to change so does he. During the summer months he is human and in the winter a wolf. Yes, the same wolf that silently lingers at the edge of Grace’s yard. Until one day due to unusual circumstances Sam finds himself injured, human, and naked on Grace’s back porch... And no way am I going to spoil the rest for you by telling you what happens next.

Told from two alternating points of view SHIVER is a beautiful love story that will simply break your heart. Stiefvater’s writing is magically lyrical and wonderfully descriptive in a way that the characters and events feel real. Plus, the print is blue! Blue, people! Not every book black, but blue! If that’s not enough to spark your interest I’m not sure what will.

Gorgeous cover and fun print aside SHIVER is a novel you’ll want to read, reread, and recommend to all your friends. Not only is it one of my absolute favorites, but also a New York Times Bestseller. Go, read SHIVER, and join me in my great anticipation for its upcoming sequels LINGER and FOREVER!

I award SHIVER five plus snowflakes (instead of stars).

Reviewed by Kaila

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Alexis thought she lived the typical dysfunctional life of a teenager. She has no real friends at school, keeps her parents at arm's length, and has a younger sister that is overly obsessed with dolls. But then strange things start to happen at home and it doesn't take Alexis long to figure out that her house is haunted and her sister is possessed.

I loved this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The tone of the novel is so hauntingly dark and hilariously snarky at the same time that it has a very creepy undertone to it. I enjoyed the journey that the reader is taken on as Alexis figures out what's going on in her house and through that, finally comes into her own.

The end of the book is a little bit cheesy, but I was able to forgive that simply because the rest of the book was great.

Reviewed by Sara.

Fade by Lisa McMann

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

 

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

 

I love the Wake series.  I’ve been waiting for Fade ever since I finished reading Wake last year, and I was not disappointed.

 

Fade divulges more secrets about Janie’s ability, and the consequences that come with her power.  It also takes us further into the unique relationship between Janie and Cabel, a relationship that is taken to a new level.  I cannot wait until next year when the final book is released to see how Janie’s abilities and her relationship with Cabel have grown and changed.

 

Be aware, there is some vulgar language throughout the book.

 

Reviewed by Sara.