Possessed

Possessed

Kate Cann

Point

$16.99

February 2010

FTC: I received this from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: heavy (but I’m not sure if it’s legal to drink at 16 where they are)

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?

My Thoughts:

Maybe I’m converting to the dark side or maybe this book was really just that great? I usually don’t like scary books or books I don’t find real to life but this one was great! The characters were each well developed and I could feel a strong emotional connection to them. It was as if they were real, living and breathing people, not a work of fiction.

The plot was superb and not one that was easily predictable. Throughout the whole thing I was left guessing what was to come. It wasn’t any of my original predictions, that’s for sure. The setting added to the fantastic plot. I felt like I was there, it sent shivers down my spine. The cover was lacking in many ways but I guess it was alright. Average at best. I think they could have portrayed the story with a different one much better.

As for the ending, delicious! I thought it was perfect and unexpected.

So what do I have to say? “Lock your doors, turn on the lights. This book will have you shivering in your seat.”

Give up the Ghost

Give Up the Ghost
Megan Crewe
Henry Holt
$17.99
September 2009
FTC: I received this from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Total grade: C

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
A supernatural twist on the "Mean Girls" plot provides page-turning action. Cass McKenna sees ghosts. Her first spotting was her sister Paige, who failed to pass on to the afterlife following a drowning accident. Unfortunately for Cass, Paige and the ghosts that inhabit her school are her only friends. A junior-high bullying incident left her jaded and angry, and as revenge, she uses her supernatural informants to spill her classmates' juiciest secrets. When the student council VP discovers her covert ability, Cass unwillingly helps him contact his dead mother, leading to changes in her social status. Cass isn't the most lovable of protagonists, but her resentment is well developed and convincingly sustained throughout. Mysterious plot elements and the budding relationship between Cass and the VP will quickly engage reluctant readers

My Thoughts:
This book was not for me, I will admit that right off. I am not a paranormal fan but there have been a few lately that I actually LOVED. This was not one of them. I felt that the only real aspect of this book was paranormal. There seemed to be no close to life things I could connect to. There for I would only recommend this to fans of paranormal literature.

Quotes:
Here is a random quote I found by opening to a random page:

Back when we were innocent kids.

Chasing Brooklyn

Chasing Brooklyn
Lisa Schroeder
Simon Pulse
$15.99
January 5th 2010
FTC: This is my friends’ book. I borrowed it from her and did not receive it from the publisher.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 18/20
Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: 5/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 0/20
Total rating: 13+ (death is not an easy topic and the book is a tad creepy)

Summary: (Amazon)
Restless souls and empty hearts
Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.
Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.
As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

My Thoughts:
Anyone who knows me and those of you who have read my blog for a while know I get creeped out easy with paranormal stuff. I however LOVED Chasing Brooklyn. They split parts of the characters were awesome. I loved seeing the same thing through different sets of eyes.

Nico is adorable and the kind of boy we all want. He had the hidden feelings most guys have but he occasionally let them shine through. I found myself enthralled in his gripping tale. There was something about him, a charm that made me fall for his character.

Brooklyn was a gentle person. She was timid and afraid of getting hurt. I felt a strong connection to her. I wanted her to succeed, to be happy. I felt like she was my friend and I’d do anything to protect her.

I recommend this book to everyone, BOYS and GIRLS! The story was unforgettable.

Quotes:
Here is a random quote I found by opening to a random page:

My words,
my heart,
my soul,
shredded by someone
who seems intent
on hurting me

I Heart You, You Hanut Me

Just recently I met Lisa for the second time! She is such a sweetie and I adore her!

I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Lisa Schroeder
Simon Pulse
$7.99
January 2008
FTC: This is my friend’s book. I did not receive it from the publisher or author.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 18/20
Total grade: 93% A

Sexual content: 2/20
Violence: 0/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 0/20
Total rating: 10+ in cleanliness, 14+ in connections

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
Girl meets boy.

Girl loses boy.

Girl gets boy back...

...sort of.

Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear hisvoice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she'scrazy, but she knows he's here.

Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

My Thoughts:
A few months ago I had the lovely opportunity to meet the author of this great book. It was super cool to find out that she lives 45 minutes away from me! After meeting her, my good friend, Sarah, bought this book and it made its way to me. I am so happy I had the chance to read it!

I love when books are written in lyrical format, especially books with tough subjects. I loved how with that format the story seemed to keep flowing at a steady pace. That always is nice.

The plot was very different than what I normally read and the characters were very well developed. I would recommend this book to romance fans AND paranormal fans. You don’t have to be both to enjoy this.