Lost In Starlight by Sherry Soule

Lost In Starlight by Sherry Soule

ISBN: 978-1495433351

GENRE: Upper YA / SyFy Romance

Release date: June 26, 2014

Rated: PG-13

Excerpt: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/2014/04/new-series-by-sherry-soule-starlight.html

Amazon Webpage: http://www.amazon.com/Sherry-Soule/e/B00596ANCA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707942-lost-to-starlight

*This book was provided by the author for an honest review*

Review:

Sherry Soule’s writing style is always so refreshing and unique, great to unwind and just read for the heck of it. Her characters are so realistic and appealing, you can’t help it but fall in love with them or hate them if they’re bad. Hayden is your typical bad boy with a heart of gold and to be honest, I just didn’t connect with him as much as I would have liked it. Yes, he was perfect because he wasn’t really a douchebag and accepted her for who she was without trying to change anything about her, but he wasn’t really growing or developing on the pages. But then again, it’s not about me, is it? Sloane’s chemistry with Hayden sure as heck lit up the pages. They made a good team, I’ll admit it. But still, you know? Oh, and his brother… he just fell flat to me. So, a few characters need more development.

Thing is, sometimes I got a few bad vibes like the fact that Sloan just rolled with the punches. I’m still not quite sure whether her quick acceptance of things was a good thing or bad. I mean, a bit more of a surprise and shocking reaction would have been nice. What’s up with looking up things online? Everyone knows it’s innacurate. The beginning just played the “new, mysterious person in town with a big secret that I’m going to guess” card too hard. I feel like Sloan just wasn’t herself then. My pet peeve is that sometimes certain things happen like an accident and only a few eyebrows are raised. Like, there were no consequences to the strange and unexplained.

Sloan is great, though. She’s witty and doesn’t lack in the sarcasm department. No matter what, she will stand up for herself and just… be, you know. Sloan is a great role model, the poster child for what the rest of us should realize, that it’s okay to be yourself and not be “normal.” I mean, where’s the fun in that, right? The realism also comes from the normal teen issues that girls sometimes have to deal with like body image, family and, of course, boys. See, that’s the thing with YA, a teen can read it and be like, “I understand that girl (or guy), I’m going through something like that” while an adult can look back and nod because they remember having experienced it, too.

As far as the writing and everything, Sherry Soule has nailed the genre. Both adults and teens should read Lost In Starlight. It’s the perfect combination of syfy, romance and suspense. It’s both intriguing and action-packed. The romance will keep you interested and coming back for more because there’s a balance in the book where one part of it won’t suddenly overwhelm the reader. Sloan, the intrepid reporter, is like the Clark Kent of the story and I’m anxiously waiting for the next volume in the series so I can once again enjoy Sloan and Hayden’s adventures. Hopefully, next time Hayden will grow to be more than just Sloan’s boyfriend. She needs more than just a hottie.

Rating: 3.5

Favorite Character Moments by Author Sherry Soule

Favorite Character Moments by Author Sherry Soule

Today bestselling author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! She will be publishing a brand new upper YA / Sci-Fi romance series: the “Starlight Saga” with scorching-hot character chemistry, exciting suspense, and epic romance on June 26, 2014.

To help promote this interstellar love story, “LOST IN STARLIGHT,” Sherry is doing this guest post to share the news with fellow booklovers.

Please mark your calendars to buy your copy of LOST IN STARLIGHT on June 26^th 2014!

Read the first six chapters on wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/43691448-lost-in-starlight-ya-syfy-romance-lost-in

VOLUME ONE: Starlight Saga

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.

They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova.

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

Sherry has compiled a few of her favorite moments from the first book in the Starlight Saga, “LOST IN STARLIGHT.” Enjoy the excerpts!

Excerpt 1:

I’m suddenly aware that Hayden Lancaster’s blatantly staring at me. Hard to miss. He’s like a man among boys, at least in his flawless physique. His messenger bag is in one hand, and drumsticks stick out of his back pocket. I lift my hand in a hesitant little wave. He doesn’t return my gesture, just continues gazing at me through those thick lashes that frame his unique eyes. My head goes all woozy. Even my limbs feel jittery. Frustration and confusion are warring inside me for having any feelings for someone like him.

And what’s with the stare?

A wave of nervousness hits hard. Is there toilet paper hanging out of my jeans? Food stuck in my teeth? Or have Frankenstein bolts suddenly sprouted from my neck?

Being on Hayden’s radar is a little unsettling. I admit there’s something about Mr. Puppy Hero’s rare smiles, lopsided with an edge, that draw girls to him like insects buzzing a bug zapper. For better or worse, no one can resist Hayden Lancaster. Not even me….

Excerpt 2:

“Do you believe in destiny, Hayden?” I ask.

“I do now…but before I met you, I didn’t think there was any such thing as love-at-first-sight, or one person for everyone, or a soulmate. But when I’m near you, I think...I might be wrong.” His expression softens, and he runs his thumb across my bottom lip, causing the blood to sear in my veins. “You know what I believe now? That the universe has no conscience will, only inevitabilities, and it was inevitable that we should be together. It was fated—written in the stars—that no matter what, I’ll never stop trying to make you happy or wanting to keep you safe. I am lost in you, with no desire to escape.”

My breath snags in my throat. Even my knees wobble. How is it that he can say the most romantic things?

Places you can visit author Sherry Soule:

Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Twitter @SherrySoule: http://twitter.com/SherrySoule

Add LOST IN STARLIGHT to your TBR on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707942-lost-to-starlight

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Fright Night Babble

Guest Post “FRIGHT NIGHT BABBLE”

By Sloane Masterson

Today bestselling author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! She will be publishing a brand new upper YA / Sci-Fi romance series: the “Starlight Saga” with scorching-hot character chemistry, exciting suspense, and epic romance on June 26, 2014.

To help promote this interstellar love story, “LOST IN STARLIGHT,” Sherry is doing this guest post to share the news with fellow booklovers.

VOLUME ONE: Starlight Saga

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.

They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova.

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

Meet Sloane Masterson, the heroine of the Starlight Saga!

Welcome, Snarklings!

These romantic horror clichés will make any self-respecting fear fanatic wanna rip their hair out!

First off, love means never having to say, “You’re butt-ugly.” So if the heroine falls for the disfigured opera junkie, it almost always gives new meaning to the expression: “strange love.”

If your boyfriend is a DNA scientist and his botched teleportation experiment goes awry, it’s time to get a new boy-toy—stat!

If your lover becomes the undead, and then begins a reign of bloody terror by eating your friend’s brains, it’s time to rethink those warm and fuzzy feelings you have for the dude.

If the object-of-your-affection is a stalkery vamp avenging a thwarted romance that happened, like, a hundred years ago and you resemble his long lost love, please consider getting higher standards. No guy is worth getting your throat ripped out and the blood drained from your body.

Peace, love, and horror flicks,

Zombie Queen aka Sloane Masterson

Please mark your calendars to buy your copy of LOST IN STARLIGHT on June 26^th 2014!

Places you can visit the author Sherry Soule:

Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Twitter @SherrySoule: http://twitter.com/SherrySoule

Read the first five chapters on wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/43691448-lost-in-starlight-ya-syfy-romance-lost-in

Add LOST IN STARLIGHT to your TBR on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707942-lost-to-starlight

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Sherry Soule Guest Post

“Why I Love the Young Adult Genre”

Guest post by author, Sherry Soule

Today bestselling author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! She will be publishing a brand new Upper YA / Sci-Fi romance series: the “Starlight Saga” with scorching-hot character chemistry, exciting suspense, and epic romance on June 26, 2014.

To help promote this amazing interstellar love story, “LOST IN STARLIGHT,” Sherry is doing this fun promo to share the news with fellow booklovers.

Hi everybody, I’m author, Sherry Soule—waving from the SF Bay Area. Thanks for letting me visit today, it’s an honor to be a guest here and meet fellow booklovers.

Since I was a child, I recognized that books were a way to travel to other places and have incredible adventures. Even though I am older (you’re NEVER too old to read young adult novels, in my opinion) than the average teen reader, I’ve always loved reading Young Adult literature.

I think I love reading YA Lit because I think that most novels in this genre are fast-paced and thrilling, and the stories are written in a style that is engrossing, with story-driven or character-driven plotlines with lots of first love. I also adore that there are so many books created into a series nowadays, so that you can continue to have additional adventures with your favorite characters.

Could my love of YA Lit be simply because I’m still stuck at age sixteen, just a teenager-at-heart in disguise?

Could be. And like many of you, I’ve read hundreds of YA books and I can actually say that I enjoyed them all. Some I genuinely loved and these books became like good friends that I didn’t want to part with, so they adorn my bookshelves and wait patiently to be reread again one day. Other novels were simply read and then disregarded with a contented smile.

And you know what? I am NEVER embarrassed to buy YA novels (although, I buy most of my books online through Amazon) in bookstores, or carry them around with me. I love the genre and always have and always will.

Of course, I realize that we all have diverse tastes in literature. Most of you will have varied genres that you love to read, and probably some of my favorite books are simply your forgotten reads. That is what makes the world of YA Lit, and reading as a whole, so fascinating. Each one of us will enjoy different types of characters, plots, and of course, a writer’s voice, the way only they can tell a story.

At its core my new novel, LOST IN STARLIGHT is basically a love story about two lonely hearts finding each other and how their star-crossed relationship changes both of their lives. And I don’t know about you, but I need some romance in almost every book I read. Even in YA!

Thus, LOST IN STARLIGHT is the first book that I’ve ever written that focuses heavily on romance more than any paranormal baddies trying to kill the heroine or a supernatural mystery to solve. And if you’re a hopeless romantic at heart, then you’ll enjoy reading my new book.

Thank you for letting me chat about my love of young adult literature. I hope you enjoyed this post. Now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine. :-D

Please mark your calendars to buy your copy of LOST IN STARLIGHT on June 26^th 2014!

Read the first six chapters on wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/43691448-lost-in-starlight-ya-syfy-romance-lost-in

VOLUME ONE of the Starlight Saga

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.

They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova.

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

About Sherry

Sherry Soule lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the bestselling author of the adult novel, “Immortal Eclipse” and the popular YA series: Spellbound. Sherry writes thrilling tales of romance and suspense, often mingled with a dash of the mystical and a splash of trendy fashion. Her love of literature began when she was a young girl and it has continued throughout her life.

Her published novels do not include any graphic sex scenes or explicit violence, nor excessive profanity, so that all of her novels can be read and enjoyed by both teens and adults.

Sherry’s debut novel, “Beautifully Broken” was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the 2011 Wizard and Witch/Sorcery category by The Romance Reviews (TRR). Her adult novel, “Immortal Eclipse” is a *TOP PICK* by Night Owl Reviews.

Places you can find Sherry Soule:

Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Twitter @SherrySoule: http://twitter.com/SherrySoule

Please add LOST IN STARLIGHT to your TBR on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707942-lost-to-starlight

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Stolen Time Book Tour

Angela Rae Harris:  Stories of Hope ~ Creating Dreams

Angela is an author, a wife, mother of two, and a part-time assistant office manager. She loves nights when her husband cooks. Her two kids keep her hopping and help her tap into her well of creativity and imagination.

At thirteen, Angela read Harry Potter and was reacquainted with books. She reads everything from Steven King to Will Hobbs. She started writing after her youngest was born. The characters started to visit and wouldn’t let her sleep until she wrote down their stories.

She'd love for people to get lost in her books.

Website/Blog / Facebook Fan Page / Twitter / Goodreads /

Book Links:

Amazon / Amazon U.K. / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords / Goodreads

Guest Post: 

Stolen Time and the Shifter Origin

From the beginning, I knew Stolen Time (The Time Series) would be about shifters. The idea of changing into an animal always intrigued me. As I researched the idea, I wanted a world that was based off of an ancient belief. Egyptian religion is riddled with gods who are also animals. My story developed as I researched those legends.

While much of the shifter ability is built upon Egyptian tales, it needed to be modernized. I envisioned modern day shifters in hiding. After all, wouldn't you be a little scared of your neighbor if you know he could change into a grizzly bear? This also presented a case for the antagonistic General. In accent Egypt, the pharaohs were believed to be close to the gods because they could also shift into animals. The General’s cause is to reinstate shifters’ place in the current world.

Along with the legends, I knew that my shifters wouldn't all change into the same animal. Everyone has a different personality; therefore, everyone has a different animal inside of them. Have you ever been told you have eyes like a hawk or you’re cunning like a fox? In junior high, I started a new school and one of the girls I sat next to in first period told me that I looked like a cat. At the time it seemed odd, but it made me think. My imagination went wild. No pun intended.

I want my fantasy world to be believable, and to make my readers think when they see a garage door raised a little off the ground, “Does a shifter live there?”

With Halloween coming up, what kind of shifter would you want to be?

Okay, so to intrigue you a bit further with Angela Rae Harris book here's the beautiful cover and synopsis. 

Synopsis:

Tragedy has made Keaira wise beyond her twenty years. Forced to work for the General, a commanding man who blackmailed his way into her life, she was ordered to study self-defense and master knife throwing. In the hidden community of Shifters, falcons are considered weak, a fact which may ultimately save her life. To escape his cruelty, she will need to call upon her quick-witted falcon side, but the General has other plans – ones which involve his only son, Carson.

When unexpected feelings form between Keaira and Carson, the General quickly moves his pieces into place, launching his quest to take over the world. If she wants to survive, Keaira must stay one step ahead in the General’s deadly game and discover his weaknesses. Even if it means risking her life and the lives of those she cares about most.

With war on the horizon, sides are being drawn. Deadly secrets must be exposed. Time is running out for Keaira and all of mankind.

Fabulous Upcoming Stuff

So, my friends. You may or may not know of the fabulous Spellbound series by Sherry Soule but let me tell you that you're most definitely missing out on something big if you don't. A cross between Supernatural and Charmed, this series is one of the best I've read. You can read my review on Beautifully Broken, the first book here. Coming up, is the review of the revamped version of the first book. I'll have that up sometime before it's my turn in the tour. Meanwhile, here are some pretty cool banners to look at.

Support indie authors!

GenLia

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Styxx (Dark-Hunter #24)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Published September 3rd 2013 by St. Martin's Press

Purchase at: 

Barnes&Noble

Amazon

Synopsis: 

Just when you thought doomsday was over...

Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.

But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

Review: 

Ever since I found out about Styxx last year, I'd been dying to get my hands on it. Why, you ask? Well, because while I was a complete mess reading Acheron and absolutely despised Styxx and his father, I was curious on how Sherrilyn Kenyon could possibly make me change my mind about that asshole. Seriously, he did despicable things to Acheron, playing a big role on making his life miserable. Boy, was I wrong. 

If possible, Styxx was even worse. Or better. Whatever floats your boat. In my opinion it was way more brutal and graphic than Acheron had been. But I could be wrong it's been a while since I read it. Nevertheless, I assure you that within a few pages you will be tearing up, and it just gets worse from there, I assure you. You see, I bought this book at a bookstore during a school field trip and managed to freak out at least three of my friends with how emotional I was getting over the book. Seriously, no kidding. 

But, see, that's what I love about Sherrilyn Kenyon. She's a great woman with such vivid imagination that when she creates characters I think of it as creating another human being. So far most of her characters have felt so real to me, which is why Styxx got to me so much. It's really impossible to put the book down. 

Styxx starts during the twins' childhood just like Acheron and ends somewhere this year, but with a whole lot of added scenes in which you get to see the reality of Styxx's life, his innermost thoughts and everything he went through as a child and young man. I'm telling you, neither of them had it easy because as you may or may not know, they were separated at the age of seven and led completely different lives. VERY different. 

You come to realize that, unlike what we saw in Acheron, (if you've read the book, which I absolutely recommend) Styxx was far from a pampered Prince that was loved and cherished. Gods, that was far from the truth. Everyone misjudged him, betrayed him and never, ever showed him any kindness. His parents hated him, contrary to what Acheron and Ryssa thought. Styxx went through Hades a million times, suffering the worst of the worst. That is until he met Beth. 

Bethany was actually one of my favorite characters in the entire book. She saw Styxx for what he really was, a bashful, strong young man with an immense capability of love and loyalty... if only people let him in. Their relationship was truly beautiful, and it was very touching to see Styxx give her every part of him. Hell, he was even faithful, something which most men in the book weren't. Now, my second favorite was Galen, Styxx' mentor who trained him for battle. Even though they had a very rough relationship at the beginning, the old man eventually saw Styxx, the real him and came to see him as a son. This was also one of the things that tore at my heart, the way Styxx interacted with this man and how much he came to love and depend on him as if he was his real father. I could never thank him enough to helping Styxx and sticking to his side through everything. In a world where Styxx had to look over his shoulder all the time or suffer the consequences, which could have come from either Ryssa or his own mother due to the fact that they loathed him to the point of wanting him dead, he needed each and every one of his allies-- the few he had. 

But let's not turn this review into a dissertation or anything (which I could totally do, btw, because I don't get tired of talking about it), so let me finish this with telling you that you MUST read this book asap. Or if you're new to the amazing Dark-Hunter series, start with Fantasy Love. I believe there are about 23 books in the series if I'm not mistaken, but believe me when I tell you it's totally worth it. One of the best things about this series is that, if you want, you could read each book as a stand alone but I recommend you actually start from the beginning and work your way up. Kenyon is a master at world building and creating characters that you come to love/hate with how real, strong and unique each of them are--yes, that includes the villains and even the fickle gods. With every book, every new piece of information revealed about any character you come to know them even more, and either love them or hate them. However, things aren't by any means black and white. If you get anything out of this story should be this, and Acheron's advice that "there are three sides to every story: yours, theirs, and the truth somewhere in the middle." (I might have completely butchered it but I believe that's something close to what the books says.)

So, don't be ashamed of any squealing that happens as you read the book and hear about a past character, it's totally normal. ;) And if you're a Dark-Hunter veteran, what are you waiting for? There ain't no time to waste, people! As Simi would say, you 'quality people' should get your hands on this book, but don't forget the Kleenex, because I guarantee you will shed tears. C'mon, cry me a river! 

Sexual content, because I feel like this should be taken into account for those of you new to this, is graphic sex. Also, probably torture. 

Rating: 5.0

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Ultraviolet (Ultraviolet #1)

by R.J. Anderson 

Paperback, 416 pages

Published June 2nd 2011 by Orchard (first published January 1st 2011)

Barnes&Noble

Amazon

Summary:

"Once upon a time there was a girl who was special. This is not her story. Unless you count the part where I killed her."

Sixteen-year-old Alison wakes up in a mental institution. As she pieces her memory back together, she realizes she's confessed to murdering Tori Beaugrand, the most perfect girl at school. But the case is a mystery. Tori's body has not been found, and Alison can't explain what happened. One minute she was fighting with Tori. The next moment Tori disintegrated--into nothing.

But that's impossible. No one is capable of making someone vanish. Right? Alison must be losing her mind--like her mother always feared she would.

For years Alison has tried to keep her weird sensory abilities a secret. No one ever understood--until a mysterious visiting scientist takes an interest in Alison's case. Suddenly, Alison discovers that the world is wrong about her--and that she's capable of far more than anyone else would believe.

Review:

When I started reading this book I didn't have much info about it. I've had it in my TBR pile for quite a long time so I said, 'Why not?' Hell, I didn't even know exactly what genre it was at first and just when I thought I had it all figured out the author made a complete change in the plot. 
A girl disintegrates, I thought it was a big clue as to how coocoo Alison was and, like everyone else, I didn't think there was much to it. It was a great way to teach me not to judge a book by its cover or synopsis for that matter. But I'm super glad I finally picked it up. You know why? Because, as it turns out, the less you know about it the greater the surprise in the end when you reach that last page and end up with your mouth open and eyes wide open.

Ms. Anderson's writing and plot were incredibly amazing. As I read, I had all this questions of whether or not Alison was actually sane. Alison's story was really heart-wrenching and insanely good, quite a thrilling ride. 

Ultraviolet is the story of a confused teenage girl that has no idea what's going on with her weird 'ability' to see music and taste colors, which led her to doubt her sanity. I have to be honest, I questioned things a lot, too. Just when I was beginning to think this was a normal YA book, BAM, there goes everything I believed in with the twist and turn that the book took. Ms. Anderson was brilliant and sneaky. She eased you into Alison's broken world, got you somewhat comfortable in the story as you expected certain twists to happen, and then ripped the world from right under your feet when you least expected it. 

When the truth came out, I still didn't believe it. Seriously, Alison's story is incredibly confusing yet believable when you think about it. The author really did a great job in writing this story with 3D characters that were actually sort of hard to read. Because, really, who likes predictable characters or a story line you see coming a mile away? Although, this might come from the fact that the story was told from Alison's point of view, whom we come to realize was just as clueless about most of the people she thought she knew, which is exciting. Anderson's choice to write from first person's POV is really what made the whole story work so flawlessly. Right away, from the very first page, the reader is thrown into the same unknown situation and walks with her trying to remember, and resolve, the mystery surrounding Tori's death. 

As original and unpredictable as this story is, it's bound to keep readers on their toes from beginning to end trying to guess the mystery of Tori's death. A great start for a series.

Now I heard there will be a sequel, but with the bar set so high, it makes me wonder whether or not I'll be satisfied with the sequel. Hopefully, it'll be just as awesome, or even better if that's possible.

Rating:

5.0

GenLia

The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington

The Dead and Buried

by Kim Harrington

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published January 1st 2013 by Scholastic Point

Barnes&Noble

Amazon

Synopsis:

A haunted house, a buried mystery, and a very angry ghost make this one unforgettable thriller.

Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school — until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?

Review: 

The archetype of ghost stories goes as followed: A new girl/boy moves into town and his/her house is haunted, which means that he/she has to solve the mystery at the same time he/she has boy/girl trouble. It's been done a thousand times before, but the secret, I believe, is add a little something to it, which is exactly what happened in The Dead and Buried. Every element of the story fell into place at the end and it kept me interested to find out the truth throughout the whole thing. The whole dysfunctional family aspect of it was a good addition to the story and the best part of it all was the fact that even though the novel is a mix of something slightly scary, mystery and romance, the latter wasn't the dominant part of the whole story. It was perfectly blended in, which is good. Now, I don't usually like whole high school drama with the mean girls and popular circles, but in this case I made an exception. Or rather, the author made it worth my while. Because, really, if the regular mean girl makes me want to rip out my hair, Kayla Sloan popular-girl-turned-ghost, was outright great. Normally I guess the plot of such books, and even though that was the case here, too, I kept reading just to find out the motives. That's what drove me to keep reading, plus the cute boys, of course. :) My problem with the book, though, was the fact that Jade came across a little detached from certain things. Like, she was leading on one of the boys and didn't think much of it. While he was important to solve the mystery, it was kind of too much. The romance was sweet and devoid of too much drama, thankfully. That's what I loved the most, I think. But, it came to be very suddenly. Jade and Donovan felt that instant connection that just wasn't realistic. This is a major pet peeve of mine and it's what really made me lose it here. The Dead And Buried is a quick, spooky story for those who like mystery and ghosts, but don't want to be scared half to death. To be honest, it was quite predictable but entertaining enough that you won't get bored. At least not with someone like Kayla Sloan's ghost. Point is, nothing scary but interesting. Rating: 3.0 GenLia