Three mini middle grade reviews: The Graveyard Book, The House of Hades and Skulduggery Pleasant

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 
Release date: 20th October 200
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Goodreads synopsis:

Nobody Owens, know to his friends as Bod, is a perfectly normal boy. Well, he would be perfectly normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the world of the dead.

There are danger and adventures for Bod in the graveyard: The strange and terrible menace of The Sleer; a gravestone entrance to a desert that leads to the city of ghouls; friendship with a witch, and so much more.

But it is in the land of the living that real danger lurks, for it is there that the man Jack lives and he has already killed Bod's family.

A fascinating story of love and friendship realized in the most unlikely of place. 

My thoughts:

I never expected to love The Graveyard Book as much as I did. I bought it when it was the Kindle Daily Deal and then read it, probably about a year later, completely on a whim. I love how whimsical and unusual it is; how Bod growing up in a graveyard has made him both so unlike yet so like other kids his age. The whole cast of ghostly (and otherwise) characters were really brought to life (ha) by Gaiman’s writing: the characterisation was perfect and different enough that it was easy to distinguish. I loved the little asides of what was written on each of their gravestones.  The plot was clever; revealing enough of itself to allow you an idea what was going on and keeping enough back to retain your interest. Gaiman’s writing is completely different to anything I’ve experienced before and while it took a little getting used to I found myself really enjoying his unique way with words. I got a little choked up when reading the ending which, embarrassingly, was while I was on the tube. 

---

The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan

Release date: 8th October 2013

Publisher: Puffin

Goodreads synopsis:

The stakes have never been higher. If Percy Jackson and Annabeth fail in their quest, there'll be hell on Earth. Literally.

Wandering the deadly realm of Tartarus, every step leads them further into danger. And, if by some miracle they do make it to the Doors of Death, there's a legion of bloodthirsty monsters waiting for them.

Meanwhile, Hazel and the crew of the Argo II have a choice: to stop a war or save their friends. Whichever road they take one thing is certain - in the Underworld, evil is inescapable.

My thoughts:

It took me a little while to get into House of Hades; partly because there were a lot of initial Leo chapters and he is my least favourite character and partly because I was reading it in dribs and drabs which is not how this book deserves to be read. Once I finally got into it, I loved it. I enjoyed the contrast between those still on the ship and Percy and Annabeth in Tartarus. It was so interesting to see more of Tartarus and how it and those in it operate. I loved seeing Bob. Whilst not my favourite book of the Heroes of Olympus series, House of Hades builds on already strong characters with an equally strong plotline that was extremely well paced. One of my favourite things about Rick Riordan’s writing is how inclusive it is: he is always keen to show that everyone, no matter what they think of themselves, has something to offer and is a valuable person to those around them. Anyone can be a hero. As far as messages in stories go, it’s a pretty good one. The main thing that came out  of this book for me was my love, my empathy, and my desire to see a happy ending, for Nico.

---

Skulduggery Pleasant (Skulduggery Pleasant #1) by Derek Landy

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Release date: 30th September 2007

Goodreads synopsis:

Meet Skulduggery Pleasant - ace detective, snappy dresser, razor–tongued wit, crackerjack sorcerer and walking, talking, fire-throwing skeleton — as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old.

These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil.

The end of the world?

Over his dead body.

My thoughts:

Skulduggery Pleasant is a book I have been aware of for a long time, but never had the particular desire to pick up and read. Since becoming a blogger and hearing more about it, I've wanted to read it more and just never gotten around to it until now. I was pleasantly surprised by Skulduggery Pleasant. Skulduggery and Valkyrie are both strong characters full of personality. I especially liked Valkyrie, who took everything that happened around her in her stride and is resilient, independent and yet very, very human. A fantastic role model. The dialogue is that snappy, humorous time that, while slightly unrealistic, is always enjoyable to read and I loved the clever and unusual names everyone gave themselves. There wasn't an overabundance of world-building or focus on details and the plot was engaging and well-paced, with a surprising amount of violence for a middle grade book. I enjoyed Skulduggery Pleasant enough to want to read the second one. 

Review: Chime by Franny Billingsley

Chime by Franny Billingsley
Released: April 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury PLC
Rating: 5/5 *First of 2012!*

Goodreads description:

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

My thoughts:

Chime is one of those books where the synopsis can never prepare you for the wonder contained within the pages. Upon reading the first chapter (which should've been a prologue really) I knew I was going to really enjoy this book.

I loved Briony as much as I have ever loved any protagonist in any book. This is set in 1910's England and yet Briony is the snarkiest most antisocial character I've ever come across. She pretty much hates everyone, especially her father and she has no qualms about saying so. Yet it was so easy to like her. She felt so real. I really liked her sister, Rose. In another time period I am almost 100% sure she would be diagnosed with high-functioning autism. She exhibited a lot of the signs of it yet it was never said what was actually up with her. She displayed a lot of the characteristic behaviours of an autistic child that can often be quite annoying but actually in Rose were really endearing.  

The storyline was slightly confusing only because I found it hard to grasp the chronology of it all. Briony referenced many events that happened years and years ago and it took me a while to get a grasp on what happened when. I think a lot of the obscurity was purposeful though, so you couldn't figure out how it was going to end. The actual story of the swamp cough and Briony's bargain with the swampking to save her sister was so, so clever. I really enjoyed how it all came together in the end and how all the little, seemingly insignificant details added together to create the overall picture. The love story aspect was so perfect, there was no insta-love and you were never sure how it would play out until it actually did play out. 

The writing however, was the best part of the book for me. It's some of the best writing I've ever experienced. Beautiful, whimsical, a tiny bit historic  and brimming with humour and a unique particularity to it that I really enjoyed. I found myself reading excerpts of it to my boyfriend over skype, even though he really didn't care. It was one of those books that made me want to highlight my favourite quotations, write them all over my walls, get them tattooed onto my very skin I loved it that much. My only criticism is that the writing really should've been anglicised considering it is based in England with English characters. The Americanisms got to me. 

Overall Chime was a really surprising and utterly enjoyable read. A little bit historical, a little bit folklore-y with some mystery and intrigue all woven together with complex relationships and emotions and a mildly disturbing but ultimately loveable protagonist. If  Chime has been sat on your shelf waiting for you, pick it up NOW. If Chime has been winking at you from your Amazon wishlist, buy it NOW. Genuinely the best book I have read so far this year. 

Review: Surrender by Lee Nichols

Surrender (Haunting Emma #3) by Lee Nichols

Release date: 6th December 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads description:

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

Fast-paced and romantic, this conclusion to the Haunting Emma trilogy will thrill readers as it brings the ghostly mystery to a close.

My thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 instalments of the Haunting Emma trilogy and so had high hopes for the final book, Surrender. Unfortunately, I was left feeling underwhelmed and a little dissatisfied.

The characters that I loved so much seemed to be missing their spark slightly, Emma wasn't as easy to relate to, her friends were less funny than I remember and the friendly ghosts weren't as present as I would've liked.I can't help but feel the introduction of so many parents muted the appeal of the book slightly. It's weird, because in a lot of YA books the absence of adults is unrealistic, but with this book the presence of them felt the same way.

I also grew tired of Bennett and Emma's relationship. It was so creepy and unfounded. It was definitely my least favourite part of the book and I found myself hoping something awful might happen to one of them, just to stop it. There was a lot of personal drama in this book, from all sides, which detracted from the main plot.

The ending was pretty inevitable, it couldn't have ended any other way which definitely added to my disappointment. Despite my moanings though, I did still enjoy this, just not as much as I enjoyed the previous two books in the series which I think lead to me looking upon it so unfavourably.

This is definitely a series worth reading, you connect so easily to the characters who are a diverse and well rounded bunch. The principle is really intriguing and well explored. It's just slightly let down by the final novel.

To read my glowing reviews of  Deception and Betrayal, go here and here

Review: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Release date: January 5th 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads description:

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds. 

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

My thoughts:

When Alyxandra Harvey mentioned Ian Somerhalder twice in her prologue I thought "this is going to be good" and to a certain extent, it was. Stolen Away is  written in the style I've come to expect from Ms Harvey, snappy and precise with not an excess word in sight. Her main characters Jo and Eloise have instant personalities, traits and mannerisms--something I think Harvey is very good at. I also really liked Devin, he played his part as the long suffering male friend well. The rest of the characters I could kinda take or leave. There wasn't much development there and they were pretty cookie cutter. I was pretty disappointed by this as usually Harvey's characters are very three-dimensional. The two love interests in particular were fairly bland; stereotypes rather than characters in their own right. Isadora was one of the best characters and it's not surprising that she was the one with a fully developed and interesting backstory.  

The plot was interesting and didn't dwell too long on describing ALL the different types of fairies and all their different kingdoms and allegiances etc, the details of which I always feel bog a story down. However, at the same time, the plot felt a bit sparse. As though some over-zealous editor had cut out too much of it. This meant the whole story felt a bit rushed, and of course added to the under-developed character dilemma. 

It's a shame really because I feel this story had a lot of potential and can't help feeling like, at just 227 pages, there was some room left for embellishment. If you're a fan of fae stories, or of Alyxandra Harvey in general, this is a quick and enjoyable read--perfect for an afternoon. 

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Fracture by Megan Miranda
Release Date: 5th January 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Rating: 3/5


Goodreads description:


Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine 


—despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it? 


Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening? 


For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.


My thoughts:


Fracture started with a bang but sadly for me, it ended on a whimper. The story fizzled out to the point I wasn't really sure why I was still reading it. There was no real resolutions; it's almost as though Delaney shrugged off everything that made her and the book so interesting. 


Delaney is a fantastic YA heroine. She's real, she wasn't the 'perfect' girl we see a lot; mildly anti-social, overweight, riddled with quirks and habits she felt like someone I knew rather than someone I was reading about. Her crisis throughout the whole book was really interesting to be a part of and yet at the same time I felt it wasn't explored as fully as it could've been. It's almost as though the author wasn't sure which direction to take the book in--should it be contemporary, a thriller or paranormal and instead tried to work all three elements in with limited success, leaving none of the strands fully explored or explained. Delaney's mother was another character I liked, as fleshed out as her daughter--her reactions were as I would expect if the characters were real. 


It was the male characters that let the book down for me. They were awful cliches, almost as if the author didn't know how to write them. We had Decker, the boy next door, the best friend and love interest. Typical 'good guy' character. And Troy; damaged, emotionally scarred, unpredictable--the typical 'bad boy' and Delaney's father was so nothing-y I barely noticed he was there. 


As I mentioned, the plot started out well, with Delaney dealing with the extensive ramifications of her time under the ice and subsequent coma. Everything that happened after the mid-way point in the book was dead weight in my opinion. Her crisis seemed to right itself at the last minute, all her conflicts resolved and yet didn't and I was left feeling mildly dissatisfied. 


Despite that, it was an interesting read. The writing was fantastic and the main reason I actually finished the book. I enjoyed Delaney's thought processes laid out on the page, they were authentic and not too over-dramatic. The moral and emotional dilemmas added depth to the narration even though they were unsatisfactorily dealt with in the end.


If you're looking for something that bit different, this book's for you. It's unlike nothing I've ever read before and Delaney is a refreshing main character. As long as you don't mind a love story that feels like an afterthought, you'll enjoy this book. 

In My Mailbox [23]

In My Mailbox is a meme designed to showcase the very cool books we're all receiving and is hosted by The Story Siren!

So I haven't done an IMM in almost TWO months! I know! My camera cable has gone AWOL, completely and utterly...but I've resorted to using my BlackBerry.

I didn't want to feature EVERY book I've received in the past 2 months, so I've picked out some of my faves to showcase:

For Review:

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Bought:

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (review here)

Saving June by Hannah Harrington (review here)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I actually got a copy of CP for review about 3 weeks ago, but I really wanted to pay for a copy so I donated mine to a friend and bought myself one! I also got SJ from NG but then loved it so much I had to own a physical copy! (It's also the first contemporary book I've bought for about 4 years!)

Stolen Away sounds SO good and I love this cover, and ofc I was ridiculously excited to receive Pandemonium.

I want to thank Bloomsbury, Hodder and Walker Books, but also Macmillan who have sent me many cool books recently that I didn't picture. Thank you all! You continually make this girl very happy. 

That's all for now guys, please leave me links in the comments so I can see what you all got! I expect to see lots of Clockwork Prince this week ;)

Review: Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles #4) by Alyxandra Harvey
Published: 3rd October 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Rating: 5/5


Goodreads description:


Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But after Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.


My thoughts:


I absolutely adore this series, it is totally my guilty pleasure read. I love the world created, it's so detailed and unique. The plot was really amped up in this book, with more action and intrigue than the previous books. I loved the focus on the Hel-Blar and I just could not put this book down. At first, I found Christabel slightly unrealistic, and her constant hints about her mother annoyed me, as in situations like that I prefer characters to just come out with it rather than continually referencing it. However, despite that I did grow to like her, just not quite as much as I like the other female characters.  I also think Connor is my least favourite of the Drake brothers, but that didn't stop me loving their romance! I loved their interactions, especially in the huge action scenes. Christabel acted how most people would act; even though we probably all wish we'd act differently in that situation-be a little stronger, better fighter etc but in reality we wouldn't. My heart was in my mouth in all the crucial moments, and for once I actually began to doubt they'd all make it out alive. The ending was the biggest clifffhanger ever, I am desperate for the next book!


Again, I was astonished at Harvey's ability to maintain such a huge cast of characters, all of which have distinct personalities and storyarcs and none of which feel abandoned. I can't wait to see how Lucy's training goes, what happens with Christabel...it reminds me somewhat of Grey's Anatomy; a huge cast of characters, but all with storylines and appearances. The little cameos in each book are always really enjoyable. 


The prose was as enjoyable as the previous books, snappy and engrossing. Like I said, I love this series and I pretty much say the same thing in every review. I'm glad I finally started reading it, having passed it over for years. If you haven't yet picked this series up I can't urge you to enough. It's one of the best of its type I've read and the books are all quick reads. 

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steve Wedel

After Obsession by Carrie Jones & S.E Wedel
Published: September 5th 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Goodreads description:

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her

My thoughts:

What I loved about this was that it took the paranormal theme and ran with it, ran a long long way. The idea of possession was an interesting and creepy one-not overly-prevalent in YA. I could feel the fear that Courtney would be lost to the River Man, the mysterious but downright scary presence that has taken over Court's life. I loved the addition of Native American themes, it was definitely interesting to see the different aspects of that culture and the way their beliefs on possession and how to cure it differed (and were akin to) more westernised, Christian beliefs. It was great to see a bit more diversity in a YA book.

The writing was a step up for me from Carrie Jone's previous series, it was very atmospheric, but I felt the poetic elements of it were a tiny bit sporadic. I enjoyed the mixed POV, especially the way it picked up from one character where it left with the other, leading to a full picture of the story and an interesting insight into the mindsets of both characters.

What I didn't like were some aspects of the plot that for me, were just a bit ridiculous. They reminded me of elements in the Need series where characters do really stupid, dangerous things despite all the danger they're in from an enemy who is a lot more powerful and resourceful than they are. Examples would be Aimee going for a walk to the hospital alone, leaving herself open to the River Man, and then going kayaking, again alone, on his very own river. I'm pretty sure most people in that situation wouldn't be doing those things as it's not only reckless it's completely insane. Like I mentioned, there was a bit of this in Need so I was disappointed to see it carried through to Afer Obsession.

I don't think the story gripped me as much as I would have liked, the solution was there all the way through really; and the problem too obvious. I feel like it was missing a little bit of atmosphere that would have made a huge difference. I give it 2.5/5 but I would recommend it to fans of the Need series and those looking for more diverse YA.

Review: Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Betrayal (Haunting Emma #2) by Lee Nichols
Published: 5th September 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury


Goodreads description:


Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great for battling the wraith-master Neos and horrible for her social life. Emma knows fellow ghostkeeper Bennett Stern is her soul mate, but when ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power. And until Neos is defeated, Bennett and Emma can't risk it.

When the temptation of being with Emma gets to be too much, Bennett disappears, pursuing a dangerous path to increase his powers. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. But when the Knell, a secret ghostkeeping society, sends two new ghostkeepers to Echo Point—one a snarky teen guy, the other a British scholar—Emma throws herself into training to battle Neos. But as the team grows stronger, so do the ghosts. And worse, one of their own will betray them. One Emma never suspected. . . .


My thoughts:


Another great installment in this series; I'm loving ghostkeepers so much right now. I definitely felt more attached to Emma in this book than in the last which was great. I felt myself warming to her character more and I found her less naive and a bit more mature. I loved the new characters we got to see, Lee Nichols is very clever at maintaining many characters with distinct personalties; I never mix her characters up. I can't help but wonder how Emma gets so attached to people so quickly; it seems a bit unnatural to me. But I wonder if it's down to the absence of her family, or that they bond due to shared circumstances. Eitherway, I hope it doesn't become a consistent theme because I'm not a huge fan. I thought it was good how Sara and Harry weren't forgotten about; we got to see their pain and their rage towards Emma and I felt that aspect of the story was dealt with very well. Emma has to deal with the consequences that the situation has caused, which was very realistic. 


The plot was definitely as action packed and well paced as the last. I felt the fight scenes packed a bit more of a punch than in the previous book which was a great improvement for me. I loved how this plot is developing, inching forward so you feel as though you're slowly but surely piecing all the parts together. What I didn't like as much were a few predictable elements. The betrayer for example, was fairly easy to work out, as was Emma's 'condition'. I also was not a fan of the turn Bennett took in this book, I found it really distasteful and to be honest I think the whole ghostkeeper relationship thing was added more to further this plot point rather than as a genuine aspect of their mythology.  A few aspects of the plot confused me slightly, I'm not sure if I read them wrongly or if they just weren't very clear, but altogether this was another enjoyable and gripping read, one that kept me up until the early hours because I was desperate for the end.


I can't wait for the third book to find out more about what happens to Emma and the other ghostkeepers, and this book gets a solid 4/5 from me. 

Review: Deception by Lee Nichols

Deception (Haunting Emma #1) by Lee Nichols
Published: September 5th 2011 (UK)
Publisher: Bloomsbury


Goodreads description:


When Emma Vaile’s parents go missing while away on a mysterious business trip, she’s left all alone in her creepy old house. But her brother’s very cute best friend, Bennett Stern—Emma’s knight in J. Crew armor—arrives unexpectedly to whisk her away to New England. There, Emma settles into his family’s museum-like mansion and enrolls at an old-fashioned private school. She quickly finds friends in the popular legacy crowd at Thatcher and spends her free time crushing on Bennett.

But the eerie visions she’s been hiding from everyone have gotten worse. Emma has memories of Thatcher that she can’t explain—it’s as if she’s returning home to a place she’s never been. Finally, Emma confides in Bennett and learns she is a ghostkeeper, a person who can communicate with ghosts. Bennett brought Emma to Thatcher to protect her, but now he needs her help tracking an other-worldly murderer


My tho
ughts:


I loved this book!! So much gets squashed into its pages, it's so well paced and imaginative. Lee Nichols is not scared to create action and heartbreak. I loved the concept of the Ghostkeepers, it was original and really cool. Some of the plot elements were really intense and stuff I wouldn't expect to happen so early on  did happen. This book definitely does not suffer from first book syndrome, and any set up that was there felt more realistic because you were learning alongside Emma. I felt the action scenes were a little anti-climatic and lacklustre, but the rest was excellent. 


The writing was fairly standard for a YA book, enjoyable and it definitely pulled me into the story, but nothing stood out either positively or negatively.


 Onto the characters; Emma was what is now a typical YA heroine. Doesn't think much of herself but all the boys are in love with her, nothing special and yet the most special etc...which annoyed me a little. I just felt such a great book deserved more than a cookie-cutter heroine. I also wasn't a fan of Bennett, he felt personality-less and much older than his actual age and not a great love interest at all. Such a shame that the main characters weren't up to par, however the supporting cast was truly amazing. The resident ghosts were spectacular; I especially liked the Rake and Nicholas but all of them had distinct voices and personalities and I loved the way they interacted with each other and with Emma. My absolute favourite character was Harry for sure, he was so eccentric and hilarious. 


The plot as I mentioned earlier was jampacked, I did not feel bored for one second. I adored the main plotline of Emma growing into her ghostkeeping powers, but also the side stories of what happened at school, and the love stories there. I loved the theme of how important family and friends are, how Emma needs a support system and actually does miss and need her family. 


I have to give this 4/5 because I just wasn't feeling Emma or Bennett much but this book is truly spectacular, one of the best ghost based YA's I've read.