Goodman did an excellent job combining (mostly) accurate historical fiction with paranormal themes
923348
Goodman did an excellent job combining (mostly) accurate historical fiction with paranormal themes. While I'm rarely a fan of historical fiction or paranormal fiction, I was interested in the story from the first page. The middle section could use some plot tightening, but over all it was fast paced and enjoyable.
2600269
Louisa Cosgrove thinks she's headed towards a position as a companion to a sister of her brother's friend; she finds herself instead forced into insane asylum Wildthorn Hall under the name Lucy Childs.  To her horror, she learns it wasn't a case of mistaken identity that landed her there.

After a rocky start, I enjoyed this quite a bit, but when I was done, I confess I had the overall feeling that I didn't know which theme in particular the book was going for.  This was equal measures societal commentary, mystery/horror and a historical study of 19th century asylums.

Seventeen year old Louisa is a great YA (or any) heroine; smart, resourceful and unwilling to let societal or familial influences tell her what she can and can't do or be.  I generally am not fond of telling a story in flashbacks, but in this case it works, setting up a myriad of possible clues and suspects for her incarceration and giving a nice look at her unconventional upbringing without taking up a lot of space.

The author's handling of the subject matter of the asylum was very good; I think it struck a good balance between giving enough of a glimpse into the practices of the time and not taking up an inordinate amount of space.  While an extended look at the awful conditions of those places would have been fascinating, as I said earlier, I think this book divided the themes up too much and there simply wasn't room to do it.  What was of it was graphic, moving and undoubtedly well-researched, given the author's credentials.

I think the author also handled the subject of Louisa's burgeoning sexual attraction first to her cousin Grace and then to the nurse Eliza very matter-of-factly, which ends up being the most appropriate way possible.  I'm not sure how historically accurate it may have been, but for contemporary readers, I applaud the author for it.  It's never graphic, but near the ending, there is some suggestive romantic language, for readers who may be sensitive to it.

Taken as a whole, this is definitely enjoyable read and I think a very appropriate one for the targeted age group.
4561583
I liked this for the same reasons I really enjoyed book one.  It's a shifter/paranormal police story that also provides a nuanced, honest look at some of the issues surrounding actual differences in power (as opposed to consensual power exchange).  It's an uncomfortable truth that for some of us, real power differences can be very erotic--hence the popularity of Alpha males and a gazillion books in this and related genres. But with any real differential comes the possibility of abuse, coercion, intimidation and the like.

One of the great values of Olteano's books is how she explores the different sides of the question--using the Alpha male trope to depict a kind of hormone based domination that is both literally impossible for the sub to throw off, and is also socially sanctioned by the paranormal government. While it is obvious that the society requires more safeguards to protect vulnerable people, Olteano takes the unusual step of having the main couple debate the issues involved in a way that felt organic and even-handed. Tim the narrator and an advocate for new regulations, is honest about how much he likes his lover, Weiss' domineering tendencies, while Weiss points out the limitations of trying to use legal regulations as a substitute for what could/should be a healthy struggle between the two of them over the limits of his power.

I respected that the author didn't simply dismiss unequal power relations as if they don't exist--they obviously do--or assume that no one could knowingly be drawn to or satisfied by them despite the risks they involve, which feels condescending and dangerously normative to me. At any rate, it's refreshing to see a talented author tackle some of the questions involved in the midst of a fast-moving suspense plot, full of murders and paranormal procedural techniques, not to mention some very hot sex.
1294033
I don't usually read "bodice rippers," but I do enjoy the paranormal side of literature, so I gave this one a shot. I was thoroughly pleased with what I read. The characters and world building are well-done and rounded. The situational elements of the book and the scenario involving immortal magic-wielding beings were fun, interesting, and believable. I had a hard time putting the book down once I started because the line of suspense built well and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

There were only one or two issues I had with the book. There were a few typos, misspellings, and missing bits of punctuation (largely words transposed for others and missing quotation marks). They didn't ruin the reading experience, but they were noticeable enough that there were certain places I had to re-read to figure out what the author meant. Again, I don't really read books in this genre, but the sex scenes felt a little misplaced - as though they happened at unusual times in the plot. Some of these scenes, to me, felt artificial and awkward because of the timing. However, neither of these problems overshadowed my enjoyment of the book, and I went away satisfied with my reading experience overall.
1340423
I was really impressed by this book, the first in the series. Ghost books can be touch and go in my experience and this one actually worked quite well. I enjoy reading paranormal fiction as a complete escape from reality and this gave me enough chills and enough entertainment that I really felt I wanted to read on. The characters were interesting - Ellie, the narrator, has a past which gives a reason she's now hunting ghosts and which I suspect will be embellished in later books. Stacie was a bit annoying to start with but she developed nicely. We still don't know about Calvin nor Jacob, so the author has really set the scene for the series. I did find I had to suspend my disbelief quite a lot in some parts - in particular the episode in the lunatic asylum all seemed a bit too convenient for me. But frankly, this is entertainment and not fact and so I could get over it for the sake of the story. A really good start to the series.
2503642
Philippa Gregory is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She simply knows how to take important personalities in history and weave their stories into something easy and enjoyable. With her novels, it feels like we get the story behind the story and that's what I've always found fascinating about her work. Changeling is completely different from anything I've ever read from her... and I'm unsure whether that's a good thing.

While there are certainly still historical facts sprinkled into this book (especially about the time period and the crusades), the focus of this book is what's entertaining. The reader gets to see supernatural encounters, and the darkness of the paranormal that Luca takes on for his mission. The paranormal aspects are really what make this story pop, and make it stand out from other historical fiction.

Honestly, if I hadn't read a lot of other supernatural/paranormal YA, I probably would have enjoyed this one more. While I thought the basic set-up and plot was really interesting, it merely ended up being good. I was entertained as I read it, but I certainly wouldn't call this one a favorite. Plus, the fact that there were apparently two separate story lines (one at the nunnery and one with the werewolf in the village) was slightly confusing.

Luca didn't really strike me as a character I loved, but I do find Lady Isolde slightly more fascinating. I liked learning more about her origins as a rich man's daughter, and what happened to put her in her circumstances. Apart from these two, I enjoyed some of the secondary characters - particularly Ishraq and Freize, who were definitely different from everyone else included in this book.

While Changeling was certainly fun to read, and I honestly enjoyed it, I still prefer Gregory's adult historical fiction novels to her YA series. I admire her for writing for a completely different audience, but I'm unsure as to whether or not I will be continuing on with this series.
1494844
I didn't know if the historical/paranormal world of Elizabeth Marx could improve after the preview, but I was wrong. I loved all the characters (for the most part), especially Gillian, who had me cracking up throughout the book. The hot and relationship between the the main characters kept me engaged throughout the book. I love the twist that Everleigh is not some silly human virgin, but a woman, and a pregnant woman at that. I loved the dialogue. The book would just not have been the same without it. I mentioned before that the book was set in historical times, which was very well done. (: I will have to read more books by this incredible author. I do not want to say too much about the romance for fear of releasing a spoiler, but I like how Everleigh held in there. ;)
3429620
Today, I am reviewing the Paranormal story The Secret of Raven Island by Tobietta Rhyman. This is a story in which the a young, recently divorced woman and her daughter move to a conservative, religious island and find that their house is at the center of a demonic gate.

Wait, what?

I give this book a 3.25/5. Here is my breakdown.

Characters: 4.5/5. Tobietta does a fantastic job weaving together her characters. From bigoted ex-pastors to gossiping neighbors to an entire paranormal investigation team, the characters of Raven Island are believable and relatable. I was cheering for Amanda and Rosie the entire book, and raging at those that were doing them harm. The only weakness here is that there were so many interesting characters that it took a little bit of mental acrobatics to keep them straight.
And poor Ben!

Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Intriguing. Well developed. Well thought out and tied together. Tobiettas plotline is cohesive and understandable as well as compelling and interesting. I really liked the way the different faiths all had something to contribute to the situation, including psychics, Wiccans, and both Catholic and Protestant Christians.

Flow: 3.75/5. The story was smooth and clean, for the most part. There are some point-of-view issues (Im not sure if this was intentional) wherein we learn what several characters are thinking in the course of a single scene. Some small amounts of dialogue could use a little work, but overall I think most readers will be able to keep up quite well.
Spelling/Grammar: 2.5/5. Here is the weakness in this book; it is badly in need of a copyeditor. Spelling was fine, mostly, but there were several grammatical errors that will be easily caught in another run-through or two by a professional. There are some instances of transposed words, of misplaced quotations, and a variety of others that seem to increase in frequency as the book approaches its climax.

Overall: 3.25/5. A solid initial effort and a book well worth reading. I highly recommend to Tobietta two things  that she invest in a professional copyeditor and proofreader, and that she work a little bit on her show vs. telling. Aside from that, I consider the time I spent on this book well worth it!
1910552
I've just now finished reading Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia. This book is very long and rich with characters, layers of stories, and history. Set in the present-day South, much is made of the Civil War-the battle re-enactments, how the local people there cling to their version of their history, their heritage, The writer is skilled at helping the reader understand how they came to be this way.

So, you say, this is a historical fiction? Well, it is, but it is much more. It is a young adult novel-the main characters are fifteen and sixteen years old, although they are experiencing first love there is no sex. The romance between the characters is very sweet and tender. There is also an element of the supernatural in this book-it has paranormal fantasy beings interacting with humans although this is, through much of the story, used as a metaphor for prejudice and bullying of those who are new or different.

There are so many layers of this book. Once you start reading you are hooked, anxious to peel back layer after layer to expose the mysteries it contains. I really enjoyed this book. i am anxious to see what this author will do next. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book to read. It is engrossing, one of those book that are really hard to put down until finished reading it. (less)
3980564
my thoughts in a few sentences: A wonderfully thought-out historical world with an undercurrent of the paranormal to excite and bewitch, Born Wicked gives us a familiar take on witches with a twist and takes us back to a time period in our history that sickens us when we think of it, for innocents were slaughtered unmercifully for the wrong reasons. The romance is sexy and adorable, throwing in another heart-throbbing element to an already delightful story.

full review: So it's no secret that I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of reading this book. Witches are my thing, for sure, but it was Finn Belastra that beckoned me. I was happily surprised to find, however, that I enjoyed the main character, Cate, just as much. A story of the shaky, though unbreakable bond between close siblings, the lengths to go to protect what's most important, even if it means losing the power to choose, and how sacrifice isn't always noble but is sometimes necessary, Born Wicked provokes us to ask questions and shows us the importance of appreciating our ability to make choices.

The characters weren't the only aspect driving me to finish the book; I had so many questions that I desperately coveted the answers. Spotswood is clever in her writing and plot development, as she gently strings us along, careful not to turn us off as she gradually reels us in, lets up, then yanks fast, eliciting the perfect reaction from us. Underlining that is the sense of fear that plagues us, stemming from understanding the actions of the Brotherhood--a group of men with the singular goal of taming women and weeding out ones even slightly suspected of witchcraft. Living in that kind of tension, almost waiting for a guard to fall upon on Cate and her sisters--who are indeed witches, if you haven't guessed--and drag them away is it's own kind of torture. This whole retelling of our history feels so authentic, we wonder if these events really occurred or if they mimicked our country's tragic witch hunts of old and relatively recent.

Spotswood does a remarkable job breathing life into a headstrong heroine that's believable and is considerate to the time period. Cate is stubborn, opinionated, and possesses quite the temper, yet she comes across as meek and inclined toward obedience to others, cautious in her actions because she's well-aware of the consequences. For someone with a close relationship to his or her siblings, it's incredibly easy to resonate with Cate and her instinctive protection of her two younger sisters. Sympathy strikes our hearts for the heavy burden that set fire to her childhood, pressed upon her by her late mother, who urged her to promise to protect their secret. Her frustrations and sorrows make her all the more stunning. And when she catches the eye of Finn Belastra, the studious hunk, a romance full of delicious sweetness, sharp sexual tension, and the spicy edge of the forbidden ignites and sets us all ablaze, making us very willing captives of the sensuous flames.

The ending shakes out curses from our thinned lips the moment we near it, brutally aware of what's about to happen and are completely powerless to stop it. Fortunately, this isn't a goodbye, but a seemingly hopeless beginning that we believe will lead into a hopeful future for these characters whom we've come to adore.

Damn. Why must the sequel keep us suspended in torment until next year?!
3844517
I really enjoyed this book.

I will admit that it takes a while to get through the introduction which tries to sum up various notions of paranormal activity in the world prior to the settling of the US. it seemed a bit out of place and didn't tie too well into the meat of the book.

However, once you get through the introduction the book is an engrossing read. Each section of the book is more focused on a concept then a specific time period, which I tended to prefer as it allows the reader to see trends as opposed to getting caught up in time lines or having the narratives progression stopped because a notable figure must be addressed.

The book also, in my opinion, gives a fairly even handed account. It addresses what events happened and gives a voice to the skeptics at the time. If someone was debunked, the authors are nor afraid to say so. If the skeptics were unable to debunk it, you will learn that too.

All in all definitely worth a read if you're interested in the roots of Americas fascination with the paranormal.
1486586
Ok, this was not spine tingling. The photos were fascinating, but if you adverse to horror you may still enjoy this book. I would classify it as a YA paranormal adventure novel with historical influence and some nifty cool old photos. I would not classify it as horror (and it has no gore or icky bits, really).

I enjoyed this as a solid, albeit quick, read. It is definitely a beach read, given the pace and lightness. I think my favorite thing about this novel is how subtly Ransom Riggs handles the topic of aging and connecting to an obsolete generation. The narrator's struggles with believing and disbelieving his grandfather, and his observations on how adults handle the aging and possible dementia of their parents, was beautifully done. And not too heavy-handed, either. In all, he really captured that fine line between believing in the magic of stories of a bygone era, and trying to know a relative who is so far removed from you, both in age and culture.

Some of the ideas in this book are relatively unique and new, and some are old hashed-out tropes, which gave me a mixed impression on how well I liked the novel. I genuinely expected it to be scary, and it isn't, but I did not expect it to deal with the transition between youth and adulthood (not just as a coming-of-age novel, which it is, but as larger concepts).

Overall, I would recommend this to folks who enjoy a simple adventure, the paranormal, The X-Men, YA, and creepy old photographs.
2760961
Yesterday, by SamyAnn is a historical fiction that integrates the controversial topic of past life experiences, which can directly affect the present life of people like Amanda, the main character.  She believes that her destiny is to suffer constantly the loss of all the people who dare to become intimately close to her, and is determined to shut them out. With this she tries to avoid, the inevitable tragedies that have followed her throughout life. Romance is present, but in a way that helps the reader experience the growing feeling of two souls connecting to each other closely.  After saving the life of a police officer named Mark, she is troubled by the intriguing chimes of an old clock, which in some way seems to bring them slowly close to each other.

 Despite the romantic encounters between Amanda and Mark, in no way it is the typical intimacy and physical contact that are present in most love stories.  Together they become engaged into an adventurous quest to find the truth that links their lives together with this old clock.  SamyAnn actually seems to tantalize the reader, intensifying the need to satisfy the thirst of wanting to reveal more of their relationship. The topic of regression to past lives is tastefully introduced through hypnosis. This is performed by her god mother Mary, who happens to be a psychiatrist. She uses this technique, which is sometimes used in therapy, to help patients overcome, certain fears, anxieties and depression to help Amanda find the source of her troubles in past lives. It is during these sessions that history comes alive.

 SamyAnn skillfully presents historical events so vividly that one could actually feel the intensity, hate and desperation of those living the horrors of the Civil War, as well as the Chicago Fire, events that are a part of Amandas past life.  Although Yesterday is a work of fiction, the author presents various factual events that feed the readers desire to check out the sources used, in order to verify the accuracy of certain major events, lived by Amanda during the sessions.

To be honest, the beginning of the story is a little confusing.  The events happen so quickly, that I thought reincarnation was present from the moment Amanda is startled by the screeching sound of the train and like a flash of thunder, becomes a heroine.  After the initial confusion, I completely connected to the story.

 I enjoyed it so much that without a doubt in my mind I rate this book with a score of 4 out of 4 Stars.  I must warn those who read this extraordinary story; Yesterday, will keep you up all through the night. Although It becomes so difficult to stop reading, it will be wise to keep the expectation, and savor this novel leaving some parts for the next day.  It will give you something to look forward to. History, romance, adventure and hope are all intertwined in Yesterday, I am certainly looking forward to reading more of SamyAnns stories.
299791
As a person who loved a non-fiction book, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, about the Great Migration, I was thrilled to hear about a new fictional series dealing with the challenges of that era. Piper Huguley delivers a book exploring a number of issues facing African Americans in  the South of 1915. Ruby is a heroine set on a mission. Maybe more than one thanks to what life has dealt her and who's been put in her path. With a combination of history, faith and romance, Huguley knows how to balance harsh realities with warm-hearted moments in a way that kept me turning the pages, had me nodding my head, and looking forward to the next book in the series.
1515359
I enjoy reading both historical, and preternatural novels, so I was very interested to see how this mash up would work.
I am familiar with the historical event behind the story, and was happy to see a well rounded and accurate depiction, that didn't become bogged down in military jargon.
Wellington being a vampire didn't seem too far fetched an idea either, with all the the "benefits" of vampirism working well within the battlefield setting.
I look forward to reading more about the Iron Duke and his adventures with the preternatural!
1975653
I really liked this book- it reminded me a bit of Amanda Hocking's Trylle Trilogy, but with witches and vampires instead of trolls. The mythology was pretty inventive, and I thought the romance was done well even if it did follow a now familiar YA formula: triangle between a forbidden but compelling immortal boy v. safer, sweeter more acceptable boy. That's part of this book's charm. It takes a solidly conventional YA framework and builds a compelling novel around it that still manages to throw in plot twists, interesting world building, and a strong first person narrator. Fans of YA paranormal romance will enjoy this; I can see why it has been so popular. There were some reviews about formatting issues, poor editing and grammar. I am pleased to say I did not have that experience. The only thing I will caution readers about is that things do become kind of muddled in the last third of the book or so, especially when compared to the rest, but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment. Will I read the second book? Absolutely, and especially for the price. Overall, a surprisingly good read.
870858
This book begins in 1911 with a group of four people entering into a seance - without knowing knowing what they are undertaking they welcome in spirits which petrify them all.
The story then goes on, easily switching back and forth between Edith and Helios, who are still suffering the effects of the seance, and present day London the reader is introduced to Drusilla Blood.
Drue receives a mysterious book in the post, which seemingly connects her to the characters from the past, and opens her up to frightening paranormal events.
This story is a mystery, which can often be strange and a little confusing. However, Miriam Cooke uses her vast knowledge of history and archaeology to ensure that all expert details are correct.
The characters are numerous and very different, from the historical ones - like Edith, who volunteers for the Suffragette movement and wishes to be independent from her parents but needs a guardian because of her 'turns'; and Helios, who wants to selfishly explore the world of the Occult.
In the present day there is Drusilla who has given up her job as an Archaeologist to work in a 'new age' shop. I think she would like to appear as strong but she is vulnerable and needs the support of her friends.
Frank is loud, extrovert and Drue's boss; Jude is her love-interest but their relationship appears doomed from the beginning.
'Drusilla Blood' is a very good paranormal read which leads the reader down a frightening and twisted path. Miriam Cooke writes an ending which leaves her reader speculating how the sequel will develop.
I thank Miriam Cooke for gifting this copy to me and I would recommend it to readers of paranormal mysteries.