Amid the Shadows is a winner
929939
Great plot; writes with a clean descriptive style that's easy to follow.  Great book, I just had to finish it once I started.  This man is now one of my favorite authors.
4376264
Fading Light is a great read.  I enjoyed being pulled into this story, lurking behind the shadows and living a little bit through each of the heroes and villains.  The characters are rough but honest, with a story that twists and turns enough to keep your eyes glued.  I think this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a new author.
911512
Like most people, I picked this up after being totally blown away by 'Shadow of the Wind'.  I was under the mistaken impression that this novel was a sequel, but its actually a prequel.  Either way, the novel is excellent.  Comparing it to Shadow is impossible, as this is a much different type of book.  But Zafon's writing style is still as compelling and hard hitting as usual.  In contrast with Shadow, this book has much more supernatural and unexplained phenomena, so don't expect the end to be wrapped up in a nice neat little package, I had to end up reading the end twice to really get it.  Any book like this is going to be open to interpretation, and I think you can drawn different conclusions of the storyline than perhaps someone else would.  I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the body count, this is where the book takes a sharp turn from Shadow in my opinion.  Shadow had just as many murders as a murder mystery needs to keep the reader interested, and to make the ending vengeful and satisfying.  I felt in Angels, the shear body count near the end was unnecessary.  This didn't take away from the story, I just felt it was a bit heavy on the killing.  I think if you like Shadow, you will enjoy Angels at least as much.
2636144
Leta McCurry is exceptionally gifted as an author. She brings her characters to life in vivid detail, along with the world around them. In A Shadow Life, she shares intimate details of life, and the struggle to survive, in the days of the Great Depression. Her book reminds me that out of tragedy can come great strength, hope, and love.
1266928
Amid The Shadows was even better than Grumley's  first book, Breakthrough. It's a fast paced supernatural thriller that you won't want to put down. Lots of action, twists and turns that you won't see coming. Read this book! You won't be disappointed. I can't wait to read more by this up and coming author.
1276607
Sometimes there's a fine line between good and evil, between help and hurt. Such is the case the teens in Blackout face. Dealt a hand of freakish powers, they are thrust into situations where the choices are not at all clear--should one flee or face the unknown machinations of the government that is being hunted by terrorists? The choices they make illustrate the fine line between doing what's right and doing the wrong thing for the right reasons.

Robison Wells does a masterful job of keeping his reader in the dark. We really don't know where the story is going, but that's what is wonderful about the book. Just as the characters are figuring out things on the run, so is the reader. The mutual confusion adds to the overall emotional wallop this book gives the reader.

The storytelling is fast-paced and clean enough for a middle grades audience, but it is complex enough to appeal to a more accomplished reader. Hidden clues abound, if one is astute enough to realize them for what they are, mysterious tidbits of information that add to the giant jigsaw puzzle. One question still plagues me... What were the terrorists trying to accomplish in the first place? Perhaps a sequel will give the answers, maybe not. It's still well worth the reading, friends. Enjoy!
4435219
Book of Shadows is a first person narrative of a teenage girl who discovers she's a witch and starts a coven with her best friends. The characters feel fairly realistic and likable. I found myself very drawn into the story to the point that I very literally couldn't put it down. I'm eager for their continuing adventures in the next book.
709608
A woman with terminal cancer decides to kill her stalker. That's the one-sentence description of Camela Thompson's All the Pretty Bones that raised my eyebrows and piqued my interest. Add a promise of vampires--non-sparkly ones at that--to the mix and I wanted to know more about this book.

I was not disappointed.

Olivia Kardos is a well-drawn heroine with the strength to face difficult decisions and situations, yet enough flaws to feel real. The glimpse Thompson gives us into the mind of Olivia's stalker is gripping, dark, and visceral, allowing the reader to understand him without sympathizing with his sadistic, controlling, sociopathic heart.

The first chapter grabbed me so completely that I was a quarter of the way through the book before the end of my first reading session, and I swiftly picked it up again to plunge onward. That said, I did find the pace slowed a little more than I personally liked around the 2/3rds mark, but that's only a nitpick. Readers more familiar with this genre than I may feel differently, and enjoy the extra time spent with the characters.

All the Pretty Bones has a complete story arc, but it's also the first in a series. Thompson manages to put an excellent new twist on the vampire legend that caught me by surprise a few times as I read. (One warning: Don't read the legend/appendix at the back of the book until after you finish, as it will spoil some things.) Thompson introduces some fantastic world-building that makes me eager to see where things go from here.

Definitely worth a read if you like some supernatural darkness served alongside a modern thriller.
4433217
The Dusk Harbinger is a beautifully written book that once I finally had the free time to pick up, I didn't want to put it down, and honestly didn't for a few days until I was done. The characters feel like real people, working through their own personal issues. The setting is intriguing and laid out before the reader at a pace that doesn't make you feel overwhelmed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
670451
I am a fan of Dannye Williamsen's paranormal books. I was honored to receive a copy of "Chasing Shadows" to read and review. I was looking forward to getting lost in another one of her great novels and wasn't disappointed!

The story grabs you from the very beginning. There is no lengthy introduction of characters or setting of the scene. Williamsen weaves the necessary information in as the tale progresses. I love the way Dannye takes the reader along for the ride. With her descriptive style of writing, you can picture the events taking place and feel the emotions experienced by the characters.

The storyline is not the run-of-the-mill typical self-assured psychic vs bad guy. It delves into Brita's reluctant acceptance of her psychic abilities and if she really wants to use them, as well as the prejudice encountered by non-believers. Of course, there is much more to the tale blending together to keep the reader interested in all aspects of the story.

I won't give a synopsis of the story, other reviewers have taken care of that. But I will tell you, if you want to read a fantastic paranormal book  that will keep your interest from first page to last, "Chasing Shadows" is the one to read. I'm looking forward to reading book two in the series!
975923
What You Left Behind by Samantha Hayes is a chilling story of a cluster of teenage suicides in a small country town, Radcote. Though it happened before the novel began, a few new deaths re-open old community wounds (and investigations). Detective Lorraine Fisher visits her sister just as her nephew goes missing and together with neighbors and the local police force, they do everything they can to figure out what is going on in Radcote.

The novel was suspenseful and mysterious, doing a nice job of resolving itself, but not revisiting every piece of the puzzle. It was dark, scary, and disturbing at times, as one might expect from the brief description above.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, which adds a lot of insight and intrigue. It is especially impactful in the prologue/epilogue, but I don't want to spoil anything!

It was a fast paced book that held my attention the entire time and never slowed down.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Blogging For Books for this review.  The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
1989499
Dianne Ascroft  has written a compelling story showing a glimpse of Northers Irelands secret involvement in WWll. In The Shadow Ally unfolds through the human interest stories of local girl, Ruth Corey, the attractive Italian-American civilian contractor, Frank Long, and her almost fianc an ambitious reporter, Harry Coalter. You will be as hooded by the potential for romance as you are by the political intrigue and secrets.
1564350
I read Mr. Grumley's first book, "Breakthrough" and had to read the second one "Amid the shadows."  The author has taken a very difficult type of storyline and made it into a book that is impossible to put down.  The characters are real, human, the dialog is superb and I hated to see this story end, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the read.  The author is a master of suspense and the pages just keep turning whether you want them to or not.  I put off things I needed to do to keep reading.  I plan to read anything this talented author writes.
3443226
Shadow on Cant-Dog Hill is author John Vibber's first novel and it is an outstanding work. At first glance, Shadow is a tightly woven tale of unsolved mystery but as I read on I discovered that it is much more than that. Set in the town of Canaan Vermont, single father Reilly Bostwick's life seems to be getting smoothly back on track after a custody dispute with his ex-wife that would send shivers down the spine of any parent. But that all changes when he discovers the body of his ex-wife in his own backyard and he is framed for her murder. Overwhelming evidence means Reilly must stay in jail, so it is up to his close friends and new-found love Adele Clayton to exonerate Reilly and find the real killer.

Most people in this situation would have reason to give up all hope, but Reilly's friends are not your ordinary group of people. Dubbed "the gang," Reilly's tightly knit group of friends are a "stellar group of intellects, practical jokers, home-brewers, and although misfits elsewhere, they cohered famously in Canaan... All were assertive, self-confident, and as the old-timers would have it, 'full of piss and vinegar,' but between them, they had the skills to do almost anything." Determined to see justice served, Adele heads up this devoted group of friends in their investigation to find the real killer.

Vibber's characters feel so real you can't help but care about them. Just as much a main character, however, is the town of Canaan where Shadow. takes place. Contrary to the off-putting Yankee stereotype, Vibber describes Canaan as "open and accepting with civility and has a self-effacing sense of humor...1200 or so citizens means that you say hi to everyone you meet." Vibber writes with detail so fine I swear I could hear Reilly walking through the drift in his snowshoes.

Canaan is highly populated with trees, hills, rivers, and ponds... Our first winter it reached 43 below and there was a two-week spell when the temperature didn't rise to 0. More than 50 miles from nearest shopping center or sit-down theater. It is the corner of nowhere. It is a place of immense natural beauty, with thousands of acres to explore for hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, or just picnicking.
Shadow on Cant-Dog Hill is a must-read for mystery lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. And don't be surprised if you want to visit Vermont when you finish the book. I know I do!
2383023
Still Life in Shadows isn't your typical Amish novel. Alice J. Wisler shows a different side of the Amish life when she lets readers inside the mind of Gideon Miller, a thirty-year-old auto mechanic who ran away from his Amish life 15 years ago. Gideon doesn't look back with fondness. I liked the fact that he helps other Amish youth who want to escape, too. Another touching voice in this story is Kiki's, an autistic teenage girl. You won't be disappointed!
4248458
Sometimes when reading sequels the stories seem to bog down and stall, not Valley of Shadows. It is a powerful, realistic story that keeps you interested and turning pages. It is a hard book to put down. I felt an emotional connection to the characters, and felt like I was traveling right along with them through the Valley of Shadows. I loved reading about Bonnie's journey from an abused girl to a strong, determined and capable woman. So glad I read my first J.R. Biery book. She is a remarkable author. Can't wait for Claire's story.
2679643
The adventures in house of dark shadows by Robert Liparulo starts on page one and continues until the very end. This is one of those books where readers hate to put down so make sure you have plenty of reading time at your disposal. Robert Liparulo is ingenious when he uses a fifteen year old boy as the main point of view in this story. This not only adds innocence to the plot, it also makes seeing the adventure through young eyes an important element. The only thing about this book I didn't like is the ending. It doesn't end! You'll have to read it to find out what I mean.

I highly recommend this book for young adults and those adults who are still young at heart. I promise you will enjoy it.