2/5 stars
Point, 2013
279 pages
YA Paranormal Contemporary
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Slightly spoilery*
Of all the kinds of paranormal stories out there, ghost and witches tend to be my favorites so when I realized that this was a new addition to the former category, I was pleased and requested it to read. As the time grew near to read and review this, I was also pleased to see its short length, hoping to read it quickly.
I was correct in that it read very fast...unfortunately it didn't really please the part of me that loves ghost stories (and yes, has a soft spot for human/ghost love stories). Overall I found it very bland with nothing speaking to me except for slight confusion over something that I'll discuss in a second that may be considered a spoiler.
The plot for this is that Ivy and her mother are moving to Scotland to live in a castle with Ivy's new stepfather and his grandmother. Upon arrival, the grandmother takes an instant dislike to Ivy and the girl's violin floats in mid-air. Other occurrences and talking with new friend Emma confirm for Ivy that there's a ghost, who graciously reveals himself to her as Logan Munro. But he's not the only ghost around as another malevolent spirit seems to be threatening Ivy's safety-can she solve this puzzle?
As I wrote above, I found this book pretty bland though it had many elements I like. For example, Ivy plays violin which spoke to my viola-playing heart. Scotland is the beautiful setting with many examples of Gaelic to enhance the authenticity. And there's the ghost. But all together, this book did nothing for me. It was easy enough to read and not too infuriating except for the part below.
Okay, this is the spoiler part. So what I found confusing is that after a storm the grandmother has an abrupt personality change and yet no one does anything for 30 years. Her grandson doesn't even seem to have noticed! I just thought that was rather a long period of time and I feel sad for how long she made people miserable with no one daring to say anything.
Overall: I have linked to some reviews below of people who enjoyed the book but for me, this was very unsatisfying.
Cover: Love the accuracy-Ivy is blond and has a pink streak! I didn't see the pink here at first because I was looking at a thumbnail on my nook but now that I look more closely, I am very impressed with how this captures the story.
Other Opinions:
Bookdictive Reviews
In Bed With Books
Just Another Rabid Reader
Small Review
The Book Monsters
I've never heard of this book before, but I don't think it would be for me. I do like ghost and witch stories too, but its not calling to me. Great review! Sorry it was too bland for you, but I appreciate the honest opinion :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
I don't think it's received as much publicity as other titles so it doesn't surprise me that you hadn't heard of it. I kind of wish I had skipped it.
DeleteSorry this wasn't satisfying, I think I will skip because me and bland don't get along. Thanks for hoenst review!
ReplyDeleteIt just felt very young and really without a spark.
DeleteI always give points for cover accuracy! I really appreciate it when publishers pay attention to those details.
ReplyDeleteYep, it's a little thing but it really does boost my impression of the cover and the book as a cohesive whole.
DeleteI remember seeing other negative reviews for this one too, so I know you're not alone. I like books like this but this sounds like one I'll skip for now.
ReplyDeleteI had seen quite a few positive reviews before starting and I kind of wish I hadn't as I otherwise would have just skipped it.
DeleteI agree, the fact that no one did anything about the grandmother for so long was definitely suspect and a bit ridiculous, but I thought this was kind of a fun read. I think maybe it was the sexy Scottish accents. They just one me over. It didn't blow me away by any means, but I enjoyed it. Hope you love whatever you pick up next!!!
ReplyDeleteI like that sexy Scottish accents can win you over ;) If this had been an audiobook, maybe I would have been more charmed.
DeleteI also love ghost stories, but you and I usually agree so I will put this lower on my list…
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
Yeah, I bet you won't enjoy this one very much either if you do try it.
DeleteForgot to add that I've read several books published by Point lately and found that most of them felt too young or simplistic for me as an adult reader of YA. So when I saw that this was a Point book, I was not surprised.
ReplyDeleteGood point (!) about the publisher-I will see if I've read any other Point books and be aware of that for the future.
DeleteHmmm, this one actually sounds pretty good. I am a HUGE sucker for ghost stories and human/ghost stories. (Casper is still one of my favorite movies, yo.) Too bad this was such a dud though. I wish it had been better and really drew you in!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend - thanks for being such a lovely visitor at my blog!
Molli
I love Casper too! When he becomes human and they dance, sawoon! This one didn't have nearly the same magic for me.
DeleteThe setting sounds beautiful, and I do love the ghost/human love stories too. Sorry that it wasn't what you were hoping for.
ReplyDeleteThe setting was cool and there were some great moments; this overall just lacked for me.
DeleteYeah, the grandmother thing was a touch odd, but I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. But I must admit, I went into it expecting a simple, straightforward read.
ReplyDeleteYes, very simple! I guess I wanted a bit more complexity to make my time feel more well-spent.
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