Review: Invisible Ghosts

Invisible Ghosts
by Robyn Schneider

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 5, 2018

INVISIBLE GHOSTS by Robyn Schneider is another cutesy high school romance starring your typical insecure relatable quirky teen and the hot boy who understands her, but this time, with ghosts! Rose spends her school days with girls she doesn't really like and her afternoons watching TV and hanging out with her older brother Logan, who coincidentally, died five years earlier. This has been her life for years, but when her childhood friend (and now a super cute guy) Jamie moves back to town, her world as she knows it changes. As her relationship with Jamie blossoms, she finds that the memory and ghost of Logan is holding her back. 

I loved Schneider's first book and have been eagerly awaiting this one. Though some plot points felt a bit rushed or not fully fleshed out, the concept was fresh and the characters felt real and supportable. This was a perfect combination of both cheesy romance and paranormal mystery, both managing to compliment without overshadowing the other. The story was consistent and believable throughout and never felt overdramatic or unrealistic. I would highly recommend this for high school fans of magical realism or those wanting to dip their toes into the paranormal waters.

Review: Shades Of Darkness

Shades of Darkness (Ravenborn #1)
By A.R. Kahler 

Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Simon Pulse 

In SHADES OF DARKNESS readers meet aspiring painter Kaira, who attends Islington Arts Academy, a boarding school in Michigan. Kaira cherishes the solitude she finds living at Islington, because it has allowed her to put the past behind her and focus on graduating. However, when murders disguised as suicides start occurring on campus, some snippets of the past are brought back for Kaira, as she begins to worry that she is the only person who can bring things back to normal. SHADES OF DARKNESS was a truly unique read. The plot may sound basic but rest assured, it is anything but. With detailed descriptions, and elaborate stories of the gods, Kahler draws readers into Kaira’s inner world. Like the writing, she is creative, and witty. Furthermore, the other characters are just as bright as she is, from her roommate Elise, to her closest friend Ethan. The somewhat magical aspect brought the story a step above the usual boarding school book. It was twisted and unexpected, yet also light and funny. Although the novel’s beginning felt too drawn out, it was definitely worth it to keep reading, and I recommend this promising start to a new series to teens and adults alike. 

Review: The Dark Days Club

The Dark Days Club 
by Alison Goodman

Publication date: January 26th, 2016
Publisher: Viking Books For Young Readers


THE DARK DAYS CLUB is the first in the Lady Helen series. Set in Regency-era England, Helen is part of the nobility-- socializing, attending parties, and sewing (quite a lot). However, after one of the maids in her house goes missing, she's thrust into a world within her own-- a world of demonic-like creatures called Deceivers, the Reclaimers who kill them, and the Dark Days Club. This novel is an enthralling read that I'd recommend to fans of Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series, and to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with twists (and demons). 

Review: Rebel Belle

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: April 8, 2014

In Rachel Hawkins' REBEL BELLE, a fast-paced novel that's sure to make you turn pages quicker than you can say "y'all," Harper, a teenage Southern belle, has her life turned upside down on the night of homecoming. Thanks to a near death experience in her school's restroom during the dance, Harper soon finds herself busting out ninja moves left and right, flipping her boyfriend over, and driving cars like a regular James Bond. To complicate things further, she finds out why she suddenly can do all these things: Harper is a Paladin, an agile guardian of the Oracle. And the person she has to protect is none other than her nemesis, David Stark.

I love Hawkins' taut writing, and found REBEL BELLE easy to pick up and hard to put down. Staying true to her teenage protagonist’s voice, Hawkins essentially captures the sass and biting wit of a high school girl through Harper’s narration. All the characters react to their situations the same way most teenagers would, and I found I could easily see myself behaving similarly if I were ever faced with their dilemmas. This book is definitely one I'd recommend if you are looking for a quick, fun read. I'd suggest this book for ages 13 and up due to mild profanity, and slight references to adult subjects. When the sequel comes out, you can bet you'll find me with a copy in my hands!

Review: My Last Kiss

My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publishing date: June 10, 2014

MY LAST KISS is the story of Cassidy Haines, a 17 year old ghost who can’t seem to remember how she died. The police ruled it a suicide but Cassidy knows that there has to be more to the story. With only her boyfriend Ethan Keys able to see her, they try to solve the mystery around her death all while trying to keep their love alive. This page turning debut novel by Bethany Neal is a cross between a tragic love story and a murder mystery, perfect for fans of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Thirteen Reasons Why”. Contrary to what the title might have lead you to believe, this story is less about kisses and more about the jealousy and hardships of friendship. Cassidy is often struggling with everyday teenage problems (like forgiving her friends, dealing with her parents divorce and finding herself) making her a very relatable character. Although this book has paranormal aspects, I found that the realistic elements made it a more contemporary novel. MY LAST KISS is filled with twists and turns making it a fun and intriguing novel, great for anyone who enjoys a young adult mystery.