Summary:
After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck here in spirit form with no sign of the big, bright light coming to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser/outcast type who hates the social elite. He alone can see and hear her, but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.
Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?
Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?
Review:
I have never liked ghost stories. I have shied away from stories with ghosts in them ever since I read Wait Till Helen Comes as a child and was so scared I couldn't sleep alone for months. Yes, I said months. It was bad...just thinking about it now gets me all freaked out.
Anyway, so when Natalie told me she bought The Ghost and the Goth, and that I was reading it first (since I'm her gateway to five star books and I screen all of her books for her) I said, "Umm, ghosts? You know I don't read about ghosts?" Well, she convinced me to give it a try (the argument that won me over was that the book is about helpful ghosts, not malevolent ones) and no one was more surprised than me when not only did I enjoy the story but I wasn't scared a bit. This was not a horror story. It was a love story with ghosts in it...there is a big difference, and that's why I enjoyed this one instead of running away screaming in fear.
The book starts with Alona's death and her waking up as a ghost. It's been three days and she keeps disappearing, but doesn't know why. She is hanging around the school and starts to cry when she sees her former best friend and boyfriend making out (only one day after her funeral). Will Killian, goth boy whom Alona has never noticed, smirks at her tears, and then Alona realizes Will can see and hear her. Will got his ability to see ghosts from his father and tries to ignore them so that they don't make his life even more miserable than it is with their constant demands. Alona bugs Will enough for him to capitulate to her demands for help and they begin a wary friendship.
This is a sweet story with friendship, some romance, a mystery and an ending that made me want more. It was a compellingly fast read for me. I've learned on Stacey Kade's website that there is a sequel, Queen of the Dead, due out next summer, followed by another sequel, which will make the series into a trilogy.
Anyway, so when Natalie told me she bought The Ghost and the Goth, and that I was reading it first (since I'm her gateway to five star books and I screen all of her books for her) I said, "Umm, ghosts? You know I don't read about ghosts?" Well, she convinced me to give it a try (the argument that won me over was that the book is about helpful ghosts, not malevolent ones) and no one was more surprised than me when not only did I enjoy the story but I wasn't scared a bit. This was not a horror story. It was a love story with ghosts in it...there is a big difference, and that's why I enjoyed this one instead of running away screaming in fear.
The book starts with Alona's death and her waking up as a ghost. It's been three days and she keeps disappearing, but doesn't know why. She is hanging around the school and starts to cry when she sees her former best friend and boyfriend making out (only one day after her funeral). Will Killian, goth boy whom Alona has never noticed, smirks at her tears, and then Alona realizes Will can see and hear her. Will got his ability to see ghosts from his father and tries to ignore them so that they don't make his life even more miserable than it is with their constant demands. Alona bugs Will enough for him to capitulate to her demands for help and they begin a wary friendship.
This is a sweet story with friendship, some romance, a mystery and an ending that made me want more. It was a compellingly fast read for me. I've learned on Stacey Kade's website that there is a sequel, Queen of the Dead, due out next summer, followed by another sequel, which will make the series into a trilogy.
Just One Gripe:
I wanted more romance!
I wanted more romance!
The Best Thing About This Book:
I loved Kade's explanation for ghosts---she talks about energy, dimensions, and the effects of positive versus negative energy. Alona's disappearance(s) and how they were explained was also very unique. The whole ghost premise was very well thought-out and well-executed.
I loved Kade's explanation for ghosts---she talks about energy, dimensions, and the effects of positive versus negative energy. Alona's disappearance(s) and how they were explained was also very unique. The whole ghost premise was very well thought-out and well-executed.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Yes
Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Total Score: 20/25
i think it's cute ghosts scare you =) so you won't read lots of ghost stories then? ruined by paula morris? etc? too bad =(
ReplyDeleteThat sounds cute, I'm not going to lie, the cover looks a little lame. But I think I am going to have to get it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you liked it! Now I know that I will... hopefully since it is the first in a series, we will get our romance in the next book!
ReplyDelete@ Nerdy Katie: I actually bought this one to read because I thought the cover was cute...lol... I think I might be lame :) I called and told Kelli I bought it without reading the back because I liked the cover...lol
Great review! I haven't read this book yet but it does sound interesting. Thanks for stopping by my blog!!
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to reading this. Being a paranormal writer I am always interested in this kind of literature.
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
I loved Will's character and the repertoire with him and Alona.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I'm with you on ghosts. They are a surefire way to get me to sleep with the lights on! I really like ghost romances, though, so I loved this book.
ReplyDeleteI wanted more romance, too. The few scenes we did get were good, and I'm hoping their relationship picks up in the second book (based on the description, I'm thinking it will).