Even a great idea can be sunk by poor characterization and plotting; this has a standard idea, which makes the poor...
Chloe’s family is reeling from her mother’s sudden death. At the same time, Chloe realizes that her childhood ability to see ghosts has returned.
To deal with their grief, Chloe and her little brother, Rory, are sent to their grandmother’s English estate. It’s more than a culture shock for Chloe: It exposes her to a great number of ghosts—like the handsome, charming Alexander Reade, dead for over 150 years. Their immediate connection provokes vengeance from Isobel, Alex’s love and fellow ghost. Isobel sees Chloe as a threat, not just because of Alex’s interest, but because of the living girl’s supernatural ability. Chloe doesn’t want any of this, but when Isobel strikes out at Rory and Chloe’s new friend, Joe, not to mention dozens of innocent bystanders, Chloe will have to take a stand—even if it means losing Alex. Chloe’s voice is rarely convincing, and other characters are one-dimensional and inconsistent. Plot inconsistencies and pedestrian prose are likely to deter all but the most persistent paranormal-romance fans.
Even a great idea can be sunk by poor characterization and plotting; this has a standard idea, which makes the poor execution all the more obvious. (Paranormal romance. 12-16)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-373-21130-2
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2014
A smart, timely outing.
Two teens connect through a mysterious podcast in this sophomore effort by British author Oseman (Solitaire, 2015).
Frances Janvier is a 17-year-old British-Ethiopian head girl who is so driven to get into Cambridge that she mostly forgoes friendships for schoolwork. Her only self-indulgence is listening to and creating fan art for the podcast Universe City, “a…show about a suit-wearing student detective looking for a way to escape a sci-fi, monster-infested university.” Aled Last is a quiet white boy who identifies as “partly asexual.” When Frances discovers that Aled is the secret creator of Universe City, the two embark on a passionate, platonic relationship based on their joint love of pop culture. Their bond is complicated by Aled’s controlling mother and by Frances’ previous crush on Aled’s twin sister, Carys, who ran away last year and disappeared. When Aled’s identity is accidently leaked to the Universe City fandom, he severs his relationship with Frances, leaving her questioning her Cambridge goals and determined to win back his affection, no matter what the cost. Frances’ narration is keenly intelligent; she takes mordant pleasure in using an Indian friend’s ID to get into a club despite the fact they look nothing alike: “Gotta love white people.” Though the social-media–suffused plot occasionally lags, the main characters’ realistic relationship accurately depicts current issues of gender, race, and class.
A smart, timely outing. (Fiction. 12-16)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-06-233571-5
Page Count: 496
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: Jan. 16, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2017
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart.
After praying to a Fate for help, Evangeline discovers the dangerous world of magic.
When her father passes away, Evangeline is left with her cold stepmother and kind but distant stepsister, Marisol. Despite inheriting a steady trust in magic, belief in her late mother’s homeland of the mystical North (where fantastical creatures live), and philosophy of hope for the future, her dreams are dashed when Luc, her love, pledges to marry Marisol instead. Evangeline desperately prays to the Prince of Hearts, a dangerous and fickle Fate famed for his heart that is waiting to be revived by his one true love—and his potentially lethal kisses. The bargain they strike sends her on a dark and magical journey throughout the land. The writing style fluctuates from clever and original to overly verbose and often confusing in its jumble of senses. While the pervasive magic and concept of the Fates as a religious system add interest, other fantasy elements are haphazardly incorporated without enough time devoted to building a cohesive world. However, the themes of love, the power of story, family influence, and holding onto belief are well rounded and add depth. The plot contains welcome surprises, and the large cast piques curiosity; readers will wish more time was spent getting to know them. Evangeline has rose-gold hair and, like other main characters, reads as White; there is diversity among the fantasy races in this world.
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26839-6
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
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