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The Monster Librarian Presents:
Reviews of Supernatural Books For Young Adults
Things that go bump in
the night, flashing lights, furniture that moves by itself: here you will find
books about ghosts, haunted houses, the occult, and
happenings involving other dimensions.
Demon
Queen by Richard Lewis*New Review
Simon and Schuster, 2008
ISBN: 9781416935896
Available: Pre-order (June,2008)
Jesse has grown up in the foster
care system, never knowing his real parents. Unfairly seized by Homeland
Security, he is released to the Mindells, a foster family living in the town of
Longview. As Jesse begins to settle into his new community, Honor Clarke moves
to town, dealing with the death of her father in a freak accident. Jesse feels a
mysterious connection with Honor. He suspects that Honor is behind a number of
strange occurrences, including a rogue pig interrupting a funeral, a student
suddenly being attacked by a wasp, and an unexplainable illness contracted by
Jesse’s friend. It is up to Jesse to find out what is going on and put a stop to
the bizarre events. Demon Queen is a very high quality, well written bit of
young adult occult horror. The plotting is well done, and Lewis does an
excellent job of making Jesse a likable and sympathetic protagonist. The
characters have depth and are interesting, avoiding the stereotypes that often
populate y/a literature. As an added bonus, the book may appeal to both male and
female readers. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.
Contains: minor gore, references to the occult and witchcraft, animal mutilation
and killing
Weregirls:
Birth of the Pack
by Petru Popescu
Tor Teen, 2007
ISBN: 0765316412
Available: New
Lily Willison and her friends Nikki, Arielle, and Grazia start up a girls’ soccer club at her school called the Weregirls. When the new girl, Andra Hewlit, senses that Lily has supernatural powers, she seeks to co-opt them and creates her own soccer club. Lily finds out from communications with her deceased father that Lily and her friends have special powers granted by spirit wolves that allow the girls to take on the properties of the wolves. As Lily uses her new powers, an evil force called the Breed is summoned and the Weregirls must battle this new enemy. Although the girls are able to change into the form of their wolf spirit equivalent, Birth of the Pack is really a supernatural tale. Readers hoping for a werewolf story will be disappointed, but those open to an unusual supernatural adventure series will enjoy this book.
Contains: Violence
Beowulf
by Michael Morpurgo,
ill by Michael Foreman
Candlewick Press, 2006
ISBN: 9780763632069
Available: New
High school English teachers will cheer to see this accessible, visually attractive retelling of Beowulf by the British Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. The language used in translations and retellings is often a barrier preventing teens from experiencing the impact of the dramatic battles between heroes and monsters. While Morpurgo's writing does still use challenging vocabulary, it is told more as a narrative story than as a long poem, and Morpurgo's fine storytelling, accompanied by vivid color illustrations, will be a more comfortable way for most readers to engage with the text. I was surprised to discover the many references to Christianity in the story, because the title character certainly isn’t turning the other cheek! If violent struggles to the death with cannibalistic monsters, evil sea-hags, and death-dragons are your cup of tea, you'll want to spend some time revisiting the story of Beowulf as retold here. Collection promotion note: This book is considered nonfiction and falls into the 820s. Pairing it with fiction with similar themes could encourage its checkout. Highly recommended for middle and high school library media centers and for young adult collections in public libraries.
Contains: Violence, gore, cannibalism, decapitation, references to Christianity.
Stories
for Young People: Edgar Allan
Poe,
ed. by Andrew Delbanco and
ill. by Gerard DuBois
Sterling Publishing, 2006
ISBN: 9781402715150
Available: New
This book is a good introduction for the reader getting ready to take on the intricacies of language in the writing of Edgar Allan Poe. The book starts with a brief biography of the author and then leads the reader through five of Poe's most famous short stories. Each of the stories is preceded by a short summary that ends by asking the reader an open ended question about the text. The words in each story remain entirely Poe's- there is no abridgment- but words that may be challenging to the reader are listed in the corner of each page with a short definition, meaning the reader can continue to "flow" with the text rather than having to stop and look up every unknown word. Unfortunately, the words needing definition are not identified within the story, and a reader unaware of the feature might fail to take advantage of it. As with many books aimed at reluctant readers, the book is visually attractive and designed with plenty of white space. The illustrations by Gerard DuBois are appropriately creepy in nature, with his murky oils creating an atmosphere of depression, fear, and madness. While not a textbook, there is certainly a place in the classroom for a book like this one. It's a far cry from the permabound anthology with its tiny print and nonexistent margins that I used in school. And anyone who chances to come across this on their own may find themselves intrigued enough to explore further the works of this master of mystery and terror. Recommended for public library young adult collections and highly recommended for school library media centers in middle and high schools. Contains: live burials, madness, murder, alcoholic drinking, plague and pestilence, revenge.
A
Drowned Maiden’s Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz
Candlewick Press,2006
ISBN: 0763629308
Available: New
Maud Flynn is a troublemaking, unattractive, orphan: the girl most unlikely to be adopted. However, she is the perfect choice for Hyacinth Hawthorne and her elderly sisters. The charismatic Hyacinth convinces Maud to play the part of a ghostly “secret child.” The sisters, posing as psychic mediums able to bring a dead child back to communicate with her wealthy mother, need Maud to carry out their fraud. As Maud studies the life and personality of the girl she will impersonate, she begins to dream of the girl and her death and even meets the girl’s mother. Maud’s experiences make her question the sisters’ motives and affection for her. When the séance intended to convince the dead girl’s mother ends with a disastrous fire, Maud is left behind, and nearly burns to death, Her escape reveals the truth, but as an adopted child, Maud is returned to her legal guardians, and her future does not look to be a pleasant one.
Schlitz creates an ominous atmosphere, descriptive of places, visions, and events, which reaches its creepiest and most terrifying in the final séance. But it is the skillful characterization that makes the book. Maud changes from defiant and unhappy, into a girl eager for the sisters’ love, finally becoming a sympathetic, resourceful, and clear-minded character. Hyacinth is almost sociopathic, mercilessly and even gleefully manipulating people to achieve status and wealth. But Schlitz’s triumph is that her characters cannot be contained neatly. They are too “messy,” and their unpredictability lends them believability. Highly recommended for upper elementary and teen readers looking for a good ghost story. Contains: horrific events Review by Francesca the Librarian
Blood
Witch- Book Three of the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan
Penguin Group 2007
ISBN:9780142409886
Available: New and Used
Morgan’s quest to learn more about her family, especially her
mother, continues in Blood Witch. Now that Morgan has the Book of
Shadows, she is able to read the words her mother wrote As Morgan continues to
practice magick, other blood witches, threatened by her power strengthen their
coven to work against her. Blood Witch is just as enveloping as the
others, and leaves you wanting to find out what comes next. However, this one
had an intriguing darkness to it that the others did not.
Contains: Some language, references to Wicca, witchcraft
Coven-
Book Two of the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan
Penguin Group, 2007
ISBN:9780142409879
Available: New and Used
In a very short period of time, Morgan Rowland has lost her
best friend, gained a boyfriend, and discovered that she is a blood witch. Does
that means her parents and sister are blood witches as well, or is there more to
her mystery? As Morgan uncovers family secrets, she realizes the only person she
can count on is Cal. Another gripping tale from Cate Tiernan, this book flows
from the previous book, Book of Shadows, and the story continues in
Blood Witch, also published this year. Impatient readers won’t have to wait
long to find out what happens next to Morgan and Cal.
Contains: Some language, references to Wicca, witchcraft. Review by Kate-Lynn
Williams
Book
of Shadows-Book
One of the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan
Penguin Group, 2007
ISBN: 9780142409862
Available: New
Morgan Rowland’s life changes the day she met Cal Blair. When
Cal comes to school that first day, his confidence in himself makes every girl
want him and every guy want to be him. Cal’s interest, however, is in Morgan. He
introduces her to Wiccan practices. Morgan finds her world dramatically altered
by inexplicable events stemming from these practices, and begins to question who
she really is. Book of Shadows is a well-written, fast-paced, gripping story. It
kept me breathless and on the edge of my seat with the suspense and plot twists.
This book is a great choice for a rainy afternoon- because readers will be
compelled to finish it in one sitting.
Contains: Some language, references to Wicca, witchcraft Review by Kate-Lynn
Williams
The
Return of Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac and Sally Wern Comport
HarperCollins, 2006
ISBN: 0060580909
Available: New and Used
Molly hasn’t really recovered from her terrifying experience with Skeleton Man,
a greedy creature who kidnapped her parents and then posed as her uncle.
Although she and her parents escaped, Skeleton Man was never found, and Molly
knows he’s out there, planning to get her. Her parents, determined that life
should go on as normally as possible, take Molly with them to an isolated hotel
resort in the mountains of upstate New York at the end of October, where they
are blocked off from the outside world from a sudden blizzard, with a
celebration of Dia de los Muertos inside. With costumed crowds, dark hallways
and twisty trails, it’s a perfect location for the Skeleton Man to grab Molly.
In addition to the resourcefulness Molly exhibited in the first book, she
manages also to gain some powerful allies. The vivid detail in Bruchac’s writing
draws a compelling picture, and his knowledge of Native American traditions
comes across effectively. Where the story really excels, however, is in creating
an atmosphere of foreboding, uncertainty, and fear. The story is told by Molly
in first person, so the reader experiences these emotions up close and personal.
Molly’s actual confrontation with the Skeleton Man is almost a disappointment
after the ominous feelings foreshadowed by Molly’s nightmares and intuitions.
The Return of Skeleton Man works as a stand alone novel, but is best enjoyed as
a follow-up to Skeleton Man, which has now been described by School Library
Journal as “a modern horror classic.” Ages 9-12. Recommended. Contains:
kidnapping. Review by Francesca the Librarian
The
Intruders by E.E. Richardson
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, August, 2006
ISBN: 0385732643
Available: New
In the Intruders Richardson whips up a great pure ghost story. Joel, his sister Cassie and their mother move into a house with his mother's new fiancé Gerald and his two sons. In addtion to coping with the resentment of the children over the joining of their two families, they also have to deal with ghosts that are in the house. Joel begins having terrifying nightmares, sees a shadowy figure in the house, and feels strange sensations suggesting that he is not alone. Soon all four children are drawn in, and must solve the mystery of who the ghosts are and why they are haunting the house. This is Richardson's second offering, and it is stronger than his first, The Devil's Footsteps. Richardson does a great job of telling a terrifying, page-turning tale of ghosts and hauntings. The interplay between the two sets of siblings is believable and adds realism to the story. Teens looking for a good ghost story will find that The Intruders is exactly what the doctor ordered. Please note that the Those looking for a little romance with their horror, however, will need to look elsewhere. Recommended. Contains: Supernatural scares, murder and mention of suicide.
The
Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick
Wendy Lamb Books, October, 2004
ISBN: 0385730551
Available: New and Used
In The Book of Dead Days, Marcus Sedgwick introduces us to Boy, a teenage orphan who is the servant and apprentice to a stage magician named Valerian. Valerian is on a quest to find a book that will help him get out of a deal he made with supernatural forces to give up his life in return for material wealth. When the manager of the theater they perform at is murdered, Willow, also an orphan, joins them on their journey in order to escape the prison where they are all being held as suspects. Sedgwick does a really good job of painting a picture of the bleak city where the story takes place. A feeling of gloom pervades the story, and there is an unmistakable feeling of mystery surrounding Valerian's quest. Unfortunately for the reader, however, Sedgwick establishes story threads that have importance to the plot, but he fails to follow through, leaving loose ends that include a serial killer left on the loose, and the mystery of the identity of Boy's parents. Sedgwick is also vague when it comes to explaining the relationships and history between characters, leaving the reader with more than one "Huh?" moment. Ultimately, the reader feels unsatisfied by the dangling plot threads and unexplained relationships. Although this book has a sequel, it still needed to satisfy on its own. The sequel to this book is The Dark Flight Down. Contains: violence and murder.
Edgar
Allan Poe's Tales of Mystery and Madness by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by
Gris Grimly
Atheneum, August, 2004
ISBN: 0689848374
Available: New and Used
Four of Poe's classic tales are presented here. In The Black Cat, a man blames his black cat for his descent into murder and madness, The Masque of the Red Death is a tale about nobles who hole up in a castle in an attempt to escape the disease that is ravaging the countryside. Hop-Frog is a story about a diminutive jester ordered to entertain a cruel king, and The Fall of the House of Usher, tells of a visitor's journey and arrival at to a cursed family's mansion . These tales have been brought to life with vivid illustrations by Gris Grimly. These vary from the dark and disturbing to the light and whimsical. Although Poe's tales can be found in a variety of books and formats, this book stands out. Grimly's art may attract teens who might be intimidated by the traditional presentaion of Poe's work. Grimly's illustrations have the feel of a touch of madness to them and complement Poe's tales perfectly, providing a great hook for reluctant readers.
Skeleton
Man by Joseph Bruchac
HarperTrophy; Reprint ed, August, 2003
ISBN: 0064408884
Available: New and Used
Joseph Bruchac retells a tale from the Mohawk Indians about a man who was so hungry he ate his own flesh, leaving nothing but a skeleton, and then ate the rest of his family with the exception of a young niece. In Bruchac's story, Molly's parents mysteriously disappear one evening without a trace. Molly is convinced that they will come back and maintains the illusion of going through her school day until social services finds her living at home alone and takes her into protective custody. Molly is then introduced to a long lost uncle that she has never met or heard of, who is supposed to take care of her. Her "uncle' acts strangely and locks Molly in her room every night.... could this long lost uncle be the skeleton man? Skeleton Man is a great book for younger teens. Bruchac does a fantastic job of building suspense through out the book and teasing the reader with the idea that Molly's "uncle" is really the skeleton man out of Mohawk tradition. Recommended for school libraries for upper elementary and junior high school level reading and public libraries. Contains: descritpion of cannibalism.
Down a Dark Hall
by Lois Duncan
Rebound by Sagebrush, October, 1999
ISBN: 0881035122
Available: New and Used
Lois Duncan presents us with a chilling Gothic nightmare in Down a Dark Hall.
Kit is starting eighth grade at the very exclusive Blackwood School. It’s so
exclusive there are only three other students! A local tells Kit there are
rumors that the house the school is in is haunted by the family of the previous
owner, who had all died in a terrible fire. Strange things have started
happening to the girls- Lynda, who has never studied art, suddenly becomes a
talented artist; another girl is visited by a ghostly lady in a white dress, and
Kit is waking up at the piano with stiff fingers, although she has very limited
skill. Isolated, finally without any communication to the outside world, the
girls discover that their headmistress is a medium with sinister intentions, who
is using them as receivers for artists, musicians, writers, and mathematicians.
As the spirit possessions become more frightening, Kit looks for a way to escape
before they are all completely taken over. Suggested for grades 5 and up. Highly
recommended for public library collections and school library media centers.
Contains: Spirit possession, violence, mention of suicide, disturbing behavior,
ghosts, and suggestion of romantic intent.
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, July,
2006
ISBN: 038573171X
Available : New and Used
In Clay, David Almond introduces us to David, an altar boy who occasionally drinks a little extra communion wine and smokes stolen cigarettes with his friend Geordie. David's life changes when he befriends Stephen Rose, a new arrival in town, at the request of the local priest. Stephen turns out to be a gifted sculptor. As his friendship with Stephen grows, David learns that Stephen has the ability to mesmerize people and that he had been kicked out of his school for playing with the dark arts. Stephen shows David that together they have the ability to animate some of Stephen's clay sculptures. David and Stephen build a huge clay figure, and bring it to life, but David becomes afraid and runs off. David finds out the next morning that the neighborhood bully, who has given David a hard time, has been found dead. The rest of the day clay creature follows David around waiting for his command. When David tries to put the clay automaton down he sparks a confrontation with Stephen, resulting in Stephen escaping and the end of their creation. The story is character driven, and Almond does a great job of developing David into a sympathetic and tormented character. Some of the dialogue, however, may be difficult to read or understand. Potential readers should be aware that , although the title and cover art suggest otherwise, the clay creature appears only toward the last half of the story and isn't really the focus or even the source of the terror in the book for David. Stephen Rose who goes from being an awkward new kid to a manipulative destructive evildoer, is the true monster. An interesting take on the creation of a golem, Clay ends up being a solid story. Recommended addition. to YA collections. Contains: some kissing and a description of a murder.
Ghosts of Albion:
Initiation, by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden.
Subterranean Press, 2006
ISBN: 159606028x
Available: New and Used
Ghosts of Albion: Initiation introduces us to the Victorian world of
William and Tamara Swift. The siblings have abruptly discovered they have
inherited their grandfather’s responsibilities as magical protectors of Albion,
the soul of England, when he is killed in front of them by were-beasts. Aided by
the ghosts of Bodicea, Lord Byron, and Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, William and
Tamara must defeat supernatural enemies and protect the people they care about.
Ghosts of Albion was developed by Benson and Golden as an online animated show
created for the BBC. Initiation consists of the scripts for the first episode,
“Legacy,” the third episode, “Embers,” and a short piece, “Illusions,” that
provides some backstory on Nigel Townsend, a crucial character in both episodes.
On paper the dialogue seems a little over the top, but it works in the context
of the show. The brother/sister relationship, witty banter, ghostly characters,
and a creative take on horror and fantasy conventions (zombie monkeys?) make
Initiation an engaging and entertaining stand-alone read and an intriguing
introduction to the show. Contains: violence, murder, demonic possession.
The episodes of the show may be watched at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ghosts/
Entry by
Francesca the Librarian
Devil's Footsteps by
E.E. Richardson
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, August,
2005
ISBN: 0385732635
When Bryan was ten, his older brother, Adam, disappeared, taken by the Dark Man. At fifteen, Bryan meets Stephen, who has seen the Dark Man, and Jake, who has had his best friend taken by the Dark Man. The three boys go on a quest to uncover the secret of the Dark Man and find a way to stop him. Devil's Footsteps is plain old fashioned creepy supernatural horror. Richardson writes a brilliantly crafted tale that invokes a shudder when you read it. The Dark Man in the story is able to use the children's fears against them which leads to some truly twisted scenes. This is a book is for those looking for something truly unnerving and scary to read. There is no romance subplot, and it really isn't a buddy book. It goes for the creepy factor and it delivers. I recommend this book as a fine addition to any teen horror section. Contains: some gore and horror situations.
The Hollow:
Horseman
by Christopher Golden and Ford Lytle Gilmore
Razorbill, May, 2005
ISBN: 1595140247
Shane and Aimee Lancaster have moved to the town of Sleepy Hollow with their father. When they arrive strange events start to occur. To make matters worse, there is the headless horseman who is taking the heads of the residents of Sleepy Hollow. It is up to Shane, Aimee, and their new friend Stasia to find out why the horseman has risen and what he wants. The first in the series, The Hollow: Horseman lays the ground work for the rest of the books, it introduces us to Jeckle and Hyde, two friends of Shane's who don't play a role in this book butare fleshed out in following books. The book and the series is well written and has many different storylines running underneath such as the constant conflict between the introverted Shane and his extroverted sister Aimee. It also hints at a romantic storyline that continues through the series. The book has a little something for everyone: action, romance, mystery, and, of course, murderous creatures of the night. The series is continued in The Hollow: Drowned and The Hollow: Mischief. Recommended read. Contains: murders by supernatural creatures, mentions of teen drinking and drug use.
The Hollow: Drowned
by Christopher Golden and Ford Lytle Gilmore
Razorbill, August, 2005
ISBN: 1595140255
Shane Lancaster and his sister Aimee are descendants of Ichabod Crane, the fellow in the Sleepy Hollow story who had a run in with the headless horseman. When they move to Sleepy Hollow from Boston their presence unleashes supernatural forces dormant in Sleepy Hollow. It is up to Shane, Aimee, and her best friend Stasia to uncover the cause of mysterious drownings that are occurring as well as what attacked a group of teens having a party in a cornfield. The Hollow has the feel of a Scooby Doo mystery, with a bunch of normal teens doing detective work to solve a case- but at the end, instead of a man in a rubber mask, they face a true supernatural creature. The unresolved romantic tension between Shane and Stasia also gives the book a touch of Buffy. This is a well-written book that moves along quickly. The second in a series, it follows The Hollow: Horseman and precedes The Hollow: Mischief. Recommended as a good fit for reluctant readers looking for horror stories and for creature-loving readers. Contains murders by supernatural creatures.
The Hollow:
Mischief
by Christopher Golden and Ford Lytle Gilmore
Razorbill, February, 2006
ISBN: 1595140263
Third in the series, the continuing saga of siblings Aimee and Shane Lancaster, descendants of Ichabod Crane, who is responsible for the many demons, spirits, and creatures that haunt Sleepy Hollow. Aimee and Shane feel a duty to track down and stop these critters that their ancestor has unleashed upon the town. In this installment, vandalism has run rampant, causing a great amount of damage and a few fatalities. The blame for these events has been laid at the feet of Mark Hyde, one of Shane and Aimee's friends and it is up to them to uncover what is causing the mayhem and stop it. This book is as focused on Mark Hyde as it is on the mischief going on in Sleepy Hollow and the attempts to stop it. There also is the continuing development of the relationship between Shane and his sister's friend Stasia. This book turns into one part horror book and one part teen romance. For this series you really need to read the books in order to understand the relationships between the characters. A complaint that I have about this book in particular is that Golden and Gilmore throw in characters just to kill them off: if the authors had fleshed the characters out enough so the reader could care about them, it would have made a much more engaging story. The book that follows this is The Hollow: Enemies. Contains: murder by supernatural creatures.
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