Razorbill, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1595142917
Available: New
The Evil Within is the second book in the Possessions series, of which I have not read the first; however, after completing this one, I’ll be picking up the first book and all that follow it. Nancy Holder has created an incredibly spooky tale full of scorned lovers, murders, attempted murders, ghosts, and of course, possessions. Holder writes a vividly terrifying tale that overflows with ancient superstitions and mythologies that span the globe.
After a brief holiday break, Lindsay has reluctantly returned to the creepy Marlwood Academy; a boarding school with a dark past. It doesn’t take long for Lindsay and the rest of the residents of Marlwood Academy, including the extremely unhappy ghosts that stalk the grounds, to fall back into the swing of things – including attempted murders and possessions. Out of cliques, high school crushes and loves, and general teenage angst, Holder has created strong characters that most teen readers will easily identify with, and spun a dark twist on their interactions with one another.
The Evil Within can be read without having read the first in the series, but after completing The Evil Within, you will want to go back and read the first just because the second novel was that good. For those that enjoyed Holder’s Wicked series, this will be a welcome addition to her growing collection of YA fiction. Recommended for a school or public young adult collection; ages 14 and up.
Contains: mild violence, attempted sexual violence
Reviewed by Kelly Fann