Release Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Source: eARC for Review
Pages: 336
Source: eARC for Review
ISBN-10: 0062241524
Rating: 5 Hearts
Book Description
"It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp -- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.
Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance -- and loner boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her.
This debut novel is full of atmosphere, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance."
Review:
Short and Sweet:
Full of Louisiana charm, creepy swamp mysteries, and underlying heart, I loved this novel!
To Elaborate....
When Sterling's brother, Phin, heads into the dangerous swamp after a fight, she waits for him to return. And waits...and waits... After hours pass, the only person that emerges from the swamp is a girl named Lenora May who is suddenly her only sibling. No one remembers Phin but her, and Lenora May has no interest in returning to the swamp or revealing what happened to Phin. Sterling has to brave the deadly swamp if she ever wants to see him again.
This is one of the most delightfully creepy books I've ever read. From the beginning, the swamp is a mysterious and dangerous place that fits perfectly in the Louisiana setting. Since I'm normally a wimp when it comes to scarier stories, I really liked how this one is more edge-of-your-seat, intensely suspenseful and mysterious than horror-filled. The creepy factor will definitely give you chills more than once, but I read this during a storm and didn't feel the need to hide under the covers (which is saying something).
The romance is fabulous and sweet. Heath and Sterling both face some serious real world issues (Heath with the loss of his best friend and Sterling with the decision to starve herself), but they find an understanding in each other that's beautiful. They have several cute moments amidst all the swamp tales and I love how they both grounded the supernatural story.
This is a great book to try if you're looking to be spooked, but not out of your mind frightened. The swamp is so haunting, and it's the perfect book to get lost in on a hot summer night.
5 Hearts!
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Can't wait for this one, yours is the second rave review I've read today!! Love the premise of this, that everyone forgets her brother except for her. ~Pam
ReplyDeleteIt occasionally made me so furious for her that no one remembered! The author did such a good job of getting the characters' feelings across. I hope you get a chance to read it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this cover! The colors! I haven't seen many reviews in this yet but I'm glad to see you loved it.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Brenna Yovanoff's FIENDISH, which I think you'd like too! Really looking forward to BEWARE THE WILD though - glad to see your positive review!
ReplyDeleteI love mysteries set in Louisiana. The gothic ambiance thickens to whole another level. :)
ReplyDeleteThe cover is gorgeous!! I can't wait to buy a finished copy so I can see it in print.
ReplyDeleteOoooo I just looked up FIENDISH, and the cover alone gives me chills! Thank you for the recommendation! Definitely adding it to my to-buy list. :)
ReplyDeleteIt does! I think stories set there are so unique, and it both makes me want to visit there and stay far away from there (with the scary stories) at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen another equally positive review for this one and I'm glad to hear that it is very creepy but not "I-need-to-sleep-with-the-light-on" scary! Totally preordering it now!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Samantha!