Tag Archives: Darker still

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YA Ghost Stories

What’s on my bookshelf ? 5

Today I want to mention a few ghost stories that I enjoyed reading and that I think are suitable for Young Adult readers.

So, on my bookshelf, you can find:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard and is raised by ghosts. Growing up in a graveyard can be dangerous but everyone knows the world outside its gate is even worse…

An amazing setting, and such a great story. Neil Gaiman has no equal.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Two American sisters inherit a flat which borders Highgate Cemetery in London. The teenage twins move in and meet their strange neighbours, before realizing  their deceased aunt can’t seem to leave her old apartment – and life- behind.

Technically an Adult book. An interesting premise and a chilling ending. However the story relies heavily on clichés about London and its supposedly ghostly feel. Since I actually live here, I need a little more than that in terms of setting.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The ghost of Jack The Ripper is killing again in modern-day London. The secret ghost police of London are on the case, with no time to waste.

Again a book set in London and targeted at American readers who have never set foot here. But in this one, the plot is great and the author actually conveys a “British feel” to her story.

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Manhattan, 1882. A teenage girl who cannot speak. A haunted painting. A love story across time and space.

A good YA read, although the plot lacked high stakes. And I liked the twist halfway through the book.

That’s it for YA ghost stories sitting on my bookshelf… Any other books you’d recommend? Feel free to comment!

Also you can enter my 100 Followers Giveaway here and win YA books!

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« Clear Your Shelf » Giveaway Hop (over)

Welcome to my « Clear Your Shelf » Giveaway! It is hosted by Kathy @ I am a reader, not a writer and it runs from Friday, June 15th to Wednesday, June 20th 2012.

Here you can win ONE of the five following books:

Young Adult books:

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins (UK edition)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins (UK edition)

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (UK edition)

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber (US edition)

Adult fiction:

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire (UK edition)

All books are paperbacks  in perfect condition.

Giveaway information:

  • The giveaway is open until Wednesday 20th June at midnight (BST time)
  • To enter please fill in the contact form below with your name, email and the book you wish to win. Please state if you’re a blog follower (by email or RSS feed) or a Twitter follower or if you like my page on Facebook, as this will grant you an extra entry.
  • Entrants must be  at least 13 years of age.
  • This giveaway is open Internationally.
  • The 5 winners will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
  • For official giveaway rules and guidelines please consult the I am a readre not a writer page.
  • Privacy information: no information given for this giveaway will be used for other purpose than this giveaway. All information provided (names, emails and mail addresses) will be deleted after the giveaway.

*Giveaway is now closed*

Thanks for entering my giveaway and good luck! Feel free to leave a comment…

Visit the other giveaways here.

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Book of the Week – 3

This week I’m reading Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber. It’s a YA historical novel set in 19th Century New York. The 17-year-old heroin is mute and the book is her diary, in which she recounts the strange events that took place at the Metropolitan Museum in the summer of 1880. It’s a quick read and a cute love story, as well as a good mystery.