August 16, 2010

Review: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

 


His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.


I have to admit that by reading the back of this book and the description of the book, it did not really catch my attention. The cover is pretty, but I was not pulled to it. Yes I am one of those who picks a book up because of the cover. Then I read the back and maybe the first two pages and if I like it I buy it. Anyway, I finally did pick it up because of the reviews and also because of Skyla11377. I am so glad that I did pick it up and listened to everyone. See, reviewing a book helps!  LOL

This book was REALLY GOOD! This is Anastasia's debut YA Novel and I am hoping there will be more! Right from Chapter one this book kicks off. So much mystery and suspense I just couldn't put it down. I also really like Anastasia's writing style. I felt she did a good job at describing things and made it so easy to picture in your head.

Phe and her friends are so easy to like. Including her stuck up rich friend, Adrianna. I think Anastasia developed her characters very well and gives you just enough background on them without taking away from the story. There is also Zach, who knows he shouldn't be talking to Phe or even thinking about her, but just can not help himself. Who doesn't love to read a story about boy meets girl, but boy and girl should not be? I know I do! 

You can feel the chemistry between Zach and Phe. And the way he falls for her is just so sweet! I loved their relationship from the very first moment they meet. Zach is willing to risk everything just to be with Phe, including the chance of exposing what he really is and his families secrets.

Though some things were predictable, there were also a lot of things that I had no idea was coming. Phe goes through a lot of changes and continues to have crazy dreams. She also has a mark that continues to take shape on her skin. She discovers who she really is and what the town is hiding. At the same time she finds true love. 

I give this book 5 stars and definitely recommend it! 






6 comments:

  1. I have this book in my TBR pile. I might have to move it closer to the top. Thanks for the review!

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  2. So glad you love it! I cant wait to meet her end of the month

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  3. Wow! High praise! I thought this book sounded really intriguing, so I'm so glad to hear it delivers! I can't wait for the ebook release tomorrow so that I can download it!!

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  4. I really liked this book too, although, like you said, there were a couple of predictable parts. But for a debut novel, I was really impressed and I really liked the historical back story. That was interesting. Great review!

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