REVIEW: Surrender by Lee Nichols

Surrender by Lee Nichols
Paperback, 288 pages
Expected publication: December 6th 2011
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
ARC received through NETGALLEY

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?


Fast-paced and romantic, this conclusion to the Haunting Emma trilogy will thrill readers as it brings the ghostly mystery to a close.

Surrender is the third and final book in Lee Nichols series, Haunting Emma, and it does not disappoint! If you have read the first two books in the series, Surrender will answer all of your questions that were left unanswered. I was literally biting my nails with the suspense. I found that Surrender was a lot less predictable than the first two books in the series. I had no idea where the story would go, and how Bennett and Emma would end up. There were times I felt bad for Bennett and wished everyone would cut him some slack, and then there were times that I wanted to reach in the book and slap some sense into him. Towards the end though, you discover Bennett's plan and it leaves you with a big smile on your face. The way Bennett and Emma love each other was very touching. I love their relationship and have since book one, Deception.

Emma's character also stays very consistent throughout the whole series and that is one of the things I really like. I mean, Emma changes a bit, but she changes for the better. She grows up a little and accepts who she is and what she has to do. Emma and her friends are also closer than ever in Surrender. Harry made me laugh out loud so many times throughout the book… I love him! I would love to read a spin off series based on Harry and Sara.

Even though Surrender is the ending to the series, I feel that it was a very complete ending. Everyone gets what they want and we finally get all the answers we had throughout the whole series. Lee Nichols delivers another page-turner with lots of twist and humor and a little mixture of suspense and romance, and that makes it a five star for me. There is never a dull moment! Who knew chasing after ghost can actually be that exciting?

Although the series is over, I cannot wait to see what Nichols has in store for us next. I love her work and I am so happy I got the chance to read this series.

A MUST-READ!

5 out of 5 Stars!

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