Review and giveaway: Dark Souls
After Miranda and her brother, Rob, are involved in a car accident that results in the death of a friend of theirs, Miranda discovers she can see ghosts and Rob develops claustrophobia. When their family has to go to York, England for a week it seems like a chance to get away from their troubles. Rob quickly meets a young woman and starts helping her family at their restaurant. Miranda meets a young man who can see ghosts too and, while his friendship seems like a blessing at first, it quickly involves her in a dangerous situation.
I expected Dark Souls, by Paula Morris, to be a creepy ghost story, and while it did feature quite a few ghosts, most of them were benign, so I would classify this book as an action/adventure story with a supernatural element rather than a ghost story. I liked this book, but I didn’t love it - I think that’s partly because I’m way older than the target audience. While I could readily accept that Miranda could see ghosts, I had to suspend disbelief through other parts of the plot. For instance, it just seemed too convenient that both Miranda and Rob meet people in York and came to care about them so deeply in such a short time. I know young people feel emotions so intensely, but it seemed like too much.
Dark Souls is told in the third person from Miranda’s point of view and I found her to be a sympathetic character. She’s smart, curious, and loyal. She’s still learning about her power to see ghosts and isn’t sure who she can trust with her secret. I appreciated that she’s concerned about her brother and feels guilty when she lies to her parents. She does make some mistakes and is determined to solve the mystery that she discovers.
I think this book will appeal to young readers, especially those who are just starting to dabble in books with a supernatural element.
Be sure to check out the This is Teen Facebook page, where the author will be featured. Thanks to Scholastic Books, I have two copies of Dark Souls to give away. To enter to win DARK SOULS by Paula Morris, simply fill out the entry form. Contest is open for those with a US mailing address only. I will use random.org to determine the winner. Contest ends at midnight EST Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Comments are welcome (and appreciated) but will not get you an entry in the contest.
Seems like a good book for Halloween. It’s coming up soon.
I think I liked this a bit more than you did
Yeah, I’m not sure if this would do alot for me. I’ve found myself pretty intolerant lately of middle readers or early YA. I guess I’ve just been bitchy. But my daughter? Ghosts, and better yet some romance? Just her thing.
I can see where a young teen girl might enjoy this. I don’t think this is a book for me but I can think of a few girls who would really enjoy it.
This one sounds entertaining, but I don’t think I’m the right audience either. Yeah, I’m just too old, wink! But this would make a nice entertaining rainy afternoon.
My niece loves this sort of book. And I love the font. I’m totally into fonts; I should get that new book out on fonts!
I think my kids are a little older than the target age range on this one, and I can’t say that this is one that really, really excited me, so I will probably not add it to my list. I am not sure what it is, but I don’t really enjoy reading middle grade books all that much for some reason. I don’t mind YA at times though.
So many ghosts lately in books, they are slowly trying to win ground
This is the second time I’ve come across this, recently and it looks really good. I’m not usually one to dig into supernatural stuff but I feel like I am in serious need of a break from summer and I’m really ready to transition into the, um, spirit of fall.
I’m not sure if this is a book I’d be interested in. Possibly closer to Halloween, although you mention the ghosts are kind of benign. That’s probablky good since it’s technically for teens!
Is this appropriate for Booking Daughter?
YA with paranormal hits seems to be the rave lately. If well done – I’m definitely a taker. Will let friends know about your review since they have been clamouring for it.
I think this is one that I would have to be in the mood for it. Glad you enjoyed it.
Some young adult stories are definitely not for all audiences
Glad you enjoyed it enough anyway.
At first glance this does not appear to be your kind of book…but you did it proud!!!
I love that you are adventurous and branch out with your reading.
That’s sort of how I felt about the first book in this series. Great review.
I think this one would work great in the middle school for older readers!
I think it sounds good – thanks for a chance to win.
I haven’t seen this one..thanks for the review and the giveaway.
I think this one looks good, but I’m not the target audience either!
Sounds like a good book for younger readers. Thanks for the honest review and giveaway…I like ghost stories and I know someone who used to love watching Ghost Whisperer
Sounds like a book The Girl would like, even if it’s not too creepy.
sounds interesting, but i don’t like books that rely too much on coincidences either.
I personally think that ghosts would be benign if they really existed. (Or maybe they do exist but I just can’t see them.)
This does sound better suited for a younger audience so that let’s me out..ha!
Thank you very much this sounds really good great giveaway!
I have this one to read too. Sad to hear that there are some parts that don’t seem as believable.