Copyright Date:
2024
Edition Date:
2024
Release Date:
08/27/24
Pages:
371 pages
ISBN:
1-454-95192-3
ISBN 13:
978-1-454-95192-6
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
2024003568
Dimensions:
22 cm
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
A descendant from a long line of witches is poised to continue the family responsibility of safeguarding her town from a centuries-old curse.As 17-year-old Nev Blackwell prepares to honor her ancestral vow of watching over Hollow Cliff, the arrival of a mysterious stranger sparks doubts in her mind about the truths she's long been taught about her family's role in the town's tragic past. Nev's coastal Northern California home, the Blackwell House of Spirits, serves as both a haunting tourist attraction and a repository for closely guarded family secrets. Explorations of the theme of familial betrayal and a reckoning with uncomfortable history add an additional layer to the narrative, illustrating the haunting impact that past actions can have on future generations. Glaze deftly weaves the past into the present, delving into the depths unlocked by a mere drop of family blood while gradually unveiling answers. The sense of urgency she creates heightens both the tension and the pacing. Rich cinematic descriptions of the setting and nuanced character development foster a deep connection with the quaint yet enigmatic town. Despite some repetitive, one-note dialogue, the foreshadowing and subtle hints invite readers to revisit the story, unraveling its intricate ghostly elements upon a second read. Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Mary Downing Hahn will be drawn into this enchanting tale, a gripping supernatural thriller that's characterized by a strong blend of light romance, moody gothic ambiance, and magical mystery.Highly recommended for those seeking an atmospheric page-turner. (Paranormal thriller. 14-18)
Atmospheric and sweepingly romantic, this gothic YA mystery tells the story of a girl poised to inherit a famously haunted California mansion and a stranger who arrives with a dark warning... For over a century, the Blackwells have protected the town of Hollow Cliff from vengeful spirits. Seventeen-year-old Nev is ready to take over for her ailing grandmother as the town's witch protector--unlike her mother, who left when Nev was a child and never looked back. When a stranger arrives at Blackwell House of Spirits to fill a tour guide opening, Nev reluctantly offers him the job. Nev doesn't trust Cal. He knows more than he's letting on about Blackwell House--and about Nev herself. But Nev soon learns that she has been lied to her whole life. By following the trail of clues left behind in Blackwell House by her most powerful witch ancestor, Nev uncovers an unspeakable legacy of murder and lies...and realizes that a stranger may be the one person she can trust. Perfect for readers seeking captivating fantasy books for teens, The Lies of Alma Blackwell offers a thrilling journey into the supernatural that will appeal to fans of House of Salt and Sorrows , The Bone Witch , and other young adult books about magic, family drama and ghostly intrigue. With its unique blend of mystery, romance, and paranormal elements, this YA fantasy book promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.