Synopses & Reviews
Meredith Willis is suspicious of Adrien, the new guy next door. When she dares to sneak a look into the windows of his house, she sees something in the cellar that makes her believe that Adrien might be more than just a creep—he may be an actual monster. But her sister, Heather, doesnt share Merediths repulsion. Heather believes Adrien is the only guy who really understands her. In fact, she may be falling in love with him. When Adrien and Heather are cast as the leads in the school production of Romeo and Juliet, to Heather, it feels like fate. To Meredith, it feels like a bad omen. But if she tries to tear the couple apart, she could end up in the last place shed ever want to be: the cellar. Can Meredith convince her sister that shes dating the living dead before its too late for both of them?
Review
"This novel is filled with compelling plot devices; one particularly nice touch is the way that Jekel and Hyde alternate telling their stories, embodying a double perspective. Fans of the genre won't be able to resist this slick genre update."--Booklist
"Fantaskey's (Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side) premise is creative, and there are plenty of twists to keep readers engaged--right through the fiery final face-off."--Publishers Weekly
"Teen readers will be drawn to the classic story of Jeckyll and Hyde with a modern, romantic twist."--VOYA, starred review
Review
"Jessica evolves nicely with each new shocking revelation, becoming, over the course of the novel, an intriguing and strong protagonist . . . romance buffs will find the ultimate pairing of Lucius and Jessica absolutely irresistible, and it's downright swoonworthy once their elaborate courting ritual begins in earnest."
and#8212; The Bulletin * "A romance involving a high school girl and a handsome vampire may sound a little too familiar, yet this first novel quickly bursts ahead of the pack of Twilight-wannabes . . . The romance sizzles, the plot develops ingeniously and suspensefully, and the satire sings."and#8212; Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Fantaskey sustains a wholly believable contemporary teen world against a backdrop of vampire romanceand#8212;Jessica and her friends look and talk like real teens, and her wry sense of humor is delightful, especially when describing an archrival who has her eye on Lucius. Girls obsessed with vampires and romance will welcome this clever, amusing take on teen vamps in love."and#8212; Booklist
"Fantaskeyand#8217;s fast-paced story is full of plot twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The story is highly entertaining with plenty of action, drama, romance, as well as self-discovery." and#8212; School Library Journal
"Fantaskey's novel is far more than a romantic fantasy . . . Jessica is a witty, spunky protagonist with authentic insecurities and inner conflicts."and#8212;VOYA, 5Q, 4P, (highest rating)
Review
"Will keep teens riveted until the last page is turned."--VOYA "Fantaskeys grasp of teen obsessions and realistic dialogue will keep readers satisfied."--Booklist
Review
Praise for The Well:
"[A] propulsive horror yarn. . . . Fright fans will be plenty satisfied with the homicidal happenings."--Booklist "Overall, this is at once frightening and a bit campy, making this a guilty—but still gratifyingly gross—pleasure for horror fans."--Bulletin
Review
"Fans of Olivers Delirium will appreciate this story of a girl subverting social strictures through forbidden relationships, but the wild chase scenes and richly developed characters make it a sure sell across the board."--BCCB "This book could not have been more perfect."—Kaci Carpenter, teen YALSA reviewer
Synopsis
The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .
Marrying a vampire definitely doesnand#8217;t fit into Jessica Packwoodand#8217;s senior year and#8220;get-a-lifeand#8221; plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birthand#8212;and heand#8217;s her long-lost fiancand#233;. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampireand#8217;s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire warand#8212;and save Luciusand#8217;s soul from eternal destruction
Synopsis
Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules—especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her fathers office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, shes tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.
To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristens sanity. Maybe his life. But Jills accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything—even Tristens love—just for the thrill of being . . . bad.
Synopsis
Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether its to go to school or on a date, people dont venture out of their home. Theres really no need. For the most part, Maddies okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People arent meant to be alone, he tells her. Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking. In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.
Synopsis
A teen adjusts to her new role as a vampire princess in the suspenseful sequel to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.
Synopsis
“I should sue the people who designed the My Little Pony Crystal Rainbow Castle I played with in kindergarten. They led me to believe that castles were filled with rainbows and cupcakes and pastel-pink furniture. Not stone and fire and . . . blood.” Eighteen-year-old Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her new vampire husband, Lucius. But when hes charged with murder, Jessicas suddenly on her own. She knows that with no blood to drink, Luciuss time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and who she can trust—before its too late?
Synopsis
Love and chemistry from the author of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Synopsis
In the year 2060, everything is done online—including school—and Maddie's father is the orchestrator. When Maddie meets Justin, he shows her there's a better way to live—but is he just using her in order to destroy her father's creation?
About the Author
A. J. WHITTEN is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling author Shirley Jump writing with her teenage daughter, Amanda. A shared love of horror movies and a desire to spice up the Shakespeare stories that are required reading in high schools led to their collaboration on The Well. They live in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.