Synopses & Reviews
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
Praise for Splintered:
STARRED REVIEW
"Fans of dark fantasy, as well as of Carroll’s Alice in all her revisionings (especially Tim Burton’s), will find a lot to love in this compelling and imaginative novel."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Alyssa is one of the most unique protagonists I've come across in a while. Splintered is dark, twisted, entirely riveting, and a truly romantic tale."
—USA Today
"Brilliant, because it is ambitious, inventive, and often surprising — a contemporary reworking of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’’ with a deep bow toward Tim Burton’s 2010 film version."
—The Boston Globe
"It’s a deft, complex metamorphosis of this children’s fantasy made more enticing by competing romantic interests, a psychedelic setting, and more mad violence than its original."
—Booklist
" Protagonist Alyssa...is an original. Howard's visual imagination is superior. The story's creepiness is intriguing as horror, and its hypnotic tone and setting, at the intersection of madness and creativity, should sweep readers down the rabbit hole."
—Publishers Weekly
"While readers will delight in such recognizable scenes as Alyssa drinking from a bottle to shrink, the richly detailed scenes that stray from the original will entice the imagination. These adventures are indeed wonderful."
—BookPage
"Attention to costume and setting render this a visually rich read..."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Wonderland is filled with much that is not as wonderful as might be expected, and yet, it is in Wonderland that Alyssa accepts her true nature. The cover with its swirling tendrils and insects surrounding Alyssa will surely attract teen readers who will not disappointed with this magical, edgy tale."
—Reading Today Online
"Creepy, descriptive read with a generous dollop of romance."
—School Library Journal
Award:
YALSA’s 2014 Teens’ Top Ten
Review
* "Zink skillfully merges the mystique of old-world New Orleans with Claires present-day city—where a secretive network of families keeps the art of voodoo alive. This legendary setting provides a heavy tension and romance that is amplified by the secretive relationship between Claire and Alexandre Toussaint, another Guild firstborn." - VOYA, starred review
"Teens looking for mystery with a hint of the paranormal will enjoy this fast-paced story." - School Library Journal
"Students will be caught up in the mystery that surrounds the teens and will learn about the practice of voodoo. Characters are believable; overall this is an excellent choice for those who like the supernatural." - Library Media Connection
Praise for A Temptation of Angels:
"...this well-paced and delicately detailed story is full of recurring imagery, creeping terror, deftly wrought secondary characters, and slowly building sexual tension that has a gothic romance feel." - Booklist
"Plot and characters are well developed and teens are sure to enjoy the action and romance, as well as the supernatural elements of the story." - VOYA
Praise for Prophecy of the Sisters:
"Zink does not shy away from grounding her fantasy in the sisters' characters. This arresting story takes readers to other planes of existence." - Booklist (starred review)
"An intense and captivating story that gives a whole new meaning to sibling rivalry." - VOYA (starred review)
"This is a brooding, haunting tale of an ancient struggle between living and dead, with two sisters at its heart. It's Gothic, Edwardian, and absolutely un-put-down-able!" - Tamora Pierce, author of the New York Times bestselling Beka Cooper series
Prophecy of the Sisters was chosen as one of Booklists Top Ten Debut Novels of 2009 and as one of the Chicago Public Librarys Best Books for Young Readers. It was a 2010 Texas Lone Star Reading List selection and a New York Public Library "Stuff for the Teen Age" pick. The Audio Edition received NAPPA Gold Honors.
Review
Praise for Beautiful Creatures:An Instant New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Next List Selection
A William Morris YA Debut Award Finalist
A NYPL "Book for the Teen Age"
"Gorgeously crafted, atmospheric, and original." - Melissa Marr, NYT bestselling author of Wicked Lovely
"A lush Southern gothic." - Holly Black, NYT bestselling author of Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale
"A hauntingly delicious dark fantasy." - Cassandra Clare, NYT bestselling author of City of Bones
"A potent mix of the gothic, the mythic, and the magical...With original characters, complex world building, and crackling prose, this is masterful storytelling." - Deborah Harkness, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches on the Beautiful Creatures novels
"Like a thick, hot Carolina summer, this story seeps into you until it's all you can think about." - Carrie Ryan, NYT bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Review
Praise for Beautiful Creatures:"This book has it all: a creepy setting, a deadly curse, reincarnation, spells, witchcraft and voodoo, plus characters that simply will not let the reader put the book down until finished...Who could ask for more? A sequel? Please!" - VOYA
"In the Gothic tradition of Anne Rice...Give this to fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight or HBO's "True Blood" series." - School Library Journal
"[Readers] will be swept up by the haunting and detailed atmosphere, the conventions and strictures of Southern life, and a compelling and dimensional mythology." - Publishers Weekly
"Smart, textured and romantic." - Kirkus Reviews
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 Fiendish:
“…eerily reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird…This beguiling amalgamation of the magical and modern worlds will have readers mesmerized.” --Kirkus (Starred Review)
“Powerful, evocative prose brings to life a world close to overflowing with wild magic, seething prejudice, and base fear.” -Horn Book
"Yovanoffs best book since The Replacement (2010) finds her conjuring up another sickly sweet modern mythology of seemingly effortless originality. [...] No one since Francesca Lia Block has so consistently sided with the so-called monsters, and this dark-sparkled effort furthers the authors reputation as one of YA horrors most unique voices." -Booklist
“…deliciously creepy…The early descriptions of Clementines decade-long entrapment in the cellar and her rescue are at turns vivid and horrifying, and become engraved in the readers memory.” -VOYA
"Yovanoff creates yet another beautiful but disturbing setting, with elegant prose describing the picturesque countryside in one paragraph and the gut-wrenching stench of hellhounds in the next..." -BCCB
"Yovanoffs writing is as thrilling and uneasy as the tales she spins. Richly detailed with adolescent “firsts,” ... this horror tale will give teens goosebumps from start to finish." -School Library Journal
Review
“Werlin pulls off quite a feat, making us care deeply for a character driven by selfish needs, intent on betrayal. The book, whose plot is irresistible, also raises large questions about the nature of security. . . . At its heart, this is a story about the many different levels of love.”—Booklist (starred review)
Review
"Readers who enjoyed
The Suburban Strange will love to reconnect with the Rosary and see Celia and Bruno grow as they develop their powers together, and may find it hard waiting for the next installment to The Suburban Strange series."
—VOYA, 4Q 4P J S
"The entire book emanates a creepy and strange undertone, which serves to draw readers in and get them questioning everything about Bruno, the Rosary, and Whiterose."
—Booklist Online
Review
"Readers who enjoy paranormal stories that include a bit of mystery will appreciate this first novel as they will be caught up in the suspense. . . . References to alternative rock music, art, and literature add a touch of sophistication."
—School Library Journal
Synopsis
This edition features exclusive movie cover art!
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Synopsis
The first book in a lush gothic fantasy series for younger readers of Charlaine Harris and fans of Cassandra Clare.Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Synopsis
The first book in the instant NYT bestselling gothic fantasy series;
a modern paranormal romance set against the gothic backdrop of an isolated southern town.
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Synopsis
Secrets, strangers, and curses will lure you into the first book of the instant New York Times bestselling contemporary gothic fantasy series--where a stirring paranormal romance unfolds in an isolated southern town. Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Synopsis
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever--and one secret could change everything.
Synopsis
The highly anticipated sequel to
Jessicas Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. Its one thing to find out youre a vampire princess. Its a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husbands name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Luciuss time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before its too late?
.
Synopsis
With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.
Synopsis
For fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Holly Black comes a dark mystery set in a secret New Orleans voodoo society.
Claire Kincaid would love to be normal. But as a descendant of Marie Laveau, the most powerful voodoo queen in history, thats just not possible. Even worse, Claires lack of interest in the craft makes her an outsider in her community, putting her secret romance with the voodoo Guild leaders son at odds. But when mysterious strangers start requesting black market items from local voodoo shops, including the one her family owns, Claire decides to investigate. With the help of some unlikely allies and her gorgeous boyfriend, Claire must uncover the dark truths her family has kept hidden from her and unravel a dangerous plot that threatens to destroy every member of the Guild, including her family and the boy she loves.
Synopsis
This much anticipated sequel to the
New York Times Bestseller
Impossible a fantasy full of suspense, mystery, and romance will appeal to fans of
Beautiful Creatures, Raven Boys, and
Wicked Lovely.
Fenella was the first Scarborough girl to be cursed, hundreds of years ago, and she has been trapped in the faerie realm ever since, forced to watch generations of daughters try to break this same faerie curse that has enslaved them all. But now Fenellas descendant, Lucy, has accomplished the impossible and broken the curse, so why is Fenella still trapped in Faerie?
In her desperation, Fenella makes a deal with the faerie queen: If she can accomplish three acts of destruction, she will be free, at last, to die. What she doesn't realize is that these acts must be aimed at her own family and if she fails, the consequences will be dire, for all of the Scarborough girls.
How can she possibly choose to hurt her own cherished family not to mention the new man whom shes surprised to find herself falling in love with? But if she doesnt go through with the tasks, how will she manage to save her dear ones?
Synopsis
A thrilling romance filled with ghosts, rebellion and revenge! Paul has always known he was a Protector, fated to serve a Speaker who could hear the voices of spirits lingering after death and help those souls find peace. Vivienne never listens to the voices of the dead.
Paul has always followed the Protectors rule book, preparing diligently for the day when hed be matched with his Speaker and fulfill his destiny. Vivienne never does what shes told.
So when Paul is matched with Vivienne, they both find the pairing less than satisfactory. But a kidnapping, a malevolent spirit and a power stronger than both of them may just prove that they are two halves of the same whole.
In a stunning story about the beauty of fate and the power of secrets, Mary Lindsey returns to the world of Shattered Souls with a breathtaking thrill ride of a novel.
Perfect for fans of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's Beautiful Creatures, Lauren Kate's Fallen and Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star.
Synopsis
Clementine DeVore spent ten years trapped in a cellar, pinned down by willow roots, silenced and forgotten.
Now shes out and determined to uncover who put her in that cellar and why.
When Clementine was a child, dangerous and inexplicable things started happening in New South Bend. The townsfolk blamed the fiendish people out in the Willows and burned their homes to the ground. But magic kept Clementine alive, walled up in the cellar for ten years, until a boy named Fisher sets her free. Back in the world, Clementine sets out to discover what happened all those years ago. But the truth gets muddled in her dangerous attraction to Fisher, the politics of New South Bend, and the Hollow, a fickle and terrifying place that seems increasingly temperamental ever since Clementine reemerged.
Synopsis
In this much-anticipated sequel to The Suburban Strange brothers, Bruno and Sylvio transfer to Suburban High and find themselves entangled in its otherworldly mysteries and the uber chic clique known as the Rosary.
Synopsis
This year at Suburban High School is just as troubling as the last. A curly-haired girl ghost is disrupting lives with dreaded “kiss notes,” and students are inexplicably sinking into depression. Bruno—the new kid on the block—finds himself at the center of the mystery when he discovers his natural map-reading abilities are actually supernatural. When the reluctant hero isnt engaged in cosmic battles against evil, Bruno is swooning over the mesmerizing Celia (from The Suburban Strange) and navigating the goth sensibilities and musical obsessions of the Rosary, her über-chic clique. A hypnotic coming-of-age novel that chills and thrills.
Synopsis
A supernatural coming of age novel--the first book in a dynamic and dramatic new series--about the shy Celia Balaustine and a mysterious group of misfits at her new high school, Suburban High.
Synopsis
Shy Celia Balaustine is new to Suburban High, but a mysterious group of sophomores called the Rosary has befriended her. Friends aside, Celia soon discovers something is not quite right at Suburban. Girls at the school begin having near-fatal accidents on the eve of their sixteenth birthdays. Who is causing the accidents, and why? As Celias own birthday approaches, she is inexorably drawn into an underground conflict between good and evil—the Kind and the Unkind—that bubbles beneath Suburban High. Plentiful references to music and art—along with the intriguing underworld mythology—make this supernatural series debut a page-turner.
Synopsis
Jael has always felt like a freak. Shes never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dads always been superstrict—but thats probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her familys dangerous history and Jaels untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths.
Author Jon Skovron takes on the dark side of human nature with his signature funny, heartfelt prose.
Praise for Misfit
« “An impeccably paced and unusually profound urban-fantasy novel. Thoughtful, scary and captivating.” -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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About the Author
Mary Lindsey is the author of Shattered Souls and Ashes on the Waves. She says that her writing is a natural expression of her love of reading and her fascination with the flexibility of the human imagination. Having received a BA in English literature with a minor in drama from the University of Houston, she currently teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio in Houston, Texas. Mary lives with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughters pet rats, an Australian bearded dragon and dozens of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. You can visit her online at www.MaryLindsey.com or follow her on Twitter @marylindsey.