Synopses & Reviews
Grade 9 Up–Johnson begins this exceptional novel in a lightweight fashion but quickly segues into more serious issues that affect the three young women who make up the Bermudez Triangle. It is the summer before their senior year in Saratoga Springs, NY. At first, organized, serious Nina has trouble adjusting to her leadership workshop at Stanford University. Although she desperately misses Avery and Mel, who are waitresses at a restaurant back home, she quickly falls head over heels for eco-warrior Steve, who has grown up in a commune on the West Coast–so different from Nina's secure middle-class experience. When she returns to New York, she immediately senses that Mel and Avery are keeping secrets and soon discovers that they have become lovers. Rocked to the core, Nina wishes them happiness, but feels excluded and lonely, especially as her long-distance relationship begins to deteriorate. As is typical for teens, the girls obsess ad nauseam over their romantic relationships. Yet this narrow focus lends authenticity to the narrative, and readers become drawn into the characters' lives as they stumble toward adulthood, fall in and out of love, enlarge their circle of friends, and rethink their values.
Review
FROM
KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“Creepy, clever and ambiguous second volume in the Shades of London series . . . As always, Johnson wields words with a supple facility that keeps those pages turning. The London minutiae are utterly engaging, the villains satisfyingly weird and numerous. And there is kissing.”
FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Rorys internal monologue sparkles with the wit that Johnsons fans (and most of Twitter) will recognize, which is plenty entertaining. The second half will satisfy readers craving for what they came for—Rorys investigation of Londons latest ghost crimes—while laying tragic groundwork for the next book.”
Review
A New York Times Bestseller
“Creepy, clever and ambiguous second volume in the Shades of London series . . . As always, Johnson wields words with a supple facility that keeps those pages turning. The London minutiae are utterly engaging, the villains satisfyingly weird and numerous. And there is kissing.” --Kirkus Reviews
“Rorys internal monologue sparkles with the wit that Johnsons fans (and most of Twitter) will recognize, which is plenty entertaining. The second half will satisfy readers craving for what they came for—Rorys investigation of Londons latest ghost crimes—while laying tragic groundwork for the next book.” --Publishers Weekly
"Readers will remain on the edge of their seats. . . . Johnsons sharp wit is ever-present, and her heroine is the perfect blend of snark and teen anxiety." --School Library Journal
Raves for Maureen Johnson and The Name of the Star, the first book in the Shades of London series
“A gorgeously written, chilling, atmospheric thriller. The streets of London have never been so sinister or so romantic.” —Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments series
Johnson “turns paranormal on its head . . . realistic and creepy. A real page-turner.” —SLJ
“An unputdownable thrill ride that will leave you gasping, laughing, and dreaming of London.” —Ally Carter, New York Times bestselling author of the Gallagher Girls series and Heist Society
“Johnson proves again that she has the perfect brisk pitch for YA literature, never overplaying
(or underplaying) the various elements of tension, romance, and attitude. [A] cut above.” —Booklist
“This book made me want to give up everything, move to London, and fight ghosts.” —Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Curse Workers series
“Clever, scary, little-bit-sexy . . . . supernatural thriller. Will have readers madly eager for the next installment.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Suspenseful and utterly absorbing.” —The Horn Book
“[R]eaders looking for nonstop fun, action, and a little gore have come to the right place.”—Publishers Weekly
Review
Praise for Maureen Johnsons The Shadow Cabinet:
“Creepy, tense and wonderful: Don't expect to put this down once it's begun—but be sure to begin with The Name of the Star.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The plot…is among Johnsons finest and incorporates creepy bits of backstory, fascinating historical asides, and truly ghoulish side characters.”—Booklist
“Heavily laced with humor and genuine creepiness, this well-crafted thriller is a winner.”—School Library Journal
Synopsis
Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today?s bestselling teen authors?John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle?the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.
Synopsis
The weather outside is frightful, but these stories are delightful! When a huge blizzard (that doesn't show signs of stopping) hits, Gracetown is completely snowed in. But even though it's cold outside, things are heating up inside, proving that the holiday season is magical when it comes to love. In three wonderfully (and hilariously!) interconnected tales, YA stars John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson create a must-have collection that captures all the spirit of the holiday season.
Synopsis
Don't miss this New York Times bestselling sequel to the Edgar Award-nominated THE NAME OF THE STAR!
After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Devereaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance to get back to her friends. But Rorys brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: shes become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shadesthe citys secret ghost-fighting policeare responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before its too late.
In this follow-up to the Edgar Award-nominated THE NAME OF THE STAR, Maureen Johnson adds another layer of spectacularly gruesome details to the streets of London that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Synopsis
The New York Times bestseller!
A new threat haunts the streets of London
Rory Deveaux has changed in ways she never could have imagined since moving to London and beginning a new life at boarding school. As if her newfound ability to see ghosts hadnt complicated her life enough, Rorys recent brush with the Jack the Ripper copycat has left her with an even more unusual and intense power. Now, a new string of inexplicable deaths is threatening London, and Rory has evidence that they are no coincidence. Something sinister is going on, and it is up to her to convince the citys secret ghost-policing squad to listen before its too late.
Synopsis
The thrilling third installment to the Edgar-nominated, bestselling series
Rory and her friends are reeling from a series of sudden and tragic events. While racked with grief, Rory tries to determine if she acted in time to save a member of the squad. If she did, how do you find a ghost? Also, Rorys classmate Charlotte has been kidnapped by Jane and her nefarious organization. Evidence is uncovered of a forty-year-old cult, ten missing teenagers, and a likely mass murder. Everything indicates that Charlottes in danger, and it seems that something much bigger and much more terrible is coming.
Time is running out as Rory fights to find her friends and the ghost squad struggles to stop Jane from unleashing her spectral nightmare on the entire city. In the process, theyll discover the existence of an organization that underpins London itselfand Rory will learn that someone she trusts has been keeping a tremendous secret.
Synopsis
The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper in the autumn of 1888.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police now believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
About the Author
John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with David Levithan), and The Fault in Our Stars. His many accolades include the Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and the Edgar Award. He has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. John was selected by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. With his brother, Hank, John is one half of the Vlogbrothers (youtube.com/vlogbrothers), one of the most popular online video projects in the world. You can join the millions who follow John on Twitter (@johngreen) and tumblr (fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com) or visit him online at johngreenbooks.com.
John lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana.Maureen Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven young adult novels, including the Shades of London series, as well as several coauthored works. She lives in New York City and spends far too much time online.