Friday, July 16, 2010

Review - Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus


Since her sister's death, Persephone Archer has been having strange dreams that seem almost real. Things become even more strange when she finds a journal of her sisters that talks about similar dreams.  Persephone decides to attend Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts after receiving a pamphlet addressed to her sister. Life starts changing quickly for Persephone when things from her dreams start becoming reality in the town of Shadow Hills. What's going on with the townspeople and who is this mysterious boy that starts invading her life in her dreams and when she is awake? 

I was not to sure I was going to enjoy this book after reading the synopsis on the back cover. It just sounded a bit to strange for my liking. I was totally wrong! The story Anastasia Hopcus weaves in her debut novel is so intriguing and intense that I had a hard time pulling myself away. I was sucked in from page one and kept on going all the way till the end.  I loved the character of Persephone and loved Zach even more.  Anastasia did also making her side characters lovable and exciting. I know you'll adore Graham and Toy just as much as I did. My only compliant character-wise was with Athena and Ariel. I feel like they were both mentioned, but not really talked about. I realize that Athena is deceased, but there were things about her that were talked about and never brought up again. I also feel like the character of Ariel wasn't necessary. She was brought up a few times, but I don't think she was important to the flow of the story. I loved the setting of this book. I had a great time picturing Shadow Hills and Devenish Prep.  They seem like really awesome places and I love how Hopcus described every little thing about them. All in all this was a pretty amazing book and I think Anastasia Hopcus did an amazing job! I am rooting for a sequel and I can't wait to read more from this debut author.

2 comments:

  1. Hurray...you are back and with a really good review...

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  2. Great review. Loved it. And I'm glad you'll be joining in the Mundie Mom chat tomorrow. :)

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