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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Ghost Boy in Books

Jun 24, 2019  
Ghost Boy
Ghost Boy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another young adult novel, following an 11-year-old boy. His name is Ben, and he sees ghosts. Well, spirits, and only a few. Mainly, he sees Abby, a girl of his own age. His mother views his ability as a 'gift', but his father thinks he's crazy. He gets angry when Ben talks about Abby as if she's real, and tries several methods to rid Ben of his spirits.

Ben goes through a lot in this novel, from his cousin losing his foot, his father sending him to a shrink, being caught graffiti-ing, and being beaten up for standing up to a bully. And more! These things are mostly nothing to do with Abby or Ben's ability to see the dead, but there are some connections. In one case, Ben actually exorcises a 'dybbuk' from a stranger on a beach.

It is clear that Ben is desperate for his father's approval. He attempts daring and foolish stunts designed to impress him, and he ends up lying about taking anti-psychotic medication just to please him. His mother often stands up for Ben, but this causes h er to fight with his father. Ben's sister is rarely mentioned, and does not seem to make any comments on Ben's ability - if she even knows about it.

A lot of this book felt like it was completely disconnected to the main plot; it felt a bit like a generic YA fiction novel at times. The plot revolving around Abby seemed to disappear for a while, before being re-introduced.

The plot with Abby was actually very interesting. I had my hunches from relatively early on, but it wasn't overly obvious or predictable. I did find it a bit strange how Ben believed he had a romantic interest in her at one point, and the 'solution' she suggests is also a bit strange... But it was unique and innovative, that's for sure. I'm intrigued to know where Abby got her name from, as it is later revealed that her mother referred to her as Eliza.

Ben's exorcising ability was not explained or developed upon at all, and there was no other mention of/reference to dybbuks or similar demons. This was a bit of a shame, as that was an interesting aspect.

As Ben was quite a young protagonist, I do believe I am a bit too old to actually really appreciate this. The writing definitely seemed more suited to a slightly younger audience, but wasn't overly immature. I'd definitely recommend this for slightly younger readers. I noticed a few mistakes, but only generic typos. 3.5 stars.
  
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Through His Eyes (Mind's Eye #1)
Through His Eyes (Mind's Eye #1)
Deborah Camp | 2014 | Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Quite simply, this book completely blew me away!

That being said, let me give you some more details. This is a story with strong paranormal elements, Trudy is a medium who can see through the killer's eyes and Levi is a medium who can speak to the dead. So when these two pair up, they approach the same "problem" from a different angle but to the same end. Some of the details given in this story are not for the faint of heart and I found myself going "ewww" a couple of times out loud - much to the delight of my husband who finds it incredibly amusing when I get that carried away with a book! The mystery and suspense continue to build throughout the book and I got half of the killer correct but the other half took me by surprise. I won't say anymore because of spoilers.

On the romance side, nothing really happens for the first 25% so you really get a chance to find out about the characters - who they are, and what makes them tick. Quintara is a wonderful character to read about and, to be honest, a bit of light relief. She is flighty and bubbly but with an amazing insight into each of her friends. Trudy is someone who has struggled with who she is even with the support of her family and will fight her attraction to Levi to the nth degree. Levi is an arrogant so-and-so who you will want to punch one moment and hug the next. He is vulnerable and hides behind his arrogance. You only find out snippets about him through the story - as Trudy calls him "a mystery man".

You know Levi and Trudy will get together - it is simply too explosive not to happen. The attraction sizzles between them but they do have their obstacles. I loved Trudy's attitude - she wasn't prepared to accept Levi's attitude and certainly knew what she wanted. Whilst he didn't appreciate having the tables turned on him, I think he needed it.

So, all in all, this is an exceptional, mind-blowing book that will burn your fingers with the heat contained within.

One thing I will add - the last paragraph completely got me!!! Nothing more to be said except - buy this, read it for yourself and see if you agree.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all fans of romantic suspense and paranormal romance.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 3, 2016