What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Souls
Welcome to York, England.
Mist lingers in the streets. Narrow buildings cast long shadows.
This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .
Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .
Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy -- one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?
Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous -- and deadly -- is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery -- and find redemption.
Mist lingers in the streets. Narrow buildings cast long shadows.
This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .
Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .
Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy -- one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?
Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous -- and deadly -- is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery -- and find redemption.
292 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
106 people are currently reading
5987 people want to read
About the author
Paula Morris
51 books544 followersPaula Morris, a novelist and short story writer of English and Maori descent, was born in New Zealand. For almost a decade she worked in the record business in London and New York. She now lives in New Orleans, where she teaches creative writing at Tulane University.
Paula's first novel, Queen of Beauty, won best first work of fiction at the 2003 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Hibiscus Coast, a literary thriller set in Auckland and Shanghai, was published in 2005 and has been optioned for film. Her third novel, Trendy But Casual, was published by Penguin New Zealand in 2005.
Paula's first short story collection, Forbidden Cities (2008) was a regional finalist in the 2009 Commonwealth Writers' Prize.
Ruined, her first YA novel, was published by Scholastic in 2009.
Paula's first novel, Queen of Beauty, won best first work of fiction at the 2003 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Hibiscus Coast, a literary thriller set in Auckland and Shanghai, was published in 2005 and has been optioned for film. Her third novel, Trendy But Casual, was published by Penguin New Zealand in 2005.
Paula's first short story collection, Forbidden Cities (2008) was a regional finalist in the 2009 Commonwealth Writers' Prize.
Ruined, her first YA novel, was published by Scholastic in 2009.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
August 8, 2011
The Good Stuff
* Ghost story and a mystery all rolled up into one fantastic tale
* Fast paced story and intriguing enough that you didn't want to put the book down -- hence why I am a wee bit tired this morning since I was up till 1 am reading it
* Parents are not jerks -- I know I couldn't believe it either - gets an extra .5 Dewey for that alone
* Spooky
* A bit of history thrown in which will hopefully intrigue the reader into looking for further info
* Opening to story sucks you in -
* Did I mention ghosts -- I love the ghosts
* Relationship between family members is very realistic
The Not so Good Stuff
* Some of the coincidences are pushing it in terms of believability
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Miranda's parents, of course, went nuts at the prospect of a 360-degree view because - she'd often observed - anyone middle-aged thought that gazing at views and gardens and distant horizons was the most interesting thing in the world."
"It was probably in some parenting book, one of a list of things you should say to annoy your teenaged children, along with "take that look off your face" and "what's that long sigh for? and "I don't know what happened; when you were little you were so sweet."
"Musicians were easy to spot because of their instrument cases and - Miranda couldn't help noticing - dubious fashion choices."
What I Learned
* In England: Streets are called Gates, Gates are called Bars and Bars are called Pubs
* Little bits of English history and ghosts that I didn't know about
Who should/shouldn't read
* For anyone who enjoys a good ghost story, especially a mysterious one
* Perfect for more mature middle school reader and YA's (and old Mom's who love ghost stories)
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review -- and BTW thanks a lot Scholastic I had spooky dreams last night
* Ghost story and a mystery all rolled up into one fantastic tale
* Fast paced story and intriguing enough that you didn't want to put the book down -- hence why I am a wee bit tired this morning since I was up till 1 am reading it
* Parents are not jerks -- I know I couldn't believe it either - gets an extra .5 Dewey for that alone
* Spooky
* A bit of history thrown in which will hopefully intrigue the reader into looking for further info
* Opening to story sucks you in -
* Did I mention ghosts -- I love the ghosts
* Relationship between family members is very realistic
The Not so Good Stuff
* Some of the coincidences are pushing it in terms of believability
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Miranda's parents, of course, went nuts at the prospect of a 360-degree view because - she'd often observed - anyone middle-aged thought that gazing at views and gardens and distant horizons was the most interesting thing in the world."
"It was probably in some parenting book, one of a list of things you should say to annoy your teenaged children, along with "take that look off your face" and "what's that long sigh for? and "I don't know what happened; when you were little you were so sweet."
"Musicians were easy to spot because of their instrument cases and - Miranda couldn't help noticing - dubious fashion choices."
What I Learned
* In England: Streets are called Gates, Gates are called Bars and Bars are called Pubs
* Little bits of English history and ghosts that I didn't know about
Who should/shouldn't read
* For anyone who enjoys a good ghost story, especially a mysterious one
* Perfect for more mature middle school reader and YA's (and old Mom's who love ghost stories)
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review -- and BTW thanks a lot Scholastic I had spooky dreams last night
May 22, 2024
If I could give it a 3 1/2 stars I would but I can’t so it’s 3. It was a good story just too much going on I think. It’s not a 3 but it’s not good enough to be a four. It is better than the last two books I read from this author though. It’s also geared more towards younger readers ,which I don’t mind reading, and if I read it when I was younger I probably would have liked it more. It’s a cute story though it wasn’t completely to my liking. The ending was my favorite part of the book. That’s when I got invested in the story.
December 16, 2011
To be totally honest, I think Dark Souls was one of the best book I have really enjoyed reading in 2011. And I am really surprised that after a book being so good, very less people anticipated reading it.
First of all, I love the cover. The spookiness, the buildings, the creativity, especially the title, and the way the girl is running towards the boy, I love it. It gives us the complete picture about what type of book it is, whats it gonna be about and how the city/town looks where it takes place. I just hate these closeup faces covers nowadays.
I really liked the story. Its a kind of book you will read continuously and wouldn't put the book down even if its 3 am in the morning. I just freaking LOVE the author's writing. The way she wrote the story, the characterization, everything was perfect. I guess the only negative point was the story itself. It was a bit slow but overall, I was entertained. And then the ending was a bit unfair to the readers but then slowly, slowly I came to like the ending. Because today authors make heroines behave like, "OMG! I need you, I will die and all other stupid stuffs without you!" but in this, she made it different. It was like, the hero tried to make her stop but she was like, "I need to move on and I am happy how I am. Goodbye." and I think thats how a heroine supposed to be. She was strong and in spite of hating her curse, she made her mind that she doesn't cares and she will be free one day. Girls are not weak and it was a brilliant way the author used to show it.
I loved the book, I will rate this book 4.5/5 stars and I would love to read her other book, ruined one day :)
First of all, I love the cover. The spookiness, the buildings, the creativity, especially the title, and the way the girl is running towards the boy, I love it. It gives us the complete picture about what type of book it is, whats it gonna be about and how the city/town looks where it takes place. I just hate these closeup faces covers nowadays.
I really liked the story. Its a kind of book you will read continuously and wouldn't put the book down even if its 3 am in the morning. I just freaking LOVE the author's writing. The way she wrote the story, the characterization, everything was perfect. I guess the only negative point was the story itself. It was a bit slow but overall, I was entertained. And then the ending was a bit unfair to the readers but then slowly, slowly I came to like the ending. Because today authors make heroines behave like, "OMG! I need you, I will die and all other stupid stuffs without you!" but in this, she made it different. It was like, the hero tried to make her stop but she was like, "I need to move on and I am happy how I am. Goodbye." and I think thats how a heroine supposed to be. She was strong and in spite of hating her curse, she made her mind that she doesn't cares and she will be free one day. Girls are not weak and it was a brilliant way the author used to show it.
I loved the book, I will rate this book 4.5/5 stars and I would love to read her other book, ruined one day :)
October 16, 2015
This book should get a rating of five because it was constantly exciting and kept me wanting to read. I would recommend this to teenage readers because they can relate to the characters cause the characters in this book are around our age. Also if you are some one who likes ghosts books this will interest you. I recommend this book because I didn't want to stop reading it. It was constantly interesting. In this book there is a girl who is in a care accident. In that car accident her best friend died. After that night nothing has been the same, she has been seeing dead people ever since. When her family goes on a vacation to the most haunted place in the world she meets some one. Go along with this young girl and experience what she is seeing.
June 22, 2011
Promising prologue and a nicely atmospheric setting, but this story wasn't nearly as deep or complex as I'd hoped it would be. To be honest, the dialogue is so clunky and the pedantic plotting occasionally got so tiresome that I almost gave this a 2, but towards the end it picked up again.
August 27, 2011
Based on the cover alone, I had a strong feeling Dark Souls would be eerie yet delightfully so. As it turns out, my predication was right on. However, it also provided some great additions: a beautiful setting, interesting characters, and plot lines that constantly managed to twist and turn in surprising ways!
One of my favorite parts of Dark Souls was the setting. I've never read book that has taken place in York, England before, and boy have I been missing out! From Paula's beautiful and breathtaking descriptions to seeing Miranda adventure through the city, more times than one I felt like I was right there on those crowded streets, seeing all the enchanting storefronts and old buildings light brightly for the holiday season. Best of all, I loved how through the use of ghosts and their stories, Paula was also able to bring a bit of a historical aspect to York as well. It gave this book a great edge to say the least, especially when it was used to further the plot.
The characters in this one were great as well. From the first page, Miranda managed to fully gain my attention, as not only was she likable and easy to root for, but she also had a lot of spunk and mischief buried deep down- some of which managed to come out in full force during Dark Souls! What I liked most about her character, though, was seeing how she managed to grow and develop as the book barreled on. I also enjoyed the addition of Miranda's brother Rob as well as his love interest Sally. Because while they were secondary characters, they still managed to steal the show when they appeared on page based on how adorable and cute they were together!
As mentioned before, the plot of this was another high point of the novel. It constantly managed to surprise and thrill me as new plot characters as well as plot lines where introduced to give this book 360 degrees turns more times than one. Making the book even better was Lord Poole, a charming and interesting old man, as well as Nick, Miranda's sidekick in York. Both ended bringing a lot more than I expected to the book, and without them, I fell Dark Souls wouldn't nearly be the same. Lastly, the climax of this book was intense! I never was exactly sure how exactly it would end, and even when it did, I was still a bit shocked about how everything unraveled!
Eerie, beautifully written, and action paced, Dark Souls provides a thrilling and unique ghost story, one that is sure to have many readers flipping the pages, eager to know just how everything will end! Paula Morris has certainly created a fabulous book, and I can't wait to read more by her!
Grade: B+
One of my favorite parts of Dark Souls was the setting. I've never read book that has taken place in York, England before, and boy have I been missing out! From Paula's beautiful and breathtaking descriptions to seeing Miranda adventure through the city, more times than one I felt like I was right there on those crowded streets, seeing all the enchanting storefronts and old buildings light brightly for the holiday season. Best of all, I loved how through the use of ghosts and their stories, Paula was also able to bring a bit of a historical aspect to York as well. It gave this book a great edge to say the least, especially when it was used to further the plot.
The characters in this one were great as well. From the first page, Miranda managed to fully gain my attention, as not only was she likable and easy to root for, but she also had a lot of spunk and mischief buried deep down- some of which managed to come out in full force during Dark Souls! What I liked most about her character, though, was seeing how she managed to grow and develop as the book barreled on. I also enjoyed the addition of Miranda's brother Rob as well as his love interest Sally. Because while they were secondary characters, they still managed to steal the show when they appeared on page based on how adorable and cute they were together!
As mentioned before, the plot of this was another high point of the novel. It constantly managed to surprise and thrill me as new plot characters as well as plot lines where introduced to give this book 360 degrees turns more times than one. Making the book even better was Lord Poole, a charming and interesting old man, as well as Nick, Miranda's sidekick in York. Both ended bringing a lot more than I expected to the book, and without them, I fell Dark Souls wouldn't nearly be the same. Lastly, the climax of this book was intense! I never was exactly sure how exactly it would end, and even when it did, I was still a bit shocked about how everything unraveled!
Eerie, beautifully written, and action paced, Dark Souls provides a thrilling and unique ghost story, one that is sure to have many readers flipping the pages, eager to know just how everything will end! Paula Morris has certainly created a fabulous book, and I can't wait to read more by her!
Grade: B+
July 31, 2011
A haunting ghost story, an intriguing mystery, and a rich historical setting mixed with a mild romance create the perfect elements for an engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Souls. I love the way Paul Morris was able to blend tragedy, paranormal activity and center the story in historical York, England. Her descriptions of York and historical references really captivated me. As much as I would love to travel there and walk among the cobblestone streets, Paul's vivid descriptions made me feel like I walked along the streets with the story's main character Miranda Tennant.
After a recent tragedy, Miranda's parents decide they're taking her and her older brother Rob to York, England for a family vacation/work get away. Hoping they can try and put some closure of the accident behind them, Rob & Miranda's time in England brings a whole new set of interesting events. Miranda's still reeling with her new found gift, or maybe it's a curse, she can see ghosts. Unfortunately for her York, England's rich history is the perfect place for many of it's ghosts to reside. The most engaging part of the story for me was the way Paula introduced York's history, which was through Miranda's interest in and learning more about some important places. She does this to try and understand why she's seeing so many ghosts and why they're appearing, looking the way they do. One of the interesting things about Dark Souls's ghosts is they bare the marks of how they died.
Wrapped into this unique ghost story is a great mystery. There's the ghost a young guy who appears in the window across from Miranda's and the mysterious Nick, the story's love interest, who knows a lot about York's history and it's ghosts. Nick has some secrets of his own and he seems to have the ability to appear out of now where. Then there's some strange incidents happening around town, which tie into York's tragic past. I liked the minor twists and turns Paula threw into the story's plot that kept me guessing.
I enjoyed the characters in the story, but my connection was with the setting. I really like Paula's writing because her vivid descriptions of both the story's scenes and setting give her book a realistic feel. It's not hard for me to picture myself there, seeing the cobblestone streets, the buildings and the various places Miranda goes to. I liked the feel of the story, the direction it took and the elements Paula gave it. I really enjoyed Dark Souls and I recommend picking it up. It's a great clean cut book that I think readers 13 yrs & older would enjoy.
After a recent tragedy, Miranda's parents decide they're taking her and her older brother Rob to York, England for a family vacation/work get away. Hoping they can try and put some closure of the accident behind them, Rob & Miranda's time in England brings a whole new set of interesting events. Miranda's still reeling with her new found gift, or maybe it's a curse, she can see ghosts. Unfortunately for her York, England's rich history is the perfect place for many of it's ghosts to reside. The most engaging part of the story for me was the way Paula introduced York's history, which was through Miranda's interest in and learning more about some important places. She does this to try and understand why she's seeing so many ghosts and why they're appearing, looking the way they do. One of the interesting things about Dark Souls's ghosts is they bare the marks of how they died.
Wrapped into this unique ghost story is a great mystery. There's the ghost a young guy who appears in the window across from Miranda's and the mysterious Nick, the story's love interest, who knows a lot about York's history and it's ghosts. Nick has some secrets of his own and he seems to have the ability to appear out of now where. Then there's some strange incidents happening around town, which tie into York's tragic past. I liked the minor twists and turns Paula threw into the story's plot that kept me guessing.
I enjoyed the characters in the story, but my connection was with the setting. I really like Paula's writing because her vivid descriptions of both the story's scenes and setting give her book a realistic feel. It's not hard for me to picture myself there, seeing the cobblestone streets, the buildings and the various places Miranda goes to. I liked the feel of the story, the direction it took and the elements Paula gave it. I really enjoyed Dark Souls and I recommend picking it up. It's a great clean cut book that I think readers 13 yrs & older would enjoy.
January 7, 2022
Miranda, her brother, and best friend were in a car accident 6 months ago and her best friend was killed. Since that day Miranda can see ghosts. Now her family are taking a 1 week work vacation from Ohio to York England and there are a lot more ghosts in York. Miranda falls in love with two boys while in York. Nick, the weird goth boy who can also see ghosts, and the beautiful boy in the window across from hers.
This might be the stupidest thing I've ever read. Its basically pre-teen goth fanfic that makes absolutely no sense.
This might be the stupidest thing I've ever read. Its basically pre-teen goth fanfic that makes absolutely no sense.
December 9, 2011
I'm not even going to review this.
I love ghost romances, but this was... not good.
I love ghost romances, but this was... not good.
June 21, 2016
3.5 stars.
March 4, 2020
A ghost story that centers around The Shambles in York? Yes, thank you! While this wasn't the best book I have read this year, it was a lot of fun! There was references to some of my favourite British historical characters, references from Northanger Abbey, which is my second favourite Austen. And yes, nearly at the end, with a character named Miranda, there was finally a quote from The Tempest. I laughed because of the Northanger Abbey stuff and because of the part when a fellow has an exchange with the main character that ends with him saying, "I thought all Americans were Mormons." I had a somewhat similar exchange once at Westminster Abbey. This one had just the right amount of eerie to make my skin crawl a wee bit in a few places and it was filled with history and I just loved it!
December 8, 2017
when i finished the last chapter, i somehow got goosebumps, but the epilogue ruined the mood for me. overall, quite better than I was expecting.
January 12, 2024
I love playing these games!! Each one is amazing in its own way. Bestgame series ever
February 1, 2025
Dark Souls is a supernatural romance about the main character Miranda who can see ghosts. And her experience with conversing with ghosts and learning about the dark past of her city.
I really didn't like this book to begin with the start of the story doesn't give too much background. It jumps right into what happened and how she got her powers and just moves on without addressing anything else. Also, the romance was very predictable she finds someone like her and then they just kick it off it was very cliche. One thing I did like was the action in the book she does a good job of making intense scenes. I would recommend this to teens and young adults who want a supernatural romance.
I really didn't like this book to begin with the start of the story doesn't give too much background. It jumps right into what happened and how she got her powers and just moves on without addressing anything else. Also, the romance was very predictable she finds someone like her and then they just kick it off it was very cliche. One thing I did like was the action in the book she does a good job of making intense scenes. I would recommend this to teens and young adults who want a supernatural romance.
April 24, 2022
Very good but I would say not as good as unbroken and ruined
September 1, 2011
Miranda Tennant arrives with her family in York, England, determined to at least try to enjoy the vacation. She and her brother Rob are still reeling from the car accident that claimed the life of her best friend Jenna. As a result, Rob can’t stand to be in any type of confined space, and Miranda, well, she can see ghosts. It’s easy enough for Rob to hide his peculiarities, but when Miranda finds out that York is the most haunted city in the world, she realizes it’s going to be a lot harder for her to hide her secret. Fortunately, one of the first people she meets is Nick, a quiet, strange boy who might be more like her than she thinks. He shows her a different side of York, one that’s rich with secrets and history—a history that only they can see and hear through lingering spirits. But soon Miranda realizes that Nick may be mixed up in a deadly plot involving a restless ghost intent on revenge. Time is running out, and Miranda may be the only one who can stop it.
Dark Souls is a novel that combines ghost stories and mysteries, and I have to say that Morris does all of this fantastically well. I was immediately fascinated by Miranda’s unique ability to see ghosts and how this unwanted skill has complicated her life. I was slightly less interested in Miranda herself; though she has an interesting past and her determination is admirable, her voice isn’t always the most engaging. Morris does do a great job of portraying Miranda as conflicted and confused though still innocent and sweet, but it can still get a little dull reading from Miranda’s perspective. Despite this, I still think that Morris is a wonderful storyteller. Even though I was able to guess ahead of the plot several times, the twists and turns in the ghost and non-ghost aspects of Miranda’s life kept me thoroughly entertained. Overall, Dark Souls is a very enjoyable if more innocent ghost story that will appeal to younger YA readers.
Fans of Ruined, also by Paula Morris, will not want to miss her second YA ghost novel, nor will readers who also enjoyed Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Dark Souls is a novel that combines ghost stories and mysteries, and I have to say that Morris does all of this fantastically well. I was immediately fascinated by Miranda’s unique ability to see ghosts and how this unwanted skill has complicated her life. I was slightly less interested in Miranda herself; though she has an interesting past and her determination is admirable, her voice isn’t always the most engaging. Morris does do a great job of portraying Miranda as conflicted and confused though still innocent and sweet, but it can still get a little dull reading from Miranda’s perspective. Despite this, I still think that Morris is a wonderful storyteller. Even though I was able to guess ahead of the plot several times, the twists and turns in the ghost and non-ghost aspects of Miranda’s life kept me thoroughly entertained. Overall, Dark Souls is a very enjoyable if more innocent ghost story that will appeal to younger YA readers.
Fans of Ruined, also by Paula Morris, will not want to miss her second YA ghost novel, nor will readers who also enjoyed Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
April 23, 2012
I got this book from our school book fair last October. Then I put it in a cabinet at school because I used to keep a book to read at school. Well, mostly this year I've been bringing the actual book I've been reading with me to and from school each day. So, I completely forgot I had this book till I went to look for something else in that cabinet. So I got it home, and picked it up to read. Once again it was a good read from Paula Morris. I first learned of her from the book Ruined, which I also really enjoyed. Again we have a girl kind of out of her comfort zone, as our main character is Miranda who has moved to York with her parents while they are there on business/work. Miranda and her brother have a bad memory when they were in an accident and Miranda's best friend was killed in the car her brother was driving. Since then her brother can't stand to be in small places. And Miranda thinks she can now see ghosts. So, this town in England, of course, has lots of ghosts. And soon Miranda begins wondering how many ghosts she's seen that she didn't realize were ghosts. She also meets a guy named Nick who can see ghosts. And he offers to help her learn about the whole deal of seeing ghosts. Not only is Nick kind of cute, Miranda sees a really handsome guy in the attic across from where they're staying. But she soon figures out from what Nick has taught her about ghosts that the hot guy is also a ghost.
There are lots of little connections, and some really interesting history of the town in this book. It kept me wondering and guessing who could be the so called bad guy that kept tearing up one of the local bars. And what is Nick really all about? Miranda soon learns who he really is, even if he does keep being really secretive. And his secrets could get Miranda and her family in some serious danger.
A great ghost story, with a really good ending. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Morris.
There are lots of little connections, and some really interesting history of the town in this book. It kept me wondering and guessing who could be the so called bad guy that kept tearing up one of the local bars. And what is Nick really all about? Miranda soon learns who he really is, even if he does keep being really secretive. And his secrets could get Miranda and her family in some serious danger.
A great ghost story, with a really good ending. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Morris.
July 22, 2012
After reading Beneath the Shadows I was spoiled for reading anything else. Normally I move from one book to the next without taking a break in between, but I needed a short break to mourn the end of the last book. Then came Dark Souls. Fortunately this young adult novel was able to push through the post book fog. It did it so well that I found myself turning pages and reading all day until I turned the last page. Quite a thrilling ghost tale.
Miranda Tennant goes with her family to York, England. Her mother is leading an orchestra as a guest conductor and her professor father is presenting a paper on Richard III. After a tragic summer that no one can forget, the parents think the family trip abroad might help them all to move forward. At the start of the novel, Miranda and her brother Rob and friend Laura are in a car accident when a driver soars through a stop sign and broadsides their car. The friend Laura dies in the accident. Miranda sees her friend's ghost walk away from the accident, so now Miranda can see ghosts, and her brother Rob is trapped in the car just long enough to develop crushing claustrophobia. That's just the beginning. The trip to York, a very haunted city, brings the supernatural to roost within the family and Miranda begins to unravel a mystery that you won't see coming until the last couple chapters.
Written entirely from Miranda's point of view, we see things through the eyes of a fairly mature sixteen year-old girl. Though there is a budding relationship involved, there is no gushy romance novel feel. Also, Miranda is a gutsy girl, not a fading violet. Morris builds a gothic, atmospheric feel to the story and the book hold its promise of ghost stories, which abound in its pages. This was a truly suspense filled, entertaining read
Miranda Tennant goes with her family to York, England. Her mother is leading an orchestra as a guest conductor and her professor father is presenting a paper on Richard III. After a tragic summer that no one can forget, the parents think the family trip abroad might help them all to move forward. At the start of the novel, Miranda and her brother Rob and friend Laura are in a car accident when a driver soars through a stop sign and broadsides their car. The friend Laura dies in the accident. Miranda sees her friend's ghost walk away from the accident, so now Miranda can see ghosts, and her brother Rob is trapped in the car just long enough to develop crushing claustrophobia. That's just the beginning. The trip to York, a very haunted city, brings the supernatural to roost within the family and Miranda begins to unravel a mystery that you won't see coming until the last couple chapters.
Written entirely from Miranda's point of view, we see things through the eyes of a fairly mature sixteen year-old girl. Though there is a budding relationship involved, there is no gushy romance novel feel. Also, Miranda is a gutsy girl, not a fading violet. Morris builds a gothic, atmospheric feel to the story and the book hold its promise of ghost stories, which abound in its pages. This was a truly suspense filled, entertaining read
April 22, 2012
In Dark Souls , we meet Miranda and her brother Rob -they are happily riding in their car with Miranda's friend Jenna when they are plowed into with another car. To the reader of this review , this may seem like an insignificant part to the story but it's the aftermath and the consequences of the accident that sets the theme of the story. After the accident , two things happen to Rob and Miranda - Rob becomes claustrophobic and afraid of cars and Miranda starts to see ghosts everywhere. Miranda and Rob's parents think that a change of scenery maybe the right decision , so they hightail it to York. However, what they don't realise is for Miranda they have dropped her in one of the most haunted towns of England. So from the moment they arrive, Miranda starts to see ghosts and feels she is alone till one day she meets Nick. He , too can see ghosts though about halfway through the novel - Miranda starts to contemplate whether Nick is actually real or a ghost too. Soon Miranda is pulled into a world of dark, benevolent spirits and she starts to wonder if she can actually trust those around her with her gift of seeing. Miranda though as never been over-interested in guys until York but what happens when she finds her heart torn between one of the dead and one of the living and that one is good and the other is evil , will she choose her heart to go to the right guy ?
Discover this and more in an author who shares two similiarities with myself , A) the fact she was born in New Zealand and B) her first name is Paula.
Discover this and more in an author who shares two similiarities with myself , A) the fact she was born in New Zealand and B) her first name is Paula.
July 18, 2014
Can I just read a fantastic book please? I picked this one out thinking hey, its kinda short, and it sounds like a good topic, NOPE. I was so wrong. It took me days to finish this less than 300 page book. I'm sorry, but..just...no. It was so not okay. Honestly I would probably rate it lower but I'm feeling generous. The idea was good, A girl who got in a car accident and lived, and ever since then she has been seeing ghosts. Intriguing, yes?
The characters, oh lord, the... can I call them characters...they were flat flat flat. Pretty much non existent. Miranda, the main "character", was constantly stating the obvious.
Brother: "So you see ghosts?"
Miranda: "Yep, lets go talk to one."
-While talking to a ghost that her brother can't see.
Brother: "Who are you talking to?"
Miranda: "A ghost."
-Brother gets knocked to the ground by and unseen force-
Brother: "What was that?"
Miranda: "It was the ghost."
I mean...really....you couldn't put two and two together that it was the damn ghost. This is a story about a ghost, did you have to keep telling us, hey, it's a ghost. Just in case we missed it the past 790 times you said it. A GHOST! Thanks for that. You are completely on top of things.
Other than the crappy characters, it was slow, and full of information that had absolutely no relevance in any part of the story. I thought twilight was full of fluff, hello book who surpassed my twilight hatred, Congratulations you deserve an award, I'll call Serta mattresses so they can get right on that.
The characters, oh lord, the... can I call them characters...they were flat flat flat. Pretty much non existent. Miranda, the main "character", was constantly stating the obvious.
Brother: "So you see ghosts?"
Miranda: "Yep, lets go talk to one."
-While talking to a ghost that her brother can't see.
Brother: "Who are you talking to?"
Miranda: "A ghost."
-Brother gets knocked to the ground by and unseen force-
Brother: "What was that?"
Miranda: "It was the ghost."
I mean...really....you couldn't put two and two together that it was the damn ghost. This is a story about a ghost, did you have to keep telling us, hey, it's a ghost. Just in case we missed it the past 790 times you said it. A GHOST! Thanks for that. You are completely on top of things.
Other than the crappy characters, it was slow, and full of information that had absolutely no relevance in any part of the story. I thought twilight was full of fluff, hello book who surpassed my twilight hatred, Congratulations you deserve an award, I'll call Serta mattresses so they can get right on that.
August 1, 2012
Okay first, look at the cover closely and does it remind you of something..or somewhere?? No? Then you must be a muggle! From the first time I saw the cover I can already guess where it came from and I was so happy when the book did mention about the place in question! Anyway in the book that place on the cover is at York, England. Miranda's parents thought it was best for the whole family to take on a a vacation to help them forget the tragedy that happened to Miranda and her brother and also Miranda's best friend, Laura.
This book is an engaging read. I was glued to the pages by all the suspense. The story is told entirely from Miranda's point of view. We see things from the eyes of Miranda. There are really no love affair in this book. From the first page we are dealing with ghosts and though there is a little hint of a relationship coming, it was really not the main idea. There's this occasional meetings and talks between Nick and Miranda but there are no sign of it getting serious. But it's fine though. We don't really need every damsel to be save by a prince right? There's a lot of ghosts in it too. Some are creepy and bloody but some are not. So if you enjoy this kind of things then you might want to read it!!
The story ends with a wonderful wrap up. The plot was entertaining. The characters is fun to know. Overall, this book is a great read. You should read it for a light reading or if you enjoy reading about ghosts and a little history.
This book is an engaging read. I was glued to the pages by all the suspense. The story is told entirely from Miranda's point of view. We see things from the eyes of Miranda. There are really no love affair in this book. From the first page we are dealing with ghosts and though there is a little hint of a relationship coming, it was really not the main idea. There's this occasional meetings and talks between Nick and Miranda but there are no sign of it getting serious. But it's fine though. We don't really need every damsel to be save by a prince right? There's a lot of ghosts in it too. Some are creepy and bloody but some are not. So if you enjoy this kind of things then you might want to read it!!
The story ends with a wonderful wrap up. The plot was entertaining. The characters is fun to know. Overall, this book is a great read. You should read it for a light reading or if you enjoy reading about ghosts and a little history.
July 10, 2011
In the atmospheric town of York, England, Miranda Tennant and her brother Rob try to escape their emotional demons after watching Miranda's best friend Jenna die in a car crash in the midwest. Their parents jump at the chance to combine business and pleasure and distract their suffering teens. But Rob is experiencing claustrophobia in enclosed places, and unbeknownst to them, Miranda sees ghosts. While Rob pursues a romance in York, Miranda meets Nick, a mysterious young man who also can see ghosts. As she is drawn to this possible kindred spirit, Miranda also wonders what the truth about him actually is, and becomes determined to solve the mystery that surrounds him and others in the town. This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of supernatural as well as an exotic locale that will keep readers zipping through the pages. Some of the coincidences were a bit too much to be believable for me, but the author does a great job of holding readers' attentions.
February 21, 2016
Este libro merece una sola estrella, pero decidí darle dos porque tiene varias referencias históricas realmente interesantes (y que investigué para asegurarme que fuesen reales).
Los primeros.... dos capítulos más o menos fueron interesantes. Luego, el libro es de lo más aburrido que he leído. Y cerca del final, hay otro capítulo interesante en el que se crean teorías para descubrir el plan del antagonista. Más allá de eso, el libro es basura.
Los personajes no solo son cliché, sino también EXTREMADAMENTE planos, salvo por el hermano de la protagonista.
Todo lo que pasa entre la llegada de la protagonista a Inglaterra y el final es innecesaria, basura. No dice nada, no aporta a la historia... es puro relleno que no lleva a nada. Y nunca se explica el motivo por el cuál se causó el único misterio interesante.
No lo recomiendo. A nadie. No es cuestión de edad o de gustos. Directamente no lo lean.
Los primeros.... dos capítulos más o menos fueron interesantes. Luego, el libro es de lo más aburrido que he leído. Y cerca del final, hay otro capítulo interesante en el que se crean teorías para descubrir el plan del antagonista. Más allá de eso, el libro es basura.
Los personajes no solo son cliché, sino también EXTREMADAMENTE planos, salvo por el hermano de la protagonista.
Todo lo que pasa entre la llegada de la protagonista a Inglaterra y el final es innecesaria, basura. No dice nada, no aporta a la historia... es puro relleno que no lleva a nada. Y nunca se explica el motivo por el cuál se causó el único misterio interesante.
No lo recomiendo. A nadie. No es cuestión de edad o de gustos. Directamente no lo lean.
July 16, 2012
I really wanted to love this book, from the description it sounds like a perfect novel with mystery, romance, redemption. However, this book was just too simple. Half way through the book I already had figured out the whole mystery. This book just left a lot to be desired when it came to mystery as well as love.
Morris, however, did capture York very well. I liked how she put in ghost stories and historical value into the novel (this was probably my favorite part of the story). For everything else, well, it was just lacking depth, especially the characters. I wish I could save more positive, but really I felt like I could have read half the book and not wasted my time reading the rest.
The only reason I am giving this book three stars is because I really liked the historical aspects of the novel.
Morris, however, did capture York very well. I liked how she put in ghost stories and historical value into the novel (this was probably my favorite part of the story). For everything else, well, it was just lacking depth, especially the characters. I wish I could save more positive, but really I felt like I could have read half the book and not wasted my time reading the rest.
The only reason I am giving this book three stars is because I really liked the historical aspects of the novel.
September 9, 2022
I have owned this book since around 2012, having bought it at a school book fair after reading Ruined. Even though I hadn’t read it until now, ten years later, I loved it just as much as I’ve loved Ruined and it’s sequel Unbroken. All the characters are relatable and adorably quirky, funny, and real. As ever, I love Paula Morris’ writing and the detail she goes into exploring these historic, haunted cities.
I can’t wait to try out more of her novels, though I wish this one had a sequel as well! I’d love to read about Rob’s summer trip back to York, and maybe Miranda would tag long to see Nick. Definitely recommend this book for an enjoyable read, and I’ll likely reread it again and again, as I do with the Ruined duo!
I can’t wait to try out more of her novels, though I wish this one had a sequel as well! I’d love to read about Rob’s summer trip back to York, and maybe Miranda would tag long to see Nick. Definitely recommend this book for an enjoyable read, and I’ll likely reread it again and again, as I do with the Ruined duo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2013
I really hate ya that has juvenile writing. Everything is explained, with clunky language, and too many adjectives. No character has any personality in the first thirty pages. I am a terrible fiction writer and I could do better than this.
I also really hate overdone references to pop culture. And when I lost count of how many there were in the first thirty pages, I was so. done. with this book. Which sucks because I love ghost stories and apparently everyone loves this, but when I'm throwing your book across the room at page 31? Don't care.
I also really hate overdone references to pop culture. And when I lost count of how many there were in the first thirty pages, I was so. done. with this book. Which sucks because I love ghost stories and apparently everyone loves this, but when I'm throwing your book across the room at page 31? Don't care.
August 23, 2011
I had a hard time getting through this book. I would get caught up on the mom and dad being called by their first names.
For some reason I just kept getting stuck on that!
The story itself seemed very pieced together and kind of Scooby-Dooish.
BUT it's a YA, ages 12+.
I'm sure it is a much better read when you are the suitable age!
The concept is intriguing, and despite me HATING ghost stories, I was able to finish this and didn't hate it.
Adult: 2.5/5
YA/Child: 3.5/5
For some reason I just kept getting stuck on that!
The story itself seemed very pieced together and kind of Scooby-Dooish.
BUT it's a YA, ages 12+.
I'm sure it is a much better read when you are the suitable age!
The concept is intriguing, and despite me HATING ghost stories, I was able to finish this and didn't hate it.
Adult: 2.5/5
YA/Child: 3.5/5
July 7, 2013
I did not like this book. At first I thought that there were too guys fighting over her- Richard the ghost and Nick but no. Richard ends up being really insane. At the Very end of this book I`m like Seriously? That`s so Stupid! I mean why didn't Miranda and her family stay in New York? Anyway, I don`t like this book.
March 17, 2018
DNF at page 65
Plot sounded great but the characters were flat and simple and the story was full of descriptions of historical buildings/streets/events that didn't help the story at all. BORING! And life is too short to force myself through this book. Sorry. Not sorry.
Plot sounded great but the characters were flat and simple and the story was full of descriptions of historical buildings/streets/events that didn't help the story at all. BORING! And life is too short to force myself through this book. Sorry. Not sorry.
August 30, 2021
Brilliant storyline. I was sad because nick can’t meet miranda for a while and i thought nick was a bad guy after miranda find out what has nick doing after all this time. But trust me, he’s not a bad guy. i truly feel sorry for nick.
ending ; 9/10
characters ; 8/10
ending ; 9/10
characters ; 8/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews