What do you think?
Rate this book
Holly Silverstone #1
Shadows & Voices
Ellis, Jason
- GenresYoung AdultFantasyEbooks
262 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
About the author
Jason Ellis
39 books122 followersHi, and thank you for dropping by :D
My bibliography info changes ... a lot! Keep checking all my social media accounts for updates :)
Insta: jason_ellis_books
Twitter: JasonEllisBook1
FB: ukauthorjayellis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmkp...
Blog: https://jellisauthor.home.blog/
This is due an update … haha! I shall have that done by the end of this week, I promise. (11th, June, 21).
I am still sooooooo busy with many new books, and rebranding old ones.
So, this bibliography is like a to-do list. You know to-do lists. They never stay as they're meant to ;)
Young adult/ kids;
Holly Silverstone series - Book #1; Shadows & Voices. Recently rebranded. New cover for Kindle at present. Paperback rereleased, and hard cover following.
Holly Silverstone series - Book #2; Gold & Smoke. I'm almost finished!! :D 2021 ... almost definitely.
The Amelia Maylock series (These books are going through a rebranding as well. New covers for paperback and Kindle versions). Book two has rereleased for Kindle, paperback is also available.
F-918 (Dystopian)
My Long Journey to Sincerity - Elana Mayne (Dystopian)
On my way home while anger sleeps. (Adult thriller/ horror.) Kindle and paperback formats available.
Works in progress.
Rebrand for Amelia Maylock, books 3 & 4.
Ghost/ suspense/ thriller - untitled at the moment
Fear Abandoned Me (Vampire fiction) - Aiming for 2021.
Muna bella Llabyriinda - My beautiful labyrinth.(Work in progress).
Tales from Klenhyllia (Gothic fantasy)
Chat soon :D
My bibliography info changes ... a lot! Keep checking all my social media accounts for updates :)
Insta: jason_ellis_books
Twitter: JasonEllisBook1
FB: ukauthorjayellis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmkp...
Blog: https://jellisauthor.home.blog/
This is due an update … haha! I shall have that done by the end of this week, I promise. (11th, June, 21).
I am still sooooooo busy with many new books, and rebranding old ones.
So, this bibliography is like a to-do list. You know to-do lists. They never stay as they're meant to ;)
Young adult/ kids;
Holly Silverstone series - Book #1; Shadows & Voices. Recently rebranded. New cover for Kindle at present. Paperback rereleased, and hard cover following.
Holly Silverstone series - Book #2; Gold & Smoke. I'm almost finished!! :D 2021 ... almost definitely.
The Amelia Maylock series (These books are going through a rebranding as well. New covers for paperback and Kindle versions). Book two has rereleased for Kindle, paperback is also available.
F-918 (Dystopian)
My Long Journey to Sincerity - Elana Mayne (Dystopian)
On my way home while anger sleeps. (Adult thriller/ horror.) Kindle and paperback formats available.
Works in progress.
Rebrand for Amelia Maylock, books 3 & 4.
Ghost/ suspense/ thriller - untitled at the moment
Fear Abandoned Me (Vampire fiction) - Aiming for 2021.
Muna bella Llabyriinda - My beautiful labyrinth.(Work in progress).
Tales from Klenhyllia (Gothic fantasy)
Chat soon :D
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 31, 2012
Right from the beginning of this story, I was into it. An old tale as everyone thought it was, The Beast of the South-East, was going around for years. Children see things unexplained and hear noises as well that are unexplained. The beginning of this story works on children’s over active imaginations of monsters. Holly has received a note that only she can see it asking her to come to Highlands, a school for gifted children. The school is one that only allows certain children in and teaches them about unseen world called Obscura. She sees there are a few students and knows some of them. It’s a world of magic for her.
Holly has become friends with her geography teacher, Ovissa Slater. Ovissa is an investigator most of the time and she and Holly have a connection. Ovissa disappears and Holly is determined that whether she breaks the rules or not, to save her or to lead the Embassy to find her. But will she find her in time to save her or put herself in more danger? Mr. Ellis did a wonderful job with keeping me locked into this story. He will be an author I will follow.
Holly has become friends with her geography teacher, Ovissa Slater. Ovissa is an investigator most of the time and she and Holly have a connection. Ovissa disappears and Holly is determined that whether she breaks the rules or not, to save her or to lead the Embassy to find her. But will she find her in time to save her or put herself in more danger? Mr. Ellis did a wonderful job with keeping me locked into this story. He will be an author I will follow.
December 3, 2020
3.5 rating, up to 4 for great magical world.
I liked this book, I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading and the summary sounded more scary than I thought, which is great, because I don't do scary. This book kind of reminds me of Harry Potter, but in a different way. It's mythical in nature but doesn't have to do with magic, that you would think of.
I enjoyed the main character Holly and the school tutor Ovissa. We have Holly starting in her first year at school and learning about the magical world she lives in. Holly has seen some things as a child that most people would just brush off that they must have seen wrong and it's sweet in the way she takes all the mythical stuff in. We see Ovissa's POV, one of the tutors and see how an experienced person navigates the world of Obscura. The author has painted a good picture of this new world hidden from the regular world and I want to learn more about it, especially through both Holly and Ovissa eyes.
The book, especially in the beginning can be a bit wordy at times, as I feel the author could explain or describe things too much. Early on in the book, there is a chapter of a girl who heard a noise and is standing at her doorknob afraid to open the door. It took about 3 pages of the girl thinking of why she shouldn't open the door, things that could happen to her, or what could be on the other side of the door. It was things like that, where I feel like half that thought process could be cut or shorten down and have the same feelings, of fear the girl has, still come through to the readers.
Sometimes the same phrases that were said in a sentence or paragraph earlier were said again, as if the author didn't trust the reader would remember. Or maybe another reason, but it just came off as a redundancy.
I started bookmarking them in about chapter 6, because I was noticing it a bit more. Some examples.
"...walked to her bedroom, very slowly and quietly. Extremely slowly and quietly. The slowest and quietest that she had ever moved in her entire life."
"Again, they were not the brightest of creatures in the hidden world." We were told about a page before they were one of the less intelligence creatures. I don't think in the same chapter we needed to be told again.
"She was still sitting opposite the weirdest geography teacher, probably the weirdest person, she had ever met."
Great story and characters and most of the book is good but there's stuff that need to be edited down. Sometimes less is more and I'm not talking about the description of the world of Obscura. The author does a great job of describing the world and of the few rules and laws that Holly has learned.
The first chunk of the book, builds towards the rest of the book in other non-essential characters POV but it is building towards the end. It might feel confusing or like it takes a bit to get to the main story or Holly parts.
I won the book in a giveaway for a honest review.
I was happy with the book and will keep and eye out for book 2.
I liked this book, I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading and the summary sounded more scary than I thought, which is great, because I don't do scary. This book kind of reminds me of Harry Potter, but in a different way. It's mythical in nature but doesn't have to do with magic, that you would think of.
I enjoyed the main character Holly and the school tutor Ovissa. We have Holly starting in her first year at school and learning about the magical world she lives in. Holly has seen some things as a child that most people would just brush off that they must have seen wrong and it's sweet in the way she takes all the mythical stuff in. We see Ovissa's POV, one of the tutors and see how an experienced person navigates the world of Obscura. The author has painted a good picture of this new world hidden from the regular world and I want to learn more about it, especially through both Holly and Ovissa eyes.
The book, especially in the beginning can be a bit wordy at times, as I feel the author could explain or describe things too much. Early on in the book, there is a chapter of a girl who heard a noise and is standing at her doorknob afraid to open the door. It took about 3 pages of the girl thinking of why she shouldn't open the door, things that could happen to her, or what could be on the other side of the door. It was things like that, where I feel like half that thought process could be cut or shorten down and have the same feelings, of fear the girl has, still come through to the readers.
Sometimes the same phrases that were said in a sentence or paragraph earlier were said again, as if the author didn't trust the reader would remember. Or maybe another reason, but it just came off as a redundancy.
I started bookmarking them in about chapter 6, because I was noticing it a bit more. Some examples.
"...walked to her bedroom, very slowly and quietly. Extremely slowly and quietly. The slowest and quietest that she had ever moved in her entire life."
"Again, they were not the brightest of creatures in the hidden world." We were told about a page before they were one of the less intelligence creatures. I don't think in the same chapter we needed to be told again.
"She was still sitting opposite the weirdest geography teacher, probably the weirdest person, she had ever met."
Great story and characters and most of the book is good but there's stuff that need to be edited down. Sometimes less is more and I'm not talking about the description of the world of Obscura. The author does a great job of describing the world and of the few rules and laws that Holly has learned.
The first chunk of the book, builds towards the rest of the book in other non-essential characters POV but it is building towards the end. It might feel confusing or like it takes a bit to get to the main story or Holly parts.
I won the book in a giveaway for a honest review.
I was happy with the book and will keep and eye out for book 2.
September 29, 2012
Firstly, thank you Jay Ellis for the amazing “gift” of Shadow & Voices; Holly Silverstone adventure, I absolutely loved it. To follow is my fair and unbiased opinion.
Oh my goodness what a entertaining adventure of a book!!!! Thank you so very much Author Jason Ellis for this amazing trip that allowed my mind to travel back to my younger days, where a child’s mind was filled with imagination, and no fear of being scared to tackle an adventure….
Holly received a note, that she can only see, (this reminded me of invisible ink from when I was a kid) inviting her to attend Highlands Academy… a school for gifted children, one that schools them in their own particular gifts.
It teaches them about a “unseen” world; Obscura.
One of the teachers at Highlands Academy becomes her friend, Ovissa disappears one day and holly is bound and determined to find/save her no matter what the consequences are!!! Can Holly save Ovissa, using the detective skills she has learned from Ovissa? Will she be in time? I’m not going to say much more about the story, (others have done a fantastic summary)…. But I must dy this, Holly’s adventures are ones that I’m going to be following!!!
I need to see how far she will come with her schooling, how she uses her gifts, and heck ya, her next adventure :-D WELL DONE JASON ELLIS (Jay)
Although her adventures, I think are more for pre teen/YA, by no means don’t get me wrong. This series isn’t only for the younger generation, because I myself am WAY past my teenage years and I enjoyed it immensely!!!! *nods head, yes I did*
I eagerly await the next wild adventure of Holly… woot woot.
Recommend: YA (and pre teens)
Rating: 5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
Oh my goodness what a entertaining adventure of a book!!!! Thank you so very much Author Jason Ellis for this amazing trip that allowed my mind to travel back to my younger days, where a child’s mind was filled with imagination, and no fear of being scared to tackle an adventure….
Holly received a note, that she can only see, (this reminded me of invisible ink from when I was a kid) inviting her to attend Highlands Academy… a school for gifted children, one that schools them in their own particular gifts.
It teaches them about a “unseen” world; Obscura.
One of the teachers at Highlands Academy becomes her friend, Ovissa disappears one day and holly is bound and determined to find/save her no matter what the consequences are!!! Can Holly save Ovissa, using the detective skills she has learned from Ovissa? Will she be in time? I’m not going to say much more about the story, (others have done a fantastic summary)…. But I must dy this, Holly’s adventures are ones that I’m going to be following!!!
I need to see how far she will come with her schooling, how she uses her gifts, and heck ya, her next adventure :-D WELL DONE JASON ELLIS (Jay)
Although her adventures, I think are more for pre teen/YA, by no means don’t get me wrong. This series isn’t only for the younger generation, because I myself am WAY past my teenage years and I enjoyed it immensely!!!! *nods head, yes I did*
I eagerly await the next wild adventure of Holly… woot woot.
Recommend: YA (and pre teens)
Rating: 5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
January 5, 2021
I want to begin by saying thank you to Jason Ellis for this Kindle edition of this book. I was chosen as a Giveaway winner, and although I typically don't write reviews, here is my fair and unbiased attempt as a thank you.
I really liked the storytelling in this book, and Holly is a likeable character that goes on some magical adventures in both the seen and unseen world of Obscura. I honestly think that my 10-year old will also realy enjoy the mystery and suspense in this tale. I normally don't read middle-grade fiction, unless it is with my children or as a preview before I pass it along to them, but nevertheless, I found myself engaged in the story and curious as to what would happen next. However, what made this book not a five-star read in my opinion is the style of dialog. I almost put it down from the very beginning because I was irritated by the overly used ellipses (...) and frequent use of the filler word "erm" (which I suppose is the UK equivalent to the word "um"). Many of the characters tended to stammer from either fear or nerves (as demonstrated with the ellipses and "erm,") which is understandable, but I think I would have preferred if the stammering would have been mentioned in like a signal phrase, or if fear or nervousness was conveyed in any other way. Additionally, I also don't care for shifts from an all-knowing third person, to being randomly addressed in second person (which was not very often, thankfully). The dialog style bothered me so much that there were many times I considered adding this book to the DNF pile. I'm glad I didn't however, as I truly enjoyed the story, and I know my daughters will as well. I just don't think I will continue the series myself personally.
I really liked the storytelling in this book, and Holly is a likeable character that goes on some magical adventures in both the seen and unseen world of Obscura. I honestly think that my 10-year old will also realy enjoy the mystery and suspense in this tale. I normally don't read middle-grade fiction, unless it is with my children or as a preview before I pass it along to them, but nevertheless, I found myself engaged in the story and curious as to what would happen next. However, what made this book not a five-star read in my opinion is the style of dialog. I almost put it down from the very beginning because I was irritated by the overly used ellipses (...) and frequent use of the filler word "erm" (which I suppose is the UK equivalent to the word "um"). Many of the characters tended to stammer from either fear or nerves (as demonstrated with the ellipses and "erm,") which is understandable, but I think I would have preferred if the stammering would have been mentioned in like a signal phrase, or if fear or nervousness was conveyed in any other way. Additionally, I also don't care for shifts from an all-knowing third person, to being randomly addressed in second person (which was not very often, thankfully). The dialog style bothered me so much that there were many times I considered adding this book to the DNF pile. I'm glad I didn't however, as I truly enjoyed the story, and I know my daughters will as well. I just don't think I will continue the series myself personally.
April 10, 2012
This book is a little complex, in my opinion, but in a good way. It goes into great depths of information. I found myself having to take a moment from time to time so I could retain the information in the first half of the book. This is a book that you must take your time with to insure you know everything that is going on in the timelines of the story, it will be worth it in the end. The author makes sure to give great details of everything leading up to the part where the seen and unseen world collide. The story doesn't revolve just around Holly, she does play an important role in this, but it is more about the world she lives in and the unseen world she didn't know existed until now. Once Holly is invited to become a student at Highlands Academy, some of the unexplained starts to make perfect sense to her. This is where she meets Ovissa Slater, whom also plays a major part in this. Let's just say that Ovissa has her own style of teaching, a more of a out of the classroom, hands on approach. Each character and event play important parts to this magical journey. You will just have to read the book to find out what adventures take place. I look forward in finding out what situations Holly and Ovissa get themselves into next, but most importantly, if they can get out of them.
March 22, 2012
Holly is an extraordinary girl in an ordinary world. Or is it? She discovers the unseen world of Obscura when she is accepted to the Highlands Academy of Excellence and Truth, more of Academy of the hidden world and magic! She can see what others can’t, and in this adventure, she finds that it can lead her into many troubles, and many victories.
I loved this engrossing tale of Holly. Weaved in are multiple story lines of other workings going on in this brilliant world–good and evil–of Obscura, that all lead up to the harrowing finale. She was fun to get to know with smooth writing and highly imaginative storylines. I enjoyed experiencing the world anew with her as she grasped how different and special she is along with learning about the hidden world that is full of awe and dangers. I loved Ovissa, the Geography tutor who finds herself in constant awkward situations throughout the story.
Jason Ellis paints this world beautifully, making you want to find out more and more about Obscura. Though it is a cliffhanger at the end, it will keep you reeling for the next installment. I can’t wait ‘til the next Holly Silverstone adventure!
I loved this engrossing tale of Holly. Weaved in are multiple story lines of other workings going on in this brilliant world–good and evil–of Obscura, that all lead up to the harrowing finale. She was fun to get to know with smooth writing and highly imaginative storylines. I enjoyed experiencing the world anew with her as she grasped how different and special she is along with learning about the hidden world that is full of awe and dangers. I loved Ovissa, the Geography tutor who finds herself in constant awkward situations throughout the story.
Jason Ellis paints this world beautifully, making you want to find out more and more about Obscura. Though it is a cliffhanger at the end, it will keep you reeling for the next installment. I can’t wait ‘til the next Holly Silverstone adventure!
March 26, 2012
4****s. I first want to say that I really enjoyed reading about Holly and her new school. I was able to comprehend and follow what was happening with Holly. I loved the part about a secret school that Holly went to and I loved the magic in the story. But I had a lot of trouble keeping up and comprehending with what was going on when the book wasn't focused on Holly. I was always left with confusion and unanswered questions until I got farther into the story. Most times I would have to stop reading because I would be so confused about what was happening when the book wasn't focused on Holly. But overall I really enjoyed this book.
February 13, 2021
Intriguing
I liked this book because the story was fast-paced and kept me turning the pages, eager to read more. I was definitely intrigued by the plot and would read the next one. What held the book back for me was how the characters spoke, especially the children. I had a hard time with the frequent pauses and stuttering. It just made the writing flow a bit less. Overall, I would recommend this book for someone who liked magic and mystery and is open to reading a book that may be a bit on the younger side.
I liked this book because the story was fast-paced and kept me turning the pages, eager to read more. I was definitely intrigued by the plot and would read the next one. What held the book back for me was how the characters spoke, especially the children. I had a hard time with the frequent pauses and stuttering. It just made the writing flow a bit less. Overall, I would recommend this book for someone who liked magic and mystery and is open to reading a book that may be a bit on the younger side.
May 7, 2024
Imagine Hermione from the "Harry Potter" series having a book all her own! Then picture Tonks as being her favorite teacher. They get into the middle of solving an evil mystery. In the process have to save themselves and a hypnotized woman who has been doing dirty work for the bad guy, because of the hypnosis. An absolute MUST READ for anyone who loves these type of books, or just good books in general!
December 21, 2020
This book had a bit of a different take on magic then I’ve usually read. Holly goes to a school where you learn to use doors to enter the unseen world. The seen and unseen world can overlap in parts which makes for a fun adventure. I was super intrigued by the character Ovissa and her mask of truth she wears. I’d really like to hear more of the backstory on how she got it and the lore behind it!
May 7, 2021
A mix of Harry Potter and shadowhunters
This book parallels Harry Potter in the sense of their being a magical school. However, in this series there is a world that overlaps our world called the obscura and that is where the magical creatures exist. A girl from the seen world enters the world of obscura.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
This book parallels Harry Potter in the sense of their being a magical school. However, in this series there is a world that overlaps our world called the obscura and that is where the magical creatures exist. A girl from the seen world enters the world of obscura.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
October 20, 2017
Written for tweens, this book is a bit Harry Potter-esque. Just not for me - I'd say I'm the lone non-Harry-Potter fan. Didn't finish - stopped at 50%.
August 20, 2012
I received this book as a gift from the author in return of a honest review.Thank you,Jason!
When I first read about “Shadows&Voices” I was ver y excited about it.The blurb sounded bery good,and when Jay contacted me and asked me if I wanna read it and review it,I accepted immediately!
I loved this book!It has everything it need for a good book!Mystery,suspanse,fantasy,magic and a little bit of thriller.
I loved the characters very much.Holly is lovely-she is 12 years old,a good sense in humor and she loves mysteries.Ovissa is also a lovely lady,I love her so much!She is such a good persona and something about her makes you love her.The characters are very well descirbed and created,and that’s why I love them!
The athmosphere reminded me of “Harry Potter”.Actually,the plot is a little like in Harry Potter and that is awesome,because I love Harry Potter so much!!
Jay knows how to describe something.He gives you exactly the detalies you need so you can form an image in your head.I also liked that Jay choosed to tell the story in multiple story lines.This means that one chapters is happening in the Seen World,and the other chapter is in the Unseen World of Ovissa.
This book has a huge amount of suspanse and I found also a little bit of thriller.In some parts I was so scared and I thought “OMG!I can’t read anymore” but the great story line and the curiosity kept me reading.
This is a story that all the fans of Harry Potter will enjoy!You will love Holy and the word of Obscura,belive me!
Holy is a normal 12-years-old girl.Oh,sorry,did I just say normal?’Cause sorry,but she is not so normal.She can see things that not all of us can see.Some kind of butterflies,she thinks,but in fact they are fairies.But,still she is so adorable with her love for mysteries and fashion.One day,she receives a letter from a school,but the letter is empty.When she wanted to throw it,words started to write on the letter,like somebody writes them.Holy is first scared,then amazed.She read all the letter,where is written that she is invited to the Highlands Academy,a words where she will find out a lot about herself and about the Unseen word,names Obscura.Hol is thrilled and excited for this and she goes to the interview and is accepted.In the first day of school,she is very nervous ,but finds out that some of her friends are studying there too.
The world of Obscura is very cool and Holy likes it.She loves that she can go from her world to Obscura just by passing a door that only she can see.The teacher from the Academy are amazing and Holy loves them all.But when one of her favorites teacher disapear ,Holy is very worried and sbegins an investigation that will put her in a lot of danger and troubles.She will also find out a lot about Obscura,things that she shouldn’t know.
Are you curious to see if Holy will find her teacher?Do you wanna enter a world that will hook you?Do you wanna fall in love with a book?Then read this amazing book!
When I first read about “Shadows&Voices” I was ver y excited about it.The blurb sounded bery good,and when Jay contacted me and asked me if I wanna read it and review it,I accepted immediately!
I loved this book!It has everything it need for a good book!Mystery,suspanse,fantasy,magic and a little bit of thriller.
I loved the characters very much.Holly is lovely-she is 12 years old,a good sense in humor and she loves mysteries.Ovissa is also a lovely lady,I love her so much!She is such a good persona and something about her makes you love her.The characters are very well descirbed and created,and that’s why I love them!
The athmosphere reminded me of “Harry Potter”.Actually,the plot is a little like in Harry Potter and that is awesome,because I love Harry Potter so much!!
Jay knows how to describe something.He gives you exactly the detalies you need so you can form an image in your head.I also liked that Jay choosed to tell the story in multiple story lines.This means that one chapters is happening in the Seen World,and the other chapter is in the Unseen World of Ovissa.
This book has a huge amount of suspanse and I found also a little bit of thriller.In some parts I was so scared and I thought “OMG!I can’t read anymore” but the great story line and the curiosity kept me reading.
This is a story that all the fans of Harry Potter will enjoy!You will love Holy and the word of Obscura,belive me!
Holy is a normal 12-years-old girl.Oh,sorry,did I just say normal?’Cause sorry,but she is not so normal.She can see things that not all of us can see.Some kind of butterflies,she thinks,but in fact they are fairies.But,still she is so adorable with her love for mysteries and fashion.One day,she receives a letter from a school,but the letter is empty.When she wanted to throw it,words started to write on the letter,like somebody writes them.Holy is first scared,then amazed.She read all the letter,where is written that she is invited to the Highlands Academy,a words where she will find out a lot about herself and about the Unseen word,names Obscura.Hol is thrilled and excited for this and she goes to the interview and is accepted.In the first day of school,she is very nervous ,but finds out that some of her friends are studying there too.
The world of Obscura is very cool and Holy likes it.She loves that she can go from her world to Obscura just by passing a door that only she can see.The teacher from the Academy are amazing and Holy loves them all.But when one of her favorites teacher disapear ,Holy is very worried and sbegins an investigation that will put her in a lot of danger and troubles.She will also find out a lot about Obscura,things that she shouldn’t know.
Are you curious to see if Holy will find her teacher?Do you wanna enter a world that will hook you?Do you wanna fall in love with a book?Then read this amazing book!
July 25, 2012
Ebook: Shadows & voices; a Holly Silverstone adventure (Holly Silverstone books)
Author : Jason Ellis
Fiction, Paranormal, YA
This review may contain spoilers
Summary: Meet young Holly Silverstone, the girl who sees daisies turn to butterflies ... who dreams of places that she has never been to ... who is invited to study at the elusive and enchanting Highlands Academy of truth and excellence.
The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come. Fear is the key, fear to see. The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come.
As Holly took a sip of her tea and held the piece of paper between her fingers, veins of ink slowly crept across the paper. She wanted to drop it and scream … yet a more powerful part of her made the fingers on her hands grasp the letter even tighter and her eyes open wider.
The ink seeped and whirled around, forming words;
We have a question for you, Holly.
Do you want to know how the daisies turned to butterflies?
The Review
WOW, Can I please live in Holly’s new world, I would love to have a door like hers in my bedroom anyway enough of that, don’t want any spoilers do we? I just love how the author has written this book it did jump a little bit in the beginning but then you get to know the characters quicker which was great, I really loved it, it helped the story to flow just like water down a stream, , I loved all the intricate details in each of the characters, the places they visited, the magic that was created, The author really did an excellent job, it was very well written, Holly the main character was your typical girl until she receives an invite to a very prestigious school, this would change her life forever. She takes it in her stride though, she didn’t squeal and throw a fit like some girls, she just got on with it, a great novel and I can hardly wait for book 2, I would highly recommend this infact it’s now on my daughters list to read, she is going to love it, 4.5/5
Author : Jason Ellis
Fiction, Paranormal, YA
This review may contain spoilers
Summary: Meet young Holly Silverstone, the girl who sees daisies turn to butterflies ... who dreams of places that she has never been to ... who is invited to study at the elusive and enchanting Highlands Academy of truth and excellence.
The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come. Fear is the key, fear to see. The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come.
As Holly took a sip of her tea and held the piece of paper between her fingers, veins of ink slowly crept across the paper. She wanted to drop it and scream … yet a more powerful part of her made the fingers on her hands grasp the letter even tighter and her eyes open wider.
The ink seeped and whirled around, forming words;
We have a question for you, Holly.
Do you want to know how the daisies turned to butterflies?
The Review
WOW, Can I please live in Holly’s new world, I would love to have a door like hers in my bedroom anyway enough of that, don’t want any spoilers do we? I just love how the author has written this book it did jump a little bit in the beginning but then you get to know the characters quicker which was great, I really loved it, it helped the story to flow just like water down a stream, , I loved all the intricate details in each of the characters, the places they visited, the magic that was created, The author really did an excellent job, it was very well written, Holly the main character was your typical girl until she receives an invite to a very prestigious school, this would change her life forever. She takes it in her stride though, she didn’t squeal and throw a fit like some girls, she just got on with it, a great novel and I can hardly wait for book 2, I would highly recommend this infact it’s now on my daughters list to read, she is going to love it, 4.5/5
December 24, 2012
Shadows & Voices reminded me a little of all those books out there in which the characters are sweet, innocent kids. I really missed this kind of reading and I found it compelling; I’ve read it in just two nights.
I pretty much liked everything in this book and everyone, but some things stood out a little more. I liked all the magic, but mostly I liked the fact that the unseen world and the seen one were somehow connected, that all the creatures we were afraid as kids actually exist in another world and just come now and then in ours to scare us. Monsters under the bed? Check. Monsters in the closet? Check. I simply loved this part.
Another thing that I am crazy about in every book, and Shadows & Voices had plenty, is when a new world in created, in this case Obscura, and we get to read details. The amount of details makes a world, even is if not real, much more realistic. Jason Ellis did and amazing job when he created Obscura, I liked how the staff of the Highlands Academy communicate with their students, how they use magic to send them messages thru letters and books, which can be seen just by their students.
Holly is one of those students and she just received her admission letter. Her mother is enthusiastic, but still responsible. Yep, responsible parents in a YA fantasy. Sorry, but I am so happy to see this part, because in most of the books I’ve read parents are dead, gone or simply not there to watch for their kids. The relationship between Holly and her parents is very sweet; they get along so well (another shocker).
Also I liked how we were told two stories at the same time, one belonging to the seen world, mostly Holly’s story and the unseen one. It was a little confusing in the beginning, but I got used very fast.
I can’t say that I found any violent scenes, maybe a little spooky at the beginning, but I think that this book can be easily read by anyone at any age.
I pretty much liked everything in this book and everyone, but some things stood out a little more. I liked all the magic, but mostly I liked the fact that the unseen world and the seen one were somehow connected, that all the creatures we were afraid as kids actually exist in another world and just come now and then in ours to scare us. Monsters under the bed? Check. Monsters in the closet? Check. I simply loved this part.
Another thing that I am crazy about in every book, and Shadows & Voices had plenty, is when a new world in created, in this case Obscura, and we get to read details. The amount of details makes a world, even is if not real, much more realistic. Jason Ellis did and amazing job when he created Obscura, I liked how the staff of the Highlands Academy communicate with their students, how they use magic to send them messages thru letters and books, which can be seen just by their students.
Holly is one of those students and she just received her admission letter. Her mother is enthusiastic, but still responsible. Yep, responsible parents in a YA fantasy. Sorry, but I am so happy to see this part, because in most of the books I’ve read parents are dead, gone or simply not there to watch for their kids. The relationship between Holly and her parents is very sweet; they get along so well (another shocker).
Also I liked how we were told two stories at the same time, one belonging to the seen world, mostly Holly’s story and the unseen one. It was a little confusing in the beginning, but I got used very fast.
I can’t say that I found any violent scenes, maybe a little spooky at the beginning, but I think that this book can be easily read by anyone at any age.
July 14, 2012
Shadows and Voices (A Holly Silverstone Adventure….)
By: Author Jason Ellis
I have to say that I went into reading this book with a little trepidation…..Not for the book or author, but because I sometimes can be a scardy cat, LOL….But this is on time that I am so happy to be wrong, sonrisa….
The depth of the Characters one “Mortel Peritus” and his name with a really scary meaning, caught my attentions from the beginning…..Then I fell in love with how “Author Jason Ellis” Time Stamps his way throughout this journey for us, as he’s writing and even further peaking our interest……
Then Character Two “Marianne Shroud”…..a powerful force in her own right and a companion, rather welcomed or unwelcomed…..a companion none the less. As she experiences “Mortel Peritus’s” realized status…..(Author Jason Ellis) continues drawing us in through the dynamics between “Mortel and Marianne’s” fragile bound, forged over decades….through to the anticipated deception that gives “Marianne” clarity once more……
“Author Jason Ellis” brilliantly eases his readers through to the next time stamped journeys, onto his next character’s “Stephen and Gareth” (brothers) and “Bill and Geoff” (neighbors)…..on to the very last story and characters.
Ellis’s visuals, truly not only opens up these terrifying journeys for his readers…..he leaves them truly wanting more, and completely satisfies their need for more…..
Ellis’s book is an exceptional smorgish Borg of quaint and powerful short stories, which will definitely draw you in. Satisfy your curiosity and stun you time to time with wondrous tales of horror, with the sense of the mythical.
A must read for anyone looking for a flavored smorgish Borg of scary tales…..
Reviewed by: De Ann “Native” Townes Jr., Author of “Peer Inside My Soul and See Me”
By: Author Jason Ellis
I have to say that I went into reading this book with a little trepidation…..Not for the book or author, but because I sometimes can be a scardy cat, LOL….But this is on time that I am so happy to be wrong, sonrisa….
The depth of the Characters one “Mortel Peritus” and his name with a really scary meaning, caught my attentions from the beginning…..Then I fell in love with how “Author Jason Ellis” Time Stamps his way throughout this journey for us, as he’s writing and even further peaking our interest……
Then Character Two “Marianne Shroud”…..a powerful force in her own right and a companion, rather welcomed or unwelcomed…..a companion none the less. As she experiences “Mortel Peritus’s” realized status…..(Author Jason Ellis) continues drawing us in through the dynamics between “Mortel and Marianne’s” fragile bound, forged over decades….through to the anticipated deception that gives “Marianne” clarity once more……
“Author Jason Ellis” brilliantly eases his readers through to the next time stamped journeys, onto his next character’s “Stephen and Gareth” (brothers) and “Bill and Geoff” (neighbors)…..on to the very last story and characters.
Ellis’s visuals, truly not only opens up these terrifying journeys for his readers…..he leaves them truly wanting more, and completely satisfies their need for more…..
Ellis’s book is an exceptional smorgish Borg of quaint and powerful short stories, which will definitely draw you in. Satisfy your curiosity and stun you time to time with wondrous tales of horror, with the sense of the mythical.
A must read for anyone looking for a flavored smorgish Borg of scary tales…..
Reviewed by: De Ann “Native” Townes Jr., Author of “Peer Inside My Soul and See Me”
June 6, 2012
Holly is an adorable character who is turning into a proper little lady; I love the fact that the author kept mentioning her like and eye for fashion as she is finding her way into the world of a pre-teen. Her acceptance to a very weird school with the most intriguing subject matters and her propensity to land into trouble had me gripped from the start. The start of the book is rather dark and twisted. I really enjoyed that, it does not grow any darker though and I found that to be appropriate seeing as the market for this book is supposed to be to the younger YA marker. I supposed to because as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed this book and never felt as if I have to dumb down to follow the story or enjoy it.
I long ago came up with a hypothesis that all children's rhymes or at least most children's rhymes are twisted and really dark. The author's use of such a children's rhyme as a recipe to disaster proved my hypotheses once again. So what is this story about? It is about Holly, some nasty rhyme, courage, friendship, loyalty and being nosey. Yes, Holly cannot leave well enough alone. I am so glad I am not alone in this.
So my star rating. I really, really want to give it an 8 * rating. First of all, I have to wait an entire year before the next book in this series will become available. Secondly I…. argh, you know, the book should have a few more chapters at the end. It ended way too soon. So for this negative response towards the book I want to give it an 8 * review. That being said. I can't. I loved it too much and simply can't wait to see what Holly gets up to next. So irrespective of my grievances, I have to give it a well deserved 9 * reviews.
I long ago came up with a hypothesis that all children's rhymes or at least most children's rhymes are twisted and really dark. The author's use of such a children's rhyme as a recipe to disaster proved my hypotheses once again. So what is this story about? It is about Holly, some nasty rhyme, courage, friendship, loyalty and being nosey. Yes, Holly cannot leave well enough alone. I am so glad I am not alone in this.
So my star rating. I really, really want to give it an 8 * rating. First of all, I have to wait an entire year before the next book in this series will become available. Secondly I…. argh, you know, the book should have a few more chapters at the end. It ended way too soon. So for this negative response towards the book I want to give it an 8 * review. That being said. I can't. I loved it too much and simply can't wait to see what Holly gets up to next. So irrespective of my grievances, I have to give it a well deserved 9 * reviews.
August 19, 2012
*may contain spoilers*
Holly Silverstone: Shadows and Voices is an exceptional read that will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book from the author and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed diving into Holly's exciting adventure as she discovers an unseen seen world surrounded by magic, in hopes of helping her newly found teacher uncover the mystery of ` The Beast of the South-East.'
*After being accepted into The Highlands Academy, Holly learns of a new world--Obscura--that can only be seen by those with special abilities. As she favors a particular geography teacher--Ovissa--who was once an Embassy Officer, Holly gets inspired to play detective in the search of the mysterious beast.
*The tables turn for the worst when Ovissa get kidnapped, and now Holly must do all she can to rescue her teacher. She goes on an secretive journey in investigating, researching, and finding clues [within this new magical world] that will lead her to her teacher's whereabouts.
*Holly is goes through Obscura in attempt to find her kidnapped teacher, unprotected, not knowing the risks or what awaits her in this new world. What she finds is not what she expected--it's far worse.
The story itself is well written and intriguing as we dive deeper into the world of Obscura. Though the introduction is a bit confusing, once the story starts to unfold, it is extremely hard to put down. Holly's character is easily likable and the twists and turns throughout the story are captivating until the end.
I would definitely recommend this story to children ages 13 and older that are in search for a mysterious magical adventure.
Holly Silverstone: Shadows and Voices is an exceptional read that will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book from the author and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed diving into Holly's exciting adventure as she discovers an unseen seen world surrounded by magic, in hopes of helping her newly found teacher uncover the mystery of ` The Beast of the South-East.'
*After being accepted into The Highlands Academy, Holly learns of a new world--Obscura--that can only be seen by those with special abilities. As she favors a particular geography teacher--Ovissa--who was once an Embassy Officer, Holly gets inspired to play detective in the search of the mysterious beast.
*The tables turn for the worst when Ovissa get kidnapped, and now Holly must do all she can to rescue her teacher. She goes on an secretive journey in investigating, researching, and finding clues [within this new magical world] that will lead her to her teacher's whereabouts.
*Holly is goes through Obscura in attempt to find her kidnapped teacher, unprotected, not knowing the risks or what awaits her in this new world. What she finds is not what she expected--it's far worse.
The story itself is well written and intriguing as we dive deeper into the world of Obscura. Though the introduction is a bit confusing, once the story starts to unfold, it is extremely hard to put down. Holly's character is easily likable and the twists and turns throughout the story are captivating until the end.
I would definitely recommend this story to children ages 13 and older that are in search for a mysterious magical adventure.
November 23, 2012
Holly is your average girl about to start Comprehensive school until a mysterious letter arrives for an interview with the seemingly prestigious "Highlands Academy of Truth and Excellence" and a student guide that speaks to her!
Suddenly thrust into this world of magic and mystery, Holly has a lot to learn.
The unique geography tutor Miss Slater, a woman who wears a mask that shows her true emotions goes missing and Holly takes it upon herself to solve the mystery when a private meeting with the tutor falls through. Has Holly seen enough of Obscura or attended enough lessons to be a help...or a hindrance?
The villain of the tale is still elusive and unknown to the main characters ready for the story to unfold in Gold&Smoke.
The first section was slower paced and I found myself wanting to hear more of Holly's time at school in this new world of magic and mystery but it is only the first installment.
Straight away your intrigued to here more about Miss Slater and how she came to be in her current predicament of wearing the mask and Holly's class mates lives outside the school
It was written from different view points throughout the story and I found it gave it more depth and understanding with no editing errors that I noticed. The culmination of the plots was very well thought out and exciting.
As an adult I needed a little bit more from the story as that's what i'm used to reading but this is great YA fiction of magic and mystery
Suddenly thrust into this world of magic and mystery, Holly has a lot to learn.
The unique geography tutor Miss Slater, a woman who wears a mask that shows her true emotions goes missing and Holly takes it upon herself to solve the mystery when a private meeting with the tutor falls through. Has Holly seen enough of Obscura or attended enough lessons to be a help...or a hindrance?
The villain of the tale is still elusive and unknown to the main characters ready for the story to unfold in Gold&Smoke.
The first section was slower paced and I found myself wanting to hear more of Holly's time at school in this new world of magic and mystery but it is only the first installment.
Straight away your intrigued to here more about Miss Slater and how she came to be in her current predicament of wearing the mask and Holly's class mates lives outside the school
It was written from different view points throughout the story and I found it gave it more depth and understanding with no editing errors that I noticed. The culmination of the plots was very well thought out and exciting.
As an adult I needed a little bit more from the story as that's what i'm used to reading but this is great YA fiction of magic and mystery
June 16, 2012
I was gifted this book for review, and I truly enjoyed it.
Shadows and Voices starts off with the tale of with The Beast of the South-East. Children and adults have seen this unexplained beast and the tale has been going around forever.
Then Holly a young teen gets a letter from a school which is only blocks from where she lives called The Highlands. What she doesn't know is it is a magical school until she goes there for a interview. Soon after she gets a letter in the mail from the school. When she starts school at The Highlands, she is intrigued by everything especially knowing there is a unseen world called Obscura inside of a normal world. She also meets other teens there that she has known. As Holly starts school she finds herself into a mystery that needs solving to help a tutor out and her adventure begins. This book is for everyone, but it is for the YA genre.
I enjoyed reading about Holly and the magical unseen world Obscura , one of my 2 favorite parts were when Holly received the "blank letter" in the mail and after a few seconds words started to appear. That was pretty magical. The other part was when she received her school book and it actually "talked" or should I say wrote back to her. I can not wait to read book two in this series because I see Holly discovering more amazing things in the unseen world, and helping out in more mysteries. Plus I do not think we have seen the last of the unknown man who has the final skill.
Shadows and Voices starts off with the tale of with The Beast of the South-East. Children and adults have seen this unexplained beast and the tale has been going around forever.
Then Holly a young teen gets a letter from a school which is only blocks from where she lives called The Highlands. What she doesn't know is it is a magical school until she goes there for a interview. Soon after she gets a letter in the mail from the school. When she starts school at The Highlands, she is intrigued by everything especially knowing there is a unseen world called Obscura inside of a normal world. She also meets other teens there that she has known. As Holly starts school she finds herself into a mystery that needs solving to help a tutor out and her adventure begins. This book is for everyone, but it is for the YA genre.
I enjoyed reading about Holly and the magical unseen world Obscura , one of my 2 favorite parts were when Holly received the "blank letter" in the mail and after a few seconds words started to appear. That was pretty magical. The other part was when she received her school book and it actually "talked" or should I say wrote back to her. I can not wait to read book two in this series because I see Holly discovering more amazing things in the unseen world, and helping out in more mysteries. Plus I do not think we have seen the last of the unknown man who has the final skill.
November 29, 2012
I have just finished reading 'Shadow & Voices' by the very talented Jason Ellis. 'Shadow' is a trending book title but I stress now that you Must remember Shadows & Voices, because this book is definitely worth a try.
*Spoiler Alert*
Holly Silverstone has been accepted at The Highlands Academy of Truth and Excellence, which is only 15 minutes away from her home. Yet, Holly nor her family, have ever known of its existence before Holly received her interview letter, if you can call it that. The letter was written in ink that just... appeared! What's even more strange is that when Holly visits this Academy, it has the same blue door that she dreamt about. And they know about the butterflies.. How can they know about the butterflies?
Packed with adventure, mystery and thought provoking ideas, this book involves you into Obscura (the 'hidden world'), mysteries surrounding the shadows and the most entertaining masked Geography teacher, Miss Ovissa Slater.
Shadow & Voices had me engaged right from the first chapter and I am disappointed in myself for finishing the story already. I want to know more about the shadows, the doors, the different worlds and most of all, I want to read more scenes with Ovissa and her unfortunate luck in attracting trouble!
Everyone, listen carefully. Jason Ellis is of the few that can create a bright spark in a mundane world. Watch out for him and give Shadow & Voices a read .You will see the world with a different eye.
*Spoiler Alert*
Holly Silverstone has been accepted at The Highlands Academy of Truth and Excellence, which is only 15 minutes away from her home. Yet, Holly nor her family, have ever known of its existence before Holly received her interview letter, if you can call it that. The letter was written in ink that just... appeared! What's even more strange is that when Holly visits this Academy, it has the same blue door that she dreamt about. And they know about the butterflies.. How can they know about the butterflies?
Packed with adventure, mystery and thought provoking ideas, this book involves you into Obscura (the 'hidden world'), mysteries surrounding the shadows and the most entertaining masked Geography teacher, Miss Ovissa Slater.
Shadow & Voices had me engaged right from the first chapter and I am disappointed in myself for finishing the story already. I want to know more about the shadows, the doors, the different worlds and most of all, I want to read more scenes with Ovissa and her unfortunate luck in attracting trouble!
Everyone, listen carefully. Jason Ellis is of the few that can create a bright spark in a mundane world. Watch out for him and give Shadow & Voices a read .You will see the world with a different eye.
March 1, 2013
"Shadows and Voices" by Jason Ellis is a lovely book in the mystery/ fantasy genre for young adults. 11 1/2 year old Holly Silverstone receives a mysterious letter whose content changes and 'speaks' to her. Soon she is invited to the Highland Academy, where she is taught about the seen world and the obscura (unseen) world - and about the doorways in between the two.
While Holly makes friends and settles in the place she acquires magic skills but also helps solving the riddle around several mysterious disappearances, particularly that of her geography teacher Avissa Slater.
Holly is a great character, very likeable and quite unique; the story is great fun and very well told. It kept my interest up throughout - despite me being an adult.
There are several short stories at the beginning of the book, introducing the theme of a fight between two evil characters, a huge black bear like creature and Holly's first contact with magic in the garden of her neighbours, introducing the reader to the fine line between reality and imagination and the issue of trusting one's inner voice. It would be difficult for me to judge how age appropriate the book is for young adults but for me, who could not even get through the first Harry Potter book it was a real treat to find such an enjoyable offering in that category.
I am sure now that the character is established the next instalments will be as much fun as this first one.
While Holly makes friends and settles in the place she acquires magic skills but also helps solving the riddle around several mysterious disappearances, particularly that of her geography teacher Avissa Slater.
Holly is a great character, very likeable and quite unique; the story is great fun and very well told. It kept my interest up throughout - despite me being an adult.
There are several short stories at the beginning of the book, introducing the theme of a fight between two evil characters, a huge black bear like creature and Holly's first contact with magic in the garden of her neighbours, introducing the reader to the fine line between reality and imagination and the issue of trusting one's inner voice. It would be difficult for me to judge how age appropriate the book is for young adults but for me, who could not even get through the first Harry Potter book it was a real treat to find such an enjoyable offering in that category.
I am sure now that the character is established the next instalments will be as much fun as this first one.
September 30, 2012
Jason Ellis is a master of the written word. I can't read books that aren't written very well, he goes well above "written well." The description and journey he takes the reader on is outstandingly written. The story is written from many different points of view that all pull together into one story line. This is a wonderful way to really fill out the story. The reader gets to be entertained by the back story as well as build up to Holly's story.
As a young girl Holly sees magic. Later as an eleven year old girl she receives a mysterious invitation to attend a school that is basically a school of magic, Highlands Academy of Truth and Excellence. They teach her to see the Obscura, or the "unseen world." It is a magical story with monsters, the good versus evil fight, and growing up in a world you don't understand.
Several great twists on the Boogie Man stories, "The Beast of the South-East" haunts the streets. My favorite is the letter to the monster's boss that lives under a little girls bed. I'll be using that with my kids! There are all manner of monsters including shadow giants, vampyres, and wolf headed creatures.
In this book we follow Holly's education and then her adventure of her missing teacher. I can't wait to see what her next adventure will be! Excellent book for all ages.
WaAr
As a young girl Holly sees magic. Later as an eleven year old girl she receives a mysterious invitation to attend a school that is basically a school of magic, Highlands Academy of Truth and Excellence. They teach her to see the Obscura, or the "unseen world." It is a magical story with monsters, the good versus evil fight, and growing up in a world you don't understand.
Several great twists on the Boogie Man stories, "The Beast of the South-East" haunts the streets. My favorite is the letter to the monster's boss that lives under a little girls bed. I'll be using that with my kids! There are all manner of monsters including shadow giants, vampyres, and wolf headed creatures.
In this book we follow Holly's education and then her adventure of her missing teacher. I can't wait to see what her next adventure will be! Excellent book for all ages.
WaAr
June 24, 2012
I was gifted this book by the author for an honest review.
Holly Silverstone, Shadows and Voices is the second Jason Ellis book I've gotten my paws on, and I like this one even better than the first (which I also enjoyed a great deal).
Other reviewers have summarized the book, so I won't do that. I'll just tell you my feelings about it. Jason Ellis has a fantastic way with description. Not too much, not too little - just right. And when you're mixing unseen worlds with "just right" imagery...well, magic happens in your imagination. This author has a definite flair for YA writing...and by that I mean he really, truly inspires the imagination to run wild. Here's the thing though...although this is primarily a book for young adults/pre-teens, there are subtle adult gems in there too. I don't mean R-rated, I mean just plain, ole grown up. Such little gems help make the story clever and fun for those of us well beyond our YA years. :)
My favorite part of the book is how we swap from one world to another. At first, the connections are unseen, much like Obscura itself. But then...chapter by chapter, the dots begin to connect. It's much like real life...only more mystical.
I'll absolutely read the next installment of Holly's adventures in Obscura.
Holly Silverstone, Shadows and Voices is the second Jason Ellis book I've gotten my paws on, and I like this one even better than the first (which I also enjoyed a great deal).
Other reviewers have summarized the book, so I won't do that. I'll just tell you my feelings about it. Jason Ellis has a fantastic way with description. Not too much, not too little - just right. And when you're mixing unseen worlds with "just right" imagery...well, magic happens in your imagination. This author has a definite flair for YA writing...and by that I mean he really, truly inspires the imagination to run wild. Here's the thing though...although this is primarily a book for young adults/pre-teens, there are subtle adult gems in there too. I don't mean R-rated, I mean just plain, ole grown up. Such little gems help make the story clever and fun for those of us well beyond our YA years. :)
My favorite part of the book is how we swap from one world to another. At first, the connections are unseen, much like Obscura itself. But then...chapter by chapter, the dots begin to connect. It's much like real life...only more mystical.
I'll absolutely read the next installment of Holly's adventures in Obscura.
November 3, 2012
I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion.
My Opinion:
Holly is a very special girl, she has magic. Well she has magic in her and she goes to a school for people like her. This book is surrounded by Holly but around magic and how to live with it. I wish I could escape to this school. Anyways, Holly goes to this magic school and she becomes really close friends with a teacher name Ovissa Slater. Who goes missing, and Holly is devastated. Then decides to start her own investigating and start looking for her friend. The bad part about that situation is she gets into trouble and danger! You start to think why doesn’t she just give up will she?
I loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat for half of the book, and this book had me hooked from the beginning. There was so many parts of this book, well actually the whole book where you have to give your full attention to understand it. Which you should in all the books yoread. I felt for Holly throughout this book, with everything she went through even after her teacher goes missing is amazing. This author does a great job with detail and developing characters throughout the book without giving out everything in the beginning like some books.
Star Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
My Opinion:
Holly is a very special girl, she has magic. Well she has magic in her and she goes to a school for people like her. This book is surrounded by Holly but around magic and how to live with it. I wish I could escape to this school. Anyways, Holly goes to this magic school and she becomes really close friends with a teacher name Ovissa Slater. Who goes missing, and Holly is devastated. Then decides to start her own investigating and start looking for her friend. The bad part about that situation is she gets into trouble and danger! You start to think why doesn’t she just give up will she?
I loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat for half of the book, and this book had me hooked from the beginning. There was so many parts of this book, well actually the whole book where you have to give your full attention to understand it. Which you should in all the books yoread. I felt for Holly throughout this book, with everything she went through even after her teacher goes missing is amazing. This author does a great job with detail and developing characters throughout the book without giving out everything in the beginning like some books.
Star Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
September 18, 2012
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
A refreshing fun story about mystery, magic and a little bit of homework too! I know my girls will love it! I always enjoy reading YA/kid books with my children and their friends so we can have discussions about the different stories - this book is a definite on the must read list. It is an easy read that doesn't get too dark or complicated for young readers to understand. I love how the author has the adult characters in the book always being reassuring and supportive towards the young people as well as having a touch of humor too! Laughter is a definite balm when facing dark shadows! That and a good cup of tea!
Holly is a normal inquisitive girl with a little something special who uses her own common sense to solve problems, face her fears and even solve a mystery or two along the way. All this while starting a new school that has doors that I wouldn't mind having in my own house! She reminds me so much of my own daughters, albeit I hope they don't go off and get involved with what she does! I can't wait to see what Holly gets up to next!
A refreshing fun story about mystery, magic and a little bit of homework too! I know my girls will love it! I always enjoy reading YA/kid books with my children and their friends so we can have discussions about the different stories - this book is a definite on the must read list. It is an easy read that doesn't get too dark or complicated for young readers to understand. I love how the author has the adult characters in the book always being reassuring and supportive towards the young people as well as having a touch of humor too! Laughter is a definite balm when facing dark shadows! That and a good cup of tea!
Holly is a normal inquisitive girl with a little something special who uses her own common sense to solve problems, face her fears and even solve a mystery or two along the way. All this while starting a new school that has doors that I wouldn't mind having in my own house! She reminds me so much of my own daughters, albeit I hope they don't go off and get involved with what she does! I can't wait to see what Holly gets up to next!
June 9, 2012
I love this book, it is exactly why I love to read, it captured me in the first few pages and drew me in further with every new page.
I love Holly she is definitely a character I really like. She has all the usual hang ups about not fitting in and being afraid of new things, but she also knows she is something special especially when she gets the mysterious self writing letter from Highlands Academy, which is right in her neighbour hood but she never knew it existed.
I love the teachers, they are all quirky and fun and Ovissa is a book all on her own with all her sluething and dangerous past times, I love how it is just one misadventure after another that she finds herself in.
I love the doorways and the overlapping of Obscura and the seen world, it adds depth and character to the story, and I would love to be able to speak those magical words Opus Tempo that everything would just freeze for a minute and let me catch up.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to see how much trouble Holly can get herself into this time and see what parts of Obscura she lands herself in.
I love Holly she is definitely a character I really like. She has all the usual hang ups about not fitting in and being afraid of new things, but she also knows she is something special especially when she gets the mysterious self writing letter from Highlands Academy, which is right in her neighbour hood but she never knew it existed.
I love the teachers, they are all quirky and fun and Ovissa is a book all on her own with all her sluething and dangerous past times, I love how it is just one misadventure after another that she finds herself in.
I love the doorways and the overlapping of Obscura and the seen world, it adds depth and character to the story, and I would love to be able to speak those magical words Opus Tempo that everything would just freeze for a minute and let me catch up.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to see how much trouble Holly can get herself into this time and see what parts of Obscura she lands herself in.
June 3, 2012
This is a fantastic book for the middle school age range, but I thoroughly enjoyed this tale too!
Have you thought you've seen something out of the corner of your eye, but when you look, nothing is there? Or, heard steps and voices, but again there is nothing around? Or seen something you thought impossible? Holly Silverstone is one such girl and she's in for an adventure she won't forget in a hurry!
Holly is an eleven year old, who gets a letter to attend Highland Academy, a school for gifted children.
She is an extraordinary character, who is very brave. I wish I was as brave as her! Unfortunately, she also faces some dangerous situations whilst trying to solve a mystery.
Jason Ellis has written a fabulous story that was exciting, and kept me turning the pages! The first part of the story jumped from character to character, but once we got to meet them all, the story flowed beautifully. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Holly's adventures in the future!
Have you thought you've seen something out of the corner of your eye, but when you look, nothing is there? Or, heard steps and voices, but again there is nothing around? Or seen something you thought impossible? Holly Silverstone is one such girl and she's in for an adventure she won't forget in a hurry!
Holly is an eleven year old, who gets a letter to attend Highland Academy, a school for gifted children.
She is an extraordinary character, who is very brave. I wish I was as brave as her! Unfortunately, she also faces some dangerous situations whilst trying to solve a mystery.
Jason Ellis has written a fabulous story that was exciting, and kept me turning the pages! The first part of the story jumped from character to character, but once we got to meet them all, the story flowed beautifully. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Holly's adventures in the future!
July 15, 2012
I was given this book on a read to review basis.
The book is quite confusing in the beginning, with many different characters being introduced chapter by chapter, but as the book continues it all starts to make sense and flow nicely.
The story is based around Holly Silverstone, an 11 year old about to start secondary school. She receives an invite to attend Highland Academy, a school where children learn about the seen and unseen world, Obscura.
Holly gets drawn into a mysterious adventure when she sees something strange, and manages to get herself into all kinds of trouble whilst unravelling the mystery.
The book is filled with an array of characters, all helping to set the storyline in an imaginative way and makes it’s easy to visualise the story.
The book suits more the younger range of the YA market, though that won’t stop older readers also enjoying it. I will definitely be looking out for more Holly Silverstone adventures.
The book is quite confusing in the beginning, with many different characters being introduced chapter by chapter, but as the book continues it all starts to make sense and flow nicely.
The story is based around Holly Silverstone, an 11 year old about to start secondary school. She receives an invite to attend Highland Academy, a school where children learn about the seen and unseen world, Obscura.
Holly gets drawn into a mysterious adventure when she sees something strange, and manages to get herself into all kinds of trouble whilst unravelling the mystery.
The book is filled with an array of characters, all helping to set the storyline in an imaginative way and makes it’s easy to visualise the story.
The book suits more the younger range of the YA market, though that won’t stop older readers also enjoying it. I will definitely be looking out for more Holly Silverstone adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews