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Diary of the Gone
Callum Blackwell thinks his life can’t get any worse. But he’s wrong.
Callum is haunted by the dead. The only thing that keeps them away is a diary he has found in the basement of his house.
After he moves to a godforsaken town of Olden Cross, the haunting stops. But one day Callum and his friend Nathan find something terrible.
And then the dead reappear.
Callum’s existence turns into a living hell. Boys and girls Callum’s age start disappearing, and when Callum least expects it, his diary goes missing.
Callum is haunted by the dead. The only thing that keeps them away is a diary he has found in the basement of his house.
After he moves to a godforsaken town of Olden Cross, the haunting stops. But one day Callum and his friend Nathan find something terrible.
And then the dead reappear.
Callum’s existence turns into a living hell. Boys and girls Callum’s age start disappearing, and when Callum least expects it, his diary goes missing.
178 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Ivan Amberlake
14 books120 followersI write stories because they touch and excite me, and I need to put them down to share with my readers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 30, 2014
Diary of the Gone had some great twists. I wasn't sure to start with who was doing what, if it was all in Callum's head or not.
Ivan is blessed with being able to write quite good imagery into his scenes. There were some really creepy scenes, almost to the point where my skin was crawling. This was particularly applicable when reading about the images of the dead Callum could see.
On the whole, the characters were very likeable. Callum, a 15-year-old boy who sees the dead, was surprisingly amusing in his own way. I liked the barbed comments between him and Beverly, his sister. I would have liked to see a bit more substance to a couple of the characters though. In particular, Vivian and Callum's mum.
I think the story was great, the ideas fresh and the writing did the story and characters justice, but I would have liked more detail about the victims - conditions the victims stayed in too. The ending was very quick - perhaps a little too quick, I would have liked it a little more drawn out. Especially when speaking about the climax. It was all over very quickly and I think it left a lot missing.
Ultimately, this book read like a cross between The ghost whisperer and Harry Potter, particularly the character of Harry in The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
I'm not sure if this would fit into the Young Adult genre. The protagonist is young, but the content is a bit too graphic for YA audiences. Perhaps it's a better fit for New Adult?
The story does need an editor to fix up a few structural issues and some minor line editing and proofing.
A few things I noticed:
3% - ...owned (up) to it?"
He just put something in the microwave then leaves the house... Even silly young boys would be likely to stop the microwave before leaving.
76% - ..her die?" I (delete I, add she) asked.
Ivan is blessed with being able to write quite good imagery into his scenes. There were some really creepy scenes, almost to the point where my skin was crawling. This was particularly applicable when reading about the images of the dead Callum could see.
On the whole, the characters were very likeable. Callum, a 15-year-old boy who sees the dead, was surprisingly amusing in his own way. I liked the barbed comments between him and Beverly, his sister. I would have liked to see a bit more substance to a couple of the characters though. In particular, Vivian and Callum's mum.
I think the story was great, the ideas fresh and the writing did the story and characters justice, but I would have liked more detail about the victims - conditions the victims stayed in too. The ending was very quick - perhaps a little too quick, I would have liked it a little more drawn out. Especially when speaking about the climax. It was all over very quickly and I think it left a lot missing.
Ultimately, this book read like a cross between The ghost whisperer and Harry Potter, particularly the character of Harry in The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
I'm not sure if this would fit into the Young Adult genre. The protagonist is young, but the content is a bit too graphic for YA audiences. Perhaps it's a better fit for New Adult?
The story does need an editor to fix up a few structural issues and some minor line editing and proofing.
A few things I noticed:
3% - ...owned (up) to it?"
He just put something in the microwave then leaves the house... Even silly young boys would be likely to stop the microwave before leaving.
76% - ..her die?" I (delete I, add she) asked.
January 2, 2014
This book is full of mystery and intrigue. I loved how the author was able to convey the weirdness of the events that were going on in Callum's life. It all seemed very real. Callum is the main character in this story and he is haunted by the dead, which he can only get rid of by writing in the Diary of the Gone. When this book goes missing, he is sent of a perilous journey through a haunted swamp to save his friends and face a father he has never known. His father is a true murderer who has his own way of dealing the dead. I really liked how this book kept me guessing at every turn. Definitely a great read!
June 25, 2014
Looking for something fresh on your reading menu? How about something haunting with a side of dark adventure and an order of mystery? For dessert, how do dark secrets topped with deadly revelations sound? Don’t worry about the calories, the cardio factor will pump up your metabolism just fine.
Ivan Amberlake’s Diary of the Gone is dark, urban fantasy at its best! Young teen, Callum, is an average fifteen year-old boy, a little awkward, sometimes spewing some attitude and trying to come to terms with having moved to the small town of Olden Cross. What separates Callum from his peers is that he is haunted by the dead. Only his diligent writing in his secret diary seems to put the ghosts to rest in his mind, that is, until an adventure into the woods surrounding Olden Cross becomes a living nightmare he may never escape. Teens are going missing and ghosts are pleading with Callum for help and his diary goes missing. With help from unlikely sources and a determination to stop theses grisly deaths, Callum finds himself coming face to face with crazed evil from his past and his last chance to save innocents from their vile fate. Is Callum up to facing a challenge that would crush the spirit of a full-grown warrior?
Have you read anything by Ivan Amberlake? The man can create an atmosphere that is bleak and foreboding with just a stroke of his pen. You find yourself cringing and tensing as you’re sucked into the dark vortex of his tale. Think roller coaster traveling at hyper speeds through a black tunnel. You had the scare of your life, but you get back in line to go again, because you find yourself addicted to the thrill. Callum is the typical teen, from his dialogue to his actions, seriously who else would run headlong into danger? Mr. Amberlake’s world is so well-defined, you are more than a spectator, you are part of the story, feeling every chill, smelling every smell and dealing with the emotional upheaval along with the rest of this fantastic cast. (So if you see someone cowering behind a tree, that would be me, never said I was the hero type, I just love a thriller conjured by a master at their craft.) I highly recommend this walk on the dark side, Young Adults on up!
Publication Date: January 13, 2014
Publisher: Breakwater Harbor Books
ISBN: 1492786802
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Print Length: 180 pages
Available From: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Ivan Amberlake’s Diary of the Gone is dark, urban fantasy at its best! Young teen, Callum, is an average fifteen year-old boy, a little awkward, sometimes spewing some attitude and trying to come to terms with having moved to the small town of Olden Cross. What separates Callum from his peers is that he is haunted by the dead. Only his diligent writing in his secret diary seems to put the ghosts to rest in his mind, that is, until an adventure into the woods surrounding Olden Cross becomes a living nightmare he may never escape. Teens are going missing and ghosts are pleading with Callum for help and his diary goes missing. With help from unlikely sources and a determination to stop theses grisly deaths, Callum finds himself coming face to face with crazed evil from his past and his last chance to save innocents from their vile fate. Is Callum up to facing a challenge that would crush the spirit of a full-grown warrior?
Have you read anything by Ivan Amberlake? The man can create an atmosphere that is bleak and foreboding with just a stroke of his pen. You find yourself cringing and tensing as you’re sucked into the dark vortex of his tale. Think roller coaster traveling at hyper speeds through a black tunnel. You had the scare of your life, but you get back in line to go again, because you find yourself addicted to the thrill. Callum is the typical teen, from his dialogue to his actions, seriously who else would run headlong into danger? Mr. Amberlake’s world is so well-defined, you are more than a spectator, you are part of the story, feeling every chill, smelling every smell and dealing with the emotional upheaval along with the rest of this fantastic cast. (So if you see someone cowering behind a tree, that would be me, never said I was the hero type, I just love a thriller conjured by a master at their craft.) I highly recommend this walk on the dark side, Young Adults on up!
Publication Date: January 13, 2014
Publisher: Breakwater Harbor Books
ISBN: 1492786802
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Print Length: 180 pages
Available From: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 9, 2014
Diary of the Gone is a creepy little horror novella about a fifteen-year-old boy, Callum, who sees ghosts of the dead. The only thing he can do to keep them away is write about them in his diary - which is what the title refers to (he calls the ghosts "the gone"). But then, his visions start touching the real world when a boy from his school vanishes, and he starts seeing the boy's ghosts. And when Callum's own friends start disappearing, he realizes he can't run from his curse any longer...
Ivan Amberlake is a fine writer with a gift for bringing settings and emotions to life and transport you into his world. The haunted environment in which Diary of the Gone takes place ... creepy swamps, chilling spirits, shiver-inducing visions... really stand out, and Callum's sometimes tortured, sometimes deadpan, always tense voice makes him come alive. And the plot intrigue - the disappearing kids, secrets from the past - keep the story moving forward. It's a short, quick read, and I enjoyed every moment.
As far as young adult books go (and I've been reading a LOT lately), Diary of the Gone slides right into the category while avoiding the pitfalls that often come with it. No overlong whining here - the tight nature of the novella won't allow for it. While the premise (boy seeing dead people) isn't totally original, it hardly matters in this context. I love a good ghost story, and sometimes, I just want a good old-fashioned chiller. And what was great about this book was that it wasn't TOO horror-y. There were plenty of scares, but no gratuitous gore or violence. The fear was achieved through suspense rather than shock, which was great.
So if you're looking for a quick, creepy paranormal read, I highly recommend that you give Diary of the Gone a try.
Ivan Amberlake is a fine writer with a gift for bringing settings and emotions to life and transport you into his world. The haunted environment in which Diary of the Gone takes place ... creepy swamps, chilling spirits, shiver-inducing visions... really stand out, and Callum's sometimes tortured, sometimes deadpan, always tense voice makes him come alive. And the plot intrigue - the disappearing kids, secrets from the past - keep the story moving forward. It's a short, quick read, and I enjoyed every moment.
As far as young adult books go (and I've been reading a LOT lately), Diary of the Gone slides right into the category while avoiding the pitfalls that often come with it. No overlong whining here - the tight nature of the novella won't allow for it. While the premise (boy seeing dead people) isn't totally original, it hardly matters in this context. I love a good ghost story, and sometimes, I just want a good old-fashioned chiller. And what was great about this book was that it wasn't TOO horror-y. There were plenty of scares, but no gratuitous gore or violence. The fear was achieved through suspense rather than shock, which was great.
So if you're looking for a quick, creepy paranormal read, I highly recommend that you give Diary of the Gone a try.
October 2, 2013
Having read The Beholder by Ivan Amberlake already, I was expecting Diary of the Gone to be a good read and technically sound novella. It is all that and more. The book is creepy and atmospheric and a damn good story. Amberlake’s writing, for me, comes across as fresh and dynamic, what I mean by that is, he writes in a crowded genre but you always have a sense of his originality. Diary of the Gone is about a teenage boy who can see the spirits of dead people. There have been books and movies along similar themes before, yet, Amberlake makes it his own, both with his style and his approach.
When Callum writes about his encounters, with the ghosts, in his diary it somehow dispels their presence giving him peace, hence the title. The book is written in the first person, allowing the reader to get up close and personal with the action, and to get inside the head of Callum as he deals with his curse and the insecurities of an awkward teenager who is bullied at school and has a difficult home life. His thoughts are displayed before us when he writes in his diary, how he deals with the world around him as well as dealing with dead people haunting him.
I enjoyed this book a lot, the story flowed really well, with enough atmosphere and surprises to make it a creepy read. The author nailed the character of Callum who was as complex and insecure as you’d expect a boy with his gift/curse and family background to be.
When Callum writes about his encounters, with the ghosts, in his diary it somehow dispels their presence giving him peace, hence the title. The book is written in the first person, allowing the reader to get up close and personal with the action, and to get inside the head of Callum as he deals with his curse and the insecurities of an awkward teenager who is bullied at school and has a difficult home life. His thoughts are displayed before us when he writes in his diary, how he deals with the world around him as well as dealing with dead people haunting him.
I enjoyed this book a lot, the story flowed really well, with enough atmosphere and surprises to make it a creepy read. The author nailed the character of Callum who was as complex and insecure as you’d expect a boy with his gift/curse and family background to be.
March 8, 2015
Diary of the Gone by Ivan Amberlake
When The Blackwells move to the town of Olden Cross, Fifteen year old Callum's life is not the best for him. He is bullied, haunted by dead people and not to happy about the move. But he does makes some friends.
Soon his friends begin to disappear and so does "The Diary Of The Gone". It is a diary that has a mind of its own, nothing good seems to come out of that diary. Will Callum be able to figure out what is going on? What (if anything) is the connection to the disappearances and the diary? Will he be able to face "the Gone" and save his friends?
A well written short story. I really liked Callum. He is an average teen, bullied, just wanting to fit in and have a happy life. The story is very original, not your usual ghost story. The pace is swift, exciting and captivating. A definite all night read!
I also liked the cover, very eye-catching. I feel that young-adult as well as adult readers who love a great ghost/paranormal story will enjoy Diary of the Gone. I highly recommend to all.
When The Blackwells move to the town of Olden Cross, Fifteen year old Callum's life is not the best for him. He is bullied, haunted by dead people and not to happy about the move. But he does makes some friends.
Soon his friends begin to disappear and so does "The Diary Of The Gone". It is a diary that has a mind of its own, nothing good seems to come out of that diary. Will Callum be able to figure out what is going on? What (if anything) is the connection to the disappearances and the diary? Will he be able to face "the Gone" and save his friends?
A well written short story. I really liked Callum. He is an average teen, bullied, just wanting to fit in and have a happy life. The story is very original, not your usual ghost story. The pace is swift, exciting and captivating. A definite all night read!
I also liked the cover, very eye-catching. I feel that young-adult as well as adult readers who love a great ghost/paranormal story will enjoy Diary of the Gone. I highly recommend to all.
October 17, 2013
A great MG-YA novella with elements of horror, supernatural, mystery and fantasy. Callum Blackwell is our MC and he's a likeable character in the sense that he appears to be weak inside and out. But he mans up to face both outside events and also his visions of the dead. There are secrets in his family which, to his dismay, he's bound to unveil unknowingly, while one by one his friends are lost from sight for days. Recommended to readers from 14-21 who are fond of supernatural-themed novellas.
March 1, 2017
Diary of the Gone
The fear inside manifest…
Callum is plagued by visions of the Gone, those doomed to die. Tortured by the experiences he understandably has trouble coping. In a bid to move him to a more peaceful environment his family have moved to Olden Cross, a hick town on the edge of a swamp. But the visions do not end, and worse yet, teenagers seem to have started disappearing.
This novel really was a great read. The plot has no dull spots and the story moves along swiftly, keeping you intrigued, and then on the edge of their seat.
Callum is a likable 15 year old, with the same desires and troubles as many guys of that age: he wants a girlfriend; he fights with his older sister; he has to put up with bullies. We instantly feel that we would like to know him. We are on his side and want him to overcome his troubles. Beverly is convincing as an older sister. She definitely has a mind of her own and spirit. She understandably has trouble accepting her brother, who after all seems to her to be a bit weird.
While this is a paranormal thriller, it is also a novel about coming of age. How can we overcome ordinary life problems? How do we cope with circumstances like an absent father? Will we rise to meet life's challenges, or will we be a "sissy-pants"?
This book will definitely appeal to the young and young at heart. It will also definitely appeal to guys, although girls will find plenty of female characters in it to relate to.
I really did like this book. Paranormal is one things, but as I have tried to say there is more than that in it to recommend it. I really do think it is worth 5 stars.
October 15, 2013
***The author sent me a copy of this novella in exchange for an impartial review*
Diary of the Gone is a young adult novella. It's a quick, mysterious, creepy read with nice twists that will surprise many youths and adults who read for the shear joy of a good yarn being spun and don't put a lot of thought into piecing together the literary puzzle.
FOR PARENTS AND UP-TIGHT YOUTHS: I'd say the age range for this story is somewhere around 13+. There is a smattering of profanity, but I'm pretty sure there's nothing here that falls outside the realm of most late night prime-time (South Park being the exception, of course). Similarly, there are somewhat disturbing scenes that account for much of the creepiness mentioned earlier, but it isn't Walking Dead gross or jolting. Both language and imagery are, in my opinion, perfectly suitable and necessary to make the story, if not wholly believable, then credible (it is fantasy after all).
I'll refrain from giving a blow-by-blow plot summary. The book synopsis and a few reviews here do that well enough. I'll write about what I like and don't prefer about Diary of the Gone.
Firstly, this is a step in the right direction for the author, Ivan Amberlake. His debut novel, The Beholder, was, I thought, a great story, though having problems in dialogue, character development and consistency. This story has much better character development, but still needs more of all of the aforementioned points.
The main character is fully "there" in this tale. You know him, can empathize with his feelings and understand his motivations. Most of the secondary characters are well written, if a little stereotypical. Still, a few secondary characters are one dimensional or complete mysteries. For instance, there's a woman that fills the stereotype of a possible-witch who turns out to be good and helpful, yet more than a little cryptic. There's no reason given for the cryptic advise or a related bat cave-esque hidden place (doing my best not to give away anything).
I've read the other reviews and think I can point to the main problem some people have with Diary of the Gone. While Amberlake is very good at managing his grammar (no small feat for an indie author), he has a problem with informal language. This really shows up in the dialogue. Conversations are often stilted and unwieldy because of the formal tone Amberlake often falls into using. The same can often be a problem in the narrative as well. Some of the sentence structuring is perfectly grammatically correct. Yet, it doesn't always work. Sometimes it hurts the narrative and flow. I'm form believer that playing fast and loose with language can say as much as the words themselves when done correctly.
Amberlake has no shortage of imagination. He's a great storyteller. It's the finer points of creative writing that I think need some work. You can tell when Amberlake is in a groove and busts out a scene or conversation. It can be smooth and foreboding. It's as easy to tell when he was fighting with himself over how to phrase or set a scene.
Overall, I like Diary of the Gone. I like it quite a bit. Amberlake does not suffer from a lack of creativity. In fact, I find his ideas and stories very imaginative. I wouldn't have hesitated to purchase the book, and, in fact, will purchase a copy for my stepson. The problems that exist may throw me every few pages, but I'm crazy picky. My stepson isn't nearly as tough an audience and I know he'll enjoy it.
p.s. - The cover art for this is superb. I'm seriously considering buying a physical copy just to have. Nice ... very nice.
Diary of the Gone is a young adult novella. It's a quick, mysterious, creepy read with nice twists that will surprise many youths and adults who read for the shear joy of a good yarn being spun and don't put a lot of thought into piecing together the literary puzzle.
FOR PARENTS AND UP-TIGHT YOUTHS: I'd say the age range for this story is somewhere around 13+. There is a smattering of profanity, but I'm pretty sure there's nothing here that falls outside the realm of most late night prime-time (South Park being the exception, of course). Similarly, there are somewhat disturbing scenes that account for much of the creepiness mentioned earlier, but it isn't Walking Dead gross or jolting. Both language and imagery are, in my opinion, perfectly suitable and necessary to make the story, if not wholly believable, then credible (it is fantasy after all).
I'll refrain from giving a blow-by-blow plot summary. The book synopsis and a few reviews here do that well enough. I'll write about what I like and don't prefer about Diary of the Gone.
Firstly, this is a step in the right direction for the author, Ivan Amberlake. His debut novel, The Beholder, was, I thought, a great story, though having problems in dialogue, character development and consistency. This story has much better character development, but still needs more of all of the aforementioned points.
The main character is fully "there" in this tale. You know him, can empathize with his feelings and understand his motivations. Most of the secondary characters are well written, if a little stereotypical. Still, a few secondary characters are one dimensional or complete mysteries. For instance, there's a woman that fills the stereotype of a possible-witch who turns out to be good and helpful, yet more than a little cryptic. There's no reason given for the cryptic advise or a related bat cave-esque hidden place (doing my best not to give away anything).
I've read the other reviews and think I can point to the main problem some people have with Diary of the Gone. While Amberlake is very good at managing his grammar (no small feat for an indie author), he has a problem with informal language. This really shows up in the dialogue. Conversations are often stilted and unwieldy because of the formal tone Amberlake often falls into using. The same can often be a problem in the narrative as well. Some of the sentence structuring is perfectly grammatically correct. Yet, it doesn't always work. Sometimes it hurts the narrative and flow. I'm form believer that playing fast and loose with language can say as much as the words themselves when done correctly.
Amberlake has no shortage of imagination. He's a great storyteller. It's the finer points of creative writing that I think need some work. You can tell when Amberlake is in a groove and busts out a scene or conversation. It can be smooth and foreboding. It's as easy to tell when he was fighting with himself over how to phrase or set a scene.
Overall, I like Diary of the Gone. I like it quite a bit. Amberlake does not suffer from a lack of creativity. In fact, I find his ideas and stories very imaginative. I wouldn't have hesitated to purchase the book, and, in fact, will purchase a copy for my stepson. The problems that exist may throw me every few pages, but I'm crazy picky. My stepson isn't nearly as tough an audience and I know he'll enjoy it.
p.s. - The cover art for this is superb. I'm seriously considering buying a physical copy just to have. Nice ... very nice.
October 9, 2014
Diary of the Gone is the second novel I've read by this author; the first being The Beholder, which was also very good.
The author, Ivan's, strongest ability is his description. No doubt about that. He has a way with words and manages to set a mood simply by describing the scenery and that's not as easy as it sounds.
This novel was creepy, mysterious and original. The idea that the dead visit the main character, Callum, before passing on to the next world is very unnerving. Especially when you're put in his shoes. It's a curse, passed down to him and there are many side stories which connect at the end so you fully understand why things are the way they are. Why he has this ability. Why the swamp came to be, and why it mysteriously grows bigger each year. What happened to the boy who was killed many years ago. Who is kidnapping characters and why. It's a maze of questions and the book constantly keeps you on your toes.
Callum is a likable character. He's strong in many ways but also weak in other ways. He's bullied by the principal's son and is quite an introvert. He finds it difficult to talk to girls and the way he reacts, the way he is written, makes it very believable that he is a fifteen year old boy. I enjoyed being in his shoes and following him around.
The book had a build up of impending doom. You could feel it and it gave you chills. The scenes with the shadows (the dead) visiting Callum while he's writing in his diary to send them away, are very chilling even though very little actually happens. It's the way that it is written that makes you uncomfortable and that just shows the skill of the writer.
There were a few errors in the novel, such as grammar, but there was also the dialogue, the way it was written, which showed that the author is not a native speaker. I know he plans to fix that anyway, and to be honest, it never deters your enjoyment of the novel; the errors are that minor.
I love the cover, even more so than The Beholder's cover. I know the designer of the cover and he did a grand job. It's very eye-catching and quite pretty despite the fact it is ominous.
The flow of the plot is smooth and each chapter gives you something new to look forward to. Questions to ask and something to fear. The novel is actually a novella really but it feels a decent size. Everything that needed to be covered, is.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, urban fantasy and spooky stories. It isn't graphic but it is a little dark. Plus the twist near the end is definitely worth waiting for.
I preferred this novel to The Beholder, just because I liked how creepy it was. It was simple, short and sweet, with decent, well-formed characters; the mystery was well concealed and not predictable- I didn't guess what the twist was and I'm fairly good at that. It was just an enjoyable novel, and an interesting concept. I liked it a lot. So because I liked it a little bit more than Ivan's other novel, it has to get a higher mark. I gave The Beholder 4.5 out of 5.
It only makes sense that this should get full marks. FIVE OUT OF FIVE!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
web | facebook | twitter | book tours
The author, Ivan's, strongest ability is his description. No doubt about that. He has a way with words and manages to set a mood simply by describing the scenery and that's not as easy as it sounds.
This novel was creepy, mysterious and original. The idea that the dead visit the main character, Callum, before passing on to the next world is very unnerving. Especially when you're put in his shoes. It's a curse, passed down to him and there are many side stories which connect at the end so you fully understand why things are the way they are. Why he has this ability. Why the swamp came to be, and why it mysteriously grows bigger each year. What happened to the boy who was killed many years ago. Who is kidnapping characters and why. It's a maze of questions and the book constantly keeps you on your toes.
Callum is a likable character. He's strong in many ways but also weak in other ways. He's bullied by the principal's son and is quite an introvert. He finds it difficult to talk to girls and the way he reacts, the way he is written, makes it very believable that he is a fifteen year old boy. I enjoyed being in his shoes and following him around.
The book had a build up of impending doom. You could feel it and it gave you chills. The scenes with the shadows (the dead) visiting Callum while he's writing in his diary to send them away, are very chilling even though very little actually happens. It's the way that it is written that makes you uncomfortable and that just shows the skill of the writer.
There were a few errors in the novel, such as grammar, but there was also the dialogue, the way it was written, which showed that the author is not a native speaker. I know he plans to fix that anyway, and to be honest, it never deters your enjoyment of the novel; the errors are that minor.
I love the cover, even more so than The Beholder's cover. I know the designer of the cover and he did a grand job. It's very eye-catching and quite pretty despite the fact it is ominous.
The flow of the plot is smooth and each chapter gives you something new to look forward to. Questions to ask and something to fear. The novel is actually a novella really but it feels a decent size. Everything that needed to be covered, is.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, urban fantasy and spooky stories. It isn't graphic but it is a little dark. Plus the twist near the end is definitely worth waiting for.
I preferred this novel to The Beholder, just because I liked how creepy it was. It was simple, short and sweet, with decent, well-formed characters; the mystery was well concealed and not predictable- I didn't guess what the twist was and I'm fairly good at that. It was just an enjoyable novel, and an interesting concept. I liked it a lot. So because I liked it a little bit more than Ivan's other novel, it has to get a higher mark. I gave The Beholder 4.5 out of 5.
It only makes sense that this should get full marks. FIVE OUT OF FIVE!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
web | facebook | twitter | book tours
January 2, 2014
This book was reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters.
Diary of the Gone is the second novel I've read by this author; the first being The Beholder, which was also very good.
The author, Ivan's, strongest ability is his description. No doubt about that. He has a way with words and manages to set a mood simply by describing the scenery and that's not as easy as it sounds.
This novel was creepy, mysterious and original. The idea that the dead visit the main character, Callum, before passing on to the next world is very unnerving. Especially when you're put in his shoes. It's a curse, passed down to him and there are many side stories which connect at the end so you fully understand why things are the way they are. Why he has this ability. Why the swamp came to be, and why it mysteriously grows bigger each year. What happened to the boy who was killed many years ago. Who is kidnapping characters and why. It's a maze of questions and the book constantly keeps you on your toes.
Callum is a likable character. He's strong in many ways but also weak in other ways. He's bullied by the principal's son and is quite an introvert. He finds it difficult to talk to girls and the way he reacts, the way he is written, makes it very believable that he is a fifteen year old boy. I enjoyed being in his shoes and following him around.
The book had a build up of impending doom. You could feel it and it gave you chills. The scenes with the shadows (the dead) visiting Callum while he's writing in his diary to send them away, are very chilling even though very little actually happens. It's the way that it is written that makes you uncomfortable and that just shows the skill of the writer.
There were a few errors in the novel, such as grammar, but there was also the dialogue, the way it was written, which showed that the author is not a native speaker. I know he plans to fix that anyway, and to be honest, it never deters your enjoyment of the novel; the errors are that minor.
I love the cover, even more so than The Beholder's cover. I know the designer of the cover and he did a grand job. It's very eye-catching and quite pretty despite the fact it is ominous.
The flow of the plot is smooth and each chapter gives you something new to look forward to. Questions to ask and something to fear. The novel is actually a novella really but it feels a decent size. Everything that needed to be covered, is.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, urban fantasy and spooky stories. It isn't graphic but it is a little dark. Plus the twist near the end is definitely worth waiting for.
I preferred this novel to The Beholder, just because I liked how creepy it was. It was simple, short and sweet, with decent, well-formed characters; the mystery was well concealed and not predictable- I didn't guess what the twist was and I'm fairly good at that. It was just an enjoyable novel, and an interesting concept. I liked it a lot. So because I liked it a little bit more than Ivan's other novel, it has to get a higher mark. I gave The Beholder 4.5 out of 5.
It only makes sense that this should get full marks. FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS.
Diary of the Gone is the second novel I've read by this author; the first being The Beholder, which was also very good.
The author, Ivan's, strongest ability is his description. No doubt about that. He has a way with words and manages to set a mood simply by describing the scenery and that's not as easy as it sounds.
This novel was creepy, mysterious and original. The idea that the dead visit the main character, Callum, before passing on to the next world is very unnerving. Especially when you're put in his shoes. It's a curse, passed down to him and there are many side stories which connect at the end so you fully understand why things are the way they are. Why he has this ability. Why the swamp came to be, and why it mysteriously grows bigger each year. What happened to the boy who was killed many years ago. Who is kidnapping characters and why. It's a maze of questions and the book constantly keeps you on your toes.
Callum is a likable character. He's strong in many ways but also weak in other ways. He's bullied by the principal's son and is quite an introvert. He finds it difficult to talk to girls and the way he reacts, the way he is written, makes it very believable that he is a fifteen year old boy. I enjoyed being in his shoes and following him around.
The book had a build up of impending doom. You could feel it and it gave you chills. The scenes with the shadows (the dead) visiting Callum while he's writing in his diary to send them away, are very chilling even though very little actually happens. It's the way that it is written that makes you uncomfortable and that just shows the skill of the writer.
There were a few errors in the novel, such as grammar, but there was also the dialogue, the way it was written, which showed that the author is not a native speaker. I know he plans to fix that anyway, and to be honest, it never deters your enjoyment of the novel; the errors are that minor.
I love the cover, even more so than The Beholder's cover. I know the designer of the cover and he did a grand job. It's very eye-catching and quite pretty despite the fact it is ominous.
The flow of the plot is smooth and each chapter gives you something new to look forward to. Questions to ask and something to fear. The novel is actually a novella really but it feels a decent size. Everything that needed to be covered, is.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, urban fantasy and spooky stories. It isn't graphic but it is a little dark. Plus the twist near the end is definitely worth waiting for.
I preferred this novel to The Beholder, just because I liked how creepy it was. It was simple, short and sweet, with decent, well-formed characters; the mystery was well concealed and not predictable- I didn't guess what the twist was and I'm fairly good at that. It was just an enjoyable novel, and an interesting concept. I liked it a lot. So because I liked it a little bit more than Ivan's other novel, it has to get a higher mark. I gave The Beholder 4.5 out of 5.
It only makes sense that this should get full marks. FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS.
February 28, 2014
The Diary of the Gone first caught me with its cover art. I was intrigued by the blurb and thought giving it a try wouldn't hurt anything.
I was not disappointed. And highly surprised by the quality of it.
Pros:
The description in this book was clear and entrancing. Having never been to the woods, I felt like the swamps were all around me, and everything Callum did there seemed fresh and realistic. The pacing and suspense throughout was well structured-- I never wanted to know more before it was time to, and the story progression made me more and more interested in what would happen-- whenever it did. It was nice being intrigued about the possibilities without wanting to rush to the ending.
Every shadow mentioned seemed like it belonged there-- like pieces to a puzzle that would all fit into place once the end came.
The characters all seemed well placed, and instantly I felt like I could be at ease with Callum. I loved the jump at the beginning -- we were submerged into his life like observers, and I enjoyed seeing things from his point of view. Callum's group of friends and his family were important from the very start. I love the thought of expelling shadows by writing them down, getting them out... I understand the feeling since I keep journals as well. The characters intentions, feelings and actions were all well plotted and executed-- and the length of the overall work was satisfying and I felt like nothing could have been added or taken away from it as a whole.
Cons:
Callum's language through me off. At times he seemed older than what he was-- and I tried to write it off because Callum was a writer (those who write in journals get more practice), however-- at times I forgot he was a child...so when childish things happened to him I had to remind myself that he was indeed a younger person. At one point, I even thought the entire story could have been told retrospectively. This, however, was not a deal breaker. There were a couple of words I cringed at each time I saw them (pall, monochrome), but as an author myself, I understand that sometimes there are no better choices.
The big reveal wasn't as surprising to me-- however that could be a sign of great foreshadowing instead of a predictable plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved Callum's journey, I loved when he met his father and I loved how the curse was different when different intentions were behind it. The way it was written was easy to follow, and I never felt myself getting annoyed with verbosity. I loved the ending, as well as the epilogue. Young adult fiction is usually a genre I stay away from. I find cheesy, clichéd plots and over used ideas. The Diary of the Gone, however, was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed this author so much, that I plan on buying his book The Beholder.
If you're looking for a great plot, unique ideas, fresh storytelling and well thought out characters, The Diary of the Gone will definitely delight.
I was not disappointed. And highly surprised by the quality of it.
Pros:
The description in this book was clear and entrancing. Having never been to the woods, I felt like the swamps were all around me, and everything Callum did there seemed fresh and realistic. The pacing and suspense throughout was well structured-- I never wanted to know more before it was time to, and the story progression made me more and more interested in what would happen-- whenever it did. It was nice being intrigued about the possibilities without wanting to rush to the ending.
Every shadow mentioned seemed like it belonged there-- like pieces to a puzzle that would all fit into place once the end came.
The characters all seemed well placed, and instantly I felt like I could be at ease with Callum. I loved the jump at the beginning -- we were submerged into his life like observers, and I enjoyed seeing things from his point of view. Callum's group of friends and his family were important from the very start. I love the thought of expelling shadows by writing them down, getting them out... I understand the feeling since I keep journals as well. The characters intentions, feelings and actions were all well plotted and executed-- and the length of the overall work was satisfying and I felt like nothing could have been added or taken away from it as a whole.
Cons:
Callum's language through me off. At times he seemed older than what he was-- and I tried to write it off because Callum was a writer (those who write in journals get more practice), however-- at times I forgot he was a child...so when childish things happened to him I had to remind myself that he was indeed a younger person. At one point, I even thought the entire story could have been told retrospectively. This, however, was not a deal breaker. There were a couple of words I cringed at each time I saw them (pall, monochrome), but as an author myself, I understand that sometimes there are no better choices.
The big reveal wasn't as surprising to me-- however that could be a sign of great foreshadowing instead of a predictable plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved Callum's journey, I loved when he met his father and I loved how the curse was different when different intentions were behind it. The way it was written was easy to follow, and I never felt myself getting annoyed with verbosity. I loved the ending, as well as the epilogue. Young adult fiction is usually a genre I stay away from. I find cheesy, clichéd plots and over used ideas. The Diary of the Gone, however, was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed this author so much, that I plan on buying his book The Beholder.
If you're looking for a great plot, unique ideas, fresh storytelling and well thought out characters, The Diary of the Gone will definitely delight.
April 20, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Callum is constantly pursued by the ghosts of the dead and the only way to stop them from getting him is to write about them in a strange old diary that he found. In the new quiet town that he lives in, ghosts leave him alone-until the day his friend Nathan shows him something strange in the woods. Now the ghosts of dead children are haunting him day and night and kids from his school are going missing, and Callum is the only one who can solve the mystery.
This was a creepy paranormal story with the 'don't go into the woods' warning to it. The plot was a bit different, which is always a good thing and not easy to do with a paranormal theme. The author's descriptive work is excellent, and you can see exactly what he wants you to see through Callum's eyes, right now to the colours fading from life every time the ghosts are coming. One thing that I have noticed about this author is that his word use is always perfect. The descriptions of the world he is building are always new, not a tired cliche that you have seen in countless other books, and it always seems to fit just right into the story. There is plenty detail about Callum's ghost problems and the diary to let you know what is going on but enough enough to bore the reader. I felt there was a nice balance.
Callum is quite likeable and I felt sorry for him because his sister treats him with such contempt, and the school bully seems to be picking on him for no reason. Nathan is the fun friend who tries to look out for Callum so you warm to him despite his appearance being brief. I didn't feel much of a connection to his other friends, other than Vivian as the book progresses, but it wasn't too vital for the story. Gloria was my favourite character though.
I did have a couple of minor plot niggles. I wanted to see a bit more of Gloria and her back story as she was the one who really fascinated me. I felt that she was a bit underused when she seemed so important to the story. I would have liked the scene in the library to have been longer and more detailed, giving us more about the previous missing kids. I also wish the attack at the school had been longer, along with the big finale. I guess I wanted more of these bits because they were the bits of the book that I liked the best. But these niggles are more about what I wanted to see in the book, and no reflection on the author's writing.
This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys a paranormal story, a creepy horror story or ghost story. I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.
Callum is constantly pursued by the ghosts of the dead and the only way to stop them from getting him is to write about them in a strange old diary that he found. In the new quiet town that he lives in, ghosts leave him alone-until the day his friend Nathan shows him something strange in the woods. Now the ghosts of dead children are haunting him day and night and kids from his school are going missing, and Callum is the only one who can solve the mystery.
This was a creepy paranormal story with the 'don't go into the woods' warning to it. The plot was a bit different, which is always a good thing and not easy to do with a paranormal theme. The author's descriptive work is excellent, and you can see exactly what he wants you to see through Callum's eyes, right now to the colours fading from life every time the ghosts are coming. One thing that I have noticed about this author is that his word use is always perfect. The descriptions of the world he is building are always new, not a tired cliche that you have seen in countless other books, and it always seems to fit just right into the story. There is plenty detail about Callum's ghost problems and the diary to let you know what is going on but enough enough to bore the reader. I felt there was a nice balance.
Callum is quite likeable and I felt sorry for him because his sister treats him with such contempt, and the school bully seems to be picking on him for no reason. Nathan is the fun friend who tries to look out for Callum so you warm to him despite his appearance being brief. I didn't feel much of a connection to his other friends, other than Vivian as the book progresses, but it wasn't too vital for the story. Gloria was my favourite character though.
I did have a couple of minor plot niggles. I wanted to see a bit more of Gloria and her back story as she was the one who really fascinated me. I felt that she was a bit underused when she seemed so important to the story. I would have liked the scene in the library to have been longer and more detailed, giving us more about the previous missing kids. I also wish the attack at the school had been longer, along with the big finale. I guess I wanted more of these bits because they were the bits of the book that I liked the best. But these niggles are more about what I wanted to see in the book, and no reflection on the author's writing.
This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys a paranormal story, a creepy horror story or ghost story. I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.
October 3, 2013
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
I really appreciated that this was a one-off novella and not a new series. The story had just enough creepiness to make it scary, and at the end was wrapped up neatly.
I don't normally read horror or scary books because, well, I get freaked out pretty easily. But this was just this side of fantasy so that I wasn't really scared so much as wanting to know what was *really* going on with that diary and the dead people that Callum sees.
The writing was done well, and it seems like the author has gotten a pretty good grasp on dialogue since the last book of his that I read. I enjoyed the flow and got through it in a couple of hours (hence the novella part). I was left with a few questions, like why did all the animals leave the forest? There could have been a bit more done with that in the beginning, when Callum and Nathan find the dead deer in the swamp. Some of the story felt rushed, but overall it was a good read.
I really appreciated that this was a one-off novella and not a new series. The story had just enough creepiness to make it scary, and at the end was wrapped up neatly.
I don't normally read horror or scary books because, well, I get freaked out pretty easily. But this was just this side of fantasy so that I wasn't really scared so much as wanting to know what was *really* going on with that diary and the dead people that Callum sees.
The writing was done well, and it seems like the author has gotten a pretty good grasp on dialogue since the last book of his that I read. I enjoyed the flow and got through it in a couple of hours (hence the novella part). I was left with a few questions, like why did all the animals leave the forest? There could have been a bit more done with that in the beginning, when Callum and Nathan find the dead deer in the swamp. Some of the story felt rushed, but overall it was a good read.
January 14, 2014
2.5 stars
First Paragarph:
First Paragarph:
"I step inside a Shadow. It’s a black-and-white movie with no sound. I watch those who have only a few moments to live. While the rest of the world passes by with blind eyes, I see them dying, screaming into silence, and I just stand and watch death taking them."
A 15 year old boy Callum sees the death of people in the Shadows and is haunted by their ghosts unless he writes it down in his diary. He has recently moved to the grey and swampy little town of Olden Cross with his mother and sister where lately there has been news of a missing boy around his age.
The beginning of the novel seemed a bit unpolished and clichéd in terms of writing, (there is the bitchy elder sister, the cruel school bully, an unrequited crush, the mostly absent parent, and the grey-skies-equals-grim setting), but the overall concept is very interesting and the real excitement begins in the fourth chapter when Cal's friend Nate disappears.
October 11, 2013
Amberlake's writing enthralls the reader. He creates concepts and worlds for his books which are both believable and fantastic, thrilling the mind as we read. I was a huge fan of Amberlake's debut release, The Beholder, and so as I picked up Diary of the Gone I was already anticipating an excellent read. I was well rewarded, and hauntingly rapt in Diary's pages.
Here we find ourselves in the mind of a boy named Callum in Olden Cross, a town surrounded by misty swampland and the disappearances of his peers. Callum sees the dead. Are they calling to him? What are they searching for? What connection does he have to their ghostly forms? You will have to read to discover the secret past of Olden Cross and the unknown of this place.
I began Diary of the Gone with the thought that I would read it over the month of October. I soon found I could not put the book down until I reached the end. A haunting work- well plotted and highly enjoyable. I sit in anticipation of Amberlake's next release.
Here we find ourselves in the mind of a boy named Callum in Olden Cross, a town surrounded by misty swampland and the disappearances of his peers. Callum sees the dead. Are they calling to him? What are they searching for? What connection does he have to their ghostly forms? You will have to read to discover the secret past of Olden Cross and the unknown of this place.
I began Diary of the Gone with the thought that I would read it over the month of October. I soon found I could not put the book down until I reached the end. A haunting work- well plotted and highly enjoyable. I sit in anticipation of Amberlake's next release.
January 16, 2014
A very good story, but the writing was a bit twisty. Sometimes I was not certain what was going on. The culmination was VERY good, though, and for that I quite liked it.
UPDATE: I'm expanding upon my review since I didn't have my own computer so I could not go on at length. So, here tis:
The story was twisty -- not confusing, though. The story kept me thinking about what Callum was going through, and would he figure it out.
I thought I had the ending figured out, and I was sure I knew who the bad creature was, but I was OH SO wrong!!!
I really do not want to give anything away, but had this story not been free at Amazon I would have paid to read it.
P.S. The author is new so please support him however you can. He is a nice fellow!
UPDATE: I'm expanding upon my review since I didn't have my own computer so I could not go on at length. So, here tis:
The story was twisty -- not confusing, though. The story kept me thinking about what Callum was going through, and would he figure it out.
I thought I had the ending figured out, and I was sure I knew who the bad creature was, but I was OH SO wrong!!!
I really do not want to give anything away, but had this story not been free at Amazon I would have paid to read it.
P.S. The author is new so please support him however you can. He is a nice fellow!
October 10, 2013
Amberlake's Diary of the Gone feels like an infusion of varied inspiration, but is altogether Amberlake's creation. Callum is a sympathetic character whose ultimate purpose is a relatively noble one. Gifted with sight, his encounters with spirits lead to diary-writing and the release of those spirits' bond to an earthly existence. There's a darker side to his gift though; a side that leads him toward family secrets and mystery in the woods. Diary of the Gone feels classic AND refreshing. A few readers have left detailed reviews, so I'll just end with = Recommended.
February 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this book!! I didn't want to put it down.
This is the story of 15 year old Callum who sees shadows, the dead. He finds that if he writes about them in his diary they go away for a while.
He doesn't get on with his sister who blames him for their moving to Olden Cross. So when his best friend goes missing he's on his own and when more kids start to disappear its up to him to figure out what's happening and try to unravel the mystery of Olden Cross with the help of the shadows.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of 15 year old Callum who sees shadows, the dead. He finds that if he writes about them in his diary they go away for a while.
He doesn't get on with his sister who blames him for their moving to Olden Cross. So when his best friend goes missing he's on his own and when more kids start to disappear its up to him to figure out what's happening and try to unravel the mystery of Olden Cross with the help of the shadows.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2015
Having read and enjoyed 'The Beholder', I came to this book with high expectations.
I'm very happy to say that 'Diary of the Gone' did not disappoint.
Teen-aged Callum sees ghosts, he writes about them in his diary. Question is, why are the ghosts visiting him?
Although aimed at a younger audience than 'The Beholder', 'Diary of the Gone' is certainly nail-biting at times and packs some very creepy images.
This is a fast-paced book, full of mystery and scares.
It is also thoroughly enjoyable.
Well done, Ivan. Please write more!
I'm very happy to say that 'Diary of the Gone' did not disappoint.
Teen-aged Callum sees ghosts, he writes about them in his diary. Question is, why are the ghosts visiting him?
Although aimed at a younger audience than 'The Beholder', 'Diary of the Gone' is certainly nail-biting at times and packs some very creepy images.
This is a fast-paced book, full of mystery and scares.
It is also thoroughly enjoyable.
Well done, Ivan. Please write more!
December 23, 2013
I picked this book up for free on Amazon and to tell you the truth, the only reason I got it was because it was free and I liked the title. I'm glad I got it because this book was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I was hooked in the first few pages. The story has a Stephen King feel to it and it finishes strong. I was well pleased with the characters and the setting. I would read more by this author and I hope he stays with this genre because he nailed it.
January 7, 2014
I loved every twist and turn in this story!!! The author really kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to reading The Beholder #1 then will be patiently awaiting The Beholder #2 the end of this year!
September 18, 2020
Callum and his family has relocated to Olden Cross where his mother was born after some issues where they lived. He has a small group of friends, yet struggles because he is different. He is haunted by the shadows and there is little he can do but document what is happening. I liked the overall premise of the book, but felt that overall it was extremely rushed and came across as disjointed in many places. I would have liked to feel more suspense and really felt that the scenery of the area seemed to be missing.
February 15, 2019
Very weird
I like weird stories and this is definitely one of them. Kinda found out Aiden was the one when Callum found the diary though that was a no brainer.
I like weird stories and this is definitely one of them. Kinda found out Aiden was the one when Callum found the diary though that was a no brainer.
December 9, 2016
This was bad.... maybe Sharknado bad. Shall we list the reasons why?
1) The main character is entirely unlikable. This isn't you lovable underdog, this is the creepy kid that sits in the back of the class drawing headstones and muttering ill-timed comments about how nice your hair looks today. He's whiny, horny and painfully immature, except of course when he decides to save the town from his family curse single-handedly.
2) Did I mention he's a horny mess? he's jealous of every friend he has in a relationship, pining away after their girlfriends. The description of just about every female in the book has weird undertones, especially Gail, his dad's ex-girlfriend. (Can we also talk about the fireplace room, ooooooooh, spooky)
3) The family curse is never really explained: Sure, the men see ghosts and the only way to get rid of them is to write down what you see in a diary. But how exactly does that work? Apparently not well, since Aiden sets out on a mission to kill 7 children to end the curse once and for all.
4) These characters don't really give a damn about saving the people that Aiden has abducted. Melanie is captured (I assume) and taken to Aiden's secret swamp house, escapes, and her reaction is to tumble home and take a nap. Do we all see the problem here? And when Callum goes to rescue his friends from being burned alive, we only hear about Vivian being rescued, no mention of Wayne or Audrey. And did Gail die after marching into the flames? Who knows! But what the epilogue does tell us is that Vivian and Callum live happily ever after, because that's what we really needed to wrap this story up.
1) The main character is entirely unlikable. This isn't you lovable underdog, this is the creepy kid that sits in the back of the class drawing headstones and muttering ill-timed comments about how nice your hair looks today. He's whiny, horny and painfully immature, except of course when he decides to save the town from his family curse single-handedly.
2) Did I mention he's a horny mess? he's jealous of every friend he has in a relationship, pining away after their girlfriends. The description of just about every female in the book has weird undertones, especially Gail, his dad's ex-girlfriend. (Can we also talk about the fireplace room, ooooooooh, spooky)
3) The family curse is never really explained: Sure, the men see ghosts and the only way to get rid of them is to write down what you see in a diary. But how exactly does that work? Apparently not well, since Aiden sets out on a mission to kill 7 children to end the curse once and for all.
4) These characters don't really give a damn about saving the people that Aiden has abducted. Melanie is captured (I assume) and taken to Aiden's secret swamp house, escapes, and her reaction is to tumble home and take a nap. Do we all see the problem here? And when Callum goes to rescue his friends from being burned alive, we only hear about Vivian being rescued, no mention of Wayne or Audrey. And did Gail die after marching into the flames? Who knows! But what the epilogue does tell us is that Vivian and Callum live happily ever after, because that's what we really needed to wrap this story up.
October 24, 2013
I got this book free on Amazon when it was doing a free promotional download. Like most of the other books I download or review, it was billed as a paranormal novel.
Callum is like every other teenage boy…. his older sister hates him, he’s from a broken family who moves to a small, nondescript town. There’s a bully in school who hates him, a friend who’s dating his crush, and his best friend who’s overly adventurous. Then his friend disappears creating a domino effect in their town. But the kicker is, Callum can see the dead. He is haunted by spirits and has been since he was born.
When his best friend disappears, things begin to take place leading Callum and his haunting spirits on thread to unravel the past of their town.
This definitely was a cute, fun book. I wouldn’t say it was overly creepy, spooky and haunted. It makes for a wonderful Young Adult/Paranormal novel, even with hints of Y/A Paranormal Romance.
Not bad for a beginning author.
Callum is like every other teenage boy…. his older sister hates him, he’s from a broken family who moves to a small, nondescript town. There’s a bully in school who hates him, a friend who’s dating his crush, and his best friend who’s overly adventurous. Then his friend disappears creating a domino effect in their town. But the kicker is, Callum can see the dead. He is haunted by spirits and has been since he was born.
When his best friend disappears, things begin to take place leading Callum and his haunting spirits on thread to unravel the past of their town.
This definitely was a cute, fun book. I wouldn’t say it was overly creepy, spooky and haunted. It makes for a wonderful Young Adult/Paranormal novel, even with hints of Y/A Paranormal Romance.
Not bad for a beginning author.
February 15, 2014
Was a pretty decent book... a quick but disturbing read if :-D
April 10, 2016
More of a short story than a book and, whilst the plot is good, the writing is at times juvenile. The use of overwrought metaphor and simile detracts from what could be a good tale.
April 11, 2016
Good
This was a good book you should read it it will pass the time and you will enjoy it. Read it...
This was a good book you should read it it will pass the time and you will enjoy it. Read it...
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