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Saranormal #7
The Secrets Within
Sara discovers a new psychic power—and a world of secrets at her fingertips….Sara’s abilities have been growing ever since she moved to Stellamar. First she was able to communicate with the ghosts. Next came the visions. And then the mind reading started. It seems like things have settled down and returned to normal—or as close to normal as things ever are for Sara—when Lady Azura informs her that a shift has occurred and change is coming. At first Sara isn’t sure what that means, but before long, she finds out. A new ability allows Sara to know impossible things, like secrets kept by long-dead people, and answers to decades-old mysteries. But having such an awesome power comes with great responsibility. Can Sara shoulder the burden of her newest ability? Is “normal” completely out of reach?
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2013
2 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Rivers
26 books49 followersPhoebe Rivers had a brush with the paranormal when she was thirteen years old, and ever since then, she has been fascinated by people who see spirits and can communicate with them. In addition to her intrigue with all things paranormal, Phoebe also loves cats, French cuisine, and wiling her afternoons away in coffee shops writing stories. Phoebe has written dozens of middle-grade fiction books and is thrilled to now be exploring Sara’s paranormal world.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 9, 2023
3.5 stars
3 Cover; 3 characters ; 4 Plot ; 4 Pace ; 3 Intrigue ; 4 Logic ; 3 worldbuilding ; 4 Writing ; 3 Enjoyment
Here's my thing about this series. Lady Azura is on my last ass nerve. They are basically just using her as a plot device to never tell Sara what's going on and that she "has to learn things for herself" but I'm sorry, if my 12 y/o was like "Yo, I see dead people, what's up with that?" and I knew the answer, I would tell them. I wouldn't say "Oh, just give it time, you'll find out." Like there are situations that could literally harm this child and Lady Azura's just like... let's give it a week and see how much you learn by then.
I agree that she has to learn how to do things, and the lessons that they do fairly regularly are good for that, but when she starts getting new powers and is terrified by what is happening to her, you don't just say "welp, you'll figure it out." you help her. I understand that it's so that the reader can learn things along with Sara instead of being info dumped by Lady Azura, but it's borderline child neglect IMO.
Other than that, I liked the plot of this one, it was interesting how the stories connected and how the old lady came to Sara. It was a decent read but man, as an adult I'm just very disappointed in the way Lady Azura behaves.
3 Cover; 3 characters ; 4 Plot ; 4 Pace ; 3 Intrigue ; 4 Logic ; 3 worldbuilding ; 4 Writing ; 3 Enjoyment
Here's my thing about this series. Lady Azura is on my last ass nerve. They are basically just using her as a plot device to never tell Sara what's going on and that she "has to learn things for herself" but I'm sorry, if my 12 y/o was like "Yo, I see dead people, what's up with that?" and I knew the answer, I would tell them. I wouldn't say "Oh, just give it time, you'll find out." Like there are situations that could literally harm this child and Lady Azura's just like... let's give it a week and see how much you learn by then.
I agree that she has to learn how to do things, and the lessons that they do fairly regularly are good for that, but when she starts getting new powers and is terrified by what is happening to her, you don't just say "welp, you'll figure it out." you help her. I understand that it's so that the reader can learn things along with Sara instead of being info dumped by Lady Azura, but it's borderline child neglect IMO.
Other than that, I liked the plot of this one, it was interesting how the stories connected and how the old lady came to Sara. It was a decent read but man, as an adult I'm just very disappointed in the way Lady Azura behaves.
January 31, 2025
I was intrigued by Sara’s newest power — psychometry and the story surrounding the lost dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
This is a review of both Giving Up the Ghost and The Secrets Within.
The Saranormal series follows twelve-year-old Sara Collins on a journey of discovery as she begins to develop supernatural powers. Guided by her great-grandmother, Lady Azura, who possesses powers of her own, Sara slowly learns how to identify, harness, and control her various abilities. In book six, Giving up the Ghost, Sara begins to read minds while a negative force seems to descend upon her household. In book seven, The Secrets Within, Sara finds that she can read the memories associated with an object, which helps her to know things about the object’s significance to the people who have owned it.
I have only read two books in this series, but it’s not hard to tell from those that each story follows a certain formula. In every book, it seems, Sara discovers a new power, tries to figure it out on her own, uses the power to either help or hinder a personal relationship and ultimately calls on Lady Azura for help figuring things out. This repetition from book to book isn’t a problem, as I think it provides the comfort readers often appreciate about series books, but I did find myself wondering a few things.
If I’d read the earlier books, would I know why Sara is developing powers? In the books I read, it seems as though she takes the fact that she has these abilities somewhat for granted, and it bothered me that I didn’t know the greater context of her situation. If such a context isn’t provided at all in the series, I’m not sure what the motivation is to keep reading. Personally, I would like a bit more suspense surrounding the overall meaning of Sara’s powers. I know I would be freaked out if I were seeing dead people and hearing my best friend’s thoughts!
I also wondered a lot about Sara’s personality aside from her supernatural side. I feel like I know her powers better than I know her. It might be easier for the reader to step into her shoes if Sara seems like just an average middle schooler, but I think I would prefer a more well-rounded character with a more defined personality.
Saranormal is a solid series to recommend to girls who like magic and ghost stories, but who also enjoy reading about real girls in real-life situations, not in imaginary kingdoms. It is a nice read-alike for Scholastic’s Poison Apple books, and might even appeal more strongly to readers because it is a continuous series following one main character. Girls who have liked the Worst Witch series as younger chapter book readers will easily grow into this one as they approach middle school.
The Saranormal series follows twelve-year-old Sara Collins on a journey of discovery as she begins to develop supernatural powers. Guided by her great-grandmother, Lady Azura, who possesses powers of her own, Sara slowly learns how to identify, harness, and control her various abilities. In book six, Giving up the Ghost, Sara begins to read minds while a negative force seems to descend upon her household. In book seven, The Secrets Within, Sara finds that she can read the memories associated with an object, which helps her to know things about the object’s significance to the people who have owned it.
I have only read two books in this series, but it’s not hard to tell from those that each story follows a certain formula. In every book, it seems, Sara discovers a new power, tries to figure it out on her own, uses the power to either help or hinder a personal relationship and ultimately calls on Lady Azura for help figuring things out. This repetition from book to book isn’t a problem, as I think it provides the comfort readers often appreciate about series books, but I did find myself wondering a few things.
If I’d read the earlier books, would I know why Sara is developing powers? In the books I read, it seems as though she takes the fact that she has these abilities somewhat for granted, and it bothered me that I didn’t know the greater context of her situation. If such a context isn’t provided at all in the series, I’m not sure what the motivation is to keep reading. Personally, I would like a bit more suspense surrounding the overall meaning of Sara’s powers. I know I would be freaked out if I were seeing dead people and hearing my best friend’s thoughts!
I also wondered a lot about Sara’s personality aside from her supernatural side. I feel like I know her powers better than I know her. It might be easier for the reader to step into her shoes if Sara seems like just an average middle schooler, but I think I would prefer a more well-rounded character with a more defined personality.
Saranormal is a solid series to recommend to girls who like magic and ghost stories, but who also enjoy reading about real girls in real-life situations, not in imaginary kingdoms. It is a nice read-alike for Scholastic’s Poison Apple books, and might even appeal more strongly to readers because it is a continuous series following one main character. Girls who have liked the Worst Witch series as younger chapter book readers will easily grow into this one as they approach middle school.
June 28, 2013
After the last time she had to cope with new gift, Sara is wary of this latest development.
A dog is a clue to helping a ghost find something stolen from her in life. Not only a living dog but a small metal one that eerily resembles the living one.
This one is a segue way to the 8th book where Sara meets someone new. It introduces them through the ghost's quest to find her stolen item.
This one is a slight departure from the normal help the ghost books. In this one, Sara has to use her new gift to find clues.
I can't wait until our library gets the next one in the series. Minus, of course, book 8, which, is a short story (or something and is only on kindle! Gah! The annoyance.
A dog is a clue to helping a ghost find something stolen from her in life. Not only a living dog but a small metal one that eerily resembles the living one.
This one is a segue way to the 8th book where Sara meets someone new. It introduces them through the ghost's quest to find her stolen item.
This one is a slight departure from the normal help the ghost books. In this one, Sara has to use her new gift to find clues.
I can't wait until our library gets the next one in the series. Minus, of course, book 8, which, is a short story (or something and is only on kindle! Gah! The annoyance.
April 1, 2014
Now that Sara has turned 13, her powers are changing. Suddenly when she touches things, she has visions of the past. Can this new power help solve an old robbery case and help find the owners of a lost dog?
You got to love Sara. Her life sucks on so many levels. Yet, she manages to go to school and attempt to be a normal girl. I still love the town she lives in and her family and friends rock. The addition of a dog did not hurt either. In this book Sara has to decide between siding with her best friend or doing the right thing. Good stuff for kids to consider.The resolution to some of the problems in these books sometimes are pretty pat. But hey, they are kid's books. My problems should be solved so easily.
You got to love Sara. Her life sucks on so many levels. Yet, she manages to go to school and attempt to be a normal girl. I still love the town she lives in and her family and friends rock. The addition of a dog did not hurt either. In this book Sara has to decide between siding with her best friend or doing the right thing. Good stuff for kids to consider.The resolution to some of the problems in these books sometimes are pretty pat. But hey, they are kid's books. My problems should be solved so easily.
March 3, 2015
It was very mysterious and it makes my heart jump when something happens!
February 25, 2015
Like i said I only read a couple books from this author but really enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it to.
May 13, 2016
I just have to say that this cover is absolutely gorgeous ♡
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews