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Ashes #2
Dust to Dust
Perfect for fans of If I Stay or Imaginary Girls, Dust to Dust is the mysterious, thoughtful, and poignant sequel to Melissa Walker's haunting and heartbreaking novel Ashes to Ashes.
When Callie McPhee miraculously recovers from a tragic accident that should have taken her life, she thought her connection to the ghost world would be severed forever. And that she would never see Thatcher—the ghost she fell in love with in the hereafter—again. But when she receives unexpected signs from Thatcher, she's led down a dark road toward the angry souls who once tried to steal her soul's energy for another chance at life.
Now Callie must prevent the real world and the spirit world from colliding, and that could mean saying good-bye to people she'd never imagined she'd lose.
When Callie McPhee miraculously recovers from a tragic accident that should have taken her life, she thought her connection to the ghost world would be severed forever. And that she would never see Thatcher—the ghost she fell in love with in the hereafter—again. But when she receives unexpected signs from Thatcher, she's led down a dark road toward the angry souls who once tried to steal her soul's energy for another chance at life.
Now Callie must prevent the real world and the spirit world from colliding, and that could mean saying good-bye to people she'd never imagined she'd lose.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 23, 2015
Overall, I can say this was a great series, although I expected more in the ending.
For one, I'm kind of upset with the short small goodbye that Callie and Thatcher had, even though it made me cry; I expected more to the goodbye, and a more twist to the story.
The build up of the plot of so much drama and determination got me excited for the conclusion, although unfortunately the ending fell short.
The fight between Leo, Reena and Callie's group of friends was very short and quick, like the whole build up of the plot was pointless to a short and quick ending.
I feel like the conclusion of this series fell very short, and was short lived. The author could've done a better job in the twist of the story, possibly a better ending with Thatcher and Callie because I absolutely adored them, and wanted a better happy lovey dovey conclusion.
In the end, this series had me cry at the end of both books, and I love the new take and creation of the "after life". I wish there was a continuation, but I respect the authors choice in the book and I do have closure knowing that Thatcher moved on peacefully, and Callie and him said their goodbyes, along with her group of friends not getting possessed but living alive and healthy.
For one, I'm kind of upset with the short small goodbye that Callie and Thatcher had, even though it made me cry; I expected more to the goodbye, and a more twist to the story.
The build up of the plot of so much drama and determination got me excited for the conclusion, although unfortunately the ending fell short.
The fight between Leo, Reena and Callie's group of friends was very short and quick, like the whole build up of the plot was pointless to a short and quick ending.
I feel like the conclusion of this series fell very short, and was short lived. The author could've done a better job in the twist of the story, possibly a better ending with Thatcher and Callie because I absolutely adored them, and wanted a better happy lovey dovey conclusion.
In the end, this series had me cry at the end of both books, and I love the new take and creation of the "after life". I wish there was a continuation, but I respect the authors choice in the book and I do have closure knowing that Thatcher moved on peacefully, and Callie and him said their goodbyes, along with her group of friends not getting possessed but living alive and healthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
From the start of this sequel I knew a completely satisfying ending would be impossible with the difficult circumstances that Callie was left in from the first book. I'm happy to say, though, that although in a perfect world it would've been nice for things to go a different way, I really think Melissa Walker created an ending that tied up all loose ends while still allowing the possibility for other happy endings.
January 16, 2016
Dust to Dust is the sequel to Ashes to Ashes and also the finale. It’s very different from the previous book, which was set in the afterlife called the Prism. Here we have the real-world setting of Charleston, South Carolina. We get to see more of Callie’s friends and school-life. We also get paranormal stuff like ghosts and poltergeists just like the previous book, but now Callie’s not one of there. She’s awake and alive, no longer in a coma.
I did enjoy the characters in this book. The story was character driven, but had a solid plot. We get a lot more of Carson, Callie’s best friend. Carson is very relatable and also obsessed with paranormal stuff and watched ghost hunting shows and supernatural TV and movies. She wants Callie to spill her experience and Callie gives in and Carson is super enthusiast about Callie getting her story out there. Callie rather keep it private.
There’s also Nick, Callie’s boyfriend who not really in love with her anymore. Thatcher who’s a spirit guide and the love interest of the previous book. Callie is still in love with him, but she can’t really interact with him outside of dreams. Dylan, a new character that has a crush on Carson, is kind of a bookish hipster who’s family owns a paranormal book store. He’s always quoting famous people.
This story is very fun a reminiscent of other paranormal stories I’ve read in the past. It’s not cliché but it’s like other ghost books I’ve read that include possessions or the afterlife. Like the Ghost Huntress series, or Hereafter by Tara Hudson. It’s got a lighter tone. Nothing too scary or dark. It’s romance and friendship and hard choices. It’s sometime bitter sweet. I also love the southern setting. Beautiful Creatures was the only other series that really gave me a taste of South Carolina. I actually have a cousin who moved there a while back, but I’ve never been father south the Kentucky. I’d recommend this series to those who want to read a really unique ghost story.
Cover Art Review: Looks like a Shadow Falls novel cover. Not very unique, but it sets a mood. I like the warm tones of orange and pink.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
I did enjoy the characters in this book. The story was character driven, but had a solid plot. We get a lot more of Carson, Callie’s best friend. Carson is very relatable and also obsessed with paranormal stuff and watched ghost hunting shows and supernatural TV and movies. She wants Callie to spill her experience and Callie gives in and Carson is super enthusiast about Callie getting her story out there. Callie rather keep it private.
There’s also Nick, Callie’s boyfriend who not really in love with her anymore. Thatcher who’s a spirit guide and the love interest of the previous book. Callie is still in love with him, but she can’t really interact with him outside of dreams. Dylan, a new character that has a crush on Carson, is kind of a bookish hipster who’s family owns a paranormal book store. He’s always quoting famous people.
This story is very fun a reminiscent of other paranormal stories I’ve read in the past. It’s not cliché but it’s like other ghost books I’ve read that include possessions or the afterlife. Like the Ghost Huntress series, or Hereafter by Tara Hudson. It’s got a lighter tone. Nothing too scary or dark. It’s romance and friendship and hard choices. It’s sometime bitter sweet. I also love the southern setting. Beautiful Creatures was the only other series that really gave me a taste of South Carolina. I actually have a cousin who moved there a while back, but I’ve never been father south the Kentucky. I’d recommend this series to those who want to read a really unique ghost story.
Cover Art Review: Looks like a Shadow Falls novel cover. Not very unique, but it sets a mood. I like the warm tones of orange and pink.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
October 31, 2015
3.5 stars
On one hand, I'm surprised that so few people have read this book. But on the other hand, as unsatisfactory as this book was, I'm not.
At the time that I read this, it was perfect, just because I needed a book that was a bit less deep and overwhelming after reading the Harry Potter series and The Night Circus. So it was a good cool-down read. But subjectively, it wasn't that great. I mean, she doesn't even end up with the boy in the end! What kind of modern young-adult romance novel are you trying to write, Ms. Walker?
Most of the aspects of this book were super predictable after reading the last book. We know there's something "special" about Callie from reading the last book (and, again, because this is a modern young-adult novel), so the whole "you're a death spot, Callie" thing wasn't as groundbreaking as it was supposed to have been.
I did like the characters somewhat, and how they all banded together as a team in the end. That was cute. But the fact that pretty much everyone else ended up happy and in love except THE MAIN CHARACTER was pretty aggravating. (Maybe Callie will somehow fall in love with Eli, I don't know.) Maybe I just expected this book to be super basic, and didn't predict that other things would happen.
It was an okay book.
On one hand, I'm surprised that so few people have read this book. But on the other hand, as unsatisfactory as this book was, I'm not.
At the time that I read this, it was perfect, just because I needed a book that was a bit less deep and overwhelming after reading the Harry Potter series and The Night Circus. So it was a good cool-down read. But subjectively, it wasn't that great. I mean, she doesn't even end up with the boy in the end! What kind of modern young-adult romance novel are you trying to write, Ms. Walker?
Most of the aspects of this book were super predictable after reading the last book. We know there's something "special" about Callie from reading the last book (and, again, because this is a modern young-adult novel), so the whole "you're a death spot, Callie" thing wasn't as groundbreaking as it was supposed to have been.
I did like the characters somewhat, and how they all banded together as a team in the end. That was cute. But the fact that pretty much everyone else ended up happy and in love except THE MAIN CHARACTER was pretty aggravating. (Maybe Callie will somehow fall in love with Eli, I don't know.) Maybe I just expected this book to be super basic, and didn't predict that other things would happen.
It was an okay book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
May 26, 2014I need something, some blurb, to live on! Can't wait until December...WHY?!?!?
May 27, 2015
Should have known :'(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
I wasn't ready to leave these characters. Great follow up to the first book. I'm sorry it's the last.
September 25, 2023
Ashes to Ashes set up all of the problems that get resolved in Dust to Dust. Callie has woken up from her coma and slowly realizes that she really has experienced the Prism where the dead hang in limbo until their loved ones are ready to let them go. As Callie tries to readjust to the life among the living, Leo and Reena become more and more of a threat to the safety of Callie's friend, Carson. Callie's love for Nick has faded into a friendship that she finds extremely valuable and a new character, Dylan, has answers to many of the questions that Callie has been asking herself.
This story takes on a different tone than Ashes to Ashes because most of it takes place in the real world where the problems that they face are truly life and death. The ending wasn't necessarily to my liking but it's really the only way the story could have gone. Satisfying if not happy. A good read.
This story takes on a different tone than Ashes to Ashes because most of it takes place in the real world where the problems that they face are truly life and death. The ending wasn't necessarily to my liking but it's really the only way the story could have gone. Satisfying if not happy. A good read.
December 29, 2019
This book broke my heart. It was sort of a happy ending, but I wish Callie and Thatcher had found a way to end up together, whether it was they were both dead or both alive. There was a moment when I actually thought Carson and Eli were gone, and I literally felt my heart break. Overall, this book was amazing and did a really good job at making my heart stop at a few moments, especially the moment when Thatcher and Callie had to say goodbye. I really want to say I hate this book, because it makes me so sad every time I think about Thatcher and Callie’s goodbye. I can’t, though. I remember when I read the first book, Ashes to Ashes. I finished that in a day, too. Somehow I blame myself for not knowing it would end like this. I’m still really upset. It’s so crazy but it sort of feels like I’m Callie, like I’m the one who lost Thatcher. I try and talk to myself, saying they weren’t really meant to be. If you really think about it, they weren’t meant to be together. When Callie was six, her mom died. Her mom died the same year Thatcher died. That means that even if Thatcher was still alive, he’d be 26 and she’d be 16. And even if Thatcher never merged with Solus (because Wendy never healed) and he stayed in the Prism, if he waited for her, Callie would probably die old and they would have to meet in the forms they died in. If you really think about it, this book is sick in so many ways, but I have to admit I’ve loved every second of it. And even though Leo and Reena were the villains in the story, I can’t help but understand where they’re coming from. Of course anyone would try and find a way back to the living. They were so normal before, so happy. They didn’t want to accept their fate, it was too soon. Especially when they went to Leo’s house and saw his pictures, his art, his life. The main thing I’ve really learned from this book is how hard it is to let go. In my opinion, Thatcher and Callie’s goodbye needed more attention. It was only a moment they had, and I hated that. I hated how they had to pretend they would do things together, like go to Europe and see places like Italy and Spain. It was literally like two pages. It wasn’t fair to the reader. At the end, when Dylan realized Leo, Reena, and Thatcher all had to merge at the same time (because they all died together) and Thatcher said there’s only one more person holding onto his soul, it made me so sad. (I’ve mentioned that. Still.) It was clearly Callie he was talking about. But let’s be real: how easy is it to let go of someone you’ve grown to love with every inch of your soul? I think we can all agree here how terribly difficult and challenging it is. So how was she able to let him go so quickly? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: that scene needed much more depth. Anyway, moral of the story is, what I desperately need authors to do (or readers) is to WARN readers ahead of time that the book will be sad. SO THAT I DON’T PICK IT UP. I hate sad stories WITH a passion because I actually take things to heart. It’s sort of strange, how well I put myself in the protagonist’s shoes. As if I’ve felt what they’ve felt before. ANYWAY. Hopefully I get over this book soon. Byee, thanks for reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2018
I would have liked to read how Reena and Leo's souls were banished. I got all excited and then nothing it was as if the author wanted to finish up the ending of the book. I liked the Thatcher and Callie ending thought it was thoughtful and beautiful but I would have loved to know more about the banishment of the other two souls as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Callie woke up from a coma. When she was in a coma, she was in the prism where she met a boy she liked namer thatcher. When she wakes up from the coma, she receives signs that thatcher exists. Callie tries to find out who he was before he died. In the end she fights the bad people from the prism world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
I really dont know how to rate this book.
The first one lives rent free in my heart.
This one, felt like a waste of time. 20+ chapters of wasted time for a one chapter climax.
I did enjoy how Melissa explained more of Callie, as it answered all the questions..... but it was too much of nothing & not enough of everything all at the same time.
The first one lives rent free in my heart.
This one, felt like a waste of time. 20+ chapters of wasted time for a one chapter climax.
I did enjoy how Melissa explained more of Callie, as it answered all the questions..... but it was too much of nothing & not enough of everything all at the same time.
October 21, 2017
A really fantastic sequel! I enjoyed it so much, being in the Living world, and the problems from her coma/death! Bittersweet ending, but it worked out, and really the only way things could've ended that was good!
January 26, 2019
This is the conclusion to an awe inspiring duology that makes you think about your life, friends, family. The mc grows a lot during this story and you find her having a lot more confidence in her decisions than in the first book.
January 14, 2019
I liked the first book in this series ( Ashes to Ashes) a lot better giving it 5 stars.
February 8, 2019
I enjoyed the series overall, but I wish there could have been a different ending.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2020
Great ending to the series
January 5, 2021
absolutely incredible. devoured in two days. couldn't put it down.
Read
June 2, 2021Didn't end how I wanted it to but I guess the ending is alright. I'm glad her and Wendy became close so that she could still be in Thatchers life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
loved it alot gonna buy it
December 15, 2025
I can’t figure out if it’s a young adult novel or not but o stall I thought it was good. A fantasy book that gives step by step info into understanding as it starts out more realistic fiction.
June 16, 2015
This excerpt is taken from my full review found HERE at Into the Hall of Books.
I enjoyed both Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust, which makes me happy because I'm such a big fan of Author Melissa C. Walker. This book is an easy continuation with an easy transition from one book to the next. To me, the two best plot lines in Dust to Dust are the good vs. evil plot thread with the poltergeists from Prism and the love triangle with Callie, Nick, and Thatcher. I loved these parts of the story because I genuinely didn't know what the final outcome would be until it was down to the wire.
1. The poltergeists figured out in the first book that they could harness Callie's energy and use it to their benefit, causing all sorts of trouble both in Prism and on earth. NOW they are trying to take this a step further and cause permanent changes to things on earth, which can be devastating for some people, including some of the people that Callie loves most. Callie is willing to do anything in her power to stop these poltergeists and keep people safe, including risk her own life.
There are instances of pure meanness by the poltergeists along with some pretty neat action sequences. This led up to a scene in which Callie had to make some big decisions - saving some that she loves could possibly risk losing others that she loves. There is plenty to go along with this plot thread and it is probably the driving force of the book, but getting too detailed here is not necessary. I just found it an interesting arc across the two books, I liked the trickster-antics of the poltergeists and their manipulative ways, and I appreciate all that they brought to the series even though they were the actual bad guys.
2. This love triangle was so tricky! It was tricky in the first book and it was no less tricky in this installment. I'm not sure that I've come across a situation like this before in my own reading and I was actually surprised by how everything ended up - I liked it. I think there is more resolution than I could have hoped for. Still, with any love triangle, there is heartbreak and that is present here too. (I'm interested in seeing how readers respond here.)
I also liked:
3. The new character, Dylan. Most of the characters returned from the first book, which is always fun, but Dylan is a fresh, quirky voice in this book and it is actually very needed. Dylan's position in the story is quite original, he is funny, and he brings relief to the story during a couple of scenes that need it.
4. Relationships. I love the way Callie and her father have a fresh, restored relationship after her accident, as if her brush with death has opened their eyes to how precious life is. This isn't a topic that is explored very often in young adult books from my experience, and I love seeing it written in a way that feels authentic and realistic across both of the books in this duology. I also love the relationship between Callie and her best friend, Carson. Carson is a little on the sometimes-annoying side, but Callie is too at times - what BFF isn't every now and then, right? What these two have is a friendship that transcends those annoying and trying times and appears quite genuine, a real love for one another, and I love that representation in this series. This is one thing that I notice consistently in Melissa C. Walker's books - great friendships.
Melissa C. Walker's Ashes Series is certainly a departure from her contemporary young adult, but I enjoyed it. I think that if I'm honest, it's most fair to say that I love the contemporary the best, but this series is definitely fun. I love her take on the afterlife and ghosts, and I love that she is always able to bring a very subtle spiritual undertone to her stories without being annoying or hurtful. Dust to Dust is a fitting sequel to Ashes to Ashes - I loved these characters and I do feel that they are all where they should be, doing what they should be doing. I recommend Dust to Dust to readers that enjoy stories involving ghosts, great friendships, and restored family relationships.
I enjoyed both Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust, which makes me happy because I'm such a big fan of Author Melissa C. Walker. This book is an easy continuation with an easy transition from one book to the next. To me, the two best plot lines in Dust to Dust are the good vs. evil plot thread with the poltergeists from Prism and the love triangle with Callie, Nick, and Thatcher. I loved these parts of the story because I genuinely didn't know what the final outcome would be until it was down to the wire.
1. The poltergeists figured out in the first book that they could harness Callie's energy and use it to their benefit, causing all sorts of trouble both in Prism and on earth. NOW they are trying to take this a step further and cause permanent changes to things on earth, which can be devastating for some people, including some of the people that Callie loves most. Callie is willing to do anything in her power to stop these poltergeists and keep people safe, including risk her own life.
There are instances of pure meanness by the poltergeists along with some pretty neat action sequences. This led up to a scene in which Callie had to make some big decisions - saving some that she loves could possibly risk losing others that she loves. There is plenty to go along with this plot thread and it is probably the driving force of the book, but getting too detailed here is not necessary. I just found it an interesting arc across the two books, I liked the trickster-antics of the poltergeists and their manipulative ways, and I appreciate all that they brought to the series even though they were the actual bad guys.
2. This love triangle was so tricky! It was tricky in the first book and it was no less tricky in this installment. I'm not sure that I've come across a situation like this before in my own reading and I was actually surprised by how everything ended up - I liked it. I think there is more resolution than I could have hoped for. Still, with any love triangle, there is heartbreak and that is present here too. (I'm interested in seeing how readers respond here.)
I also liked:
3. The new character, Dylan. Most of the characters returned from the first book, which is always fun, but Dylan is a fresh, quirky voice in this book and it is actually very needed. Dylan's position in the story is quite original, he is funny, and he brings relief to the story during a couple of scenes that need it.
4. Relationships. I love the way Callie and her father have a fresh, restored relationship after her accident, as if her brush with death has opened their eyes to how precious life is. This isn't a topic that is explored very often in young adult books from my experience, and I love seeing it written in a way that feels authentic and realistic across both of the books in this duology. I also love the relationship between Callie and her best friend, Carson. Carson is a little on the sometimes-annoying side, but Callie is too at times - what BFF isn't every now and then, right? What these two have is a friendship that transcends those annoying and trying times and appears quite genuine, a real love for one another, and I love that representation in this series. This is one thing that I notice consistently in Melissa C. Walker's books - great friendships.
Melissa C. Walker's Ashes Series is certainly a departure from her contemporary young adult, but I enjoyed it. I think that if I'm honest, it's most fair to say that I love the contemporary the best, but this series is definitely fun. I love her take on the afterlife and ghosts, and I love that she is always able to bring a very subtle spiritual undertone to her stories without being annoying or hurtful. Dust to Dust is a fitting sequel to Ashes to Ashes - I loved these characters and I do feel that they are all where they should be, doing what they should be doing. I recommend Dust to Dust to readers that enjoy stories involving ghosts, great friendships, and restored family relationships.
November 14, 2015
3.7 stars.
Dust to Dust is well-written and full of a lovely sentimentality. The idea that our deceased loved ones don't leave us until we are ready for them to do so is a key component of the story, and the details surrounding such a scenario make for a lot of hefty sighing and tearing up. The premise -- i.e. that souls wait in limbo after their bodies die to go to Solus [like peace], and can either help or hurt those back on earth, helping by quietly impressing feelings of peace and contentment, or gentle assurances that they are well, upon their loved ones; hurting by malevolent haunting or supernatural blustering -- is neat and fairly original, as far as I can tell. The characters are believable, likable, and well-developed, and the romance is poignant with a satisfying end. This isn't simply another happily-ever-after paranormal adventure story; it asks some interesting questions and will keep readers engaged and invested.
I love that Walker chose Charleston for this novel's setting; Charleston has such a rich tradition of ghost lore and paranormal activity that it felt totally natural and even feasible for this story to happen there. Ghost story aficionados should be tickled by the choice, as well.
To be honest, about halfway through the story, I was annoyed by the way it was going. It felt like just another Twilight, albeit much better written, except that, since vampires and werewolves are played out and zombies need some adjustment before they make acceptable love interests, our specially gifted and fearless protagonist Callie is in love with a ghost.. the ultimate in unattainable, I guess. I'm glad I kept reading, however.
SPOILER: the girl doesn't get the ghost, in the end; instead, she gets a hard-won lesson on the true natures of love, peace, and self-sacrifice.
I am a big fan of happy-ever-after, but in this book the bittersweet ending works so well. I like and respect Callie so much more as a heroine for the way she reacts when she doesn't get her way; the heartache she accepts and endures is a much better indicator of her moral fiber than all the headstrong and impetuous problem-solving she attempts throughout the novel, and her decision is completely motivated by the greater good, and what would be best for all of her loved ones instead of herself. She is proven loving, loyal, and utterly unselfish, an unusual combination for a teenage protagonist, and the book ends on a hopeful note, with no real opportunity for a sequel.
There are several questions posed about death and the after-life and plenty of speculation on what happens between those two. It's all very interesting, discussion-worthy stuff, and could prove valuable to those coping with death, as long as they don't get too wrapped up in the fantasy aspects.
This is a well-done novel; it takes on a heavy and complex issue but manages to keep it light and accessible, entertaining, and widely appealing. Moreover, I could find no reason for the book to be deemed insulting to members of any religious or philosophical camps -- and I was looking; this is a touchy subject. I will probably recommend this one to young readers without reservation.
Dust to Dust is well-written and full of a lovely sentimentality. The idea that our deceased loved ones don't leave us until we are ready for them to do so is a key component of the story, and the details surrounding such a scenario make for a lot of hefty sighing and tearing up. The premise -- i.e. that souls wait in limbo after their bodies die to go to Solus [like peace], and can either help or hurt those back on earth, helping by quietly impressing feelings of peace and contentment, or gentle assurances that they are well, upon their loved ones; hurting by malevolent haunting or supernatural blustering -- is neat and fairly original, as far as I can tell. The characters are believable, likable, and well-developed, and the romance is poignant with a satisfying end. This isn't simply another happily-ever-after paranormal adventure story; it asks some interesting questions and will keep readers engaged and invested.
I love that Walker chose Charleston for this novel's setting; Charleston has such a rich tradition of ghost lore and paranormal activity that it felt totally natural and even feasible for this story to happen there. Ghost story aficionados should be tickled by the choice, as well.
To be honest, about halfway through the story, I was annoyed by the way it was going. It felt like just another Twilight, albeit much better written, except that, since vampires and werewolves are played out and zombies need some adjustment before they make acceptable love interests, our specially gifted and fearless protagonist Callie is in love with a ghost.. the ultimate in unattainable, I guess. I'm glad I kept reading, however.
SPOILER: the girl doesn't get the ghost, in the end; instead, she gets a hard-won lesson on the true natures of love, peace, and self-sacrifice.
I am a big fan of happy-ever-after, but in this book the bittersweet ending works so well. I like and respect Callie so much more as a heroine for the way she reacts when she doesn't get her way; the heartache she accepts and endures is a much better indicator of her moral fiber than all the headstrong and impetuous problem-solving she attempts throughout the novel, and her decision is completely motivated by the greater good, and what would be best for all of her loved ones instead of herself. She is proven loving, loyal, and utterly unselfish, an unusual combination for a teenage protagonist, and the book ends on a hopeful note, with no real opportunity for a sequel.
There are several questions posed about death and the after-life and plenty of speculation on what happens between those two. It's all very interesting, discussion-worthy stuff, and could prove valuable to those coping with death, as long as they don't get too wrapped up in the fantasy aspects.
This is a well-done novel; it takes on a heavy and complex issue but manages to keep it light and accessible, entertaining, and widely appealing. Moreover, I could find no reason for the book to be deemed insulting to members of any religious or philosophical camps -- and I was looking; this is a touchy subject. I will probably recommend this one to young readers without reservation.
February 19, 2015
I liked the first book, and I still love the concept of ghosts haunting their loved ones in order to help them get over their loss. But the second part of the duet just didn't work as well for me. I was glad to see past favorites (Nick and Thatcher) and really enjoyed new character, Dylan Dixon, and more importantly, his family's bookstore. But I had found myself annoyed with Carson and even more at Callie, who just seemed dumbed down. Then something happened about halfway through the book that I found flat out gross (although I'm sure others will swoon), and it made everything else after less interesting to me because I kind of stopped caring about Callie's fate.
But in glad I stuck it out, because I think the author did a good job with the ending. I was afraid it would be magically wrapped up on a bow, and while it was a good ending, it wasn't a fan fiction kind of end (you know, the one where everything was just a dream, the love interests are both alive and expecting twins and there's cupcakes and birds helping the heroine to dress in the morning). Instead the ending was sweetly bittersweet.
So while this book didn't work as well as Ashes to Ashes did for me, it was still an okay read. I gravitate to dark and twisty books, but sometimes it's nice to have something a little sweeter, a little lighter, even though it still deals with ghosts and poltergeists. For those of you that really liked book 1, then you'll like book 2. If you're a Thatcher fan, then book 2 is worth reading (I may be in the minority of liking Nick more, not that I wanted him with Callie for a HEA). Dust to Dust just wasn't my favorite read of February.
But in glad I stuck it out, because I think the author did a good job with the ending. I was afraid it would be magically wrapped up on a bow, and while it was a good ending, it wasn't a fan fiction kind of end (you know, the one where everything was just a dream, the love interests are both alive and expecting twins and there's cupcakes and birds helping the heroine to dress in the morning). Instead the ending was sweetly bittersweet.
So while this book didn't work as well as Ashes to Ashes did for me, it was still an okay read. I gravitate to dark and twisty books, but sometimes it's nice to have something a little sweeter, a little lighter, even though it still deals with ghosts and poltergeists. For those of you that really liked book 1, then you'll like book 2. If you're a Thatcher fan, then book 2 is worth reading (I may be in the minority of liking Nick more, not that I wanted him with Callie for a HEA). Dust to Dust just wasn't my favorite read of February.
September 7, 2016
This sequel to Ashes to Ashes could be read as a stand-alone, but the reader of the first book will see a deeper exploration of themes in the sequel. Sixteen year Callie McPhee wakes up from a coma after being involved in a serious accident in which her family thought she might not return from. While in the coma, Callie’s soul was in the spirit world called the Prism. Prism is a spirit world for souls not ready to move on and still have ties to the living. She is glad to be reconnecting with Carson, Nick and her dad on earth, but wonders can she ever return or reconnect to the Prism. Thatcher, who was her guide to helping her family move on while in the Prism, tries to contact her even though it breaks the rules. He needs her to know that Reena and Leo, who were stealing her energy in the Prism, were able to stay on earth and are now missing. Can Callie prevent her earthly family and friends from clashing with friends and enemies from the spirit world? Will there be love lost as well as life when Callie continues her emotional and incognizant attitude on earth?
June 25, 2015
When I first read Ashes to Ashes, it was an extended excerpt, featuring the first 100 pages. It was the first time I put in time to read a novel knowing that I didn't have the whole novel. Ashes to Ashes had such a intriguing concept that I needed to read it. Although I finished the first hundred pages, I wasn't exactly excited to finish it as I realized that Calla was quite immature, so I held reading the first book for quite some time until in the summer, I sat down and finished the book. And I loved it. It was thrilling and intense and it ended on a cliffhanger and I needed that book madly. After completing Dust to Dust, I am still experiencing ALL THE FEELS. It was heart-breaking to read, but still bittersweet.
I loved all the characters - Thatcher, Nick, Callie and the rest of the crew. Their friendship was hilarious and heartwarming. I loved this book duology and I wish that it didn't have to end. This duology is a must!
I loved all the characters - Thatcher, Nick, Callie and the rest of the crew. Their friendship was hilarious and heartwarming. I loved this book duology and I wish that it didn't have to end. This duology is a must!
October 8, 2015
HOLY SH*T,excuse my profanity but it is worth it.WHY???!!!!!WHY DID YOU MAKE THATCHER GO AWAY???!!! I FREAKIN CRIED!The story was so incredible and I really loved Ashes to Ashes too.I guess Thatcher going away added to the end of the book....Still...UGH!!! The Poltergists are sooo annoying.It kind of made me sympathize with them though because they just wanted to keep on living but it was soo terribly wrong for them to take over other people's lives.They were once normal people...
July 1, 2015
I refuse to accept this ending. :( The first book was one of my favorites so I couldn't wait to read this. I'll admit I liked the first better by far. it just flowed a little smoother. connections were stronger. Cali seemed whiny in this one. It felt like it dragged on at times but other than that it was a full filling ending..kinda. I just loved Thatcher so much and I really hoped something good would happen. which it did but just not what I was expecting. :p
June 2, 2017
4.3 stars!
Death and life in the afterworld are a huge part of the duology. Interesting plot filled with ghost, romance and edge of seat narrative kept me wondering what would happen next. Emotional and truly captivating. Callie's strong support system from her dad, best friend and boyfriend is really great. Even though the novel ends with a shocking twist, the second novel concludes nicely. A great read for paranormal fans.
Death and life in the afterworld are a huge part of the duology. Interesting plot filled with ghost, romance and edge of seat narrative kept me wondering what would happen next. Emotional and truly captivating. Callie's strong support system from her dad, best friend and boyfriend is really great. Even though the novel ends with a shocking twist, the second novel concludes nicely. A great read for paranormal fans.
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