What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadows of the World #1
Halton Cray
When Alexandra Turner takes a job at the eerie Tudor mansion, Halton Cray, she needs all her wit and spirit to cope with the enigmatic Thom Rues. While a near constant fog envelopes the estate, Alex begins questioning the bizarre things she’s seeing around him as gossip circulates that Thom is more than just different. Determined not to let rumours influence her, Alex tries to learn who he really is, even as he provokes her with his dark sense of humour. But discovery of Thom’s terrible secret propels Alex’s life in a direction she could have never predicted.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2014
19 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
N.B. Roberts
2 books52 followersN.B. Roberts is the author of Halton Cray, her debut novel to the Shadows of the World series, inspired by Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.
Born and raised in Kent, United Kingdom, N.B. Roberts resides there with her fiancé and their daughter. Until recently she led the exciting work-life of software analysis/consultancy. Now a full time mother and part time writer, storytelling is a welcome larger part of everyday life. When she is not writing (washing clothes, feeding baby, etc.) she also enjoys reading, painting, dancing, pyjama days and chocolate.
You may contact the author at N.B.Roberts@outlook.com
Born and raised in Kent, United Kingdom, N.B. Roberts resides there with her fiancé and their daughter. Until recently she led the exciting work-life of software analysis/consultancy. Now a full time mother and part time writer, storytelling is a welcome larger part of everyday life. When she is not writing (washing clothes, feeding baby, etc.) she also enjoys reading, painting, dancing, pyjama days and chocolate.
You may contact the author at N.B.Roberts@outlook.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 30, 2022
I enjoyed the book quite a bit.
Halton Cray has pretty great moments, while others are more mediocre.
It has a slow build up, but very intriguing. There are some parts that drag a bit, while others are so interesting you can’t take your eyes away from the words. There is suspense and mystery. There is a moment that, giving the right circumstances in which you read it, it can be even scary. Since I was reading it alone at night, at around 2 in the morning, I became scared shitless for a while and amused at the same time. Let me tell you, those are an odd pair of emotions to put together but it was fantastic. I became really excited about the book from that moment on.
I had some issues with the book that prevented me from giving it 5 stars:
- It made no sense to me that the book was so chaste since the MCs (Alex and Thom) were 21 and 31 years old. That has decreased my rating considerably. I would have giving it more stars with a more mature content. Then towards the end, the characters changed. Thom lost some of his spark (personality wise), as if love had mellowed him, I missed his deviousness and playfulness; while Alex became preteen-like regarding sexual closeness. I really missed more PASSION and smut in here.
- There were normal, everyday situations I didn't find very logical or completely believable: I just don’t see a logical explanation to justify any of those actions. The first is excused by saying they don’t need distractions and the second by saying those are all the cloths she has. I am sorry but that is ridiculous, impractical and honestly, just plain weird. ¿Who does that? Maybe preteens would, but as sure as hell not rational adults.
However, despite those issues, the supernatural part was fantastic. It surprised me. I wasn't expecting it to be so subtle and original. In a world where all paranormal stuff has become cliché, it was very refreshing. I think the author did a great job here and I applaud her for it.
Halton Cray is some kind of cross between The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, and Twilight. I must say that it ended up being a great combination.
While I was reading, I was seeing everything in my head like it was a movie. So, I would absolutely go to the cinema if this book is someday made into a film.
I am so looking forward for the next installment. I will definitely be reading this series.
P.S.: I love the cover. :D
Re-read:
My original rating of this book was 3.5 stars. Later, I decided to give it the full 4 star rating. I changed my mind after reading a few other books of the genre and rereading this one. However, I must say that I am disappointed at the huge delay for The 13th Baronet's publication date. The date has been pushed back repeatedly, it just keeps changing, to the point where it has become frustrating.
Halton Cray has pretty great moments, while others are more mediocre.
It has a slow build up, but very intriguing. There are some parts that drag a bit, while others are so interesting you can’t take your eyes away from the words. There is suspense and mystery. There is a moment that, giving the right circumstances in which you read it, it can be even scary. Since I was reading it alone at night, at around 2 in the morning, I became scared shitless for a while and amused at the same time. Let me tell you, those are an odd pair of emotions to put together but it was fantastic. I became really excited about the book from that moment on.
I had some issues with the book that prevented me from giving it 5 stars:
- It made no sense to me that the book was so chaste since the MCs (Alex and Thom) were 21 and 31 years old. That has decreased my rating considerably. I would have giving it more stars with a more mature content. Then towards the end, the characters changed. Thom lost some of his spark (personality wise), as if love had mellowed him, I missed his deviousness and playfulness; while Alex became preteen-like regarding sexual closeness. I really missed more PASSION and smut in here.
- There were normal, everyday situations I didn't find very logical or completely believable: I just don’t see a logical explanation to justify any of those actions. The first is excused by saying they don’t need distractions and the second by saying those are all the cloths she has. I am sorry but that is ridiculous, impractical and honestly, just plain weird. ¿Who does that? Maybe preteens would, but as sure as hell not rational adults.
However, despite those issues, the supernatural part was fantastic. It surprised me. I wasn't expecting it to be so subtle and original. In a world where all paranormal stuff has become cliché, it was very refreshing. I think the author did a great job here and I applaud her for it.
Halton Cray is some kind of cross between The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, and Twilight. I must say that it ended up being a great combination.
While I was reading, I was seeing everything in my head like it was a movie. So, I would absolutely go to the cinema if this book is someday made into a film.
I am so looking forward for the next installment. I will definitely be reading this series.
P.S.: I love the cover. :D
Re-read:
My original rating of this book was 3.5 stars. Later, I decided to give it the full 4 star rating. I changed my mind after reading a few other books of the genre and rereading this one. However, I must say that I am disappointed at the huge delay for The 13th Baronet's publication date. The date has been pushed back repeatedly, it just keeps changing, to the point where it has become frustrating.
November 12, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is absolutely mesmerizing. If I could give it 100 stars, I would!
The protagonist, Alex, is a lovable twenty-one year old female. She starts working at a mansion in England called Halton Cray. The mansion is filled with a history of ghost stories, with people always claiming to see spirits on the grounds.
She soon meets the mysterious curator, Thom, and they embark on a push and pull friendship that had me begging for more. Thom is mean and sarcastic towards Alex and she holds her ground. The banter between these two characters is laugh out loud funny at times and always addicting. Everyone else at the Cray is put off by Thom, calling him 'the ghost', suspicious of his behavior. But Alex feels feels a connection to Thom and wants to learn more about him. I felt the same pull as Alex towards Thom's character, always eager to see him. It didn't hurt that I pictured him like this ...
N.B. Robert's writing style is top notch. The world that she created is beautifully descriptive. I was at the Cray with Thom and Alex! It was painful to be pulled away. The Cray itself was incredibly haunting. As strange things started to happen, I felt just as anxious as the characters in the story. During a Christmas party in the mansion, a blackout occurred and I actually felt scared! It was during this blackout that Alex started to realize that something peculiar was going on with Thom and that her feelings were growing stronger. The mystery surrounding Thom was probably the most addicting part of this story. I made plenty of predictions - I thought I knew! - but I didn't anticipate the secret that finally came to light.
It was dark - creative - sinister - sad
I couldn't have asked for a better twist. After the big reveal, a new storyline starts to take shape. Unfortunately, I can't talk about much of anything without giving away spoilers. This is definitely a book that thrives on unanswered questions, making it all the more thrilling.
I felt such excitement while reading this book. I am wildly impressed with N.B. Robert's storytelling ability, along with the impressive imagery and emotion that flew off of these pages.
I cannot categorize this novel in any one genre. It had mystery, romance, horror, and paranormal elements. It explores the curiosities surrounding life and death, having deep and dark themes. Every chapter opened up with a different quote, many from classic works of literature. These quotes related to the story and helped take me deeper into it on an emotional level.
I think it's safe to say that this novel was near perfection for me. I have no complaints. Only one question.
When will I get to read the second installment???
Thank you, N.B. Roberts, you are Brilliant!!!
http://meetmybookboyfriend.wordpress.com
This novel is absolutely mesmerizing. If I could give it 100 stars, I would!
The protagonist, Alex, is a lovable twenty-one year old female. She starts working at a mansion in England called Halton Cray. The mansion is filled with a history of ghost stories, with people always claiming to see spirits on the grounds.
She soon meets the mysterious curator, Thom, and they embark on a push and pull friendship that had me begging for more. Thom is mean and sarcastic towards Alex and she holds her ground. The banter between these two characters is laugh out loud funny at times and always addicting. Everyone else at the Cray is put off by Thom, calling him 'the ghost', suspicious of his behavior. But Alex feels feels a connection to Thom and wants to learn more about him. I felt the same pull as Alex towards Thom's character, always eager to see him. It didn't hurt that I pictured him like this ...
N.B. Robert's writing style is top notch. The world that she created is beautifully descriptive. I was at the Cray with Thom and Alex! It was painful to be pulled away. The Cray itself was incredibly haunting. As strange things started to happen, I felt just as anxious as the characters in the story. During a Christmas party in the mansion, a blackout occurred and I actually felt scared! It was during this blackout that Alex started to realize that something peculiar was going on with Thom and that her feelings were growing stronger. The mystery surrounding Thom was probably the most addicting part of this story. I made plenty of predictions - I thought I knew! - but I didn't anticipate the secret that finally came to light.
It was dark - creative - sinister - sad
I couldn't have asked for a better twist. After the big reveal, a new storyline starts to take shape. Unfortunately, I can't talk about much of anything without giving away spoilers. This is definitely a book that thrives on unanswered questions, making it all the more thrilling.
I felt such excitement while reading this book. I am wildly impressed with N.B. Robert's storytelling ability, along with the impressive imagery and emotion that flew off of these pages.
I cannot categorize this novel in any one genre. It had mystery, romance, horror, and paranormal elements. It explores the curiosities surrounding life and death, having deep and dark themes. Every chapter opened up with a different quote, many from classic works of literature. These quotes related to the story and helped take me deeper into it on an emotional level.
I think it's safe to say that this novel was near perfection for me. I have no complaints. Only one question.
When will I get to read the second installment???
Thank you, N.B. Roberts, you are Brilliant!!!
http://meetmybookboyfriend.wordpress.com
January 22, 2016
2016 Re-read: Still Love
Jane Eyre is my absolute favorite book. I mean, I have a quote from it freaking tattooed on my neck. So I was excited when I heard about this contemporary story inspired by Jane Eyre, but with a paranormal twist. I. Loved. It.
I thought Alex was such a great character. She was strong, sarcastic and enjoyed spending time in old haunted mansions. My kind of girl. I also loved Thom. He was kind of manic-y in his interactions with Alex, but in the best possible way. Does that even make sense? I couldn't wait to find out what his "madwoman in the attic" flaw would be, and it did not disappoint.
And I wish Halton Cray was a real place. I would be there in a heartbeat. Such a great story, and I'm so excited to read the second book when it comes out!
Jane Eyre is my absolute favorite book. I mean, I have a quote from it freaking tattooed on my neck. So I was excited when I heard about this contemporary story inspired by Jane Eyre, but with a paranormal twist. I. Loved. It.
I thought Alex was such a great character. She was strong, sarcastic and enjoyed spending time in old haunted mansions. My kind of girl. I also loved Thom. He was kind of manic-y in his interactions with Alex, but in the best possible way. Does that even make sense? I couldn't wait to find out what his "madwoman in the attic" flaw would be, and it did not disappoint.
And I wish Halton Cray was a real place. I would be there in a heartbeat. Such a great story, and I'm so excited to read the second book when it comes out!
November 29, 2015
Review is also posted on Let’s Say It’s A Blog.
OMG.OMG.OMG.OMG!!!
Oh. My. God.
Halton Cray is the best young-adult fantasy book I ever read my whole life!
Really. I’m not exaggerating things here. I’m stating the fact.
Truthfully, I am not really into fantasy or paranormal type of books. I love young adults, but I never really fancy those with fantasy feels inside. I did read several young adult fantasies that (mostly) contained forbidden love between human and mysterious characters but not even one has ‘kicked’ the romance radar inside me. Until Halton Cray.
Halton Cray is a love story that inspired by Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre. I have to admit that this was the main reason I chose to add this book on my tbr list this December. The story started with the heroine of this book, Alexandra Turner, who was kind of ‘forced’ to work part time in a little shop inside Halton Cray, an old building that people believed was haunted by the former heir, Sir Halton Cray. All this happened so sudden and rather strange but she agreed anyway. Meeting an annoying stranger who turned out the curator in Halton Cray, experiencing eerie situations almost everyday, and having a boss who was obviously disliked her didn’t make brave-curious Alex to back off from working there. Later, she even found herself rather enjoying working there for some reasons... or a reason, maybe.
Thomas Rues was the curator in Halton Cray. In Alex’s eyes, Thom was the most irritating man she has ever met. Added with all those strange auras radiated from his direction, Thom became the most evitable guy in Halton Cray’s area. But there was something that oddly pulling Alex closer to him. Being Alex, she broke the spell people had encircled on Thom in her own way that blew away them both.
God, I want so badly to write more about the story but I don’t know how without exposing some spoilers and I DON’T WANT TO. I want people to start reading this without any further information about the content because this book has so many surprises that will totally blow your minds!
I really had a high expectation on this book. And damn was this book beyond what I wanted! Every page had made me excited and wanted more and more. I felt like throwing my reader across the room and buy a new one everytime the scene became awe-freaking-somely mind-blowing. God, I love every single thing on this book. The characters, both main characters, are so lovable I want to ship them my whole life. Alexandra is one adorable stubborn girl with all her witty persona. Same as her, Thom is also damn witty even though he successfully covered it with his cold appearance. I really really reallyyyyyyyyyy loved the banters between them! Heck, it was damn funny! I had to suppress my urge to laugh out loud while my mom was around. Despite the horror-stricken scenes, I enjoyed every second of it a lot (although I had to read it during days instead of at night because yeah, I am just lame like that). The romance is so strong I LOVE IT!! Here is my favorite quote from the book:
God knows what a sucker I am for romance and funny reads. Well, Halton Cray manages to give it all to me. The ending is something beyond your imagination and I LOVE IT SO DAMN MUCH!! Oh God, just how many I’ve said I love this book I just want to say it over and over again…
N.B. Roberts is so brilliant! The joke she slipped inside the story was so funny. The ‘Alex Turner’ one was so hilarious! I am still having a hard time believing this is her debut novel. HALTON CRAY IS DEFINITELY TOO FREAKING AWESOME TO BE A DEBUT NOVEL!!!
God, everyone should read this book! Like… RIGHT. NOW.
My most favorite part of this book is the chapter after epilogue: Excerpt. YES! Halton Cray is the first book of Shadows of the World series. This baby is gonna have a sister called The 13th Baronet . God, asdfhaghlsjdhfg I cannot wait!!
OMG.OMG.OMG.OMG!!!
Oh. My. God.
Halton Cray is the best young-adult fantasy book I ever read my whole life!
Really. I’m not exaggerating things here. I’m stating the fact.
Truthfully, I am not really into fantasy or paranormal type of books. I love young adults, but I never really fancy those with fantasy feels inside. I did read several young adult fantasies that (mostly) contained forbidden love between human and mysterious characters but not even one has ‘kicked’ the romance radar inside me. Until Halton Cray.
Halton Cray is a love story that inspired by Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre. I have to admit that this was the main reason I chose to add this book on my tbr list this December. The story started with the heroine of this book, Alexandra Turner, who was kind of ‘forced’ to work part time in a little shop inside Halton Cray, an old building that people believed was haunted by the former heir, Sir Halton Cray. All this happened so sudden and rather strange but she agreed anyway. Meeting an annoying stranger who turned out the curator in Halton Cray, experiencing eerie situations almost everyday, and having a boss who was obviously disliked her didn’t make brave-curious Alex to back off from working there. Later, she even found herself rather enjoying working there for some reasons... or a reason, maybe.
Thomas Rues was the curator in Halton Cray. In Alex’s eyes, Thom was the most irritating man she has ever met. Added with all those strange auras radiated from his direction, Thom became the most evitable guy in Halton Cray’s area. But there was something that oddly pulling Alex closer to him. Being Alex, she broke the spell people had encircled on Thom in her own way that blew away them both.
‘The toughest reflection is that of truth, which is only visible to some.’
God, I want so badly to write more about the story but I don’t know how without exposing some spoilers and I DON’T WANT TO. I want people to start reading this without any further information about the content because this book has so many surprises that will totally blow your minds!
I really had a high expectation on this book. And damn was this book beyond what I wanted! Every page had made me excited and wanted more and more. I felt like throwing my reader across the room and buy a new one everytime the scene became awe-freaking-somely mind-blowing. God, I love every single thing on this book. The characters, both main characters, are so lovable I want to ship them my whole life. Alexandra is one adorable stubborn girl with all her witty persona. Same as her, Thom is also damn witty even though he successfully covered it with his cold appearance. I really really reallyyyyyyyyyy loved the banters between them! Heck, it was damn funny! I had to suppress my urge to laugh out loud while my mom was around. Despite the horror-stricken scenes, I enjoyed every second of it a lot (although I had to read it during days instead of at night because yeah, I am just lame like that). The romance is so strong I LOVE IT!! Here is my favorite quote from the book:
‘Beware!’ spoke the amorous voice to Psyche in the darkness. ‘Beware, my beloved! Seek not to discover my true face or shape, lest thou shalt meet with a very great sorrow. For love cannot dwell where there is no trust.’
God knows what a sucker I am for romance and funny reads. Well, Halton Cray manages to give it all to me. The ending is something beyond your imagination and I LOVE IT SO DAMN MUCH!! Oh God, just how many I’ve said I love this book I just want to say it over and over again…
N.B. Roberts is so brilliant! The joke she slipped inside the story was so funny. The ‘Alex Turner’ one was so hilarious! I am still having a hard time believing this is her debut novel. HALTON CRAY IS DEFINITELY TOO FREAKING AWESOME TO BE A DEBUT NOVEL!!!
God, everyone should read this book! Like… RIGHT. NOW.
My most favorite part of this book is the chapter after epilogue: Excerpt. YES! Halton Cray is the first book of Shadows of the World series. This baby is gonna have a sister called The 13th Baronet . God, asdfhaghlsjdhfg I cannot wait!!
May 27, 2015
Took me longer than usual to get through due to the holidays but it's an interesting spin on supernatural intrigue/paranormal romance. More of a cozy take on those genres than anything in-your-face about it but since Jane Eyre is an inspiration I can't be too surprised.
Up front and fair warning - I didn't like Thom. He rubbed me wrong the entire novel because he seems like a guy who confuses bullying with teasing. Between that and much of the romance being fueled by smitten tendencies I wasn't really sucked into that facet of the story. My tastes, not necessarily everyone's.
I'd recommend this to anybody who wants a paranormal romance that reads like a ghost story. if that's of interest, it should be a nice read.
Up front and fair warning - I didn't like Thom. He rubbed me wrong the entire novel because he seems like a guy who confuses bullying with teasing. Between that and much of the romance being fueled by smitten tendencies I wasn't really sucked into that facet of the story. My tastes, not necessarily everyone's.
I'd recommend this to anybody who wants a paranormal romance that reads like a ghost story. if that's of interest, it should be a nice read.
April 17, 2023
I openly rate my book because I am confident it is a good read, has originality and an absorbing ‘slow burn’ romance… with a little creepy horror thrown in for good measure.
A little more about Halton Cray –
Jane Eyre was my inspiration for writing Halton Cray, though it is not a modern retelling of that gothic tale. I wanted to recreate Jane and Rochester’s powerful romance in my own setting of a haunted Tudor mansion based somewhat on a real house near which I grew up in southeast England.
Twenty-one year old plain looking Alex takes a part-time job at the historic house, Halton Cray, as a favour to her friend. There she meets the sardonic curator, Thom, under circumstances that cause her much taunting from him. Although Alex sees Thom as a rather plain looking man, everybody else sees something different… something quite sinister. Those people just can’t help gossiping about him. But Alex discovers she has something in common with Thom, and determines to know him for herself, even as he continues to provoke her with his harsh sense of humour. He clearly has a dark secret, and when Alex discovers what it is, she must choose whether to accept the consequences of who he is, or stand up for what she believes in even if it means parting with the man she loves.
For more reviews of Halton Cray please see www.amazon.com/Halton-Cray-Shadows-Wo...
A little more about Halton Cray –
Jane Eyre was my inspiration for writing Halton Cray, though it is not a modern retelling of that gothic tale. I wanted to recreate Jane and Rochester’s powerful romance in my own setting of a haunted Tudor mansion based somewhat on a real house near which I grew up in southeast England.
Twenty-one year old plain looking Alex takes a part-time job at the historic house, Halton Cray, as a favour to her friend. There she meets the sardonic curator, Thom, under circumstances that cause her much taunting from him. Although Alex sees Thom as a rather plain looking man, everybody else sees something different… something quite sinister. Those people just can’t help gossiping about him. But Alex discovers she has something in common with Thom, and determines to know him for herself, even as he continues to provoke her with his harsh sense of humour. He clearly has a dark secret, and when Alex discovers what it is, she must choose whether to accept the consequences of who he is, or stand up for what she believes in even if it means parting with the man she loves.
For more reviews of Halton Cray please see www.amazon.com/Halton-Cray-Shadows-Wo...
May 23, 2015
This book totally surprised me.
It's eloquent, lovely and, right when you least expect it, creepy as hell. Alex and Thom are amazing, intelligent and playful; their chemistry and quirks were a delight to immerse in. I don't think I've fallen for a cast of characters so quickly and so hard before. I was rooting for them the whole time, so much so that I was hesitant to see how it finally came together; afraid the build-up would be too much for the revelation. It wasn't. Halton Cray isn't about jump-scares and swooning, it's a slow and relentless burn that won't let go until the end: holding you in merciless apprehension, waiting for the beauty of the spell to be broken and the world to come crashing in. You won't be disappointed.
An absolute must read if you enjoy intelligent characters, elegant writing and original ideas. An amazing debut novel from a clearly skilled writer and a fantastic storyteller.
It's eloquent, lovely and, right when you least expect it, creepy as hell. Alex and Thom are amazing, intelligent and playful; their chemistry and quirks were a delight to immerse in. I don't think I've fallen for a cast of characters so quickly and so hard before. I was rooting for them the whole time, so much so that I was hesitant to see how it finally came together; afraid the build-up would be too much for the revelation. It wasn't. Halton Cray isn't about jump-scares and swooning, it's a slow and relentless burn that won't let go until the end: holding you in merciless apprehension, waiting for the beauty of the spell to be broken and the world to come crashing in. You won't be disappointed.
An absolute must read if you enjoy intelligent characters, elegant writing and original ideas. An amazing debut novel from a clearly skilled writer and a fantastic storyteller.
October 22, 2014
Obviously the fact that this book is inspired by Jane Eyre made me want to read it - and I have to say in one aspect this book totally honors the connection. That aspect being the chemistry between the two leads. While I was a bit iffy on them initially - because Thom Rues was sometimes unattractively abrasive and I really wanted Alex to stand up to him more and keep up her side of the banter - but eventually their growing romance won me over. The story itself doesn't really bear a lot of similarity to the plot structure of Jane Eyre, but draws more on the major elements, like the dynamic and the rocky progression in the romance, a very ominous house, and a big secret, and I think because it is more of it's own story, that helped make this a very absorbing read on its own. Especially when it came to finding out what Thom was hiding.
I don't want to reveal too much about the secret because I think it's a great surprise, and the explanation behind it was really well done. There's a real impact in the reason why Thom and Alex are separated because it is a conflict that is very difficult to resolve. Often with stories inspired by Jane Eyre, that reason can seem pretty weak, but that is not the case here. However, it is resolved somewhat in this book, and probably that plot point is the one thing I had the most problems with in the story. Because the way the problem is done away with, really stretched believability for me even though this book does dabble a bit in fantasy. It just took me out of the story, and I had to decide to go with it, to really start enjoying the book again.
This was an absorbing read for me though, because of the atmosphere and the gradual sparks between the two main characters. Alex is a very relatable character, and Thom is so darkly magnetic once you get to know him (which is a great reflection on the character of Rochester.) The suspense of not knowing Thom's secret in the first half the book really carried the story for me as well, because there are so many hints and clues, but it's nearly impossible to put them all together. The author really created something very different with Thom. The dark atmosphere is enhanced by some really creepy scenes in this book, and in particular a great scene where Halton Cray loses power in the middle of a big storm and in the middle of a party. Some of the guests get a little panicky, and I was really caught up in the pervasive feeling of dread and suspense in that scene.
As a Jane Eyre fan, I would recommend this book as an interesting modernized version, but with the focus more on it being a great, dark Gothic tale. It's a little overwrought, with tons of atmosphere which is just perfect in capturing the Gothic tone. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of Alex and Thom's story!
I don't want to reveal too much about the secret because I think it's a great surprise, and the explanation behind it was really well done. There's a real impact in the reason why Thom and Alex are separated because it is a conflict that is very difficult to resolve. Often with stories inspired by Jane Eyre, that reason can seem pretty weak, but that is not the case here. However, it is resolved somewhat in this book, and probably that plot point is the one thing I had the most problems with in the story. Because the way the problem is done away with, really stretched believability for me even though this book does dabble a bit in fantasy. It just took me out of the story, and I had to decide to go with it, to really start enjoying the book again.
This was an absorbing read for me though, because of the atmosphere and the gradual sparks between the two main characters. Alex is a very relatable character, and Thom is so darkly magnetic once you get to know him (which is a great reflection on the character of Rochester.) The suspense of not knowing Thom's secret in the first half the book really carried the story for me as well, because there are so many hints and clues, but it's nearly impossible to put them all together. The author really created something very different with Thom. The dark atmosphere is enhanced by some really creepy scenes in this book, and in particular a great scene where Halton Cray loses power in the middle of a big storm and in the middle of a party. Some of the guests get a little panicky, and I was really caught up in the pervasive feeling of dread and suspense in that scene.
As a Jane Eyre fan, I would recommend this book as an interesting modernized version, but with the focus more on it being a great, dark Gothic tale. It's a little overwrought, with tons of atmosphere which is just perfect in capturing the Gothic tone. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of Alex and Thom's story!
August 17, 2015
4 stars!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I would've given this book even more stars, if not for my "self-inflicted" boundary that only a few special books in my life time will get a 5 starred rating.
I will start with a statement: I don't like YA. Even though it seems I've been reading quite a bit of it lately. You see, when we're talking about romance, I'm not into hand-holding and star-gazing. I don't feel that just lovingly looking into someone's eyes is enough. Call me carnal. I've been called dirty-minded before. So, naturally, Young Adult novels are usually too mellow, too naive for me, and I don't think I've given any such a novel more than 3 stars. Just because they always lack carnality.
Possible spoilers ahead!
What is special with this book is that I almost didn't feel the lack of sex. Almost. The story is so well written and the characters are so entertaining, the plot full of twists... I just didn't need it so badly. Not that I would have complained if there was some steamy scenes :)
I wasn't expecting anything from this book, really. It's not my usual read. However, I've been very surprised at how quickly I got pulled into the world.
I've read some of the other reviews, and it seems that you either love Thom, or hate him. I'm in the "love" group. I always appreciate intelligent, funny and sarcastic characters. Even when said sarcasm borders with plain abusiveness. I know some will find it a little bit too much. I didn't. I liked Thom and his wit, I loved Alex and her strength.
What I liked even more is the suspense, the story-building and the plot twist I didn't really expect (and I thought I knew). What I didn't like is Thom becoming a bit too mushy at the end, and Alex being too stubborn at times. But it's romance, and I guess this falls into why I don't like YA generally.
However, because of the overall impression, what would usually be a reason for me to rate a book with 3 stars, this one gets 4. Well deserved. Just because this is a debut novel, I would give it even more! So well written, a real enjoyment!
Oh and btw. I really like the cover design! It's usual for indie and debut authors to not have very good covers. Not many of them can afford a real designer so it all falls down to doing it them selves. And N.B. did it great! Really great!
I recommend it to anybody who likes well written scary stories, paranormal and fantasy novels and slow-building romances with funny and witty characters! Actually, everybody should try it!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I would've given this book even more stars, if not for my "self-inflicted" boundary that only a few special books in my life time will get a 5 starred rating.
I will start with a statement: I don't like YA. Even though it seems I've been reading quite a bit of it lately. You see, when we're talking about romance, I'm not into hand-holding and star-gazing. I don't feel that just lovingly looking into someone's eyes is enough. Call me carnal. I've been called dirty-minded before. So, naturally, Young Adult novels are usually too mellow, too naive for me, and I don't think I've given any such a novel more than 3 stars. Just because they always lack carnality.
Possible spoilers ahead!
What is special with this book is that I almost didn't feel the lack of sex. Almost. The story is so well written and the characters are so entertaining, the plot full of twists... I just didn't need it so badly. Not that I would have complained if there was some steamy scenes :)
I wasn't expecting anything from this book, really. It's not my usual read. However, I've been very surprised at how quickly I got pulled into the world.
I've read some of the other reviews, and it seems that you either love Thom, or hate him. I'm in the "love" group. I always appreciate intelligent, funny and sarcastic characters. Even when said sarcasm borders with plain abusiveness. I know some will find it a little bit too much. I didn't. I liked Thom and his wit, I loved Alex and her strength.
What I liked even more is the suspense, the story-building and the plot twist I didn't really expect (and I thought I knew). What I didn't like is Thom becoming a bit too mushy at the end, and Alex being too stubborn at times. But it's romance, and I guess this falls into why I don't like YA generally.
However, because of the overall impression, what would usually be a reason for me to rate a book with 3 stars, this one gets 4. Well deserved. Just because this is a debut novel, I would give it even more! So well written, a real enjoyment!
Oh and btw. I really like the cover design! It's usual for indie and debut authors to not have very good covers. Not many of them can afford a real designer so it all falls down to doing it them selves. And N.B. did it great! Really great!
I recommend it to anybody who likes well written scary stories, paranormal and fantasy novels and slow-building romances with funny and witty characters! Actually, everybody should try it!
March 20, 2015
Halton Cray was absolutely delightful! Though it starts off a little slow, it does well to build up the mystery around the male romantic lead, Thom, and engage the reader's intrigue about him. Right away I loved Alex, the main character, who struck me as rational and down-to-earth, qualities I'm not used to seeing in female leads of romance novels. There's a constant struggle throughout the novel inside her, whether to follow her head or her heart, and luckily, she follows her heart when it counts the most.
Thom is incredibly charming and irresistible, and like Alex, I found his personality a breath of fresh air when compared to the love interests I've read of in romances before. He's got a biting wit, and once Alex learns the way to engage him is not to get ruffled, but shoot it right back, it results in some very enjoyable banter! (Though I admit, I've always been a sucker for character banter.) He's also deliciously flawed in character, and can be quite selfish at times, which was enjoyable. After a few interactions, I was dying for them to get together, and when they finally did, I had to put the book down a while and let it sink in, before I read the next part and the inevitably bad things happened.
Towards the last fourth of the book, the action picks up a bit, and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Halton Cray is not without its plot twists, of course, and they were very well executed! The teaser chapter for the second book has me dying to know what happens next, and Alex and Thom are just such a fun couple, I can't wait to read more of them!
Thom is incredibly charming and irresistible, and like Alex, I found his personality a breath of fresh air when compared to the love interests I've read of in romances before. He's got a biting wit, and once Alex learns the way to engage him is not to get ruffled, but shoot it right back, it results in some very enjoyable banter! (Though I admit, I've always been a sucker for character banter.) He's also deliciously flawed in character, and can be quite selfish at times, which was enjoyable. After a few interactions, I was dying for them to get together, and when they finally did, I had to put the book down a while and let it sink in, before I read the next part and the inevitably bad things happened.
Towards the last fourth of the book, the action picks up a bit, and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Halton Cray is not without its plot twists, of course, and they were very well executed! The teaser chapter for the second book has me dying to know what happens next, and Alex and Thom are just such a fun couple, I can't wait to read more of them!
February 21, 2016
What a great story! Beautiful imagery gave each setting a unique glow. I loved the haunting atmosphere, especially surrounding the Cray. Thom was quite a character and had me smiling the whole book due to his quick wit and humor. Great read. Well done!
February 25, 2017
Whoa! I like how N.B. Roberts mixed her stories into more than one genre. It has mystery and romance and paranormal and horror and made Halton Cray has its own unique from another series.
Our main heroine, Alex, just got her second job in a famous haunted mansion named Halton Cray. Then she begin a push-and-pull friendship with Thom, a curator who lives in there. The romance is slow moving but I enjoyed their so-called-friendship progress.
Thom has a mysterious vibe that he often being described as "the ghost" but Alex (what I really love about her) is a strong headed girl, she refuse to believe it and begin to wonder about him.
I can't say much about Halton Cray because of that twist. What I could said is that N.B. Roberts is genius for creating it! I did tried to guess what was exactly he is but I really really didn't expect that. Guys, you need to give Halton Cray a chance and read the twist by yourself!
Halton Cray is derivative story from Jane Eyre and everyone is curious because of this. I often heard so many Jane Eyre's quote out there but I never had interest to read Jane Eyre before. After reading this, I think I need to read Jane Eyre. :)
Remarkable quote:
"You’re confusing friend with acquaintance," he replied, taking a different book from one of his healthily stocked shelves, and carrying it to his chair to examine it. "She is no more your friend than Mrs Evans is mine. You know her, are civil towards her, and happy to keep her as a contact, which would all amount to no more than an acquaintance. That is the difference! Because you trust friends, Alex, and confide in friends"
Our main heroine, Alex, just got her second job in a famous haunted mansion named Halton Cray. Then she begin a push-and-pull friendship with Thom, a curator who lives in there. The romance is slow moving but I enjoyed their so-called-friendship progress.
Thom has a mysterious vibe that he often being described as "the ghost" but Alex (what I really love about her) is a strong headed girl, she refuse to believe it and begin to wonder about him.
I can't say much about Halton Cray because of that twist. What I could said is that N.B. Roberts is genius for creating it! I did tried to guess what was exactly he is but I really really didn't expect that. Guys, you need to give Halton Cray a chance and read the twist by yourself!
Halton Cray is derivative story from Jane Eyre and everyone is curious because of this. I often heard so many Jane Eyre's quote out there but I never had interest to read Jane Eyre before. After reading this, I think I need to read Jane Eyre. :)
Remarkable quote:
"You’re confusing friend with acquaintance," he replied, taking a different book from one of his healthily stocked shelves, and carrying it to his chair to examine it. "She is no more your friend than Mrs Evans is mine. You know her, are civil towards her, and happy to keep her as a contact, which would all amount to no more than an acquaintance. That is the difference! Because you trust friends, Alex, and confide in friends"
January 16, 2015
A very enjoyable read!
This was my second Jane Eyre inspired story in a row after reading the original, prompted by my other half who being a Bronte devotee took to recommending these “spin offs”. Both of the books were as different as could be from the classic but imaginative and entertaining in their own ways. They would not normally be on my radar, but I have to say, it has been a worthwhile diversion.
Halton Cray is well worth a read. I could, like other readers detect the “Janian” overtones of the two main characters relationship but then I was forewarned so this is probably not a surprise. What was a surprise was the plot-line twist and then gathering pace as it rushed to its climax, which was all very addictive. Where the first part of the story is more considered and absorbing, it grabs you and turns into quite the page turner. This was, in my opinion at least, very well constructed by the author, who has obviously put great thought into the text as a whole down to the always relevant quotes and snippets introducing each chapter which were at times quirky and entertaining in their own right. Back to the main body though and I particularly liked some of the seemingly novel paranormal elements too, I'd like to explain further which ones because they relate to the nature of a certain character but won't spoil anyone else's enjoyment. See for yourselves.
This was my second Jane Eyre inspired story in a row after reading the original, prompted by my other half who being a Bronte devotee took to recommending these “spin offs”. Both of the books were as different as could be from the classic but imaginative and entertaining in their own ways. They would not normally be on my radar, but I have to say, it has been a worthwhile diversion.
Halton Cray is well worth a read. I could, like other readers detect the “Janian” overtones of the two main characters relationship but then I was forewarned so this is probably not a surprise. What was a surprise was the plot-line twist and then gathering pace as it rushed to its climax, which was all very addictive. Where the first part of the story is more considered and absorbing, it grabs you and turns into quite the page turner. This was, in my opinion at least, very well constructed by the author, who has obviously put great thought into the text as a whole down to the always relevant quotes and snippets introducing each chapter which were at times quirky and entertaining in their own right. Back to the main body though and I particularly liked some of the seemingly novel paranormal elements too, I'd like to explain further which ones because they relate to the nature of a certain character but won't spoil anyone else's enjoyment. See for yourselves.
November 7, 2014
This really was a beautiful book that I fell in love with.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Thom and Alex their teasing had me chuckling out loud. (husband raising an eyebrow at me!) They really have a connection with each other, but would it blossom into anything more, especially with the dark secret Thom is hiding? It makes you question where your boundaries would be.
Halton Cray was brought to life through the stunning description and the additional characters that you encounter along the way.
Each Chapter began with a quote or a piece of poetry that was unique to that section, it's a small detail but one I really appreciate in a book.
I can't wait for the next book and to see where that will take me!
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Thom and Alex their teasing had me chuckling out loud. (husband raising an eyebrow at me!) They really have a connection with each other, but would it blossom into anything more, especially with the dark secret Thom is hiding? It makes you question where your boundaries would be.
Halton Cray was brought to life through the stunning description and the additional characters that you encounter along the way.
Each Chapter began with a quote or a piece of poetry that was unique to that section, it's a small detail but one I really appreciate in a book.
I can't wait for the next book and to see where that will take me!
February 20, 2017
I loved this story! I didn't want to put it down. I loved it most because, while it shared elements with 'Jane Eyre,' it wasn't just a modern version of it. It is it's own story and full of surprises! I also loved the development of the relationship between the characters. Their banter with each other is exquisite. This is a perfect rainy-day novel, but it is more than that, too. Scenes from this book will stay with me, independent of the way 'Jane Eyre' has influenced it (though I did love those echoes when I noted them!). I am so looking forward to reading the sequel. Thank you for deciding to continue Thom and Alex's story.
February 24, 2016
Wow! This book was unbelievable! How to describe it - thriller? ghost story? otherworldy? It was ALL these things!
The plot was ingenious and I was continually surprised turn after turn. I love all the characters, even those you "love to hate". The moral of the story is a great one that needs to be reinforced more than it is.
Roberts has a distinctly British writing style that once adjusted to, was utterly fantastic.
I can't wait to delve into book two and get lost in Halton Cray again.
The plot was ingenious and I was continually surprised turn after turn. I love all the characters, even those you "love to hate". The moral of the story is a great one that needs to be reinforced more than it is.
Roberts has a distinctly British writing style that once adjusted to, was utterly fantastic.
I can't wait to delve into book two and get lost in Halton Cray again.
January 21, 2015
Why, when?
That is a cliffhanger to leave someone on. You can't do that. Ok when is the next book coming out???
That is a cliffhanger to leave someone on. You can't do that. Ok when is the next book coming out???
April 15, 2015
my favorite book of 2015 so far!!
I loved this book! I read it so quickly I never wanted it to end! Jane eyre is one of my favorite books and this was like a modern version.
I loved this book! I read it so quickly I never wanted it to end! Jane eyre is one of my favorite books and this was like a modern version.
December 29, 2015
3.5 Points
I struggled with the first 10% of the book. Before I gave up, I wanted to give the book another chance and skimmed through the next 10%-20%. I was really bored and just kept reading/skimming because I normally don’t like to give up on books.
At about 35%-40% into the book, it got better. I enjoyed some parts a lot. For example: the Christmas party;
But the story, especially the first quarter of the book could have been a bit shorter to keep the reader’s attention.
I can’t even tell you what happened in the first half of the book besides Alexandra starting to work at Halton Cray, a House that’s supposed to be haunted by ghosts. Thom works there as a curator and it seems like everybody has an animosity towards him. Even Alex notices something mysterious about him.
There were some thrilling and exciting moments and I loved the funny banters between Thom and Alexandra.
I am intrigued about what might happen next, but for me the story has sort of a good ending . And since I struggled at some parts to continue reading, I think I will not read the second book.
I enjoyed the mysterious Thom a lot. I didn’t figure out what he was until Alexandra saw it. I came up with a lot of ideas,
The Characters are well developed and described. I loved their interactions. I enjoyed every detail that Alex discovered of Thom. It was fascinating.
I was glad that the house
I really believed the book was about I am easily scared of Ghost-Paranormal stuff.
I could imagine Mrs. Evans being bad. Really bad. Who knows?! Maybe in the next book…
I can’t stop thinking about Thom’s story. What he had to go through in his youth. Everything about his father, his mother and sister. I feel so bad for him. I get this urge to read on and get to know what happens next. But if it’s as dragging as a part of this book was, I can’t guarantee that I keep reading. And I hate not finishing a book.
Though now I am glad that I kept reading/skimming this book, because there was a lot of the story that I really enjoyed. It could just have been shorter on the boring stuff and then it would have been perfect.
As much as I’d like to give more Stars, I can’t. It was just too dragging in between the good parts.
(0,5 Stars I can’t give because it wasn’t a not-put-downable book; 1 Star I had to subtract because of the boring stuff; this makes 3 Stars)
I struggled with the first 10% of the book. Before I gave up, I wanted to give the book another chance and skimmed through the next 10%-20%. I was really bored and just kept reading/skimming because I normally don’t like to give up on books.
At about 35%-40% into the book, it got better. I enjoyed some parts a lot. For example: the Christmas party;
But the story, especially the first quarter of the book could have been a bit shorter to keep the reader’s attention.
I can’t even tell you what happened in the first half of the book besides Alexandra starting to work at Halton Cray, a House that’s supposed to be haunted by ghosts. Thom works there as a curator and it seems like everybody has an animosity towards him. Even Alex notices something mysterious about him.
There were some thrilling and exciting moments and I loved the funny banters between Thom and Alexandra.
I am intrigued about what might happen next, but for me the story has sort of a good ending . And since I struggled at some parts to continue reading, I think I will not read the second book.
I enjoyed the mysterious Thom a lot. I didn’t figure out what he was until Alexandra saw it. I came up with a lot of ideas,
The Characters are well developed and described. I loved their interactions. I enjoyed every detail that Alex discovered of Thom. It was fascinating.
I was glad that the house
I really believed the book was about I am easily scared of Ghost-Paranormal stuff.
I could imagine Mrs. Evans being bad. Really bad. Who knows?! Maybe in the next book…
I can’t stop thinking about Thom’s story. What he had to go through in his youth. Everything about his father, his mother and sister. I feel so bad for him. I get this urge to read on and get to know what happens next. But if it’s as dragging as a part of this book was, I can’t guarantee that I keep reading. And I hate not finishing a book.
Though now I am glad that I kept reading/skimming this book, because there was a lot of the story that I really enjoyed. It could just have been shorter on the boring stuff and then it would have been perfect.
As much as I’d like to give more Stars, I can’t. It was just too dragging in between the good parts.
(0,5 Stars I can’t give because it wasn’t a not-put-downable book; 1 Star I had to subtract because of the boring stuff; this makes 3 Stars)
August 11, 2016
I came across Halton Cray as I sought out some variations of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, my favorite novel, on FanFiction.net. This fan fiction novel picked up Charlotte Bronte's language and characters so perfectly that I could have sworn that Charlotte had left an alternative ending of her famous novel behind, and it had just been discovered. Seriously.
In the author's notes on the fan fiction site, the author noted that she had written a modern novel that is loosely based on Jane Eyre called Halton Cray, and I happily downloaded it to my Kindle. Alexandra, a 21-year old recent college graduate, takes a part-time job at Halton Cray, a British historical landmark that is open for tours. The only problem: the house is reportedly haunted. Weird and inexplicable happenings occur, but skeptical Alex doesn't scare easily. The historian/archivist, Thomas, mocks her continuously, treating her with little respect, but she is inexplicably drawn to him despite the fact that he can be rather creepy and many of the staff steer clear of him.
And I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. ;)
Halton Cray started a wee bit slowly, much as Jane Eyre itself does, but once I got about 25% of the way into the book, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. In fact, the grading of my summer school class suffered as a result; I just had to keep reading this book.
The parallels to Jane Eyre are surface-level, mostly in the Gothic setting and the plucky but plain main character who falls for the brash and mysterious historian who seems to date the town's richest (and greatly Botoxed) widow, much as Rochester pretended to pursue Blanche Ingram with the view of making Jane jealous and realize her feelings for him. Alex falls into the same trap herself as she tries to uncover the mysteries that enshroud Halton Cray. However, a great deal of this modern novel diverges from Bronte's most famous book; Halton Cray went in directions I was definitely not expecting but found exciting and compelling all the same.
Halton Cray is apparently the first book in The Shadows of the World series, and I am very much interested in the second book which continues the story of Alex in the aftermath of the events at and around Halton Cray.
In the author's notes on the fan fiction site, the author noted that she had written a modern novel that is loosely based on Jane Eyre called Halton Cray, and I happily downloaded it to my Kindle. Alexandra, a 21-year old recent college graduate, takes a part-time job at Halton Cray, a British historical landmark that is open for tours. The only problem: the house is reportedly haunted. Weird and inexplicable happenings occur, but skeptical Alex doesn't scare easily. The historian/archivist, Thomas, mocks her continuously, treating her with little respect, but she is inexplicably drawn to him despite the fact that he can be rather creepy and many of the staff steer clear of him.
And I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. ;)
Halton Cray started a wee bit slowly, much as Jane Eyre itself does, but once I got about 25% of the way into the book, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. In fact, the grading of my summer school class suffered as a result; I just had to keep reading this book.
The parallels to Jane Eyre are surface-level, mostly in the Gothic setting and the plucky but plain main character who falls for the brash and mysterious historian who seems to date the town's richest (and greatly Botoxed) widow, much as Rochester pretended to pursue Blanche Ingram with the view of making Jane jealous and realize her feelings for him. Alex falls into the same trap herself as she tries to uncover the mysteries that enshroud Halton Cray. However, a great deal of this modern novel diverges from Bronte's most famous book; Halton Cray went in directions I was definitely not expecting but found exciting and compelling all the same.
Halton Cray is apparently the first book in The Shadows of the World series, and I am very much interested in the second book which continues the story of Alex in the aftermath of the events at and around Halton Cray.
June 28, 2015
First off, I’d like to thank the author, N.B. Roberts for sending me a copy of this novel. When she told me Halton Cray was a paranormal romance inspired by Jane Eyre, I was instantly intrigued.
I'll have a full review up on my blog by the end of today but for now, here are some things I loved about the book.
This definitely lives up to my expectations of what a novel inspired by Jane Eyre would look and feel like. It felt like I was walking a familiar path while I read but at every turn there was something new and unexpected. Heroines can sometimes be such a miss or hit for me because some just can't help being annoying but Alexandra is level headed, brave and witty. She's fascinating to read about and I enjoyed seeing her feelings for Thom develop. Their romance definitely has the "slow burn" aspect that Roberts says they do, which is such a wonderful break from all the instalove I'm constantly reading about in YA novels. This is the type of story you want to read in a quiet corner of a room with a warm cup of tea and get lost in for days. I liked the slow pacing of the novel as it really let me appreciate all the little details and get to know the characters. Both the romance and paranormal aspects of the story worked really well! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series, I've become attached to Alex and Thom as a couple. They're so perfect for each other.
For those looking for a dark yet sweet paranormal romance to get lost into, for those who crave something familiar to the hauntingly beautiful story of Jane Eyre and for those seeking refuge from the blistering summer sun might want to check out Halton Cray, where shadows are not merely shadows and an eerie mist follows you everywhere.
I'll have a full review up on my blog by the end of today but for now, here are some things I loved about the book.
This definitely lives up to my expectations of what a novel inspired by Jane Eyre would look and feel like. It felt like I was walking a familiar path while I read but at every turn there was something new and unexpected. Heroines can sometimes be such a miss or hit for me because some just can't help being annoying but Alexandra is level headed, brave and witty. She's fascinating to read about and I enjoyed seeing her feelings for Thom develop. Their romance definitely has the "slow burn" aspect that Roberts says they do, which is such a wonderful break from all the instalove I'm constantly reading about in YA novels. This is the type of story you want to read in a quiet corner of a room with a warm cup of tea and get lost in for days. I liked the slow pacing of the novel as it really let me appreciate all the little details and get to know the characters. Both the romance and paranormal aspects of the story worked really well! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series, I've become attached to Alex and Thom as a couple. They're so perfect for each other.
For those looking for a dark yet sweet paranormal romance to get lost into, for those who crave something familiar to the hauntingly beautiful story of Jane Eyre and for those seeking refuge from the blistering summer sun might want to check out Halton Cray, where shadows are not merely shadows and an eerie mist follows you everywhere.
May 2, 2015
I want to start out by saying many thanks to N.B Roberts for letting me read this book through the R4R program where I get to read books in return of a review. Reading the synopsis of this story I was highly captivated by its theme. Jane Eyre was the inspiration of this book though it was loosely the central plot. I want to talk a lot about what I've read. It I decided to keep this review short and sweet so you readers can enjoys it on your own with a clear mind. I just want to say this was an excellent read , it always kept me on my toes. Not for the sake of thrill but to know the Crete behind the Halton Cray and specially Thom. He often reminded me of Boo Radley (To kill a Mockingbird) or Macon Ravenswood (Beautiful Creatures). He was shy and kept to himself until Alex came along. I wasn't a fan at first he treated her or anyone else but is slowly fell in love with him when romance began to bloom.
Overall this was truly amazing take of a paranormal type version of Jane Eyre. I want to say more but I want to let other readers form their own opinions and enjoy themselves . To conclude I give this book four out of five stars ! I can not wait to read the next in the series if there is one.
Overall this was truly amazing take of a paranormal type version of Jane Eyre. I want to say more but I want to let other readers form their own opinions and enjoy themselves . To conclude I give this book four out of five stars ! I can not wait to read the next in the series if there is one.
January 3, 2016
HALTON CRAY is an excellent, creepy, romantic, suspenseful, steamy page-turner. It started out pleasantly enough and quickly escalated to I-must-know-what-happens-next.
Alex Turner is a twenty-one-year old Brit who works a part time job at Halton Cray, a huge old house now open to the public. The curator of the Cray, Thom, is mysterious and a bit menacing. Most people avoid Thom because of his menacing aura, but Alex feels mysteriously drawn to him. Weird things begin to happen and scary people start to show up at the Cray. No one seems to know what's going on, except Thom. Will Alex's mission to find out the truth about Thom and Halton Cray prove to be too dangerous?
What an unexpected delight HALTON CRAY was to read! N.B. Roberts has obvious storytelling talent. This is modern gothic done right! Alex is a smart, believable heroine and the Cray is so vivid that it is practically a character in itself. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment of Alex's story, The Thirteenth Baronet.
If you are a fan of Jane Eyre and/or paranormal romance, give HALTON CRAY a chance. You will not be disappointed!
Alex Turner is a twenty-one-year old Brit who works a part time job at Halton Cray, a huge old house now open to the public. The curator of the Cray, Thom, is mysterious and a bit menacing. Most people avoid Thom because of his menacing aura, but Alex feels mysteriously drawn to him. Weird things begin to happen and scary people start to show up at the Cray. No one seems to know what's going on, except Thom. Will Alex's mission to find out the truth about Thom and Halton Cray prove to be too dangerous?
What an unexpected delight HALTON CRAY was to read! N.B. Roberts has obvious storytelling talent. This is modern gothic done right! Alex is a smart, believable heroine and the Cray is so vivid that it is practically a character in itself. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment of Alex's story, The Thirteenth Baronet.
If you are a fan of Jane Eyre and/or paranormal romance, give HALTON CRAY a chance. You will not be disappointed!
January 29, 2015
Not great literature, but certainly entertaining. "Halton Cray" reminds me of nothing less than the Gothic Romances I lived on back in my younger days (especially the Moura series by Virginia Coffman), complete with first person narration by the heroine, a brooding yet handsome man, a haunted mansion, and suggestions of something supernatural going on.
December 19, 2015
I throughly recommend this book to all.
The story given by the Author is thrilling, exciting and very comical in places. The twists and turns are very unexpected and brilliant. The descriptions of the characters and surroundings are so well written that it's difficult to separate them from reality. A cliffhanger ending has left me very much looking forward to the sequel.
excellent read!
The story given by the Author is thrilling, exciting and very comical in places. The twists and turns are very unexpected and brilliant. The descriptions of the characters and surroundings are so well written that it's difficult to separate them from reality. A cliffhanger ending has left me very much looking forward to the sequel.
excellent read!
June 8, 2015
Absolutely delightful read.It just hooks you in as there's never a dull moment in the flow of the story.
February 5, 2017
4.75 stars.
This is actually quite a hard review to write because this is possibly one of most original YA paranormal/ modern gothic I've ever read; and it didn't go in the direction I thought it would.
What makes it different from other YA books in the same category is the writing style. Despite this being set in modern times, there is a large part of the style and language which reminds me of 19th C authors. There are a lot of exclamation statements, extended monologues and (melo)dramatic out bursts. That said, I actually really enjoyed it. My favourite 19th C books include Wurthering Heights and Tess of the D'Ubervilles.
I've never actually read Jane Eyre, but grew up watching the Zelah Clarke / Timothy Dalton version, so recognised several nods to that novel within this one.
In the middle of the novel it departs from the path I thought it would go down. I'm not sure what to make of that, but I certainly didn't dislike it at all. I think this is one of those books where you will have to reread 3 or 4 times when you catch everything and also form a more solid opinion on it.
If you are into the normal YA paranormal fiction then this book is probably not going to appeal to you, because it's not normal.
Looking forward to any more from this author.
This is actually quite a hard review to write because this is possibly one of most original YA paranormal/ modern gothic I've ever read; and it didn't go in the direction I thought it would.
What makes it different from other YA books in the same category is the writing style. Despite this being set in modern times, there is a large part of the style and language which reminds me of 19th C authors. There are a lot of exclamation statements, extended monologues and (melo)dramatic out bursts. That said, I actually really enjoyed it. My favourite 19th C books include Wurthering Heights and Tess of the D'Ubervilles.
I've never actually read Jane Eyre, but grew up watching the Zelah Clarke / Timothy Dalton version, so recognised several nods to that novel within this one.
In the middle of the novel it departs from the path I thought it would go down. I'm not sure what to make of that, but I certainly didn't dislike it at all. I think this is one of those books where you will have to reread 3 or 4 times when you catch everything and also form a more solid opinion on it.
If you are into the normal YA paranormal fiction then this book is probably not going to appeal to you, because it's not normal.
Looking forward to any more from this author.
July 22, 2015
What
This book could have gone a completely different direction from halfway through and I would've given it 4 or 5 stars. The reveal of his secrets was just shit. I expected so much more from a very witty beginning. The end seemed to be all thrown together randomly with worse ADD than I have. Could've been a really good boo up until 60%
This book could have gone a completely different direction from halfway through and I would've given it 4 or 5 stars. The reveal of his secrets was just shit. I expected so much more from a very witty beginning. The end seemed to be all thrown together randomly with worse ADD than I have. Could've been a really good boo up until 60%
January 19, 2016
I enjoyed most parts of this book VERY much. However, some parts did drag out way too long to the point where I was just skimming through some of the pages and wanted to skip through some parts. The good parts were very interesting though. I would recommend this book to others.
August 28, 2016
This book is amazing. Very vivid and well written. 100% guaranteed to any fan of Jane Eyre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews