Samantha

Sorority Trilogy #3

by Tamara Thorne

HOUSE OF HORRORS 

Tough, tenacious Samantha Penrose knows there's something going on inside the secluded, creepy Gamma Eta Pi mansion--something that may be connected to Eve Camlan's "suicide" and Merilynn Morris' unexplained disappearance. And the ambitious journalism major is going to get the story, even if she has to make herself over as the ultimate sorority girl to do it.

As a new pledge, Samantha takes every opportunity to explore the hidden, off-limits rooms of the old house, searching for links between other mysterious deaths on campus and the Fata Morgana. But the secrets she uncovers are more than scandaous...they're downright sinister. There's the disturbing way Malory seems to watch Samantha's every move...the strange chanting coming from the forbidden east wing...and the chilling, ghostly messages she can't ignore...desperate warnings to run--while she still can...

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Witches, Fiction, Childrens

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Tamara Thorne has collected ghost stories, true and fictional, since she saw her first Twilight Zone as a tot, and continues to this day. In addition to writing novels and stories of the paranormal, she also writes non-fiction and is an active ghost hunter. She makes her home in southern California with her husband and their feline family and when she’s not writing, can be found haunting ghost towns, phantom-filled hotel rooms, and other spooky places. Tamara loves to hear from her readers. Whether you have questions or comments or would like to share your own ghostly experience,come visit her at her website www.tamarathorne.com.

Reviews

[Mary Ezell · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I can say is thank heaven I finished this godforsaken debacle.

[A.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss the Sorority trilogy by Tamara Thorne: must reads!

[Jenny Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't my favorite Tamara Thorne book, but it's still entertaining.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe it's because out of a series of three I only started reading this one and nothing about it grab me to keep me interested in finishing it I read about a hundred pages and had enough.

[Papalodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad the trilogy came to an end. So much drama I couldn't face the six o'clock newscast.

[Lavender · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series was OK. I never warmed to the characters, but I liked the magical history of the setting.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I'd hoped, I couldn't even finish. I found the writing clunky and juvenile. I may have enjoyed this more when I was younger.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sorority Trilogy focuses on three girls, (Eve, Merilyn, and Samantha) who were friends as children, but have now grown, lost contact, and are about to be reunited at Greenbriar University.

In this second segment, the primary focus is Samantha. The third novel reunites all three friends, everyone shows their cards, all things come to a head, speeding toward the series finale. Thorne’s series is not dark and terrifying, more like comedic and fun fear-fare.

Samantha is a loner with a high intelligence level and strong journalist instinct. Her personality, complimented by valley girl eves and mysterious Merilynn’s, is an interesting twist to the plots development. Brittany’s personality takes a nose dive as more is revealed about her, and her reactions instigate internal change as certain things “pop up”. Mallory is shown as sketched out even further. Marilynn and Eve are still around, still going strong, although they all evolve and aren’t quite the same at the end.

As with the others, pacing is strong. The ending felt slightly rushed, but not enough to lose brownie points.

Thorne writes with a style heavy on the humor. Her vocabulary is simple, with the sentences easy to comprehend. As a result, the series would be well suited for people of all ages.

This final book, Samantha, is the most exciting installment of the series. The conflict has been rising, we’re inside the stronger climax peaks, and thrust into the real heart of the story. Characters are changing as the story progresses and discovering more about themselves; these discoveries enable the plot to continue progressing. The ending was an ironic turnout for the villain(s), and the way the main heroines turned out, particularly Merilynn, left me pleased.

If series are your cup of tea, or witchcraft, or sorority stories, give Tamara Thorne’s trilogy a try ­ it’s a fun, cozy little adventure that will leave you chuckling and cringing at the same time.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

the first book was the best out the whole series. it seemed like the start to something good. the last two were a let down.

I do however like the authors research into Morgan Le Fay.

I also like that Kendra was a main character, however it seemed kind of weird seeing as none of the books were named for her.

And Sam's book didn't seem to be about Sam at all. It was more about Merilynn than the Merilynn book seemed to be.

They were quick and easy reads, so I can't complain too much about wasted time. I read all three books in three days. I probably could have read them all in one sitting, but I only spared a couple of hours a day for each book.

I would recommend the series for anyone that would enjoy the Morgan Le Fay elements, if they are familiar with it. Anyone into witchcraft, sororities, or college supernatural folklore.

[Chip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always feel horrible giving something a three when it is just over but not quite a four. While I loved the first two books(Haunted and Bad Things) I read by this author, I did not really feel that invested in the entire trilogy.

However, I could be wrong. They were a quick and easy read, and I am glad I read them. I just like everything else I have read by her, and look forward to reading more.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all three of these as a young teen, maybe 13 or 14, over one summer. Some parts scared me. But, I always felt enchanted by the stories. The part about the city/lights under the lake is one of my favorite parts (not sure if that's in this specific book or not). And the familiar that turns into a chipmunk always made me crave peanuts or peanut M&M's. I ate peanut butter and honey sandwiches a lot that summer too. Lol.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it wasn't a bad book, but I believe it could have been better. It was one of those books that I couldn't read at night, because I couldn't sleep after reading it. I liked it, but some things could have been changed.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disappointing end to a disappointing series.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and college life. Fun stuff.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I good book for Halloween. In many ways, more fantasy than horror. A quick and entertaining read.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book (and series), couldn't put it down

[Progger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, engaging story

[Kriket · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this years ok...from what i can remember it was good..i need to find them and read again...