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A Coming Evil
Lisette Beaucaire is angry when her parents send her away from Paris to live on her aunt's farm during the Nazi occupation--she misses her friends, the excitement of being thirteen, and her first year at a new school--but Lisette soon discovers a visitor from the past who proves to be a valiant ally.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 1998
22 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Vande Velde
51 books995 followersVivian Vande Velde (born 1951, currently residing in Rochester, New York) is an American author who writes books primarily aimed at young adults.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 19, 2019
I surprisingly really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting (WWII) and I also enjoyed the ghost aspect. It was such a different novel and that is what made it so good. I liked how Gerard helped her out my bringing the cat, but I HATED what happened to the cat. SO sad.
January 4, 2008
This is a bit of historical teen fiction complete with Nazis and a ghost (that un-ghosts?). It was a fast read and probably great to a 13-yr-old, but it did little for me. I was pleased to learn about the knights Templar and some of the related historical information. Other than that, not my cup of tea. I'm starting to think I'm too much of a book snob to read YA lit. and like it. I notice a quotation mark error. The editors of these books need to step it up!
I probably won't read another book by this author.
I probably won't read another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
The story begins with Lisette's family in Paris and her learning of their decision to send her to live with her aunt in the country because of the Nazi occupation that day. The "ghost" aspect wasn't completely explained, but I'm not sure it needed to be. All in all, this was a fabulous read which involved two different time periods - which I wasn't expecting at all! I'd recommend it to anyone interested in a novel set during WWII.
December 29, 2011
Unique twist on a Holocaust novel. THe main character, 13 year old Lisette, is sent to the French countryside in 1940 to live with her aunt and cousins and be safe from the Nazis. Her aunt is also hiding Jewish and Gypsy orphans in the house; they practice their hiding drills in case the Nazis show up. What becomes interesting is that Lisette meets a ghost of a medieval boy in the field! And eventually he helps her hide the kids from the Nazis! Very cool, a ghost story and a World War II adventure.
April 11, 2018
Vivian Vande Velde is a fantastic writer, but her research leaves something to be desired...
A Coming Evil is the story of a young French girl who is sent away from Paris in September, 1940 to her aunt in the country--where she discovers--among other things--that her aunt is hiding Jewish and Gypsy children from the Nazis. Their parents have been deported or are dead. Eventually, with the help of a 14th-Century ghost, the girl realizes that the deportees are all being murdered by the Nazis.
Except... in September, 1940, this wasn't happening yet. The Madagascar Plan had been suggested in July, and was still being considered. According to [...], the first deportations of French Jews wouldn't take place until October 22nd, and that would have been from Alsace-Lorraine into Vichy France.
Expulsion and immigration were still very much the goal--the mass killings didn't start until 1941, and then in Eastern Europe.
And the first deportation of French Jews to Auschwitz? March 27, 1942.
I could not put down this novel, a testament to Ms. Vande Velde's talent, but virtually any book giving an overview of the Holocaust would have told her that the "Final Solution" might have been discussed in Mein Kampf but it wasn't being implemented when this story takes place. The Jews were not being rounded up and deported, so there would have been no reason at all for Aunt Josephine to be hiding them.
I'm not sure why this novel couldn't have been set two years later, in 1942. As it is, the errors detract significantly from what is otherwise a compelling story.
A Coming Evil is the story of a young French girl who is sent away from Paris in September, 1940 to her aunt in the country--where she discovers--among other things--that her aunt is hiding Jewish and Gypsy children from the Nazis. Their parents have been deported or are dead. Eventually, with the help of a 14th-Century ghost, the girl realizes that the deportees are all being murdered by the Nazis.
Except... in September, 1940, this wasn't happening yet. The Madagascar Plan had been suggested in July, and was still being considered. According to [...], the first deportations of French Jews wouldn't take place until October 22nd, and that would have been from Alsace-Lorraine into Vichy France.
Expulsion and immigration were still very much the goal--the mass killings didn't start until 1941, and then in Eastern Europe.
And the first deportation of French Jews to Auschwitz? March 27, 1942.
I could not put down this novel, a testament to Ms. Vande Velde's talent, but virtually any book giving an overview of the Holocaust would have told her that the "Final Solution" might have been discussed in Mein Kampf but it wasn't being implemented when this story takes place. The Jews were not being rounded up and deported, so there would have been no reason at all for Aunt Josephine to be hiding them.
I'm not sure why this novel couldn't have been set two years later, in 1942. As it is, the errors detract significantly from what is otherwise a compelling story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
It was okay. Meaning, it held my attention and was interesting. I was honestly NOT expecting a ghost! I am a huge fan of the Middle Ages, and it was neat that Gerard came from that era. I enjoyed his backstory. But something in this book just wasn't right. I can't put my finger on what it was. (I know, I'm terribly unhelpful.)
February 7, 2025
I would have wanted more German action, more action with the Germans and aunt Josephine. I think also that the resolution could have been more distinct.
As for the aspect of the dead kid coming back to life, I don't understand why or how that happened but go off I guess. Didn't really get an explanation for that. But it was generally quite the enjoyable read..
As for the aspect of the dead kid coming back to life, I don't understand why or how that happened but go off I guess. Didn't really get an explanation for that. But it was generally quite the enjoyable read..
February 5, 2018
I had a really hard time getting into this book.
January 12, 2019
Short, engaging, but did leave me with wondering for more explanation on Gerard.
June 6, 2019
VOYA review 1998
October 29, 2019
It's a good book. I just don't think it is my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2016
The main character of the story is Lisette, who is 12. Brigettte is her best friend. The story takes place in France in 1940 after the start of WWII and the Germans are occupying Paris.
Lisette's parents, who have recently had a baby boy, send Lisette to the country to live with her cousin Cecile who is two years younger than her. During the trip there Lisette watches as German soldiers remove Jews from the train.
Unfortunately for Lisette there are five even younger children staying with her relatives. The children also happen to be gypsies, people who the Nazis don't like. Lisette finds out there's a haunted hill nearby so she plans to go explore there.
Lisette does manage to meet a ghost, too. The ghost seems as afraid of her as she is of it. They try to hold a conversation, but she can't hear anything the ghost is saying.
There is great fear of the Germans finding the gypsy children, and Lisette's Aunt has a regular drill where the children hide just in case the Germans were ever to come to the house to search it.
Lisette manages to “talk” to the ghost some more and finds out he thinks it's the year 1314, and he's clearly shocked to learn it's 1940. She is somehow soon after able to actually hear the ghost and talk to it, but another problem arises; the ghost apparently is existing in a reality of its own in the past and does not see the things that Lisette sees in her time (such as the farmhouse.)
Gerard becomes more and more real to the point where he can now interact with physical objects in our world, including eating and milking a goat. That ability to interact becomes critical when German soldiers descend on the house, threatening Listette.
This is a very good book, especially in that it shows two time periods and what happened during them. The 1940's being the time of Adolph Hitler, the Nazis, and their program against those who were Jewish or otherwise didn't fit their picture of “acceptable” people. The other story is of the Knights Templars and the types of things then encountered from the kings and popes of Europe. Both the Jews and the Knights Templars became objects of hatred and murder, their property and money taken, both groups tortured, and both groups subject to having their people burned alive. (The difference lay in technology; by the time of the Nazis the means for killing large numbers of people were available which were not available to those who were killed the Templars, otherwise many more of them would have died that were actually killed.)
It's not a happy story. It's a story of how people try to survive when faced with overwhelming forces of evil. Still, it's a very good story and an extremely different way of handling the existence of a ghost.
Lisette's parents, who have recently had a baby boy, send Lisette to the country to live with her cousin Cecile who is two years younger than her. During the trip there Lisette watches as German soldiers remove Jews from the train.
Unfortunately for Lisette there are five even younger children staying with her relatives. The children also happen to be gypsies, people who the Nazis don't like. Lisette finds out there's a haunted hill nearby so she plans to go explore there.
Lisette does manage to meet a ghost, too. The ghost seems as afraid of her as she is of it. They try to hold a conversation, but she can't hear anything the ghost is saying.
There is great fear of the Germans finding the gypsy children, and Lisette's Aunt has a regular drill where the children hide just in case the Germans were ever to come to the house to search it.
Lisette manages to “talk” to the ghost some more and finds out he thinks it's the year 1314, and he's clearly shocked to learn it's 1940. She is somehow soon after able to actually hear the ghost and talk to it, but another problem arises; the ghost apparently is existing in a reality of its own in the past and does not see the things that Lisette sees in her time (such as the farmhouse.)
Gerard becomes more and more real to the point where he can now interact with physical objects in our world, including eating and milking a goat. That ability to interact becomes critical when German soldiers descend on the house, threatening Listette.
This is a very good book, especially in that it shows two time periods and what happened during them. The 1940's being the time of Adolph Hitler, the Nazis, and their program against those who were Jewish or otherwise didn't fit their picture of “acceptable” people. The other story is of the Knights Templars and the types of things then encountered from the kings and popes of Europe. Both the Jews and the Knights Templars became objects of hatred and murder, their property and money taken, both groups tortured, and both groups subject to having their people burned alive. (The difference lay in technology; by the time of the Nazis the means for killing large numbers of people were available which were not available to those who were killed the Templars, otherwise many more of them would have died that were actually killed.)
It's not a happy story. It's a story of how people try to survive when faced with overwhelming forces of evil. Still, it's a very good story and an extremely different way of handling the existence of a ghost.
April 8, 2010
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it's an interesting piece of historical fiction, contrasting the German persecution and destruction of the Jews in 1940 with King Philip IV's persecution and destruction of the Knights Templar in 1314. (Some of which is heart-breaking; those who've read it will remember Etienne's story about the baby, which was . . . difficult to read.) And it brings up some thought-provoking questions; the author says, in an afterword, that a major theme of the book is the line between doing what is morally right and doing what will keep you and those you love safe. And we see that in our characters, from the old man who cooperates with the Germans to keep his wife safe, to the Knight Templar who wonders what good his loyalty to the Knights did since all it did was get him killed. It's a heavy question that you don't expect to see addressed in a YA book.
On the other hand, the book is uneven in places, and certain parts don't quite fit together well. It never explains any of the reasoning behind Gerard's odd, age-changing existence as a ghost, nor why he slowly becomes more real. It doesn't explain how Lisette and Gerard understand each other, or how Gerard understands German and can pass himself off as a modern Frenchman, when six hundred years separate them (I'm not an expert on historical French or German, but it seems pretty certain that those languages changed over six hundred years, the way English did). And Aunt Josephine, portrayed as incredibly sympathetic and loving, to the point of endangering her family to help Jewish children, has moments of being pretty dense and rude.
So it's probably worth a read, if only for the excellent portrayal of life in Nazi-occupied France. I just didn't feel like it's up to Vande Velde's usual standard. Also, don't be deterred by the fact that the cover art is staggeringly bad.
On the other hand, the book is uneven in places, and certain parts don't quite fit together well. It never explains any of the reasoning behind Gerard's odd, age-changing existence as a ghost, nor why he slowly becomes more real. It doesn't explain how Lisette and Gerard understand each other, or how Gerard understands German and can pass himself off as a modern Frenchman, when six hundred years separate them (I'm not an expert on historical French or German, but it seems pretty certain that those languages changed over six hundred years, the way English did). And Aunt Josephine, portrayed as incredibly sympathetic and loving, to the point of endangering her family to help Jewish children, has moments of being pretty dense and rude.
So it's probably worth a read, if only for the excellent portrayal of life in Nazi-occupied France. I just didn't feel like it's up to Vande Velde's usual standard. Also, don't be deterred by the fact that the cover art is staggeringly bad.
December 10, 2012
Lisette has just turned thirteen and is informed by her parents that she will be living with her Aunt Josephine for a time. The year is 1940 and the Germans have invaded Paris. Lisette is sent to Sibourne where she lives with her aunt, her cousin Cecile, and some unexpected guests on a farm. Though unhappy, Lisette begins to enjoy her time at the farm, especially after meeting Gerard, a mysterious visitor who appears to be more than he seems. Lisette and her family believe that they are safe from the threat of the Germans, but one day, their worst fears are realized. Will Lisette and Gerard be able to save those who need saving? Will Lisette learn about Gerard’s mysterious past? A Coming Evil is a rich World War II account filled with unexpected twists and turns.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.
March 17, 2009
Second time I have read this book. It was the first Velde book that I had picked up and what made me a fan of her. It is very good story but, it one of her more serious works. She is exploring evil and how people face life threating times. On that score the book does a good job. Not only does it present the time of the Nazis well but, it could lead people to learning about the Knights Templars. This time around we are dealing with a ghost becoming alive again.
The book is good but, it does have a couple weak points. There is no reason given as to why the ghost under Lisette's influnce becomes real. Lisette's cousin Cecil is never really fully developed as one would hope. She is ten and a brat but, I thought at some point we discovered that her behavior is because she is so scared about her mother hiding children from the Nazis. The ending is okey but, a bit uncomplete. It is only 1940 which means the characters will have five years to go before they will truly be safe.
It is a good book but, not one I would read over again. On that score A Well-Timed Enchantment does (at least for me) a better job. All the characters are well drawn and the ending is crisper - ie. you are not left hanging with but, are they going to make it?
The book is good but, it does have a couple weak points. There is no reason given as to why the ghost under Lisette's influnce becomes real. Lisette's cousin Cecil is never really fully developed as one would hope. She is ten and a brat but, I thought at some point we discovered that her behavior is because she is so scared about her mother hiding children from the Nazis. The ending is okey but, a bit uncomplete. It is only 1940 which means the characters will have five years to go before they will truly be safe.
It is a good book but, not one I would read over again. On that score A Well-Timed Enchantment does (at least for me) a better job. All the characters are well drawn and the ending is crisper - ie. you are not left hanging with but, are they going to make it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2016
A Coming Evil is a historical fiction story set in 1940's France during the WWII Nazi occupation that has an interesting touch of the supernatural with the inclusion of a 14th-century Knights Templar "ghost".
Lisette is a thirteen year old girl sent to weather the war at her Aunt's farm in the French countryside because occupied Paris is deemed unsafe by her parents. The fact that her Aunt Josephine is harboring Jewish and Gypsy children (endangering herself, her daughter, and her niece in the process) while a brave and noble act, is also foolhardy and courting disaster, as there are Nazi soldiers in town.
Gerard is the "ghost" who has appeared differently to various people over the years. (Playing loose with his "ghostly" identity and abilities weakens that part of the story, imho.) Otherwise, I thought that the addition of Gerard to the historical aspect of the story enhanced the entertainment factor immensely - WWII, Nazi persecution, entire families sent to "work" camps, etc. are very dark subject matter and having a "ghost" to lend aid when it's needed is invaluable (and a great plot device to save the good guys, to boot!) especially when other human beings, even their own neighbors, are all too ready to turn on them and turn them in).
Lisette is a thirteen year old girl sent to weather the war at her Aunt's farm in the French countryside because occupied Paris is deemed unsafe by her parents. The fact that her Aunt Josephine is harboring Jewish and Gypsy children (endangering herself, her daughter, and her niece in the process) while a brave and noble act, is also foolhardy and courting disaster, as there are Nazi soldiers in town.
Gerard is the "ghost" who has appeared differently to various people over the years. (Playing loose with his "ghostly" identity and abilities weakens that part of the story, imho.) Otherwise, I thought that the addition of Gerard to the historical aspect of the story enhanced the entertainment factor immensely - WWII, Nazi persecution, entire families sent to "work" camps, etc. are very dark subject matter and having a "ghost" to lend aid when it's needed is invaluable (and a great plot device to save the good guys, to boot!) especially when other human beings, even their own neighbors, are all too ready to turn on them and turn them in).
March 1, 2012
Lisette Beaucaire is a thirteen year old girl growing up in German occupied Paris. Her parents send her to live with her Aunt Josephine because they feel it would be safer. As she arrives at her Aunt's farmhouse, Lisette discovers that her aunt is hiding Gypsy and Jewish children from the Nazis. The days drag by and Lisette find entertainment by wandering around. On one of her wandering she becomes friends with a 600 year old ghost Gerard. When the Germans suspect that their are fugitives living in the house, it is up to Lisette (with the help of Gerard) to save the children.
I LOVED this book. I felt so hopeful and light when I finished reading. You not only learn about the persecution of the Jew and Gypsies in 1940 but you also get to learn about what it was like in the last days for the Knights Templar. I highly recommend this book for all ages. It is an easy read, but it is so captivating that you will no want to put it down. I'm glad that I picked this book off the shelf. This was the best random decision of my life.
I LOVED this book. I felt so hopeful and light when I finished reading. You not only learn about the persecution of the Jew and Gypsies in 1940 but you also get to learn about what it was like in the last days for the Knights Templar. I highly recommend this book for all ages. It is an easy read, but it is so captivating that you will no want to put it down. I'm glad that I picked this book off the shelf. This was the best random decision of my life.
August 17, 2015
Vivian Vande Velde is one of my, if not the most, favorite authors of all time. All of her books I have devoured and adored for their ideas and wonderful characters. So when I started this one, I was really disappointed. It could have been due to the mood I was in. I read this book fast for a book read-a-thon. This book is more historical fiction based than fantasy based like all of her other books that I've loved. It's set during World War II in France, so already I've lost a little interest. I tend to be very specific about time periods when it comes to historical fiction. But nothing really happened with the plot. Alot of the daily events repeated and it was just boring to read. I kept waiting for things to pick up but 90% of the book came and went and still nothing major happened until the very, very, very end. The characters were uninteresting, and the ending fell flat.
Overall I'm advancing in my goal to read all of Vivian Vande Velde's books but I do also realize that there may be some of her books that I won't enjoy as much as some others.
Overall I'm advancing in my goal to read all of Vivian Vande Velde's books but I do also realize that there may be some of her books that I won't enjoy as much as some others.
July 30, 2013
Truly this was not a bad take on the dawning selflessness a thirteen year old can have. From WWII Paris, our 13 year old heroine is sent to live with her aunt in the country for safety reasons only to find herself embroiled in her aunt's unapproved activities. The best part of the book is how she teeters between self-centered childiish concerns and a sense of responsibility for all those around her. To me this is one of the most fascinating aspects of children growing, that the process is not linear and for a while the child goes back and forth freely between stages.
Oh and there is a ghost from the crusades. He provides companionship, responsibility (she has to figure out how to feed and clothe him!), escape from all the kids, and, finally, help with all the kids in the face of nosy Germans looking to bust her aunt.
Yes, it's another Holcaust book for young adults. No, I wouldn't read it again. Yes, I might leave it lying around where a kid might pick it up and read it.
Oh and there is a ghost from the crusades. He provides companionship, responsibility (she has to figure out how to feed and clothe him!), escape from all the kids, and, finally, help with all the kids in the face of nosy Germans looking to bust her aunt.
Yes, it's another Holcaust book for young adults. No, I wouldn't read it again. Yes, I might leave it lying around where a kid might pick it up and read it.
November 11, 2015
It’s 1940 and Lisette finds herself being sent from her parent’s home in Paris to her aunt’s farmhouse in the country. Though she struggles with the idea of leaving her friends and family, she knows she will be far safer out of Paris and away from the Nazi’s. Or will she? Lisette soon finds out that her aunt is hiding Jewish and Gypsy children. She also encounters Gerard, a ghost from the eleventh century. The dangers of Lisette’s new situation become more prominent every day, and Gerard is the one person who might be able to help her.
The combination of the eleventh century and twentieth century is masterful. Seeing similarities and differences from the two time periods juxtaposed brings a greater understanding of history and the people from each of those times. Velde has successful meshed together elements from both time periods, resulting in an educational and exciting novel.
Content warning: none.
The combination of the eleventh century and twentieth century is masterful. Seeing similarities and differences from the two time periods juxtaposed brings a greater understanding of history and the people from each of those times. Velde has successful meshed together elements from both time periods, resulting in an educational and exciting novel.
Content warning: none.
February 24, 2008
a Coming evil by Vivian Vande Velde. Genre- Historical fiction.
When the Nazis invade France thirteen-year-old Lisette Beaucaire is forced to go stay with her Aunt and cousin Cecile. Once Lisette is at her Aunts she finds out she is hiding is at her Aunts she finds out she is hiding Jews and Gypsy’s from the Germans. Later Lisette discovers a ghost from the 1300s named Gerard. While Aunt Josephine is out of town the Germans threaten to kill. Lisette’s Aunts neighbor tells the Germans that she is keeping the Jews and Gypsy’s. Cecile finds out and runs to tell Lisette who tells Gerard who helps them find a place to hide from the Germans.
Over all I rated it five stars, because throughtout the book there wsa never a dull moment and it made you want to read some more untill you're done.
When the Nazis invade France thirteen-year-old Lisette Beaucaire is forced to go stay with her Aunt and cousin Cecile. Once Lisette is at her Aunts she finds out she is hiding is at her Aunts she finds out she is hiding Jews and Gypsy’s from the Germans. Later Lisette discovers a ghost from the 1300s named Gerard. While Aunt Josephine is out of town the Germans threaten to kill. Lisette’s Aunts neighbor tells the Germans that she is keeping the Jews and Gypsy’s. Cecile finds out and runs to tell Lisette who tells Gerard who helps them find a place to hide from the Germans.
Over all I rated it five stars, because throughtout the book there wsa never a dull moment and it made you want to read some more untill you're done.
June 1, 2010
Since high school students love Vivian Vande Velde, I thought I'd try this title out. The time is WW2 France. The story is of Lisette Beaucaire who is sent to live with her aunt in the country where her parents believe that she will be safer than in Paris. Lisette finds out that her aunt has taken in several Jewish and Gypsy children. The house is chaotic and Lisette misses her home. Her only time to hereself is when she walks up the hill into the woods. It is there that she meets a ghost from the medieval days. She can tell him all her troubles and he helps Lisette and the children hide from the Nazis.
The book was a bit jerky and the ghost bit didn't do much for me. There was just too many holes and gaps. Some students may like the book because it's by Vande Velde and it may spur some to read other wartime literature.
The book was a bit jerky and the ghost bit didn't do much for me. There was just too many holes and gaps. Some students may like the book because it's by Vande Velde and it may spur some to read other wartime literature.
January 31, 2012
This was defiantly a brilliant mash up of the Knights Templar, and World War 2. Except I think the author my have used the term ghost wrong, with the way it is written I would have thought it more a weak point in time (reference; if time isn’t linear, ode to the things the Doctor teaches us). Anyway I thought the book had and interesting, I misjudged the book by the first chapter but after that the book morphed into something wonderful, and insightful.
I think for those who like the Knights Templar, and historical fiction should spend the couple hours or the day to read this book, it is a refreshing read from the books I normally read. Historical fiction can be bland if not done right, but personally I didn’t find this story bland at all.
Language: None.
Violence: Implied threat of Germans, and implied violence.
Drugs/Alcohol: None.
Sex: Nope.
I think for those who like the Knights Templar, and historical fiction should spend the couple hours or the day to read this book, it is a refreshing read from the books I normally read. Historical fiction can be bland if not done right, but personally I didn’t find this story bland at all.
Language: None.
Violence: Implied threat of Germans, and implied violence.
Drugs/Alcohol: None.
Sex: Nope.
January 31, 2012
For me, this was a quick read, and I had it done in about a day. The storyline is great and flows very nicely. It makes me wonder if there's a second book or if this is it, but either way, I would recommend it to people who enjoy stories related to the Holocaust.
In particular, I enjoyed the character Gerard. He's a mystery in himself, and I wonder what is happening to him, despite the story explaining it. He's a fun character who plays a big role in the ending, and you also get caught up with the main character, feeling as she does about her annoying cousin. Overall, it was a great book that I wouldn't mind reading again sometime.
Drugs/Alcohol: no
Sex: no
Violence: no
Swearing: no
In particular, I enjoyed the character Gerard. He's a mystery in himself, and I wonder what is happening to him, despite the story explaining it. He's a fun character who plays a big role in the ending, and you also get caught up with the main character, feeling as she does about her annoying cousin. Overall, it was a great book that I wouldn't mind reading again sometime.
Drugs/Alcohol: no
Sex: no
Violence: no
Swearing: no
December 10, 2011
I read this book without really knowing what it was about. I really liked it, it was very intense in a lot of the parts. I liked how it compared the holocaust and how people were killed and tortured in the middle ages. I love Lisette, she is very brave and she noble, because she is willing to sacrifice her life for others. The only thing that i did not like was that I wish it went to into greater detail about why he was a ghost that would be seen as the age of the person looking at him, why he was there, and why and how he came back to life.
July 20, 2012
I would have loved this book. I SHOULD have loved this book so dearly had it not been for the UTTER INCOMPLETENESS (pardon my term) of the storyline. So many unanswered questions and no chance at a sequel. Where'd you expect readers to get answers? From thin air?
So he pledged chastity and all that. Does that implicate in any way that they'd never end up together? I know this book is too wholesome to pair up characters but it was just too sweet to let pass (for me).
Enlighten me. Anybody. What did you think?
So he pledged chastity and all that. Does that implicate in any way that they'd never end up together? I know this book is too wholesome to pair up characters but it was just too sweet to let pass (for me).
Enlighten me. Anybody. What did you think?
June 17, 2014
This is one of my favorite books. I've re-read it loads of times since the first time I read it and it's still a great read every time. At first it is a bit slow, but it quickly speeds up into a edge of your seat climax complete with soldiers and hiding in caves.
Both main characters of this story were written beautifully, even Gerard who would seem to impossible to write because of what he has been through. I'd recommend this book for anyone who loves stories of what was happening around the war, rather than the actual conflict.
Both main characters of this story were written beautifully, even Gerard who would seem to impossible to write because of what he has been through. I'd recommend this book for anyone who loves stories of what was happening around the war, rather than the actual conflict.
May 27, 2016
This book is about a girl named Lisette who is sent out of Paris during WWII. She does not want to be away from her friends and resents her parents for their decision. But the book is about her meeting another person staying in the farmhouse and their adventures together.
I enjoyed the plot twist of this book because it was written about WWII but in a way that I have not read about it before. It was from another country's perspective and also had a big twist in the story. I enjoyed the way that Vivian Vande Velde wrote the story and loved her descriptions.
I enjoyed the plot twist of this book because it was written about WWII but in a way that I have not read about it before. It was from another country's perspective and also had a big twist in the story. I enjoyed the way that Vivian Vande Velde wrote the story and loved her descriptions.
December 24, 2019
I chose this book for a history project, mainly because I thought " cool, a ghost, why not?" but I ended up loving it. Normally, when i read a book for class i finish it a week or so before the assignment is due and move on with life, but A Coming Evil had me reading chapter after chapter. I loved how even in a short time, I grew to love almost all of the characters, and how Lissette and Gerard set aside their differences and became friends. It was fast paced and upbeat, leaving me always wanting more. It even came to the point where I'd read during class. A wonderful read!
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