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Garnet and Raphaella #1
Stones
Garnet Havelock was always a bit different from other guys. He never quite fit in and he was okay with that. Now, in his final year of high school, he’s just marking time, waiting to get out into the real world.
When a mysterious girl transfers to his school Garnet thinks he might have found the girl of his dreams, if only he could get her to talk to him.
As Garnet struggles to win over one girl, another girl is trying to get his attention – unfortunately she lived over 150 years ago. Garnet becomes fascinated by her history and that of the black community she belonged to. As he draws closer to the truth, he uncovers a horrifying chapter in his town’s history, and discovers the ways in which deep-seated prejudices and persecution from the past can still reverberate in the present.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
When a mysterious girl transfers to his school Garnet thinks he might have found the girl of his dreams, if only he could get her to talk to him.
As Garnet struggles to win over one girl, another girl is trying to get his attention – unfortunately she lived over 150 years ago. Garnet becomes fascinated by her history and that of the black community she belonged to. As he draws closer to the truth, he uncovers a horrifying chapter in his town’s history, and discovers the ways in which deep-seated prejudices and persecution from the past can still reverberate in the present.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
25 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
William Bell
126 books53 followersWilliam Bell is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young adults.
Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1945, he has been a high school English teacher and department head, and an instructor at the Harbin University of Science and Technology, the Foreign Affairs College in Beijing, and the University of British Columbia.
Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1945, he has been a high school English teacher and department head, and an instructor at the Harbin University of Science and Technology, the Foreign Affairs College in Beijing, and the University of British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 7, 2017
Absolutely atrocious book. The plot was entirely out of order, Garnet is a complete fucking weirdo that can't talk to people. his mom even fucking hates him. He hates him so much she goes to the middle east so she can join ISIS just to not put up with his autistic shit. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON RAPHAELLA. This dumb fucking broad can't even comprehend what a normal life is. She's the creepiest fucking girl on this planet. This dumb bitch spent a WHOLE NIGHT with another dude in a cabin ALONE and didn't even let him smash. You already know that she has fire pussy but won't share it. She's a right bitch that deserves to be cunt punted out of this book. ALSO they live in fucking ORILLIA. The most boring place in Canada. Fuck this book.
October 17, 2016
The novel Stones by William Bell was a very interesting read. When I first started reading the novel was so intrigued by it I couldn't put it down. Reading the novel felt so real as if I was watching everything happen in front of me. I loved how Bell had clashed modern with a historic twist. The story starts off with Garnet just trying to get through his senior year of high school before he can finally leave and "get into the real world." His plans are cut short when this intriguing girl catches his eye and he desperately tried to get in contact with her. When they had met Garnet had automatically fell in love, love at first sight, though he doesn't believe he in it he assumed he had fallen in love with her as soon as he saw her in class. The historic part of novel was something I didn't really understand. The way they had described the history of what was happening and how it happened was great because even though I had no knowledge of the Canadian history. William Bell has explained it in an awesome way. Which means that whether or not you know about the Canadian history you can read and enjoy the novel. What I didn't like was the way Garnet and Raphaella had solved the mystery I felt as though it had ended way too quickly. Other than that I felt the book was really good and I would recommend reading this book as it is very interesting!
October 6, 2011
This was a pretty interesting book but it think it ended a bit too fast.
December 18, 2016
Stones is a truly gripping read, when compared to other Young Adult fiction novels. I enjoyed the mystery the plot held, and was filled with suspense as I turned each page. The protagonist of the story, Garnet Havelock, is a twelfth grade student, who has no liking of going to school. Like any other typical Young Adult novel, William Bell also includes romance into Stones.
One of my favourite parts of Stones was the part about the spirits from the past. This mysterious, supernatural element of the novel really attracted my attention. However, I would have liked to see the spirit, Hannah, associate with Garnet and Raphaella. Though the characters helped the spirit, I wished the spirit became friends with Garnet or Raphaella.
On the other hand, I liked Garnet's character development. The author shows that males too, can experience fright. They can also share their feelings with their loved ones. Garnet is a very open minded to Raphaella, when he shares his emotions about his supernatural incident. I found that Garnet and Raphaella's connection is an example of a healthy relationship, as both partners are honest and loyal to each other.
Another topic the author includes in this novel is the historical information about the town, Orillia. As Garnet unravels the story of Orillia's African-American's, while discovering the spirit, he learns that racism played an important role in the death of the spirit. William Bell tells the reader that racism is a continuous problem, from the past to the present.
From start to finish, Stones was a very pleasurable read.
One of my favourite parts of Stones was the part about the spirits from the past. This mysterious, supernatural element of the novel really attracted my attention. However, I would have liked to see the spirit, Hannah, associate with Garnet and Raphaella. Though the characters helped the spirit, I wished the spirit became friends with Garnet or Raphaella.
On the other hand, I liked Garnet's character development. The author shows that males too, can experience fright. They can also share their feelings with their loved ones. Garnet is a very open minded to Raphaella, when he shares his emotions about his supernatural incident. I found that Garnet and Raphaella's connection is an example of a healthy relationship, as both partners are honest and loyal to each other.
Another topic the author includes in this novel is the historical information about the town, Orillia. As Garnet unravels the story of Orillia's African-American's, while discovering the spirit, he learns that racism played an important role in the death of the spirit. William Bell tells the reader that racism is a continuous problem, from the past to the present.
From start to finish, Stones was a very pleasurable read.
November 7, 2016
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. To start off, I found the overall plot and main characters extremely intriguing and fascinating. The mystery that the author decided to add to Raphaella and the town kept me wanting more from the book. However, I felt that the author rushed the relationship between the two main characters, Raphaella and Garnet.
<*spoiler*>
After all, he forcibly kissed her and declared his love for her after only meeting her a couple of times. On the other hand, instead of getting upset due to the forced kiss, Raphaella accepts his kiss and proposal after only interacting with him for about an hour. As a result, I felt that their relationship felt too rushed and abrupt. Moreover, it almost felt like the author put Raphaella in the book simply so that Garnet could have someone to join in his adventure. In my opinion, it would have been nice to see some more character development, and to see the relationship of the two grow as the story goes. Similarly, I would have liked to see more interactions between the ghost and Garnet. Moreover, I wanted to know why exactly the village’s men remained as ghosts until the end of the book. For example, the female ghost roamed the earth because she couldn’t find peace within herself, however what reason do the men have for remaining as ghosts? In the end, they achieved their goal of burying, ‘the witch’ and believed that she was gone, so why did their souls not pass on? Was it because of their guilt? Or did they also die shortly after the death of Hannah? <*/spoiler*>
On the other hand, I liked how the author decided to address the issue of racism without having the entire book revolve around racism. For instance, he still added in bits of romance and humour to keep the book interesting while addressing an important issue. Speaking of humour, I found the author’s humour enjoyable, and sometimes even found myself laughing along with the characters! Overall, this was a great book that kept my attention from the beginning to the end.
<*spoiler*>
After all, he forcibly kissed her and declared his love for her after only meeting her a couple of times. On the other hand, instead of getting upset due to the forced kiss, Raphaella accepts his kiss and proposal after only interacting with him for about an hour. As a result, I felt that their relationship felt too rushed and abrupt. Moreover, it almost felt like the author put Raphaella in the book simply so that Garnet could have someone to join in his adventure. In my opinion, it would have been nice to see some more character development, and to see the relationship of the two grow as the story goes. Similarly, I would have liked to see more interactions between the ghost and Garnet. Moreover, I wanted to know why exactly the village’s men remained as ghosts until the end of the book. For example, the female ghost roamed the earth because she couldn’t find peace within herself, however what reason do the men have for remaining as ghosts? In the end, they achieved their goal of burying, ‘the witch’ and believed that she was gone, so why did their souls not pass on? Was it because of their guilt? Or did they also die shortly after the death of Hannah? <*/spoiler*>
On the other hand, I liked how the author decided to address the issue of racism without having the entire book revolve around racism. For instance, he still added in bits of romance and humour to keep the book interesting while addressing an important issue. Speaking of humour, I found the author’s humour enjoyable, and sometimes even found myself laughing along with the characters! Overall, this was a great book that kept my attention from the beginning to the end.
February 1, 2020
I didn't quite understand the point of this novel. The first half is mostly the annoyingly oblivious narrator being...annoyingly oblivious...and chasing a girl who shows no interest in him and rejects him multiple times. Of course, that is code for "keep trying"/"she wants you", etc. according to this novel and so many others like it. So naturally, the protagonist gets the girl and they fall in love at first sight. But that's not what the novel is about...?
Despite all of the strange, creepy and misogynistic aspects of Bell's writing, this book suddenly swerves and attempts a shallow feminist analysis of "how women are treated in society bro" (without context) while also glossing over slavery and a brutally murdered black woman.
What really confused me was how Bell could write a line like "Who would have guessed that, rather than scream "Rape!"[...], Raphaella would wrap her slender arms around me and squeeze as if she'd never let me go?" in the same novel. ????
The writing made me either cringe or laugh out loud. Overall, it was an easy read. Do not recommend for pleasure reading, but please do check it out to see how /not/ to write teenagers or women.
The one positive is that occasionally Bell can write a really lovely, sentimental line or two. For that, though, I prefer his novel "Crabbe". Trying really hard to throw in a positive here.
Despite all of the strange, creepy and misogynistic aspects of Bell's writing, this book suddenly swerves and attempts a shallow feminist analysis of "how women are treated in society bro" (without context) while also glossing over slavery and a brutally murdered black woman.
What really confused me was how Bell could write a line like "Who would have guessed that, rather than scream "Rape!"[...], Raphaella would wrap her slender arms around me and squeeze as if she'd never let me go?" in the same novel. ????
The writing made me either cringe or laugh out loud. Overall, it was an easy read. Do not recommend for pleasure reading, but please do check it out to see how /not/ to write teenagers or women.
The one positive is that occasionally Bell can write a really lovely, sentimental line or two. For that, though, I prefer his novel "Crabbe". Trying really hard to throw in a positive here.
November 8, 2016
In my Opinion, The novel Stones by William Bell is an unique book since the theme of the book is black magic, spirits and dark history, which a lot of writers tend to not write about. Basically Stones is about a teenager who wants to get a job and work in the business world instead of reading textbooks and memorizing useless information he wouldn't need in real life. Through the book the protagonist meets his soulmate during an intense debate which was unusual and funny because he liked a girl who argued against him. Together they discover the dark history of the town past and how it is affecting the present. One major flaw about this book is that it gets off topic from the plot which leads the readers into confusion. I felt if the author explained more about Raphaella instead of keeping everything a mystery it would have been easier for the reader to follow through the story and make personal connections. However the author ties everything together like clues to solve the mystery of the haunted church. Overall, i recommend this book if you are interested in black magic or like reading about history.
October 27, 2016
The novel Stones by William Bell was a very interesting read. Stones is about a senoir year student, Garnet Havelock who has no interest in school and cannot wait to move on. During a debate in class he had fallen in love with Raphaella Skyla. Most of it is based on Northern Ontario history and touches points like ghosts,myths and spirits to involve old facts and beliefs. However, the book did have many things going on at the same time so it was hard to keep track on the actual plot as alot of it was trying to keep Raphaella a mystery. I liked the overall mystery as it was very enticing and interesting. I thought the ending came quite quickly because I was left with many unanswered questions. Overall, I really recommend reading this book as it is a very interesting mystery and pastime read!
October 10, 2016
The novel Stones by William Bell was an interesting read. When first diving into the book, it was hard to put down as it was very intriguing. The book starts off with some funny situations about the main character, Garnet’s love life. The funniest predicament he’d put himself in was kicking a girl he’d liked in the shin. He described his beautiful crush turning into a monster as she howled in pain. That is one way to get your crush to notice you. Asides from the comedy, and romance aspect of the book, the book was interesting until the falling action. The book is quite interesting up till the falling action as the end seems to be quite rushed. The end to this story left me with many unanswered questions. Overall, the book was a good read, but the ending was very abrupt.
October 5, 2016
Stones is a very interesting book and I would recommend it for a pastime reading. Stones follows senior year Garnet Havelock as he trudges along his last year of high school, waiting to get out and go in the real world. Garnet is a genius and doesn't believe in love at first sight. Well, that is until he meets Raphaella Skyla. He immediately falls in love with her after their first debate. Overall, this story is mostly based around historic facts about northern Ontario. There is a lot of ghosts, spirits and myths which the main plot is based on. Stones also has some romance drama for those secret romantic people. Ultimately, this is a good book and I would recommend that people read it.
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June 13, 2019In my opinion, the novel "Stones" was a boring, hard to read, slightly all over the place novel. When reading this novel I felt as though it was very hard to get hooked. Due to the fact that the plot was all over the place, it made the novel very hard to follow, therefore it was more difficult to get interested. In this novel, William Bell attempts to create Raphaella's character to be mysterious and a know it all. In an attempt of doing this, he lost the true meaning of the plot and the book started to wobble all over the place. Although the novel did have some interesting parts, overall it was a total waste of my time to read.
William Bell did a good job creating the characters to be realistic, except for Raphaella, but they started to fade into very unrealistic individuals. The whole idea of Garnet living in a haunted trailer park with a lady weeping and men yelling is one of the dumbest things I've ever read about.
Although I know this novel is not based on true events that have actually happened, it would have been nice for it to be slightly more realistic and maybe believable. For example, when the men from the forest “attacked his trailer with stones,” and it dented the entire back... How is that realistic? If you can see straight through a “ghost” how would they able to lift and throw stones enough to make dents.
When Raphaellas “being mysterious” just turned into stupidity it made the novel even harder to finish. Nothing even add up with her, it was always "my mother doesn't like this," "my mother said I can't do this," but when it was time to sit in a forest all night to see "ghosts" she wasn't worried about her mom? That just doesn't make any sense.
Another thing I don't quite understand is, how come they dug up one of the bodies of the ghosts to move it, but continued to be "scared of them." How can the men throw stones at humans and it genuinely hurt them?
Although the novel may have some interesting parts it is overall not worth the time to read.
William Bell did a good job creating the characters to be realistic, except for Raphaella, but they started to fade into very unrealistic individuals. The whole idea of Garnet living in a haunted trailer park with a lady weeping and men yelling is one of the dumbest things I've ever read about.
Although I know this novel is not based on true events that have actually happened, it would have been nice for it to be slightly more realistic and maybe believable. For example, when the men from the forest “attacked his trailer with stones,” and it dented the entire back... How is that realistic? If you can see straight through a “ghost” how would they able to lift and throw stones enough to make dents.
When Raphaellas “being mysterious” just turned into stupidity it made the novel even harder to finish. Nothing even add up with her, it was always "my mother doesn't like this," "my mother said I can't do this," but when it was time to sit in a forest all night to see "ghosts" she wasn't worried about her mom? That just doesn't make any sense.
Another thing I don't quite understand is, how come they dug up one of the bodies of the ghosts to move it, but continued to be "scared of them." How can the men throw stones at humans and it genuinely hurt them?
Although the novel may have some interesting parts it is overall not worth the time to read.
July 13, 2022
A fascinating insight into a teen Garnet and his search for himself. He's a quiet almost introverted guy but in his pursuit of one girl and another woman from over 150 years ago, he finds out more about himself and what he wants in life. It's a very realistic portrait of his feelings about school, his family and his love of woodworking which he uses to put to rest a mystery that haunts him and his girlfriend. With references to the occult and to how prejudice can push people into unspeakable acts, the book slowly uncovers secrets from the past and those of the present and like a detective story becomes a fascinating read.
January 27, 2021
it was the shittest thing I've every lad my eyes on wtf i couldn't understand what the hell was going on and the fact that on all you books has a four in a half star rating is complete bullshit. here a tip dont wright a book when your name is fucking William it was shit i wouldn't even wipe my dog asshole with this book. i think my favorite part was when i realized i finished the fucking book. fuck i think my dog who has breathing problems could wright better then this.
February 22, 2021
Great YA novel: sophisticated and smart.
I loved the integration of real historical events with fictional characters. Canadian history wasn't well taught in school and I certainly didn't have any idea this community existed.
The characters are interesting and I felt a real kinship with both Raphaella and Taylor. They have a great friendship that shines through the horror of the novel.
Really well done.
I loved the integration of real historical events with fictional characters. Canadian history wasn't well taught in school and I certainly didn't have any idea this community existed.
The characters are interesting and I felt a real kinship with both Raphaella and Taylor. They have a great friendship that shines through the horror of the novel.
Really well done.
October 28, 2022
This was such a quick good read. The young love story was adorable, and I love the historical context embedded in the story. Such a mystery and a clear way to address racism in a way that actually frames the story from the perspective of the marginalized victims. I loved it. The connection between the backstory and the main story was well connected and well written and the perfect fall sitting-in-a-forest vibe book.
August 2, 2022
I was 5 when this book was first published and in accordance I had to switch my mental cadence when it came to reading this book.
Although I enjoyed the overall plot of the book I found there to be little character development which caused me to become unattached to any character. I did however enjoy the snippets of history incorporated within the story line.
Although I enjoyed the overall plot of the book I found there to be little character development which caused me to become unattached to any character. I did however enjoy the snippets of history incorporated within the story line.
January 7, 2025
For a English novel study this was a pretty good book, I love how Bell included Canadian history whilst also informing us about slavery but not completely dragging it. I also love how it ended complete.
October 19, 2020
not vary good...
May 11, 2021
My students and I enjoyed the themes but found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying. C’est la vie
October 14, 2021
Just a meh story
May 5, 2025
Garnet is crazy and he's a guy who hears voices, Raphella follows along
April 29, 2014
Please remember these are solely my ideas on the book. You don't need to agree. Everyone has their own opinion.
Reading books for school can be a bummer. Especially when you get this book. Okay, so it wasn't all bad. You did get to learn some history about Canada that may or may not be true...
I felt this story lagged in its writing style and in character development. Garnet seemed fully developed the first two chapters. And Raphaella, please don't get me started. At the end of the novel when she tells Garnet her "big secret" that's really nothing, she keeps insisting that if Garnet knew the truth about her he'd "break-up with her". Which isn't true. 'Cause Garnet knew about the secret the entire time just didn't know that was the "big secret".
The story was contemporary then took a big veer to the left (or right) and turned paranormal. I only knew it was paranormal because someone told me about the ghost you see in the novel. Now, why oh why would there be ghosts? (Yes, there are more than one). This was the universal question for me when I finished this book. Nothing was explained in the end of this book. It didn't tell you why the ghosts continued to haunt that area in the forest. This book was to unsupported, I believe. Then William Bell started to throw in some romance on the side. I just found to many stories in the book to actually focus on the main one. Which is... yeah, still working on that.
Rating: 1.2/10
Parental Rating: 14+
Reading books for school can be a bummer. Especially when you get this book. Okay, so it wasn't all bad. You did get to learn some history about Canada that may or may not be true...
I felt this story lagged in its writing style and in character development. Garnet seemed fully developed the first two chapters. And Raphaella, please don't get me started. At the end of the novel when she tells Garnet her "big secret" that's really nothing, she keeps insisting that if Garnet knew the truth about her he'd "break-up with her". Which isn't true. 'Cause Garnet knew about the secret the entire time just didn't know that was the "big secret".
The story was contemporary then took a big veer to the left (or right) and turned paranormal. I only knew it was paranormal because someone told me about the ghost you see in the novel. Now, why oh why would there be ghosts? (Yes, there are more than one). This was the universal question for me when I finished this book. Nothing was explained in the end of this book. It didn't tell you why the ghosts continued to haunt that area in the forest. This book was to unsupported, I believe. Then William Bell started to throw in some romance on the side. I just found to many stories in the book to actually focus on the main one. Which is... yeah, still working on that.
Rating: 1.2/10
Parental Rating: 14+
June 12, 2015
The book Stones by William Bell, took place at the old church in Orillia called the African Methodist church. The main character intros book is Garnet, he is a very shy and polite. He was almost finished high school, but then he dropped out. He is a type of boy who doesn’t have a lot of friends. And he is not really smart. The girl from this book named Rapahella. Garnet thought he found the girl of his dreams. He wanted to date with her. As they got closer they were in a relationship. Because of Garnet wasn't going to school anymore his parents wanted him to have a job, so he started house sitting. The woman who owns that house, she lived over 150 years ago. She told Garnet and Rapahella about the problem of town where they live and about church it related with ghost. Meanwhile they solved the problem and helped that woman.
William Bell wanted to make the story happen reality, so he chosen the actual place so we can visualize it. He dies a great job at developing the suspense, the mystery surrounding the haunting and some genuinely spooky scenes.
I’d recommend this book for teens who doesn't like going to school. This book was interesting the ghost part, I couldn't expect what’s going to happen next.
Overall, it was okay, but I’m glad that he became like to go to school and Rapahella changed him.
William Bell wanted to make the story happen reality, so he chosen the actual place so we can visualize it. He dies a great job at developing the suspense, the mystery surrounding the haunting and some genuinely spooky scenes.
I’d recommend this book for teens who doesn't like going to school. This book was interesting the ghost part, I couldn't expect what’s going to happen next.
Overall, it was okay, but I’m glad that he became like to go to school and Rapahella changed him.
August 5, 2016
I had trouble deciding what to rate this book. On one hand, I enjoyed Garnet's voice. It wasn't quite like the other books with a first-speaker perspective I'd come to hate with a burning passion *ahem* Twilight *ahem* And it was amusing being inside Garnet's head, seeing what he sees.
But, on the other, I hated how the part where everything was revealed seemed... so... unbelievable. It was rushed. When Raphaella explained to Garnet her life, her father, her "gift," it felt like it was scripted. A whole chapter of monotonous dialogue. Same, unchanging tone. I couldn't "see" Raphaella's expressions; I couldn't sympathize with her.
And so, my conclusion: 3 stars.
The author could've gone on further. I still had some unsatisfied questions hanging. Like, How, when Raphaella herself said that ghosts---spirits couldn't touch them physically (or anything, for that matter), did those men, who killed Hannah Duvalier, able to throw stones at them? and why did Garnet not think of that at all?
I've had a lot of expectations with this one. But now I find my hope cracked like glass.
*sigh*
But! On the bright side, there's a sequel! Hoorah!
But, on the other, I hated how the part where everything was revealed seemed... so... unbelievable. It was rushed. When Raphaella explained to Garnet her life, her father, her "gift," it felt like it was scripted. A whole chapter of monotonous dialogue. Same, unchanging tone. I couldn't "see" Raphaella's expressions; I couldn't sympathize with her.
And so, my conclusion: 3 stars.
The author could've gone on further. I still had some unsatisfied questions hanging. Like, How, when Raphaella herself said that ghosts---spirits couldn't touch them physically (or anything, for that matter), did those men, who killed Hannah Duvalier, able to throw stones at them? and why did Garnet not think of that at all?
I've had a lot of expectations with this one. But now I find my hope cracked like glass.
*sigh*
But! On the bright side, there's a sequel! Hoorah!
April 7, 2012
Well it was a insightful book I will give you that and it was quite depressing and amazing about the haunted story at the Maitland property and the church... but the author never did explain Raphaella's theory wrong. If only, if only and plus there were some spelling mistakes in the book like 'ran' was supposed to be 'rain'... but overall I liked the idea and context; that is just one of the things that icked me about this book...
August 14, 2015
There are two ways to read this book (and any book really, I suppose): with the knowledge of everything you know about the world and with an open mind.
This is one you really need to stretch your mind wind for. I had trouble with this at first. It's one that really gets you thinking and questioning, way beyond what most books do. Not just questioing right and wrong. Questioning knowlege and spirituality and science, and everything assumed to be true.
If you can get past this barrier of "knowlegdge though, this book can be quite interesting and though-provoking. The characters were all very well-developped.
Some loose ends and contradictions did present themselves which was troubling but all in all, a good read for those who don't mind realistic fiction that may seem a bit, unrealistic.
This is one you really need to stretch your mind wind for. I had trouble with this at first. It's one that really gets you thinking and questioning, way beyond what most books do. Not just questioing right and wrong. Questioning knowlege and spirituality and science, and everything assumed to be true.
If you can get past this barrier of "knowlegdge though, this book can be quite interesting and though-provoking. The characters were all very well-developped.
Some loose ends and contradictions did present themselves which was troubling but all in all, a good read for those who don't mind realistic fiction that may seem a bit, unrealistic.
March 25, 2015
I did not like this book. I feel like it was a waste of time. I didn't like Garnet, Raphaella or anyone else for that matter. I feel like their empathy for the characters was very staged and their romance was to awkward to like. Then the 'ghosts' and the soldiers... It was just too weird.
I didn't like how both of the relationships were female dominant. Not that I'm against that, but it was because these relationships were just awkward. I've read books where the female is dominant in the relationship, but these relationships were too awkward.
Very short review, but I didn't take much from this book except that I'm not going to read more books by this author.
Rating: 1/10
Parental Rating: 13+
I didn't like how both of the relationships were female dominant. Not that I'm against that, but it was because these relationships were just awkward. I've read books where the female is dominant in the relationship, but these relationships were too awkward.
Very short review, but I didn't take much from this book except that I'm not going to read more books by this author.
Rating: 1/10
Parental Rating: 13+
September 8, 2014
This read very much like the first in a pair or series of books. I didn't realize it WAS that until just now when I see "#1" as part of the title. But, not realizing it until now, I had a couple of issues with it. It seemed odd to have two supernatural elements...the ghost story AND Raphaella's "gift". It was especially strange to wait to announce the "gift" until the very very end, by which point it wasn't even necessary to say. (Except, that it's the first in a group, so it makes sense because presumably it will be more important in future books.) Unrelated to this, I found it strange (and left unexplained) that Raphaella only went to school a day or two a week.
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