Skeleton Tower

The Atlas of Cursed Places

by Vanessa Acton

Jason's parents have been hired to work at a historic lighthouse along the California coast. The lighthouse is built along steep cliffs, surrounded by fog, and far from the nearest town. The last caretakers left in a hurry, and it doesn't take long to see why. Several accidents and the discovery of a hidden diary convince Jason the lighthouse is cursed. Will The Atlas of Cursed Places provide some answers before someone gets hurt...or worse?

Genres: Horror, Young Adult

104 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS!!

Though this was a quick read being at 96 pages, the story felt unoriginal and simple. After reading it, I didn't really care for it and don't plan on carrying on with this series. There's nothing creepy, scary, or thrilling about this, if that's what you're looking for, read something else.

- Richard

[ScrappyMags · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful HiLo book for my struggling readers. The story isn’t particularly involved - it’s a simple and interesting mystery and perfect for what I’m looking for for my students.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

SKELETON TOWER is an early-YA (adolescent)- aimed installment in Vanessa Acton's ATLAS OF CURSED PLACES. Well-delineated characterizations, subtle ramping up of suspense, an intriguing plotline which also weaves in some history, compassion, and character evolution make the story both compelling and inspiring. I was particularly pleased with the balance of negative energy (focused on the curse) and compassionate energy from another source. This factor plus the evolution of several characters really made the story for me.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skelton Tower starts out with Jason and his family going to yet another job that his parents decide to take on. Jason lets you know from the beginning that he does not agree with his parents "we're living a dream" lifestyle. You also meet Morgan, his older sister who really wants nothing to do with him. He really starts doubting his parents decision in taking this job when their van almost goes over the cliff. Shortly after this he finds a road sign that warns people that the lighthouse his parents just got a job at is cursed. Throughtout the story we get things this curse puts his family through, and get to see Morgan and Jason work togather with an unlikely companion (Emma) to break the curse.

[The Reading Writing Puppet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and easy to read. I thought about giving it a 4 star for what age group it's for, but the end came very fast. Still a nice read for a read-a-thon, or a rainy day.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jason and his family move once again, he realizes this place is a lot different from the rest of the places he has lived. Point Encanto Lighthouse is said to be cursed. As the family is moving in, Jason finds a letter on a shelf telling them to get out and beware of the curse. Jason and his sister look for more clues for proof that the lighthouse is cursed. He ends up finding The Atlas of Cursed Places and realizes the information he needs is in the diary of the caretaker's daughter. Then a storm is rolling in and their parents have gone into town. Will they find the diary in time? Will they be able to get rid of the curse? Read Skeleton Tower to find out.

Opinion:

Skeleton Tower is a well-written book. I love the suspense and the mysteries in this book. It did not take me long to finish because I could never put it down. This book was full of action. Jason and his sister were always finding clues or the curse was trying to harm them. Even though Jason and his sister fought, they still worked together to find more clues. I really liked this book and definitely recommend everyone read it. This is the second book I read in this series for LitPick, and Vanessa Acton once again made me feel like I was there with the characters and that I had the curse too.


Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer, Age 13

[Teresa Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The students in our elementary school library love spooky books, so I thought I'd give this series a try. I liked that this is more creepy and eerie than horror. Jason's parents frequently changes jobs and this time they've take the family to California to be lighthouse keepers. Before they even arrive, strange things begin to happen. The action is set at a good pace and there are enough spooky parts to keep the reader's interest. I agree with another review that the ending was too abrupt. Acton has put 3 books out in three months, so perhaps she felt rushed to meet a deadline and wasn't able to give the ending the time needed to pull the book up to 4 stars. Still, it is a fun, quick read that younger readers will enjoy.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is, a very short read not much longer than a short story. Would have loved this as a full atmospheric novel though.

[Lora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Serviceable high-low.

[Jenpisky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lite read mystery with realistic/relateable main characters.

[Shannon Rickert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this one was back on track. I would have so left the first day when i mysteriously flew over the railing possibly plunging myself into the rocky waters if my sister wasnt there to help me.

[Brian Marion]

I did not finish this book. It just wasn't my kind of book. I moved on to The Fault In Our Stars instead.