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Melding Spirits
Twelve-year-old Evan Mason’s life has been turned upside down by the sudden death of his father. His mother isn’t home much, the insurance office during the day, waiting tables at night. Evan is spending a great deal of time alone.
Now he finds himself on a Greyhound bus headed for a small town on the Wabash River where he’ll spend the summer of 1958 with his loving grandmother.
Evan soon meets his new neighbor, Katie Dobbins. She’s a feisty blue-eyed girl with a ponytail, the type of girl Buddy Holly might sing about on American Bandstand. Evan is instantly enamored with her.
It seems the perfect summer is underway—but strange things are happening in the woods surrounding the Ghost Hill Indian Mound.
There’s a dark cloud lingering over the Wabash Valley—It won’t be long before it erupts into a raging storm.
Now he finds himself on a Greyhound bus headed for a small town on the Wabash River where he’ll spend the summer of 1958 with his loving grandmother.
Evan soon meets his new neighbor, Katie Dobbins. She’s a feisty blue-eyed girl with a ponytail, the type of girl Buddy Holly might sing about on American Bandstand. Evan is instantly enamored with her.
It seems the perfect summer is underway—but strange things are happening in the woods surrounding the Ghost Hill Indian Mound.
There’s a dark cloud lingering over the Wabash Valley—It won’t be long before it erupts into a raging storm.
358 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2017
1 person is currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Michael E. Burge
2 books14 followersMichael E. Burge grew up in the Chicago suburbs and a small town on the Wabash River in Southern Illinois.
In the late sixties, he left college to serve on a U.S. Navy destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia. Upon leaving the service, he transitioned to a career in the burgeoning computer industry, positions in product management and marketing.
He is now pursuing his lifelong interest in writing, publishing his debut novel, Bryant’s Gap, in 2015 and his second, Melding Spirits, in 2017.
Michael also plays piano, paints, and is an avid golfer.
He and his family currently live in Illinois.
In the late sixties, he left college to serve on a U.S. Navy destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia. Upon leaving the service, he transitioned to a career in the burgeoning computer industry, positions in product management and marketing.
He is now pursuing his lifelong interest in writing, publishing his debut novel, Bryant’s Gap, in 2015 and his second, Melding Spirits, in 2017.
Michael also plays piano, paints, and is an avid golfer.
He and his family currently live in Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 9, 2019
It’s 1959 and twelve-year-old Evan is sent to spend the summer with his Grandma Bea. There, he runs into some old friends and makes some new ones. He spends time searching for Indian relics, eating ice cream at Dairy Queen, discussing movies and music, going fishing, and experiencing first love. Meanwhile, teenage girls are disappearing, and a murderer is on the loose …
Initially, this book appears to be a quiet look at the idyllic goings-on in the summer of a twelve-year-old boy. We are introduced to the characters and given an insight into their background, whether they are main characters or not. A lot of this is unnecessary but adds to the quiet charm of the book. Then the book takes a turn, and it feels like we have been thrust into an episode of Criminal Minds. This book doesn’t know what it wants to be. It reads like a middle grade action/adventure/romance but the language and violence place it firmly in the adult demographic. The chapters switch between the points-of-view of children and adults but, towards the end, we are head-hopping from paragraph to paragraph. Editing errors include overuse of exclamation marks and unnecessary italicizing of words and phrases. In addition, the title and cover image don’t accurately reflect the story. There is one reference to the melding of spirits in the book, but it has no bearing on the plot, while the bridge on the cover only makes a minor appearance towards the end of the book.
Not what I expected.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, violence.
Full blog post: https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
Initially, this book appears to be a quiet look at the idyllic goings-on in the summer of a twelve-year-old boy. We are introduced to the characters and given an insight into their background, whether they are main characters or not. A lot of this is unnecessary but adds to the quiet charm of the book. Then the book takes a turn, and it feels like we have been thrust into an episode of Criminal Minds. This book doesn’t know what it wants to be. It reads like a middle grade action/adventure/romance but the language and violence place it firmly in the adult demographic. The chapters switch between the points-of-view of children and adults but, towards the end, we are head-hopping from paragraph to paragraph. Editing errors include overuse of exclamation marks and unnecessary italicizing of words and phrases. In addition, the title and cover image don’t accurately reflect the story. There is one reference to the melding of spirits in the book, but it has no bearing on the plot, while the bridge on the cover only makes a minor appearance towards the end of the book.
Not what I expected.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, violence.
Full blog post: https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
January 17, 2019
Melding Spirits is a coming of age story, a mystery/thriller with a touch of romance.
This is a story of a young man named Evan, who lost his father and tried to make it as easy on his mother, while she worked and struggle to support them.
His mother received an opportunity to rain for a promotion, so took Evan to live with his paternal grandmother for the summer. He remembered her as being "cool" so didn't mind. He just hated leaving his friends.
At his grandmother's house, he quickly made a few friends of various ages and with very unique personalities.
Although the towns were small in the area where his grandmother lived, there was evil lurking though the various communities.
The description of the scenes and characters are very vivid, allowing the reader to feel a part of this tale. The book Cover is passable but I feel the title is not a great fit.
There is a lot of suspense, adventure, companionable compassion, and inspiration in this one story. There are also nostalgic scenes which leads one to reflect on past memories.
BEWARE: There are crude references and sexual situations, plus, some profanity.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
This is a story of a young man named Evan, who lost his father and tried to make it as easy on his mother, while she worked and struggle to support them.
His mother received an opportunity to rain for a promotion, so took Evan to live with his paternal grandmother for the summer. He remembered her as being "cool" so didn't mind. He just hated leaving his friends.
At his grandmother's house, he quickly made a few friends of various ages and with very unique personalities.
Although the towns were small in the area where his grandmother lived, there was evil lurking though the various communities.
The description of the scenes and characters are very vivid, allowing the reader to feel a part of this tale. The book Cover is passable but I feel the title is not a great fit.
There is a lot of suspense, adventure, companionable compassion, and inspiration in this one story. There are also nostalgic scenes which leads one to reflect on past memories.
BEWARE: There are crude references and sexual situations, plus, some profanity.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
August 24, 2018
With “Melding Spirits”, Michael Burge crafts a poignant coming-of-age story laced with suspense and grit. Crossing genres, this story is sure to appeal to a wide audience. The characters are an eclectic mix who work well together. Evan Mason, the twelve-year-old protagonist, is on the cusp of teenagerhood, that magical age in which innocence and naiveté still reign, and this is captured in his interactions with his friends and especially with his relationship with Katie Dobbins, his first love. Both are mature for their age, which is refreshing. The neighborhood is comprised of quirky, unique individuals who augment the plot and add humor as well as creative tension. There is a timeless quality to the narrative, and although the setting is 1958 in Laurenville, Illinois, it could be anyone’s hometown, which further immerses the reader in the experience.
Don’t let the seeming tranquility lull you into complacency, however. As quaint as this story is, there is just enough roughness around the edges to add grit, a discreet thread of mystery that develops slowly and then suddenly rises to a crescendo. Most authors would present both the light and dark elements together or at least simultaneously from the start, and in breaking from this tradition, Burge keeps the reader guessing and achieves an exhilarating climax toward the end of the novel. Aside from some profanity, this is a relatively clean read, with no graphic details or bedroom scenes, and I recommend it as a fantastic summer read.
Many thanks to the author for providing both a signed paperback and a Kindle edition of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Don’t let the seeming tranquility lull you into complacency, however. As quaint as this story is, there is just enough roughness around the edges to add grit, a discreet thread of mystery that develops slowly and then suddenly rises to a crescendo. Most authors would present both the light and dark elements together or at least simultaneously from the start, and in breaking from this tradition, Burge keeps the reader guessing and achieves an exhilarating climax toward the end of the novel. Aside from some profanity, this is a relatively clean read, with no graphic details or bedroom scenes, and I recommend it as a fantastic summer read.
Many thanks to the author for providing both a signed paperback and a Kindle edition of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 21, 2019
Melding Spirits connects wonderful characters with a wonderful storyteller. Readers will immediately fall into the author's writing style from the first few pages. He does a wonderful job creating a well-done, coming of age storyline loaded with a sense of mystery, suspense, & romance. The story and the characters will draw you in and hold you until the very last page.
Melding Spirits combines darkness, light--and life. The author serves up a coming-of-age look at life in this novel. Readers will experience the ups and downs of learning and growing while experiencing a combination of teen innocence and a look at the depravity of the grown up world. There are some references made that are rather crude and dark--but, not out of character for the novel's plot and certainly not done simply for shock value.
Would I recommend Melding Spirits by Michael E. Burge? I think this book appeals to a variety of readers. The characters are complex and real, the setting takes readers back in time and the storyline creates a well written coming of age story in a small town. The mystery of the novel builds well and keeps readers guessing--and the romance element is evenly presented without taking over the story. I loved the characters and, although the ending was satisfying, I was sad to leave them at the end of the story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I would recommend this book to fans of mystery/suspense novels with a coming of age theme.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Melding Spirits combines darkness, light--and life. The author serves up a coming-of-age look at life in this novel. Readers will experience the ups and downs of learning and growing while experiencing a combination of teen innocence and a look at the depravity of the grown up world. There are some references made that are rather crude and dark--but, not out of character for the novel's plot and certainly not done simply for shock value.
Would I recommend Melding Spirits by Michael E. Burge? I think this book appeals to a variety of readers. The characters are complex and real, the setting takes readers back in time and the storyline creates a well written coming of age story in a small town. The mystery of the novel builds well and keeps readers guessing--and the romance element is evenly presented without taking over the story. I loved the characters and, although the ending was satisfying, I was sad to leave them at the end of the story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I would recommend this book to fans of mystery/suspense novels with a coming of age theme.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2019
I usually have a ‘genre’ – a ‘type’ – that I tend to read and Melding Spirits didn’t exactly fall into those categories. What made me pick the book is unknown to me, but I have to admit; I am glad that I did.
The book starts out heavily following 12 year old Evan who is being sent to his grandmother’s home for the summer. I wasn’t sure what to expect and expected to just follow this young man’s summer, but I ran head first into budding first love, unique characters (Riley was hands down a favorite) and murder.
Everything came together in a perfect ‘melding’ manner that kept me intrigued and reading – wanting to see what Evan was up to; what more he would learn and do with Riley; how things would develop between he and Katie; and how in the world these murders played into Evan’s life.
As mentioned before; it wasn’t our typical book review read, but it was a nice, welcoming break from our usual and still kept me thoroughly engaged and looking forward to my reading time in the evening. It wasn’t heavy on the romance and it wasn’t gripping in suspense and thrill. It was a calmer, welcoming read that allowed me to immerse myself in Evan’s world and join his journey through his summer with his grandmother.
If you are looking for something that is different but still has romance and mystery; Melding Spirits is a great option for similar yet a completely different writing style. I really don’t think you will be disappointed as I surely enjoyed it and found it to be a rather fast paced read that held my attention!
The book starts out heavily following 12 year old Evan who is being sent to his grandmother’s home for the summer. I wasn’t sure what to expect and expected to just follow this young man’s summer, but I ran head first into budding first love, unique characters (Riley was hands down a favorite) and murder.
Everything came together in a perfect ‘melding’ manner that kept me intrigued and reading – wanting to see what Evan was up to; what more he would learn and do with Riley; how things would develop between he and Katie; and how in the world these murders played into Evan’s life.
As mentioned before; it wasn’t our typical book review read, but it was a nice, welcoming break from our usual and still kept me thoroughly engaged and looking forward to my reading time in the evening. It wasn’t heavy on the romance and it wasn’t gripping in suspense and thrill. It was a calmer, welcoming read that allowed me to immerse myself in Evan’s world and join his journey through his summer with his grandmother.
If you are looking for something that is different but still has romance and mystery; Melding Spirits is a great option for similar yet a completely different writing style. I really don’t think you will be disappointed as I surely enjoyed it and found it to be a rather fast paced read that held my attention!
December 19, 2018
Melding Spirits is a historical that hells the story of a twelve year old boy. Evan Mason has lost his father and scarcely sees his mother as she does what she can support them. Evan is sent away during the summer of 1958 to his grandmother's home in a small town in Illinois. He is then introduced to neighbor, Katie Dobbins. The two instantly become friends and begin exploring. Suddenly strange things start happening at the Ghost Hill Indian Mound. This makes Evan and Katie wonder what in the world is going on.
Melding Spirits is one of those books that intrigued me right from page one. The plot is captivating and very well written. The characters are ones that makes a reader feel a connection to. Evan is one that I loved instantly. Especially, when he befriends Katie. The mystery that surrounds the two made it hard to put the book down. The suspense made me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. It is definitely not a book that I could predict. I had it read in one day. It is that good.
I am giving Melding Spirits a well deserved five plus stars. I would give one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for other readers to add to their must read lists. I look froward to reading more by Michael E Burge and see where else he takes a reader to next. He has extraordinary talent.
Melding Spirits is most definitely a must read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Melding Spirits is one of those books that intrigued me right from page one. The plot is captivating and very well written. The characters are ones that makes a reader feel a connection to. Evan is one that I loved instantly. Especially, when he befriends Katie. The mystery that surrounds the two made it hard to put the book down. The suspense made me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. It is definitely not a book that I could predict. I had it read in one day. It is that good.
I am giving Melding Spirits a well deserved five plus stars. I would give one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for other readers to add to their must read lists. I look froward to reading more by Michael E Burge and see where else he takes a reader to next. He has extraordinary talent.
Melding Spirits is most definitely a must read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
January 14, 2019
Melding Spirits is an excellent, well written, captivating novel from the start. It has an excellent plot, well developed characters that you just can't help hold close to your heart and suspense that makes you never want to put the novel down.
We are introduced to Evan, a young man who is wise and mature beyond his age. His mother is trying everything to make ends meet as a single Mother, which forces Evan to be both a child and caregiver himself. When he finds the chance to spend the summer with his beloved Grandmother, there could be no turning back. Could you really blame him? He deserves a bit of his childhood back.
This is the summer that would change Evan. He meets and forms a bond with a young girl that would forever change his life, Katie. We follow their magical summer with the pair and Evan's friends - it is refreshing to see their innocence and love of life. But under this are tones of something not being quite right in their small, beautiful town. Is something evil brewing or is it just normal teen angst?
You are left on the edge of your seat, unwilling to put the book down to the last second as you have to know what happens to Evan, Katie and the characters in this town. I loved every moment of this well written novel, a definite must read for young adults and adults alike.
We are introduced to Evan, a young man who is wise and mature beyond his age. His mother is trying everything to make ends meet as a single Mother, which forces Evan to be both a child and caregiver himself. When he finds the chance to spend the summer with his beloved Grandmother, there could be no turning back. Could you really blame him? He deserves a bit of his childhood back.
This is the summer that would change Evan. He meets and forms a bond with a young girl that would forever change his life, Katie. We follow their magical summer with the pair and Evan's friends - it is refreshing to see their innocence and love of life. But under this are tones of something not being quite right in their small, beautiful town. Is something evil brewing or is it just normal teen angst?
You are left on the edge of your seat, unwilling to put the book down to the last second as you have to know what happens to Evan, Katie and the characters in this town. I loved every moment of this well written novel, a definite must read for young adults and adults alike.
December 20, 2018
This is my first book by Michael E. Burge, and if this book is any indication of his other and future writing it will not be my last book by him. Melding Spirits begins by following the life of Evan Mason starting at the age of 12. His father has passed away and his mother works all the time trying to make ends meet for the 2 of them. It is the summer of 1958. His mother puts him on a Greyhound bus headed to his Grand Mothers for the summer. Once there he hooks up with old friends from prior visits to Grandmas and he meets her new neighbor Katie Dobbins. Now is where the story really beings. This book is multi genre. It has romance, mystery, history and so much more. It is one of those books that will also intrigue readers of most ages from YA to adult. There is no strong language or sex. I found myself with every second I could spare with the book in my hand. The mystery of this book is a true surprise as well. I found a few times while reading trying to hurry through a page just to get to the next one to see where the story line went.
December 12, 2018
Melding Spirits by Michael E. Burge is a suspenseful coming-of-age story that is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages. A captivating story that is sure to grab your attention from the very beginning. The characters are vividly written with creative backstories that are well planned to mesh with the plot. A story that is sure to keep you guessing with each page you read never knowing what will happen next or how the story will end. An intriguing and suspenseful read that is sure to keep you captivated until the very end.
January 18, 2019
Melting Spirits is a creative, fun and suspenseful coming-of-age novel that will keep you up late to find out how it ends. Michael Burge does a beautiful job of winning your endearment for his protagonist, Evan, and for Evan's grandmother and love interest, Katie. Evan's summer at his grandmother's house proves to be a critical time for his personal growth and maturity. Burge's comfortable style as omniscient narrator with occasional inner monologue allows him to develop complex characters who you wish you could follow even after Melting Spirits ends.
January 31, 2019
A beautiful story of family, friendship and support
This book is such a sweet read. The kids have respect and manners which you normally do not heard from kids these days. It is also a suspense book to read. There are times that I need to hold my breath for few seconds. I like the setting especially the woods. A beautiful story of young sweet love too.
There is a scene that triggers me. I am so glad that is in not very detailed. Always trust your instinct. Overall, this book is a must read.
This book is such a sweet read. The kids have respect and manners which you normally do not heard from kids these days. It is also a suspense book to read. There are times that I need to hold my breath for few seconds. I like the setting especially the woods. A beautiful story of young sweet love too.
There is a scene that triggers me. I am so glad that is in not very detailed. Always trust your instinct. Overall, this book is a must read.
July 25, 2018
The first half of this book the author does an excellent job of having you fall in love with the characters and making you wonder what type of role certain characters will be playing later on. The remainder of the book the author weaves the story lines together so you get an explosive ending to suspenseful murder mystery with a little bit of romance set in the late 1950's. (I couldn't put the book down)
July 26, 2018
What a delightful book. Michael E.Burge has a way of getting into his characters hearts. I loved meeting Evan, Katie, Riley, and Grandma Bea. Mr O'Malley really touched me as he reminded me of my Papa. This story takes you back to a simpler time of 1958, where neighbors helped each other and looked after one another. I really enjoyed the build-up of this story and most definitely the outcome. Truly a melding of spirits. Highly recommend.
January 31, 2019
Melding Spirits by Michael E. Burge was a well written book with likable characters that held my interest through out the entire book. Evan Mason was my favorite character, but I also liked Katie Dobbins. I liked the way the author wrote about the criminal acts/deviate behavior as the author wrote about it in enough detail to be understood without being graphic (no R rated content).
July 28, 2018
Love this book!
I just loved this book very well written about growing up in the 1950's, your first love, standing up for a friend.
Buy this book read it you won't be disappointed!
I just loved this book very well written about growing up in the 1950's, your first love, standing up for a friend.
Buy this book read it you won't be disappointed!
Want to read
February 19, 2018I am still reading this book. I left home for a month of snowbirding it in a very nice warm spot in Az. an left home without packing my book. Will give a complete review of this book when I get back home and finish reading it, but so far I was really enjoying read my free copy that I received from the Goodreads give-away.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews