Ellie Parkinson, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl is tormented by nightmares about a particular castle since childhood. In the nightmares, she finds herself walking across a pitch-black forest in freezing weather and the nightmare ends after the castle is seen. On reaching her eighteenth birthday, the nightmares become more frequent along with the appearance of a repulsive hooded figure who seems to be following her, and in turn, causes her loved ones to fall into grave peril. Moreover, Ellie discovers miraculous abilities and powers which she utilizes in an attempt to protect her loved ones against the forces of evil. Eventually, she goes on a road trip with her friends, Alex, Judy, and Matt to a forest, where the castle that has been appearing in her nightmares nearly her whole life emerges. Upon entering the creepy place, she unravels dark and groovy secrets about the place which provide her with a link to the nightmares, the hooded creature as well as her horrifying past.
An electrifying piece of work, equipped with the ability to send shivers, and make the reader crave for more...
"The Baby girl is blessed with the face, with the capability to flinch the full moon into shyness, crystal green eyes through which a being can view its detailed reflection. Its smile, which can raise the sun, and whose tears can bring a thunderous storm."
Ellie Parkinson, an average teen with an average life, three best friends, and everyday teenage problems? If you think that's it, then it definitely isn't!
Ellie is haunted by nightmares, past memories, and daunting creatures trying to kill her. She struggles to explore herself and find answers to her repeated nightmares. Until one day her nightmares come to life and she struggles to find the reason behind all the darkness her life absorbs.
Her journey lets her meet people who help her find her true self, understand her powers and strength, explore the love in her heart, and reveal the powerful energy she sustains. But on the verge of every answer, Ellie encounters bigger and more dangerous problems.
Throughout the book, I was hoping Ellie's parents maybe know everything, or maybe his friends knew about her and were somehow secretly protecting her. It felt stupid that her brothers were sacrificing everything for her. Her friends were all-set at her beck and call. But I was wrong for good reasons.
The author has a wonderful style of writing this book. His narration is descriptive yet precise. Every character, instance, incident, could be visualized happening right in front of your eyes, and reading this book felt like riding a rollercoaster of surprises, horror, adventure, and thrill. You would be full of surprises and the result is completely unexpected. The author has shown the power of narration and a true story-teller. I just couldn't stop reading and had to know what's coming next.
And, my personal advice, DON'T MISS THE END! Your world would come falling on your head. The entire plot changes in the last few pages and you would be left with your mouth open! It's just that everything felt a little useless at the end. Maybe because I love a happy ending and this book just didn't end well for anyone.
Yet, I would suggest this capsule of captivating suspense.