(ARC Review) The Haunted by Jessica Verday

THE HAUNTED
The Hollow Trilogy #2
Author: Jessica Verday
Source: Simon Pulse
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (August 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141697895X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416978954

SYNOPSIS:

An impossible truth. An impossible love. 

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with--the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead--Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, ready to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into her schoolwork, her perfume-making, and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be her ticket to getting over Caspian once and for all.


But Abbey can never get over Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side, for Caspian is a Shade, and Abbey is his destiny. They are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and to the famous legend that binds their fates--a legend whose dark truths they are only beginning to guess....

MY THOUGHTS:

After the disappointment that The Hollow left me with, I was anxious to read the next in the series to see if it would be better.  I am so glad I gave this author another chance!

Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow after a breakdown caused by the death of her best friend Kristen and falling in love with a dead boy.  She has been living with her Aunt and finally comes home after the completion of the Sleepy Hollow bridge to dedicate it in the memory of her friend.  She is scared to return to the town that caused her such pain, but she puts a brave face on and decides it is time.  Just when things start taking off with Ben and getting back into the perfume creations, Caspian returns to Abbey.  She feels conflicted at first trying to figure out if she is going crazy again, or if Caspian truly is real in her world.  Along the way, we get to see the love between Caspian and Abbey grow, old favorites return in Abbey's life and new discoveries about The Shade.

I am amazed at how much the author's writing has progressed from The Hollow.  I admit, the beginning of this book moves slow like the first one, but as you get going in the story it really takes off. That is about the only negative thing about the book in my opinion. There is more suspense with a lot of the answers you were wanting from the previous book being answered.  The author still left a great climax at the end of the story though that will leave you frustrated because you have to wait for the final book.  Some things become clear in the plot, but other things are going to be left for the final book I assume.  Personally, I can't wait for the final book now.  I have crossed the Sleepy Hollow bridge and I don't want to turn back!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS