Darker Still

Hiebner, Leanna Renee. Darker Still: A Novel of Magic Most Foul.  Chicago: Sourcebooks Fire, 2011.

ISBN 9781402260520 | Paperback | 336 p. | $8.99 USD

Annotation: Natalie Stewart is drawn into a painting and transported back to New York City in 1882 to try to free the young man trapped there. .  Hiebner's suspenseful tale blends together historical fiction and paranormal romance.

Awards / Honors:

- Daphne du Maurier Award Finalist

- Indie Kids' Next Lists: 2012

Open End Booktalk: What would you do if you fell in love, only to realize that your soul mate was trapped in a picture frame? When Lord Denbury’s dark and mysterious picture enters Natalie Stewarts’ life, she quickly realizes that she has a stronger attachment to the picture than most people – she can interact with the man in the frame. Although Natalie is mute, she finds herself able to communicate with the trapped Denbury, and realizes he is a man desperately in need of her help. Natalie is quickly pulled into his dark world and must come face to face with demons and other creatures only encountered before in her nightmares. Will Natalie be able to find her voice and save her love, or will they both end up trapped forever?

Check out the official book trailer:

"I'd say I'm more into fantasy horror books.  I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I like to read...I find out about good books from my friends, we read a lot of the same types of books."  - Nicole F.

The Summoning

Armstrong, Kelley.  The Summoning.  New York: Harper Collins, 2008.  

ISBN-13: 9780061662690 | Hardcover | 390 p. | $12.06 USD

Annotation: When Chloe Saunders starts seeing ghosts trying to communicate with her, she is sent to the Lyle House, a group home for mentally disturbed teens.  She realizes strange things are happening to her and the other residents of the house and fights to figure out what is going on in this first installment of the Darkest Powers horror series.

Awards/Honors: 

- Stellar Awards (British Columbia)

- Texas Tayshas Reading Lists: 2009

Open End Booktalk:  When Chloe Saunders turns around one day at school and sees a ghost, her family and teachers ship her off to a group home for mentally ill teenagers.  Is she crazy? Or is Chloe really contacting the dead?  Everyone in the house seems to be hiding something.  Chloe knows the ghost are real, but who can she trust with her secrets? 

Watch the book trailer and read about the other books in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series: http://www.harperteen.com/contests/kelleyarmstrong/