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Hand, Cynthia
7 Reviews
(3)
YA
Aspiring author Charlotte Brontë's admiration of classmate Jane Eyre is unwavering (even when Jane is suspected of poisoning the headmaster). When Jane turns down a job offer from the ghost-hunting Society for Relocating Wayward Spirits and instead leaves Lowood School to work as a governess, Charlotte tags along. An entertaining, madcap reinterpretation of Jane Eyre wherein Victorian practices collide with paranormal adventures.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(3)
YA
After cynical, materialistic Holly scoffs at her own Christmas Eve spectral visitation, she dies and must work as a ghost for a secret company called Project Scrooge to redeem other "Scrooges." This is A Christmas Carol meets Dead like Me; Hand balances sly humor (e.g., the tedium of a first job in the afterlife) with romance and holiday spirit.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(3)
YA
Rejecting the sad facts of Jane Grey's nine-day reign in sixteenth-century England, the authors of this novel imagine an irreverent alternative history that substitutes love for politics and people with the ability to change into animal form for religious controversies. Jane's marriage to her cousin begins poorly, and murderous plots in her court abound, but Jane cheerfully triumphs in this romp.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(3)
YA
Lex's present-tense narration relates her struggles in the months following her brother's suicide; she wonders if she feels Tyler's presence. Interspersed past-tense journal entries reveal memories of Ty--and why Lex feels so guilty about his death. Lex's realistically portrayed grief (with many setbacks but also lots of support) doesn't need the possibly-supernatural element for poignancy, but readers won't mind it.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(3)
YA
Unearthly series.
Clara (Unearthly; Hallowed) and her angel-blood friends, now freshmen in college, seek out their divine missions. Angela becomes pregnant and worries she's now failed in her purpose; Clara's loyalty to BFF Angela supports several dramatic twists. The well-developed love triangle among Clara, fellow angel-blood Christian, and human Tucker comes to a head in this final installment.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(3)
YA
Unearthly series.
In Unearthly, part-angel Clara misinterpreted visions about her divine purpose, to unforeseen consequences. Overwhelmed by new revelations--such as her father's identity and her mother's impending death--Clara is still unsure about her true purpose (and whether she will accept it). Clara's romantic dilemma between human Tucker and fellow angel-blood Christian has depth, and her determination to make her own destiny is engaging.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(4)
YA
Clara is half-angel and half-human. She's supposed to rescue Christian from a forest fire sometime in the future--but she's falling in love with Tucker while uncovering uncomfortable information about angel-bloods. What are the consequences if Clara fails, or worse, refuses to fulfill her purpose? Intriguing (if somewhat underdeveloped) angelic races and a believable love triangle help even out Clara's existential angst.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
7 reviews
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