review: Haunted by Joy Preble
Haunted by Joy Preble
Dreaming Anastasia #2
publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
release date: February 1, 2011
book links: goodreads / amazon
author links: twitter / website
from goodreads - “Anne Michaelson” is trying to forget everything that happened last year. But it’s hard to do when her heart aches for Ethan “and there’s a wild-haired woman stalking her…”
“Ethan Kosinsky” is embracing his newfound mortality. But something is drawing him back to the girl he left behind-”back to Anne and back to the magic…”
A mysterious stranger is hunting Anne wherever she goes. No one sees her but Anne. When she searches for the woman’s identity, Anne exposes secrets about her own life- things that will change her life forever. And when the gorgeous Ethan returns, her life gets a lot more complicated.
Anne thought her journey with the Romanov family had ended, “but it was just the beginning…”
my take – I’ve read my fair share of alternate reality concerning the brutal murders of the Romanov family, but never one with such a twist that includes Russian folklore thrown in the modern world. Joy Preble does an excellent job making this story her own creation, while at the same time drawing attention to the devastating murder of an entire family.
Haunted picks up several months after where Dreaming Anastasia ends, and is told from three viewpoints – Baba Yaga, Anne and dreamy Ethan. While this may seem like we’re in a lot of different heads, it keeps the story moving and entertaining!!
I’m not going to lie, Ethan is a great reason to read this book – he’s got the hot, brooding guy down pat. One of the best things about him is that he never pushes or forces anything on Anne, he lets her figure things out on her own. Oh, don’t get me wrong, when she’s about to make a major choice near the end of the book he does speak up, but it’s a natural progression of the story. Heck, Anne doesn’t really want to make the choice either.
Other characters that are awesome in this book:
Ben. This time around Anne has a new boyfriend, Ben. He’s got what I call the three p’s all bf’s need to have – protective, personality and perfect! He’s a great addition to the story, and I secretly hope that we haven’t seen the last of him!!
Tess. As Anne’s best friend, she brings the drama and comic relief to the story. I love her honestly and dedication to Anne – exactly how all BFFs should be!!
Baba Yaga. Seriously, I’m still confused – is she good or bad? Maybe a mixture of both? Probably just a case of being misunderstood, can’t wait to read more about her in book 3!
Overall, if you love Russian folklore, than this is the book for you!!!
