This is the story of a bear-hearted girl . . .

Sometimes, when a person dies, their spirit goes looking for somewhere to hide.
Some people have space within them, perfect for hiding.

Twelve-year-old Makepeace has learned to defend herself from the ghosts which try to possess her in the night, desperate for refuge, but one day a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard.

And now there’s a spirit inside her.

The spirit is wild, brutish and strong, and it may be her only defence when she is sent to live with her father’s rich and powerful ancestors. There is talk of civil war, and they need people like her to protect their dark and terrible family secret.

But as she plans her escape and heads out into a country torn apart by war, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession – or death.”

MY THOUGHTS:

I was sent this book in exchange for my honest review.

Is it just me or should this book have actually been two separate stories?  I loved the premise of this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.  However, we seemed to move from a paranormal story to a historical fiction at times.

The setting, is richly created and helps to focus on the Protagonist’s predicament. I love the idea of servitude and its importance to an Aristotle household being the backstory for the main character.  I also love how it helps show the Protagonist as a strong, necessary character to the story and the dynamics of the family she works for.

The Protagonist is developed beautifully; pace is strong and pushes forward with lots of plot twists and turns; the author’s voice is unique and creative, the story flows perfectly.

The author’s writing style had me from the beginning. I love the whole concept and will give the author the benefit of doubt since it ends abruptly and strangely, that she intends to clean up those loose ends in her next book.  I love this author’s style and have read and will leave my review for “The Lie Tree” soon. She is the master of writing creepy without gore, full bodied characters and wonderful and complicated concepts.

I recommend this book to everyone and suggest you read “The Lie Tree” when you get a chance!

I gave this book: