My Rating- 4 Stars
Synopsis- The ultimate lucky break gives John Harris and his family the opportunity to fulfill their wildest dreams. But all dreams have a darker side, and John's past is never far away, ready to reach through to cast its shadow. One hundred years ago, their new home was the scene for strange events that cannot easily be explained. As John feels his past draw ever nearer, he knows that he must face up to his deepest fears if he is to prevent history repeating itself. And as the past and present collide, a force beyond his control or comprehension is looking for one, final battle.
My Review- I really enjoyed this book. In honesty, I didnt think I was going to. Its not my usual type as I sway more to Epic Fantasy, YA/Urban and Paranormal. I was worried that it would not hold my
attention while it set the scene and introduced us to the characters, but I am so glad I chose to keep reading because this book grabbed me and held me and took me on a wild ride of suspense and creepy shudders.
In the first section Finian Black introduces us to John and his family. John, after a compulsion leads him to buy an extra line on the lottery with numbers he is not too sure why he picked, wins the jackpot and he and his family buy an old grand house that isnt all it seems. We are led to believe there is something very wrong going on and the old previous ownder is mysterious and secretive. John suffers headaches and feels something within the house that leads him to learn more about its history. The old woman presents him with photos and a journal, along with a warning not to move the stone statue in the garden.
This brings us to the middle section, taking us back to a time when a young family lived in the house long before John and the old woman. This section I enjoyed the most. It revealed many secrets about the house and weaved a tale about a being named The Boy who steals away children and leads them to a magical land...and their deaths! I loved reading the story of mary and how she comes to be close friends with the rich childen she used to work for in the grand house. Her budding romance with James kept me interested.
The last section of the book is where things really get intense. The Boy is back and he wants revenge. The last scenes are set in the middle of a terrible storm. Finian Black is fantastic at creating suspense and keeping us on the edge of our seats. I didnt know how it was going to end....and when it did I was shocked! In my opinion this book deserves no less than a 4 star rating/review. Even if a reader does not enjoy the story the plot alone is worth it. Not to mention its finely edited, well structured and managed to move us through the past and present without confusion. I really liked this book and I look forward to reading more from Black.
Oh...and if you like Disney and fairytales? prepare to have a new fear for them. The Boy is a magical being we have known since we were children!