Review: Ghost Town by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson with Tim Waggoner

Ghost Town by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson 

with Tim Waggoner

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (October 9, 2012)

Goodreads Description:

 From the stars of the SyFy network’s popular show Ghost Hunters, the second novel in a new spine-tingling supernatural series.

When Amber, Drew, and Trevor are invited to a paranormal conference in the most haunted town in America, they confront a murderous ghost called the Dark Lady and her human servant: Amber’s abusive ex-boyfriend Mitch. The three friends must stop the Dark Lady before she destroys the entire town, and they'll have the help of a surprising and spooky ally….

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My Thoughts:

Ghost Town is a pretty good follow up to the first book in the series, Ghost Trackers. Was is as good as the first? Maybe not, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable. It was interesting to see how life goes on for the three main characters after the ordeal they went through at Lowry House (in the first book). In Ghost Town they travel to a quirky town to speak at a conference. Of course things get deadly and a creepy ghost is behind it all. With the help of a few others Drew, Trevor, and Amber have to figure out a way to stop the ghost known as the Dark Lady from harming even more people.

I really liked the setting of this story. The town is known as the most haunted town in America and the history of it is very tragic. I like that the authors didn't just go for the typical haunted house type of setting again because when stuff starts to happen in certain places it isn't necessarily expected. Another thing I really loved was the characters, especially the new ones. The ally twist was very easy to figure out immediately but it still created a lot of anticipation of when the main characters would figure it out too.

Although I thought this book was great I do wish it was a little scarier. It was spooky but I was hoping for it to be more scary-spooky like the first book. If you liked the first book I don't think you would be disappointed with this one. If you haven't read the first book I recommend you read it before this one so that you can fully appreciate the whole story.

3.5/5

*I received this book for review. Any opinions expressed are my own*

 

Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) 

by Rick Riordan

•  Hardcover: 608 pages 
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (October 2, 2012)

Goodreads Description:

 Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?


The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

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My Thoughts:

If you read the first two books in the series then you know pretty much where things are headed in this one. Characters you know and love bravely fighting to save the world at great risk to themselves. The heroes must work together and use their abilities, ingenuity, and strengths to overcome obstacles such as monsters and angry gods. There are lots of new bad guys (aka gods/goddesses/monsters) introduced and since I love mythology it was especially interesting to learn about them. The ending left me reeling a bit so I can't wait for the next book because I have to know what happens next! I keep getting a feeling that something terrible is going to happen but hopefully I'm wrong. This series has been filled with nonstop action and adventure and this latest book does not disappoint. If you haven't read the previous books in the series you definitely need to read them first (and in order!) or you won't be able to fully enjoy this story. 

5/5