Review: Surrender by Lee Nichols

Title: Surrender

Series: Haunting Emma

Author: Lee Nichols

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011
Source: Own Copy
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the third book in the series and may therefore contain spoilers for the previous books.

I love this series so much that I couldn't wait for it to be distributed in the UK in April so I bought the US copy.  I am so glad I didn't wait.

Surrender picks up from the end of Betrayal perfectly. The ghost keepers are trying to put their world back together following the massacre at The Knell. The shock and despondency of the ghost-keepers at their defeat can be felt from within the narrative. The realization that Neos is just biding his time to gather his strength and that there is a very real possibility that they wont all survive is starkly represented.Confronting their own strengths and weakness is one aspect of the plot, each characters development is enhanced via their group dynamics and the resolution of these issues. Although Emma may have the strongest ghost-keeper powers she wouldn't have the strength of personality, loyalty or love without her friends and Bennett.

Bennett's struggle with  the ghost-keeper drug, enhancing his powers in order to help Emma even if it kills him, is an issue with everyone. The understanding of his reasons was a brilliant piece of writing within the plot  providing valuable insight and understanding at the conclusion.

The action is as fast paced as ever. The descriptive writing adds to the tension while keeping the pace flowing smoothly. Interspersed with the character relationships, their actions are linked a lot to their emotions, adding to the realism. Especially if like me you are an emotional person, lol. The non-ghost-keeper members of their team, Sara and  Harry, show that you don't have to have supernatural powers to be of help. Harry's narrative voice, so full of sarcasm, helped dispel the tension when required.

Emma's plight at having to banish ghosts she cares for is easy to understand and emotionally portrayed within the narrative. Empathy for both sides can be felt, the ghost for not wanting to remain in a state of limbo and Emma for losing these people forever.

The mix of action, character development and of course, romance, brings this series to a wonderful and well rounded conclusion. 

Musical Moments: Guest Post: Emma and Bennett's playlist on Shuffle by Lee Nichols

It is my pleasure to welcome Lee Nichols to Book Angel Booktopia today. As you are probably aware I adore the Haunting Emma series (you totally know it is about me right [ ; D ]) So to have some of the play-list Bennett gave to Emma has completely made my day; and yes I have added them to my iPod. Imagine if you will Emma's play-list on shuffle, these are the first 5 songs to be played:

Mirror Ball by Elbow. This song always reminds me of the scene in Deception when Emma and Bennett walk through the dark village streets down to the harbor and he explains to her their shared history.

Review: Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Title: Betrayal
Series: Haunting Emma #2
Author: Lee Nichols
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publication Date: 5 Sep 2011


Synopsis: From Amazon


Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great when she's battling the wraith-master Neos, but terrible when she's flirting with fellow ghostkeeper (and love interest) Bennett. When ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power, and that's something Bennett is not willing to accept. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. A new team of ghostkeepers has arrived - one a snarky teen boy, the other a visiting scholar - and Emma finds solace in training for the battle against Neos. But as the team grows stronger, they are threatened by an unknown force. As chilling and page-turning as Deception, this sequel will grab readers and hold them to the last page. No one is safe from suspicion as Emma closes in on the traitor.

Review:


Please remember this is the second book in the series and therefore the review may contain small spoilers for the first book. 

You already know I am utterly biased about this series because I really can place myself in the position of the main character, plus her narrative voice is so realistic. Although it is really necessary to read the series in order to understand the intricacies of the plot and interactions, there are nice little recaps placed into the narrative to refresh the memory.

What really stood out for me in this book is how stunning the character development is, even if some of it didn't go the way I would have wanted (lol). 

The title is a little trick in itself, as from the start I was questioning the motives and interactions of all the characters. It is easy for me to place myself in Emma's position but my guard was up for her from the start of this book. Not knowing who to trust makes her retreat into herself a bit, plus her relationship with Bennett is a roller-coaster of highs and lows. It is hard to reconcile the 2 halves of Emma's life sometimes, it is easy to forget that she is still a young teenager and not just an all powerful ghost-keeper. The way in which Emma is treated by the Knell is a reflection of this. 

Even though the title conveys that there is going to be a betrayal at some point within the plot I have to admit that when the revelation came it really did take me by surprise. I actually shock my head at the book, I just did not want to believe it. Lee Nichols peppers the plot with red herrings and misdirection skilfully. This book certainly is not predictable.

The framework for the plot is set out in the first book Deception the story progresses with dynamic action in Betrayal all the while allowing the characterisations to really shine through.

I have to say I am slightly disappointed in Bennett. Although the obstacles between him and Emma seem insurmountable, I really wish he had chosen a different way to try to overcome them. This maybe a deliberate plot development by Lee Nichols but I really wanted to slap him in this book. Silly boy.

*Semi Spoiler Alert* - I really hope they discover a way to let ghost-keepers be together without one of them losing their powers.

As I said in my review of Deception (here) this series is addictive. I am so glad I only have to wait until December for the third book. This series just rocks my socks off and not just because my name is Emma. It blends contemporary issues with paranormal romance *swoon*. Addictive and utterly brilliant. 

Review: Deception by Lee Nichols

Title: Deception

Series: Haunting Emma #1

Author: Lee Nichols

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 5 sep 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on a mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. But then her best friend stops talking to her, the police crash her party and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian, Bennett Stern, and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England. After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular crowd. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain and strange visions are haunting her. Emma doesn't trust anyone any more - except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to her. One that will explain the visions ...and make Emma fear for her life.

Review:

Firstly I have to warn you that I am utterly, utterly biased about this book, how could I not be, the kick-ass female lead is called Emma (squee) so obviously I am going to think it is me and love it entirely [ : D ] 

Written in first person narrative from Emma's perspective (yes I did put myself in that role) she has a brilliant narrative voice that broadcasts the inner workings of her mind beautifully providing humour and insight. Initially Emma appears small (although she is petite I did not mean physically small) and defenceless.

The imagery is quietly foreboding bring goosebumps up my arms especially at the description of the shadows and funeral urns. The sense that everything is not as it appears emanates from the pages. Questions regarding Emma's childhood and the wherabouts of the rest of her family are built upon within the plot. Tidbits of information are revealed in tantalizing nibbles. The weaving of  re-incarnation and the witch trails added depth to the plot.

Heatbreaking events lead to Emma being taken into care, I seriously wanted to slap a few people for this. This is where the Knight in shining armour steps into the story in the form of Bennett *swoon*. For some reason whenever I think of Bennett I keep picturing Mr Darcy in my head - why I have absolutely no idea but I do, I think it may be something to do with the picture on the cover. 

From the beginning there are some serious emotions at play between Emma and Bennett. Although I think that Bennett tries to deter these feelings because of certain things *no spoilers but it is so hard* you can't fight destiny. You already know how much I love the idea of soul-mates and destiny; and this is how I picture Emma and Bennett. Unfortunately, the saying 'the course of true love never runs smoothly' also comes to mind when thinking of this pair. It is frustrating for both myself and Emma. The full extent of these obsticles is revealed through the story and I have to say I was reduced to tears.

Emma really is a wonderful character (and I am not just saying that because she has my name) her progression from small, defenceless teen at the beginning to powerful ghostkeeper is amazing to witness. Her maturity shown at the beginning with her responsibility being left alone to cope with the family business; really shines in her ability to take things in her stride. Her acceptance of ghost-keeping and the development of her powers are a reflection of the strength of her natural ability. Above all else Emma is a lovely person and I could not understand how anyone could be horrible to her. Neaos, on the other hand, is utterly terrifying, the incident in Emma's childhood made me shudder.

Although I loved both Emma and Bennett I think my favourite character is The Rake; as his personal story unfolded  I just liked him all the more.

There really is a tremendous mix of personalities portrayed with the characters in this book. I think I actually prefer the ghosts to the 'real' people; seriously I want to live in that house with a maid that can do hair/make-up and a french chef that cooks the most amazing meals *bliss*

The storyline is multi-layered yet has a common thread that ties al the levels together. It takes very skilled writing to be able to keep all the levels progressing. I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I really want to see more of Emma kicking wraiths into oblivion.

A great start to what promises to be an addictive series.