Book Review: Casting Stones by G.M. Barlean

First of all I would like to thank Gina Barlean for sending me this book for review. Having said that, lets get to the review.

It has been a very long time since I have had an emotional investment in a book. Casting Stones had me in it's grip from the beginning of page 1. There were times when I was reading that I wanted to literally yell and scream at the characters in this book. There where times where I felt sad for some of the characters in the story. There were times when I had to set the book down and come back to it because I couldn't stand to read anymore about what was going on. This book was a masterpiece when it comes to getting you invested in the characters and the story.

Speaking of the characters; they were so well crafted! James, one of the main characters was a prime example of this. In the beginning of the story I felt sorry for him, then there were parts that I was so angry at him that I probably would have tried to deck him if I met him in real life, then I went back to feeling sorry for him. There was just an emotional connection with all of the characters in this book.

I'm not going to go into the plot because I don't want to give anything away. You have to read this book to fully appreciate what goes on it it. My retelling of the plot would not do it justice. If you would like to see a trailer for the book you can click here.


This book is a must read for any and all readers. It doesn't matter what genre you like; I believe you will like this book. Thank you again Gina for sending me this book. I can't wait for your next book to come out! You can find this book here.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw

A haunted mansion.
Six dead children.
A garden of statues.

With every step he takes around the carefully manicured grounds of Minerva Hall, Jim is haunted by the ghosts of children, long dead, whom no one else can see. Urging him to "find the Seventh," the children leave him cryptic clues pointing to a devastating ancient prophecy that only he can stop from being fulfilled.

Jim befriends another boy--Einstein, who lives at the Hall. Einstein is autistic and very, very smart. If anyone can help Jim find the Seventh, perhaps he can--Einstein clearly knows more than he is saying. At the same time, the dead children seem to be leaving Jim some sort of macabre treasure trail.

If Jim doesn't figure out the clues, innocent people will die. But how can Jim find the answers while the dangers of the Hall grow ever more threatening? And even if he can, the real question is--is Jim already too late?

Linking ancient rites with modern mystery, Christine Morton-Shaw has crafted an eerie thriller that will keep readers guessing until its startling conclusion.

*Summary take from Goodreads

Review:
I just finished up this fascinating read by Christine Morton-Shaw. The Hunt for the Seventh was a wonderfully written book. There were many times in the book that I had no idea where the plot was heading so that makes it a great thriller I suppose.

The characters and plot of this book were excellent. The characters were well developed, but not over developed. I never found myself bored with an over explanation of what was going on, as some authors are prone to doing. The plot had sufficient twists and turns to keep you reading all the way to the end. Morton-Shaw did a fantastic job in crafting this story.

This book is written for middle school aged kids I would say. If you are a parent and you don't like the idea of ghosts, witches, and magic then I think it would be best if you steer clear of this book. If you don't mind those things then this as a fantastic, and quick, read.

Overall Rating: 4/5