Review: Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

Title: Liv, Forever
Author: Amy Talkington
Genre: Young Adult, Paranromal-Mystery
Series: Standalone but possible sequel?

Hardcover, 280 pages

Publication: March 11, 2014 by Soho Teen

Source: I received a review copy from the publicist in exchange for a honest review/blog tour.

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When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love

Liv, Forever was one of my most anticipated books out this year, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint! When I first heard of Liv, Forever I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis and excited by the cover. I am a sucker for boarding school novels...and this one is with ghosts! Double win. I thought I knew what to expect when starting Liv, Forever…but there was so much more to the synopsis! Liv, Forever was a beautifully written, haunting, chilling and heartfelt story that enthralled me from the first page.

Olivia ‘Liv’ Bloom, a child of the foster care system just won a two-year scholarship to the most prestigious school in the world, Wickham Hall. Liv can’t wait to see the opportunities that await her and the prospects to strengthen her talents as an artist. But right off the bat Liv knows she won’t fit in. She has always been one to keep to herself and it doesn’t help that 99% of the students are rich; their parents an alumni or a legacy. Regardless of being an outcast, Liv is thrilled to get away from her foster parents and the life she left behind. Things start to look up when Liv catches the eyes of the most popular and handsome boy in school, Malcolm. Over the first few weeks of school Liv is living on a high, enjoying Malcolm’s company and learning what it means to love…but things come to an abrupt end when Liv is murder. And her only hope of finding her murderer is Wickham’s outcast Gabe. Together Gabe and Liv convinces Malcolm that she is still around; and as the three piece clues together they find out Liv’s death is more sinister than they thought and that it ties directly back to the school and its members.

Liv wasn’t the first girl to be murdered at Wickham Hall. The book opens up with a chapter narrated by one of the murdered victim of Wickham; and throughout the book readers get to hear each murdered girl tell her side of the story (there are 7 girls) on how she died which is seamlessly woven with Liv’s chapters narrated before and after her death. Talkington doesn’t waste any time with the story as Liv is murdered early on in the book, creating an eerie suspenseful tone that makes up the entire book till the very end. I’ve read a lot of paranormal and star-crossed lovers’ books but Liv, Forever is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Talkington takes the two overused ideas and breathes new life into it; creating something refreshing and unique. I read many books and seen many movies that either had ghosts in them or featured a ghost and I can say Talkington’s ghosts are very imaginative. Talkington explains in great detail on why the ghosts in her book act a certain way, and like everything in life there are certain rules and boundaries that the ghosts have to abide by. As for the star-cross lover aspects, Malcolm and Liv may be from two different worlds but yet they are implicitly the same…especially for their love and appreciation for art. I was happy to see that the two didn’t fall into the YA love trend (well Malcolm did drop the L-WORD super fast but not Liv). They were both attracted and curious of one another but their relationship didn’t grow and blossom till after Liv’s death. That in itself, the relationship of these two characters is something I’ve never seen/read before. It was strange and beautiful; so well thought out and written that it made me root for their relationship even when I knew how impossible it was.

Liv was a good-okay character. That might sound odd, as she is the main protagonist and narrator of the book but I never felt like I knew her or got to connect with her before or after her death. I mean sure, readers knew she was lonely, a great artist and had a tough childhood but it was all the just basic information.  Readers briefly learn the 5 W’s of Liv’s life in the first couple chapters but the rest of the book was dedicated to finding Liv’s killer and learning about Wickham Hall and its mysterious traditions. I learned and connected with Malcolm and Gabe more than Liv, which probably makes sense since the two are the proactive ones in finding Liv’s murderer. From the start I knew who Malcolm and Gabe were, why they acted the way they do and their history but Liv really stuck to the idea that she was a nobody, and that she was invisible to everyone…and therefore she was (she was killed precisely for that reason, because no one would have cared/noticed she died).

Liv, Forever is Talkington’s debut novel, and it was an amazing first novel. Although, the way Ms. Talkington writes you’d think she’s a seasoned author! I love everything about this book; the charming and sweet romance, Gothic setting, spooky ghosts, wonderful characters and exceptional world building. This is by far the best book I’ve read so far this year! I haven’t read such a memorable and gratifying book in a long time till I read this book. Liv, Forever is a perfect balance of genres; it has romance, suspense/thriller, mystery, paranormal and horror…a little something for everyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone; because I truly believe it can be enjoyed by both teens and adult (maybe some tween but I thought it was pretty creepy at times…I got Goosebumps while reading this book at night lol). The book is fairly short, less than 300 pages but I thought it was the perfect length and pace. Each chapter was packed with action and suspense, so there was never a dull moment. I’m not sure if there will be a sequel or not but if there is, I’d be the first in line to read/buy it! I will be keeping my eyes out for Talkington’s future books, definitely a writer/book not to be missed!

Review: Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let the Storm Break
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Sky Fall #2

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the publicist in exchange for a honest review.

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Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance. By the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own.

But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.

With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?

Let the Storm Break is the second installment in Messenger’s Sky Fall series, following dual narratives of the predestined Sylph King Vane and his guardian Audra. The book takes place approximately a month after the events of the first book. Vane is still adjusting to his role as Sylph King (air elemental, wind-walker) and his new bond with Audra. Audra on the other hand is in shocked that she broke her oath as a Gale Guardian by bonding with Vane, who she was suppose to only watch over and protect; so instead of facing the consequences she runs to put as much distance as possible between herself and Vane. Meanwhile, Raiden (Ex-Gale Guardian gone rouge) is doing whatever is necessary to capture Vane; to possess the powers of the fourth wind language.

The second book in the story did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed Let the Storm Break; it was just as good as the first book if not a tad better. In the first book the story focused mostly on training Vane in the four different wind languages and teaching him the sylph history. With the foundation of the story already laid out in the first book, readers delve deeper into the politics and aspects of the Gale Force, we get a better glimpse and understanding of Raiden, and Vane and Audra’s relationship is tested from all sides.

Audra and Vane were probably a part for the majority of the book, but never once did that affect their love for one another or their relationship. Audra and Vane both go through a self-discovery journey (Audra more so than Vane) this time around, everything that they thought they knew gets turned up on its side and they can’t do anything but take it one step at a time and put the welfare of the people above their own needs. Audra was getting a lot of backlash for leaving Vane, for wanting space and a break after she devoted 10 years of her life protecting him. I didn't think Audra was selfish at all, I mean she deserved a break; especially after she found out her mom lied to her, her entire life.  While on this ‘self discovery/reflection’ Audra was captured by a man long thought dead and she came face-to-face with Raiden. Audra utilized her knowledge of the fourth language to the best of her abilities and was able to get out of both situations alive. I really admired Audra’s determination, courage and strength… it’s everything that I look for in a character. I think this is the type of role model teens should be reading about; not like the whiny, annoying, damsel in distress found in other YAs. But this isn't to say she’s not affected by little things, she is after all still a teenage girl. For example, Audra questioned herself and her relationship to Vane when she returned home and saw Vane with his ex-betroth Solana (No, this isn't a love-triangle…thank goodness). However, the addition of Solana’s character wasn't a strain on their relationship, but instead made it stronger.

Vane’s character in my opinion hasn't really grown much over the course of book two. Vane wasn't any better at mastering the three winds or his own westerly language or as a strategist or fighter.  Audra was able to learn Westerly through their bond and yet she was better at controlling the wind than Vane. For most the book Vane was moping around wondering when Audra would return, and even when he knew Raiden was on his way….all he could think about is if Audra still loves him or not. It wasn't till the last 2-3 chapters that he took his role more seriously but what really made him jump into his role as King wasn't seeing his hometown pulverized or all Gale Force wiped out…it was because Audra was in danger.  I wish he stepped more into a leadership role early on, especially when the Gales and humans depended on him.

Let the Storm Break was a bit slow but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I was intrigued by all the new characters and loved learning about Raiden and the scary things he was capable of doing. Let the Storm Break might be lacking in the romance department (the first book was heavy on the romance) but it was full of action, suspense, and had a load of new fascinating characters that I didn't mind at all.  Messenger weaved yet another captivating book and expanded on her already unique world building. Messenger has an incredible way with words, sucking readers into the story right from the first page and had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I’m a big fan of this series and her MG series. She is definitely another writer to watch! The book ended on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I know it’s going to be crazy good!

Early Review: Hearts of Chaos by Kira Brady

Title: Heart of Chaos
Author: Kira Brady
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Deadglass #3

Mass Market Paperback,  352 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Zebra

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the author in exchange for a honest review.

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To save her world, one woman's fierce quest will put her up against an ancient evil—and a desire too dangerous to deny...

She is betrothed to Seattle's most feared shifter clan leader. Still, the Lady Lucia can never be the dainty aristocratic wife Emory Corbette thinks he needs. And as a malevolent, all-consuming monster plots to take hold of their shattered world, Lucia will risk her untapped powers to defeat it—and challenge the Raven King's seductive rule.

No one in Emory's many lifetimes has ever defied him. Lucia's courage and strength are shaking his iron control to its core...and making him hungry, for all she can give. But their only hope is a wrenching sacrifice that could unite humans and shifters in victory—or destroy everything Lucia and Emory desire most.

Heart of Chaos is the third and final installment in Brady’s Deadglass series following couple, Lucia Crane and Emory Corbette. It’s been a few months since the unraveling, where Demigod Kingu wreck havoc on Seattle and its citizen. The Kivatis (totem animal shifters) and Drekars (dragon shifters) are trying to pick up the pieces but the worst is yet to come as the Tablet of Destiny and Heart of Tiamat finds a new host in Zetain, a ruthless drekar warrior. Tiamat is finally freed from her prison and she plans to birth a new breed of children to create a pantheon she lost.

Emory and Lucia were betrothed from an early age, out of obligation to the Kivati people rather love. I loved seeing their transformation from the beginning of the series to their own book. I didn’t think I would like this couple as much as the previous couple, Grace and Leif but I ended up loving them just as much. I must admit I wasn’t a fan of Lucia from the start when readers first met her in Hearts of Darkness; she came off as snobby and immature. Everyone including the Raven Lord thought Lucia as a dainty fragile girl  and because of the prophecy she must be put on a pedal stool. The prophecy says Lucia will either be the savior or the destruction of the Kivati people, and because they think she's their salvation she's always locked safely behind Kivati hall. However Lucia grew immensely over the course of the series, becoming more than what people thought of her. In the first book she was physically attacked by one of her own people causing her to become even more closed off than normal but in book two she took her life back. She got fighting lessons from Grace and helped lead a group of Kivati into battle against Kingu. In Heart of Chaos she continues to stand-up for herself becoming a major player and fulfilling the prophecy. I admired her strength and determination to live life to the fullest…especially after what happened to her in the first book.

Emory came off as stand-offish and cold when readers first meet him, but yet he intrigued me. He was a man that people looked up to and at the same time a man that people feared. Readers only got to see one side of Emory in the first two books, a man that put his people above himself and an all-around leader. In this final book we glimpse the other side of him; one that is vulnerable and full of passion. It is in knowing that the end is possibly near that he finally realizes to live not only for his people but for himself. He breaks routine and his character and does things he wouldn’t contemplate before Lucia for Lucia.

Hearts of Chaos was an excellent conclusion to a phenomenal series. An exhilarating ride full of myths and magic. As I mentioned in my other reviews, this paranormal romance series is unlike any series I’ve ever read. Mrs. Brady is the only author that I know of that writes a paranormal romance that has different lead couples in a series but the same connecting plot/story arc and that alone makes her standout in a sea of identical paranormal romances. Brady pens a creative and unique world with multifaceted characters that you can’t help but fall in love with…even the baddies. The Deadglass series may have come to an end but the epilogue leaves an open door for a possible story in the world of Deadglass and one I hope Mrs. Brady will write. There are still so many stories to be told within the Deadglass world, so I hope that this isn’t the end end. I highly recommend this series to all PR and UF fans, you will not regret it! Brady is an author to watch. I will buy and read anything she writes! 

Review: Sunkissed by Carys Jones

Title: Sunkissed
Author: Carys Jones
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Series: N/A

Paperback, 242 pages
Publication: October 23, 2013 by Kellan

Source: I receive a review copy form the author in exchange for a honest review.

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Dawn Summers is dying. It’s 1853 and as the seventeen year old continues to fade away she has visions of the father she never knew, urging her to fight for her life.

In the small village of Fandova the only medical care is in the form of the mysterious Dr. Moralus who has a known penchant for bloodletting. Thomas, Dawn's fiancé, is warned against inviting his intervention, but feels he has no choice, he pleads with the doctor to save Dawn’s life…whatever it takes.

Whatever it ‘takes’ has some consequences neither of them expected. Now, it’s a hunt to the death, with both Dawn and Thomas determined to win. 

The year is 1853 and 17-year-old Dawn Summers is dying from the common cold/flu. Although, this is nothing new as many people and Dawn’s two other siblings have died because there wasn't an accessible doctor or medicine around.  But luckily or not so lucky Dr. Moralus the village recluse, a fairly new resident of Fandova is around this time, and Dawn’s Fiance Thomas is willing to brave the night to seek medical help from Dr. Moralus.  But the only way to help Dawn is to turn her into a vampire, like Dr. Moralus. 

I don’t really know what to make of Dawn, as the book is so short; it felt like I barely know anything about her. Sunkissed showed readers a glimpse of Dawn prior to her vampire transformation and after the transformation as she copes with what she had become. Dawn was afraid of losing her humanity and resorted to drinking blood from livestock and eventually black pudding (which I think is like congealed animal blood?) and as the book progressed we see her settled into her fate, accepting it and never once losing sight of who she is or her humanity. Then there is Thomas her Fiance who after Dawn’s transformation, decided he should share the same fate as her so that they may live together forever. But unlike Dawn, Thomas lost his humanity and became a monster. He thought of himself as better than all the humans and that they were nothing but food for the taking.

The first 1/3 of the book introduced us to the characters of the book and the rest of the story was more of a cat and mouse chase. Dawn couldn't live with what Thomas has become so she fled Fandova. The story then jumps to present day New York. For over a century Dawn had been on the run from Thomas, able to elude him with her special/unique ability (thanks to her father’s gene) as she works as a waitress in a hole in the wall diner. And like most stories, you can’t run from your past as it eventually catches up to you and in Dawn’s case…Thomas has been searching for her ever since she left him and has finally pinpointed her location on the east coast. 

Overall, Sunkissed was a good read but with some flaws. I didn't like how in the beginning of the story everyone (but Dawn’s mom) was blind to what Dr. Moralus was…everything about him screamed vampire. I was surprised no one accused him of being a vampire; I mean the dude only came out at night and he drained sick people’s blood! I also thought the writing could have been smoother and the formatting a bit better. Everything felt choppy or like it wasn't edited properly. The half of the book took place in 1853 Fandova and the other half present day New York. It would have been better if the first half was more condense, so that the main focus was on the confrontation between Dawn, Thomas and Dr. Moralus...because the plot felt rushed towards the last half of the book.  What I did enjoy was seeing the transformation of Dawn and Thomas’ characters and how much the two contrast one another. The ending was quite a surprised, which I must say I didn't see coming at all. I am intrigued to see what will happen next, as the book ended abruptly on a (somewhat) cliffhanger. I’d recommend Sunkissed to paranormal fans but with some reservation. It’s a good book like I said but not one I’d rush people to go read.

Review: Generation V by M.L. Brennan

Title: Generation V
Author: M.L. Brennan
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: American Vampire #1

Mass Market Paperback, 311 pages
Publication: May 7, 2013 by Roc

Source: Purchased for my own reading.

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Reality Bites. 

Fortitude Scott’s life is a mess. A degree in film theory has left him with zero marketable skills, his job revolves around pouring coffee, his roommate hasn’t paid rent in four months, and he’s also a vampire. Well, sort of. He’s still mostly human. 

But when a new vampire comes into his family’s territory and young girls start going missing, Fort can’t ignore his heritage anymore. His mother and his older, stronger siblings think he’s crazy for wanting to get involved. So it’s up to Fort to take action, with the assistance of Suzume Hollis, a dangerous and sexy shape-shifter. Fort is determined to find a way to outsmart the deadly vamp, even if he isn’t quite sure how. 

But without having matured into full vampirehood and with Suzume ready to split if things get too risky, Fort’s rescue mission might just kill him.…

Fortitude A.K.A Fort isn’t your typical vampire. Well, he isn’t even considered a vampire yet, he’s somewhere between transitioning from a human to vampire. Fort is what you’d called an experimental baby. He was conceived from humans (hosts) that were drained to the point of death and filled back up with blood from Madeline’s blood (Fort’s mom). Fort’s life is pretty shitty. Fort graduated from college with a useless degree (Film Theory), he works in a dinky diner for minimum wage with crappy co-workers, and has a roommate that’s been leeching off of him for 4 months. When anyone thinks of Vampires, they’d think strong, beautiful, mysterious and lethal; Fort is the exact opposites of those terms. Fort pretty much doesn't know what to make of his life; he isn't successful like his two older siblings, Chivalry and Prudence. But when an Italian vampire comes to town and asks for hospitality from Madeline, girls turn up missing and dead. Fort is 99% sure that the new comer is responsible but his mom gave her word and won’t interfere nor will his siblings; who don’t understand why Fort cares so much for the missing girls….girls he doesn't even know. Fort may not know where he’s heading in life but he knows he needs to do something about the missing girls. Fort makes it his mission in rescuing the girls, even when he knows he’d likely die trying.

I've read many books with flawed characters but none like Fort. Well Fort isn't flawed per say but definitely isn't what one would think of as a male lead/hero. At the beginning of the story, Fort didn't have much going for him. He was what’d you say a sad excuse for a vampire; I mean he was getting beaten up and mugged by three humans for Christ sake! He was supposed to be the one terrorizing not the victim. But what Fork lacked in vampire abilities, he made up in heart and personality. I think his name is perfect and a great representation of his growth throughout the book.  Fort is brave and stands up for what he believes in. He knew that he isn't a full vampire yet and that going after Luca was just asking for a death wish but he never once gave up hope in trying to find the missing girls. His family may see his human emotions as a handicap/liability but it was what made him stronger and better than his family. Fort’s family was just as interesting as he was. Readers meet each of the family members, albeit briefly and get a feel of their personality…and like Fort, their names were a great indication of their character.

Brennan’s take on vampire was refreshing. Her vampires were unlike other vampire novels I've read, making hers unique/original. Readers barely scratch the surface of Brennan’s world-building, but from what I've read it shows great potential. The characters were all well-written and realistic and most importantly relatable. Brennan also incorporated Japanese Kitsune folklore/mythology into her story which also made the book stand out from other UF books…I haven’t read many books that featured a kitsune shifter/lore (except one series but the author never delve into the history like Brennan did) and while I’m not really familiar with the folklore; I thought it was fascinating how she built upon the folklore/and the characters (Suzume, Asuko’s family line).

Generation V is a must read for all Urban Fantasy-Paranormal fans. While the book wasn't action packed, it was still an engaging read with much to offer. I am a sucker for an underdog story and character driven books…and Generation V is it. I loved everything about Brennan’s debut book, and highly recommend it. Don’t let the cover fool you. The whole ‘vampire novel’ may seem overdone and tiresome but Brennan proves that the genre can be reinvented. I can’t wait to read the next American Vampire novel. I’m sure it won’t be long till this series finds its place on my favorite series list. 

Review: Known Devil by Justin Gustainis

Title: Known Devil
Author: Justin Gustainis
Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Series: Occult Crimes Unit Investigation #3

Mass Market Paperback, 375 pages
Publication: January 28, 2014 by Angry Robot 

Source:  I received a review copy from the Publisher/Author in exchange for a honest review.

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My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.
A new supernatural gang is intent on invading Scranton – as if I didn’t have enough to contend with!
Supernatural gang warfare? Not on my watch!

I haven’t read the first two Occult Crime Unit Investigation novels, but these books don’t need to be read in order as Known Devil can be read as a standalone. This is a great Urban Fantasy and has one of my favorite aspects…police procedural with a touch of supernatural/paranormal and magic.

Known Devil opens up with Detective Markowski and Renfer at a diner on break when two elves come in to rob it. The elves are high as a kite and need more money to buy drugs. But the thing is, most supernaturals can’t get addicted to drugs (except goblins’ that can get hooked on meth)…until now; apparently elves, vamps and weres are all getting addicted (humans non-affected). To make matters worse, there is vampire turf war between two different crime families and an anti-supernatural political party is gaining attention/popularity among the people of Scranton; making Stan and Karl’s job all the more difficult.

I quite enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. I loved everything about it, the dark-gritty scenes and atmosphere/vibe of Scranton, the hard-boiled detectives and the overall plot/subplots. As I mentioned before, I have never read this series (starting at book #3) nor have I read any other books by this author but jumping into this book was quite easy and comfortable. I was able to follow along with the story without any problems or confusion and understood the gist of everything with the background/recap mentioned throughout the book. Well, maybe one thing I wish I knew was how Stan’s daughter became a vampire LOL but that was a minor detail. I love it when authors incorporate police procedural and supernatural/magic, I think it’s literally the perfect concoction for a story and Known Devil didn't disappoint.

Known Devil was an excellent read; it was fast paced, full of action and with witty dialogue to boot (which was my favorite, because it had me laughing and smiling). If enjoy reading gritty fantasy noir or just looking for an entertaining read, I highly suggest picking up the Occult Crime Unit Investigation series!

Guest Post by Justin Gutainis

Ley, Lady, Ley

By Justin Gustainis

Detective Sergeant Stan Markowski of the Scranton Police Department’s Occult Crimes Unit, lives in a world like ours, but … different. In this “alternate” universe, virtually all the supernatural creatures of myth and legend really exist. Fearing persecution (sometimes with good reason) these beings kept a low profile for most of human history. But that changed after World War Two, when the creatures of the night began to crawl out of the coffin, er, closet.

Although supernatural entities are to be found everywhere in Stan’s world,

many people have noticed that the area in and around Scranton is home to many more “supes” per capita than a lot of other places. This remained a mystery, until 1966.

That was the year that a couple of scientists at the University of Scranton

published a paper, “Ley Line Intersection in Northeast Pennsylvania: Myth or Magnet?” in the Journal of the American Magical Association. The scientists, Richard Passon and Edward Warner, argued that scores of ley lines intersect in and around Scranton.

The concept of ley lines is derived in part from the Chinese notion of feng shui, which holds that there are invisible forces that bind humans, spirits, and land together. Ley lines, some say, trace the movement of supernatural creatures across the earth tens of thousands of years ago – when it was easier for such individuals to move about undetected. Others maintain that the lines represent the cosmic flow of energy across the planet.

According to Passon and Warner, there are four points in and around Scranton

where at least ten different ley lines come together. More recent research argues that there may be as many as twenty such intersections within a fifty-mile radius of the city. There are those who claim that the extensive coal mining that once was the area’s mainstay had something to do with directing the flow of cosmic energy.

As Stan puts it, “The intersecting ley lines are like a magnet for supes, which explains why we’ve got so many. They were drawn here over the years, even if they didn’t realize why. Weres, vamps, ghouls, witches, trolls – you name it. We’ve got ‘em all in Scranton. Lucky us.”

So, by all means, come to visit Haunted Scranton and see what all of those intersecting lay lines have wrought in this beautiful city. But you might want to bring a few religious icons (any faith will do), some garlic, and a few sprigs of wolfsbane with you – just in case any of the locals you encounter might be … hungry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Justin Gustainis was born in Northeast Pennsylvania in 1951. He attended college at the University of Scranton, a Jesuit university that figures prominently in several of his writings.

After earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. Following military service, he held a variety of jobs, including speechwriter and professional bodyguard, before earning a Ph.D. at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He was married to Patricia A. Grogan of Toledo, Ohio, from 1977 until her death in 2007. He misses her a lot.

Mr. Gustainis currently lives in Plattsburgh, New York. He is a Professor of Communication at Plattsburgh State University, where he earned the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2002.

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*Photo via author's Goodreads and Biography via author's website