Kate CannRecensioni

FROM AMAZON :A dark, gothic tale set in modern-day England, this thriller love story has been called "wonderfully frightening" (SLJ) and "unsettling" and "creepy" (PW) -- perfect for paranormal fans!

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare-- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked-- before she becomes a ghost story herself?

"Tänk att få göra en sex veckor lång lyxresa till Medelhavet tillsammans med din coolaste väninna. Chloe kan knappt förstå sin tur när hon blir medbjuden till Malta av Davinia och hennes rika föräldrar. Men den underbara semestern Chloe drömt om förvandlas snabbt till en mardröm. Davinia visar sig vara en annan person än den hon trott och Chloe tvingas till ett avgörande ställningstagande. Var går egentligen gränsen för vad man ska tåla som vän? Om vänskap, kärlek och att våga stå upp för den man är."

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

Read this about ten years ago. Nice light read, but I've outgrown it

rabck from dvg; light read. At loose ends and wanting to take a gap year, British Rowan signs up to be a nanny in America - only she has the mother-from-hell, Dad hitting on her, a kid that needs to be just a kid, and an Iguana on the upstairs terrace. She quits the job and kidnaps Iggy - the iguana - landing in California, hence the title.

the story overall was cute. Predictable but still good. still have lots of dislike for that jerk Tom.

Amazing read, I can't wait to get stuck into the next one :)

Rayne is a great character who is easy to understand.

Crow Girl is a nice story about finding one’s place in the jungle that is high school. Cann creates fills a void that has been sorely lacking in the YA genre—a story that deals with challenging issues that is both enticing to and digestible for struggling readers. From the get-go, readers will empathize with the main character, Lily, as she is taunted by the cool girls in school. She’d like nothing more than to fit in, but she is so paralyzed by fear at the thought of becoming an even bigger target for ostracism that she doesn’t dare open her mouth in school. When she finally finds something that gives her a sense of purpose, Lily discovers that a little bit of self-confidence and determination, while difficult, at first, to develop, can go a long way. Some adult readers may not accept the believability of Lily’s actions or the reactions of her peers, but Cann writes to promote hope regardless of how unrealistic her story might seem. All readers will appreciate the story’s quick pace and action-packed chapters.

Story & Pacing: 9
The plot is easy to grasp, but is very relatable to teenagers. Each chapter is short, focused, and serves to further the plot. This point will certainly serve students who suffer from dyslexia or ADHD.

Characters: 8
Lily is strong and realistic. Her troubles evoke empathy in the reader, and she you can’t help but root for her the whole way. That being said, because of the length of this novella, there isn’t much opportunity to develop other characters, too.

Setting: 7
I could see this story/plot line as one in a long series. As such, it would have been nice if Cann had chosen a specific location in which to set her story. It might add cohesion and an overall sense of returning to a well-loved story if more books do come about.

Style & Writing: 9
Cann’s style is targeted towards developing readers, and she succeeds in using simple but varied syntax. Anybody who has worked with struggling or dyslexic readers will appreciate how easily digestible each well-formulated sentence is. It may seem choppy or undeveloped to “regular” readers, but it’s great for those who find reading a chore.

Learnability & Teachability: 8
I know a handful of students who would definitely enjoy this book. Cann’s high-school-level themes written at a middle-school level is perfect to encourage my reluctant readers. I would have liked to have seen a polysyllabic word every now and then—not enough to discourage the reader, but enough to pose a challenge and to develop vocabulary. A glossary at the end and/or discussion questions created by the author would be another great way to further their experience and our discussions.

POTENTIAL TEACHABLES
The Mórrigan and other Celtic mythological creatures; crows and their characteristics; crows as symbols; complexities of building one’s own Halloween costumes.

For teacher-education classes: This would be a good book to discuss in classes about reluctant/struggling readers about how a writer can balance mature themes with lower reading levels.

I have to say that I loved this book...even more than I loved the first one. There's something about Rayne that I just identify with so strongly that I can't help, but love her. I felt this sequel moved at a much quicker pace than the first book and was more detailed in regard to the historical context of the keep and the secrets surrounding it. I loved how Ethan and Rayne's relationship developed because it was absolutely true to how real relationship's act. In addition, when she went home, it felt like every story of every young adult whose ever gone home after an extended visit away. It was perfect.

Definitely a book that I recommend reading.

Lily is an outsider. Girls bully her, boys don't know she'd alive. She begins to hide from her troubles at the nearby Wakeless Woods. But she s not alone. The crows are there. Watching. When she finds the crows, she finds herself - and a burning need to show everyone at school the new Lily. Will this Halloween be a night to remember?

This book is a Barrington Stoke book - they specialise in books for struggling and dyslexic readers and their stories are varied and engaging. You could call it a 'quick read' book - at only 70 pages I picked it up and didn't put it down until I'd finished it, about 30 minutes later. Lily is a character that a lot of readers can identify with - she's the outsider, forced to be something she's not to avoid teasing and bullying from her fellow classmates. The story is simple yet engaging - I'd recommend it to any fans of YA books. You get to see Lily grow up and become who she wants to be, which kept me reading. She forms a relationships with a gang (well I suppose I could put murder) of crows and unwittingly, the crows really help her become popular at school. A must-read, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

Bra. svartsjuka, missförstånd, kärlek

Judith says: If you want a good old fashion English ghost story, then Possessed is for you. There are a few spots of graphic violence but most of the scariness comes from the reader's imagination.

Although, I was sometimes frustrated by Rayne's pigheadedness, I still had to admire her determination to get at the truth come what may. She was very frightened, but she fought those feelings and was able to gain more confidence. She was also able to see the truth about her 'friends' and come to terms with her need to fit in at any cost.

The book cover will probably grab readers but be prepared for a story that is not over the top but one that is thoughtful and at times make your skin crawl. I enjoyed the novel because it let me frighten myself. My mind did most of the work for me and I did not have to depend of someone else creating the images or the scares. I think we need a few more books like this.

Mobbade tjejen hittar sätt att bygga upp sin självkänsla, blir vän med kråkor, får självförtroende och srträcker på sig. Budskap: ta själv ansvar för ditt liv, du är inget offer, du kan ändra, acceptera inte elakheter. Mycket bra.

This was a pretty good little ghost story. Rayne is the typical teenager in many ways, feeling smothered by both her dependent mother and her boyfriend. So, like many teens, her solutions is ultimately to run away. To facilitate this she finds a job in a tearoom at Morton’s Keep, a mysterious English countryside manor with a long, dark history. I would have actually liked to have learned more about the history of the Keep, and could have used more details such as who the Black Prince was. Not all of us are up to speed on English history, so thank goodness for Wikipedia! Things are spooky and mysterious, especially with Rayne’s new boyfriend, St. John, and his group of obedient friends. I actually could have used a little more ghostly activity, since a lot of what happens is more along the lines of 'things don’t feel right' than something tangible. All in all, though, I found Rayne to be believable and accessible, and this to be an entertaining read.

Judith says: If you want a good old fashion English ghost story, then Possessed is for you. There are a few spots of graphic violence but most of the scariness comes from the reader's imagination.

Although, I was sometimes frustrated by Rayne's pigheadedness, I still had to admire her determination to get at the truth come what may. She was very frightened, but she fought those feelings and was able to gain more confidence. She was also able to see the truth about her 'friends' and come to terms with her need to fit in at any cost.

The book cover will probably grab readers but be prepared for a story that is not over the top but one that is thoughtful and at times make your skin crawl. I enjoyed the novel because it let me frighten myself. My mind did most of the work for me and I did not have to depend of someone else creating the images or the scares. I think we need a few more books like this.

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Meet Rayne. She's just a normal teen with normal teenage problems. A boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, a mother who can never stay away from alcohol, and a future so dim that she just doesn't know which path to take. All Rayne needs right now is an escape.

This escape comes in the form of a job position as a tea server at an old mansion, Morton's Keep.

Morton's Keep isn't quite normal for most people... but it's just fine for Rayne. It's a place for opportunities for a new life. A new life that includes the mysterious St. John, the protective Ethan, a welcoming yet strange clique, and a mansion full of tortured history.

Accompanied by raw emotions, romance, and a haunting history, Rayne must figure out the spirits that surround her, the clique that entices her, and the boy too good to be true before she becomes possessed by their world - a world that just might kill her.

Kate Cann, known for her teen romance novels, takes a walk on the paranormal side with POSSESSED. A unique, fast-paced novel, Cann is able to capture realistic emotions that will make the reader shudder. This story is just right for those in need of a romantic, haunting adventure that leaves you with goosebumps.

Rayne is so tired of her life in London – her possessive boyfriend, her needy mother and little brother, and all the noise & hassle of the city. When she lands a job at an inn in the country, complete with a small apartment, she believes she has found peace at last. But, when she starts hearing strange noises and people keep telling her stories of the estate’s painful past, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.
This is a tale of suspense that is carefully crafted. The suspense builds slowly and the truth eeks out in small doses. I couldn’t wait to find out the real story – ghosts? Devil worshipers? Or worse? The story keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Unfortunately, the revelation of the true story is a little flat compared to the lead-up. I wanted a big, shocking finish, but I don’t think the climax suited the rest of the story. But all-in-all, not a bad suspense novel.

Een lekker boek voor een zomerse dag!

Possessed was originally released in the UK, but was released in the US this month. This was a very alluring book solely due to its awesome cover, but believe me that is just the beginning. This story is action packed, and full of mystery and suspense. One of my favorite aspects of this book is its setting. I was enthralled with the vocabulary and the setting of Morton’s Keep. I am not sure if this is an actual location that the author based the story on, but if so I would love to visit. Everything sound so incredibly beautiful and powerful it was be a must see. Rayne is a lovable character that I believe any reader would enjoy following. I was impressed by Cann’s ability to make character that are truly lovable, and slowly regress to a villian. This novel is filled with emotion and turmoil that will beg you to turn another page. This is one of the best books that I have read this year.

Quick & Dirty: A vividly written novel that lends a genuinely creepy feel, and is sure to keep you away from the countryside.

Opening Sentence: Rayne sat on the end of her narrow bed next to Jelly’s cot, painting her nails.

The Review:

All Rayne can think about is escaping her miserable life in London. She lives in a rundown, crime laden, and crowded housing development with no real prospect of getting out. Rayne also feels suffocated and trapped by her mother, caring for her baby brother, and her controlling boyfriend, Damian. She struggles to maintain her sanity amid all the noise and violence. Rayne has the opportunity to take a break from her studies and decides to take a job at a secluded country estate, Morton’s Keep. The very idea of being near the mansion late at night paralyzes the locals with fear. Eventually, Rayne makes new friends and becomes enamored with the very creepy and mysterious St. John. Not only does Rayne believe that her newfound friends have something to hide, she becomes suspicious about the history surrounding Morton’s Keep and as she delves deeper into the Keep’s lore she finds a lot more than she bargains for.

Possessed is engaging and addresses a lot of real life issues. For example, Rayne does not possess an idyllic family life to say the least. Rayne also possesses certain foibles, such as her somewhat cavalier relationship with the truth. Strangely, flaws like these serve to make Rayne even more sympathetic. I was captivated by her struggle to strike out on her own so far away from her familiar life in London. Ms. Cann also doesn’t skimp on the supporting cast, which consists of well realized personalities that all speak with authentic voices. The interplay amongst these characters was authentic and captured the real vibe between young adults. The character of St. John is a special stand out. I thought that I had him all figured out, but I was completely wrong.

Needless to say I really enjoyed Possessed. Ms. Cann delivers a chilling and eerie world that will leave you wanting more. The pacing of the book is perfect and Morton’s Keep drips with atmosphere. I eagerly await a return trip to the world of Possessed.

Notable Scene:

The words liquefied her with terror. She broke cover and ran. She had no idea if the men were following – the cracking, crashing noise of her flight covered any sound they may have made. She hurtled on, arms out in front, shielding her face from the branches whipping at her, running anywhere there was a path through the trees, running, running, doubling back on herself, her breath coming in great gasps….

FTC Advisory: Scholastic provided me with an ARC of Possessed. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.

Teen Chick-Lit.

As an adult I frequently dip into Young Adult books. This one, however, was not a cross-over; it was definitely a teen read. I have given it 4* though, as I feel that it would be a great read for this age group and I shall pass mine on for a friend's daughter to enjoy.

The central character, Chloe, is having a tough time at home and things are not going so well at school. When a new girl, Davinia, joins the school and seems to be aloof and unfased by the petty squabbling, Chloe starts to hero-worship her. The friendship grows and Chloe is invited on holiday with the family. All is not as it seems, unfortunately, and Chloe's dream holiday is looking pretty miserable. Can the holiday be saved? You'll have to read the book to find out, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.½