The Haunted Review

The Haunted (The Hollow, #2) by Jessica Verday

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release date: August 31, 2010

Source: Publisher/ The Teen Book Scene

Other books in the series: The Hollow (Book #1), The Horror (Book #3- 2011)

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with by the bridge where her best friend drowned - the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead - Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, determined to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into schoolwork, perfume-making and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be able to help her get over Caspian once and for all. But Abbey is never going to truly be able to move on from Caspian and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side: for Caspian is a Shade and Abbey is his destiny. The two are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow and the famous legend that binds their fates - a legend whose true ending and dark truths they are only just beginning to guess...

Review:

I read The Hollow around a year ago and really enjoyed it, but there was still a little something missing that left it at 3.5/4 stars. Luckily, The Haunted completely blew me away, I loved it!

At first I was a little lost, The Hollow was definitely not fresh in my mind so it took a little while for everything to click, but soon I was really into it and a lot of the details from the prequel came rushing back. Right away things were exciting and plot twists were occurring on every page.

Abbey returned in full force. She was as sweet and funny as ever and her love for her family, Kristen, and Caspian was clear from the start. Her dedication to everyone around her is admiring and her perfume making has always been one of my favorite aspects of the series. I love reading about the different scents and mixtures she creates and I'm hoping to hear more about "Abbey's Hollow" in the final book in the series.

The mystery and suspense is amazing in The Haunted. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and so many new plot angles are revealed and new characters introduced. Of course many of my favorite characters from the prequel returned and a lot of my questions were answered in this book. Jessica Verday's writing was amazing in The Haunted. She always knew when to add a new twist in the story to throw me off and keep me reading into the night. I just had to know what was going to happen!

This series is so unique and original. I love the Sleepy Hollow angle and she really goes the extra mile to make this series her own. I never know what is going to happen next and I'm dying for The Horror! Even Abbey and Caspian learn things about themselves and those around them that they never suspected.

Another of my favorites parts of this story is the romance. Slow growing and bittersweet I loved reading about Caspian and Abbey even though their relationship is so restrained. I felt their pain at not being able to do regular things together like have dinner with her parents or even kiss good night. Luckily their connection was so strong you could tell how much they loved each other from a mile away. In The Hollow I didn't get too attached to Caspian's character, but in The Haunted I loved him. He was witty, protective, and caring. He always knew the right thing to say to make Abbey smile and he truly only wants the best for her.

If you were a fan of The Hollow, or were even disappointed, be prepared to be blown away by this thrilling sequel! It's romantic and mysterious with great characters and an exciting ending that was a huge cliffhanger! 2011 can't come fast enough.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars