Possessions 2: The Evil Within by Nancy Holder

Welcome back!

Day two of the three day Nancy Holder fest culminating in an interview with the writer herself and a contest to win the first two books in this growing series!  Loads of fun in store, loads of fun....If you haven't read the first book in this series as of yet, I might recommend checking out by review of book 1, Possessions, from yesterday to give you little heads up on what's happening before you delve into today's post.  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is....

Possessions 2:

The Evil Within

by

Nancy Holder

Lindsay has finally gotten away from all the crazy that was Marlwood and it's school for girls. It's summer break! No more teachers, no more books, no more ghosties dirty looks....oh, wait a second. Nope that last one is still lingering. It seems that this summer, Lindsay is not making a clean break from all that has been, nor will she escape it for the immediate future. She still carries the ghost of a former patient by the name of Celia and she has unfinished business that requires Lindsay's immediate attention....or else.

History repeats itself time and time again for these girls until they find a way to move on to another place or complete the unfinished business that remains.  But how?  Celia believes she  knows the way, but it's not one that Lindsay is willing to swallow.  Their deaths were so long ago, one would think they would bury the hatchet and leave in peace...not likely with this bunch.  For any one of them to reach an eternal rest, there are many many secrets that must be expelled first.  Starting with who really started the fire that claimed their lives...and what was really going on all those years ago?  We've yet to see all that Marlwood Academy has to offer.  Sign up for another school year and see just where this story is heading...

Installment number two in this series, it continues the story of Lindsay and her new bestie Celia...whether she likes it or not.  Celia is a strange cookie indeed...a ghost with a plan on how to be free and yet there is a whisper of doubt that shivers through her unwilling host.  Despite how awful Mandy Winters is (when possessed by Belle's ghost and even when she's not), Lindsay is not prepared to kill her to be rid of her spirit.  I like the fact that in light of the crazy situation she is in, she still manages to keep her wits about her as best as she can.  She doesn't just give in and say, yeah, sure...let's do this!  She uses her resources to uncover others ways this can be over.  She considers whom she can trust and whom she can't, even when faced with a tousled hair dreamboat aiming to whisk her off her feet if he ever shakes his current squeeze. 

We also learn a bit more about the back story on what REALLY went on at this former "school".  Experiments and procedures shown in the light of good, honest progress, leaving zombie like girls compliant yes, but devoid of spirit.  No wonder the souls left behind are restless!  Factor into that a love triangle, a two timing person of power, and a blazing inferno...yep, I'd say the groundwork was ideal for the spooky happenings.  One question that lingers though unanswered is centered on one particularly curious character.  Miles Winters.  The queen b's brother supposed out of rehab and avoiding a scandal rumored to have occurred with sister dearest, his presence in this book is rather curious.  By book's end, you're not sure whether to trust him, despise him, or worry if he is possessed as well (my money's on the last one).

So in summary...though at times you may be as confused as our lead character, the story will continually drive you on until you finally reach the books end....a small measure of satisfaction and understanding will dawn on you and then...you'll have to wait for the next installment. Yes...I know, I know.  There, there.  It will be okay!  There is at least some closure in a way...but the next book should be a doozy!  I know I'LL be watching for it.....

This book was scheduled to hit shelves on June 10th, 2010 so keep an eye on your local stores for an easily attained copy.  Special thanks to author Nancy Holder and Razorbill for the ARC for review!  (THANK you both!)  For more information on our illustrious author, visit her website or follow along on Twitter!  For more information on Razorbill, check out their website or visit them on Facebook. 

Stay tuned for the conclusion of our three day Nancy Holder fest when we have an interview with the author herself and a chance for you to win a copy of Possessions and Possessions 2.

Until next time....happy reading!