
The Haunted
J.A. Templeton
Series: MacKinnon Curse, #2
Release date: January 8th, 2012
After battling a malevolent ghost that held the spirit of her friend Ian MacKinnon bound to the land for two hundred years, sixteen-year-old reluctant psychic, Riley Williams, felt as if she was finally easing into her new life in Scotland.
Or so she thought.
Laria, the spirit of the witch who had cursed Ian wants revenge for Riley’s interference and she’s bringing along friends—dark entities who thrive on evil.
The one bright spot in Riley’s world is Ian’s descendent, Kade MacKinnon, who could easily be Ian’s modern day twin. The parallels between the two guys are undeniable. As Riley’s relationship with Kade blossoms, she begins to realize Laria has grown in her power since their last confrontation—a power that could very well manipulate the living just as effectively as the dead.
What I enjoyed the most from The Deepest Cut was how awfully creepy it was. In The Haunted we’ve still got plenty of evil ghosts and spine chilling moments, but we’ve also got quite a bit more character development and romance in the mix. I was particularly happy about the romantic undertone throughout the book. JA wrote a wonderfully bittersweet romance in book 1; she introduces an even better one in this sequel. First, she gives us Kade, a looker and a charmer, then she creates this passion between him and Riley that is irresistibly endearing. Though, of course, Laria has to get her horrible, menacing hands between them. She is awful! But definitely makes a fantastic nemesis.
We get to know a few new characters as well: Kade’s sister and cousin, in addition to a couple of new ghosts. The whole MacKinnon family history is fascinating. I’m very curious to learn more about their past; I’m fairly certain they have quite a few more skeletons in their closets than what we were initially told.
The MacKinnon Curse series encloses deeper, more serious topics than just hauntings – turning a simple scary ghost novel into a substantially bigger story. In addition to making the characters realistic, these real life problems mixed in with the paranormal work to bring out a wide array of emotions. Riley is learning how to deal with the cutting, and Laria had begun to really taunt her with it, not to mention her dad throwing unexpected news at her. This, with the addition of Laria possessing her friends and family, is turning Riley’s life into a complete mess. We see a lot more of these real-life developments than the first in the series, consequently making the paranormal plot more scarce, though I did enjoyed getting to know these people better. It makes us really care for whatever’s going to happen to them; whatever has already happened to them. I won’t just be reading the next book for some mindless scary entertainment, by now I’m fully invested in these characters lives. I want Riley to rid herself of this malevolent ghost before something grave happens to her, or anyone she loves. Laria has gotten a heck of a lot more serious, and extremely terrifying!
I wouldn’t consider the ending a cliffhanger. It’s obvious that the story is not over, but I didn’t gasp and curse JA for leaving us hanging again
(nicely of course >.< – because we all secretly love cliffhangers!). If you haven’t read this series yet and you’re a fan of hair-raising ghost stories, you are missing out! This is positively one of the creepiest I’ve come upon!![]() |
4 Hot Espressos |
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Andrea @The Bookish Babes
I thought The Deepest Cut was great sand I’ve been anxious to read Haunted. I have this up for review soon. I can’t wait to dig in. I’m glad you enjoyed The Haunted!
Amy
I can’t believe I still haven’t read the first one!! I bought it for my nook after reading your review for it. I really do need to get to it. I love this type of book. Maybe if I buy this one it will get me to read the first one quicker. 😉
Miranda Hardy
I do love a good ghost story. I’ll have to check them out.
Anna @ Literary Exploration
Well I didn’t read your review bc I haven’t read the first one yet HA! But I’m definitely going to have to read them now 🙂 Who knows, maybe I’ll like them!
😉
Sam
Great review! The sequel sounds promising! I read the first book and enjoyed it but I’m still undecided about Kade…plus I have questions about Ian! I can’t wait to read this to find out everything. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it!
Damaris @ Good Choice Reading
Okay, where do I purchase these book? LOL
Jackie's Little World
Ok, here’s another series I need to get started on. I haven’t read the first one so I just skimmed your review 🙂 But I’m definitely putting these on my reading list. Love me some creepy books!
Giselle
Thanks ladies!
@Amy, Anna, Miranda & Jackie: GET TO IT! They’re so good! >.<
@Andrea & Sam: Oh I’m happy to see you guys are liking this series too! <3
@Damaris: Actually they’re on Smashwords for almost nothing! They’re worth it!
kimba88
I haven’t read book one..but I know you love your ghosts. Adding to my wishlist. Great review 🙂
And yes we all love cliffhangers even if we won’t admit it..hehehe
Mary @ BookSwarm
Okay, I think you’ve convinced me. I’m a big fan of creepy ghost stories and family skeletons (that are best left in the closet but ALWAYS make their way into the light!). Nice.
Mimi Valentine
Oh Giselle!! You’re the one who convinced me to add the first book to my TBR pile, and even though I haven’t managed to read it yet, you already have me craving to read this sequel!! x) <3 Awfully creepy with lots and lots of thrilling suspense? I'm both terrified and excited! And I really love this cover!
Amazing review, Giselle! You’re definitely my go-to girl when I want to read something thrilling — this book sounds so creepy-cool! 🙂
Savannah Valdez
I really need to read this series! I have heard great things about it! Thanks for the review 🙂
Jennifer | Book Den
I saw The Deepest Cut on Amazon today for $.99. I scooped it up! I remember how creepy you said it was so I’m looking forward to starting this series. 😀
Aeicha @ Word Spelunking
Excellent review! I’ve yet to start this series but its seems really good and your reviews definitely have me intrigued. I’m really interested to see how the author combines paranormal elements while dealing with the topic of cutting.
I’m very picky when it comes to the books I read concerning self-injury, as it’s a very personal topic for me…how much, would you say, of the actual story in this series deals with the topic and in your opinion is it dealt with well?
Giselle
@Aeicha: I don’t have any experience with that subject so to me it was dealt well. It’s not a huge part of the story, it’s just always in the background as something ELSE she’s dealing with over the haunting.
@Jennifer: Oh wow 99c is a steal! Hope you love it!
Thanks guys! <3
Candace
I’m not sure if this series might be a bit too scary/creepy for me or not but I might have to give it a try since you liked it so much!
Krazzyme(Young Readers)
I still have to read the Deepest cut 🙁
Krazyyme @ Young Readers
Lalaine
OOh I remember you recommend The Deepest Cut to me, I am going to get this one first. It sounds sooo good. Great review Giselle x
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Shellie
Sounds like a good series. I’ll have to check them out.
ohfudgemuffin21
read the first book and enjoyed it! Can’t wait to check out the second one!