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Black Spring by Allison Croggon Plus Giveaway

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Genre: Gothic Horror/Suspense

Release Date: 8/27/2013

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About the Book: (From Goodreads) In a savage land sustained by wizardry and ruled by vendetta, Lina is the enchanting but willful daughter of a village lord. She and her childhood companion, Damek, have grown up privileged and spoiled, and they’re devoted to each other to the point of obsession. But Lina’s violet eyes betray her for a witch, and witches are not tolerated in a brutally patriarchal society. Her rank protects her from persecution, but it cannot protect her from tragedy and heartbreak. An innocent visitor stands witness to the devastation that ensues as destructive longing unleashes Lina’s wrath, and with it her forbidden power. Whether drawn by the romantic, the magical, or the gothic, readers will be irresistibly compelled by the passion of this tragic tale.

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: First off, let me confess something. I have never read Wuthering Heights. So I can't tell you exactly how this book compares to the novel that inspired it. But what little I know of Ms. Bronte's writing, I would have to guess pretty well. 

So let's go over a few things you should know before you go into this novel: 

1) It's Gothic-which means it's wonderfully atmospheric and it's beautiful, but also in a way that is wonderfully creepy. I love Gothic themed novels and Ms. Croggon really excels at this writing style, pulling you right into the story and making you feel and believe the sense of place and the nuanced going-ons of the town.

2) It can be creepy-but in a good way. Early on, one the characters describes his nightmares and they are chilling. Again, this is another point on which Ms. Croggon's writing is fantastic. Maybe I'm a just a wimp though.

3) This is not a happy tale. It's tragic and sad, but so beautifully written and packaged and the storytelling is delicately unwrapped it's well worth reading. The story starts out a bit unexpectedly and I was confused at first, but just go with it-once the narrator switches and you understand what is happening, you will be pulled in. 



Similar Authors: Margo Lanagan, Maggie Stiefvater 





Want to win a Copy? Thanks to Candlewick, one lucky reader will win a copy of Black Spring


All you need to do to enter is fill out the form below.
-US Address Only Please
-One Entry Per Person Please
-Ages 13 +
-Giveaway ends September 4




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Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a Youth Services Manager who works with kids, tweens and teens. I love being asked about great books to read! I started my blog in 2008 as a way to keep track of what I've been reading and to use a reference tool for reader's advisory and it's grown into much more than I could have ever anticipated. In addition to book reviews, I also enjoy posting audiobook reviews, booklists and my adventures in being a librarian. 2017 Library Journal Mover and Shaker Committees: 2021 Newbery Committee 2018 Odyssey Committee 2016 Caldecott Award 2013 Michael L. Printz Committee- Fabulous Films Committee I have also served on the Cybils, Missouri State Library Association Readers Selection Lists, and as an Audies judge. Presentations :  I have offered various presentations at local, state and national libraries and conferences. Topics have included:  What's New in Children's & Teen Literature Engaging Teens in Reader's Advisory Gee