A Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Barger #BookReview #Giveaway

Title: A Whispered Darkness
Publication date: August 26, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Vanessa Barger

When Claire Mallory’s father leaves, her mom moves them to a new town and into a dilapidated Victorian house.

The old house creaks and whistles, and smells well — like it’s been abandoned for years. But as the nights grow longer and the shadows take on substance, Claire wonders if the strange sounds and occurrences might be more than the house showing its age.

Just as things start to pick up in Claire’s love life, her mother becomes possessed. In an attempt to save her mother and their new home, Claire enlists the help of two boys, each of whom is interested in Claire for different reasons. As she chooses one boy over the other, something dangerous is unleashed, and the spirits make their move.

They aren’t content to moan and scream inside Claire’s house, or even control her mom. They want a taste of freedom, and she’s their key to getting it. But is Claire strong enough to fight off the evil spirits, or will they claim her and her mom before it’s all over?

As far as synopsis of books go I do not think the one for A Whispered Darkness sits with it well. I got a completely different impression what the book would be about then what it is. Even though the basics are there it’s just not quite the right fit. I’m saying this because I don’t want people to think this book is about a love triangle because it’s not. The progression of how the mom gets possessed doesn't just happen all of a sudden either.

I’m not sure how to categorize the story. It’s not a Horror because it’s not gory but boy is it creepy. This is a Ghost story for sure, with some paranormal hunters, psychics and creeptastic mystery mixed in. I was freaked out by some of the things going on. I thought the plot, which surrounds some interesting town history was pretty cool. I feel that way about any story that involves spirits and uncovering what really happened to them.. Kind of like watching one of those Haunted Places show.

I liked the sister and brother bond that is in the story. Rather than one being moody and going off into a locked room, they are taking on their parents divorce together. They also are able to listen to one another and offer support to the others problems. They really stick together in the book. It’s nice to see a close relationship like that between siblings.

I didn’t really feel like the romance was overwhelming or the main focus of the story. Ya it’s in there but it’s more about the ghost and what really happened all that time ago. I like that it had a more subtle feel to it.

The pacing of the book is kind of slow, especially the first half. It seemed like it was centered more around setting up the characters, who they are and what their stories are.

I think that the creepy aspects of the book are good and I did like how it ended. Things seemed to be wrapped up. The mod podge of characters was interesting as well. Definitely a spooky read.

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Virginia Writer's Club. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.