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Ghost Huntress #1
The Awakening
Get out your tape recorders, crystals, and extra batteries - you're about to go where our world meets the spirit world.
Psychic Kids, Paranormal State, Haunting Evidence - these and countless other television shows are making believers out of millions of people: Ghosts exist, and they're living right beside us. For centuries, individuals have been trying to prove the existence of ghosts. But without hard evidence, it's been difficult to make the case. But now as science and technology have progressed, ghost hunters have been able to use scientific means, along with more traditional psychic tools, to make their case. Photographs, video recordings, and sound recordings are all producing some amazing results.
In this new series, Ghost Huntress, meet Kendall Moorehead, a seemingly typical teen. When her family moves from Chicago to the small historical town of Radisson, Georgia, her psychic abilities awaken. She's hearing, feeling, and seeing things that seem unbelievable at first, but with the help of the town psychic, Kendall is able to come to terms with her newly emerging gift. So, together with her new BFF, Celia, Kendall forms a ghost hunting team. They've got all the latest technology. They've got Kendall for their psychic. Now they re going to clean up Radisson of its less savory spirits.
The story is fiction. The science is real. Welcome to a new reality.
Psychic Kids, Paranormal State, Haunting Evidence - these and countless other television shows are making believers out of millions of people: Ghosts exist, and they're living right beside us. For centuries, individuals have been trying to prove the existence of ghosts. But without hard evidence, it's been difficult to make the case. But now as science and technology have progressed, ghost hunters have been able to use scientific means, along with more traditional psychic tools, to make their case. Photographs, video recordings, and sound recordings are all producing some amazing results.
In this new series, Ghost Huntress, meet Kendall Moorehead, a seemingly typical teen. When her family moves from Chicago to the small historical town of Radisson, Georgia, her psychic abilities awaken. She's hearing, feeling, and seeing things that seem unbelievable at first, but with the help of the town psychic, Kendall is able to come to terms with her newly emerging gift. So, together with her new BFF, Celia, Kendall forms a ghost hunting team. They've got all the latest technology. They've got Kendall for their psychic. Now they re going to clean up Radisson of its less savory spirits.
The story is fiction. The science is real. Welcome to a new reality.
338 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2009
About the author
Marley Gibson
33 books278 followersMarley Gibson is the author of the hit young adult paranormal fiction series, "Ghost Huntress," from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Graphia line, as well as "Radiate," which is a fictionalized version of the cancer she went through as a teenage cheerleader.
Gibson was featured on the premiere episode of The Biography Channel’s "My Ghost Story," as well as being interviewed by CNN.com for a Halloween feature on ghost hunting in 2008. She appeared on the Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," as we as an episode of "Ghost Adventures."
Her publishing credits include "Ghost Huntress: The Awakening," "Ghost Huntress: The Guidance," and "Ghost Huntress: The Reason," "Ghost Huntress: The Counseling," "Ghost Huntress: The Journey," and soon to come, a Christmas novella, "Ghost Huntress: The Tidings."
She has also co-authored a teen ghost hunting how-to guide entitled “The Other Side: A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal" with her husband, Patrick Burns, from TruTV's "Haunting Evidence," and Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," and "Ghost Adventures."
Gibson is also the co-author of the wildly successful "Christmas Miracles," and it's sequel, "The Spirit of Christmas," published by St. Martin’s Press and co-written with New York Times bestselling author, Cecil Murphey.
Gibson holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and a double minor in Political Science and Speech Communications from The University of Alabama. She has worked on several political campaigns, as a United States Congressional intern, and has been a marketing events manager in the medical, higher education, financial, and technology sectors, but is now happy being a full-time author, creating stories and characters for fans to love.
An avid SCUBA diver, closet gourmet chef, and electronic music lover, Marley and her husband, Patrick, live in the Florida Keys with their two rescue kitties, Madison and Boo, in an RV they lovely call, Midge.
She can be found online at www.marleygibson.com and www.radiatebook.com on Facebook at MarleyGibson Author and on Twitter @MarleyGison
Gibson was featured on the premiere episode of The Biography Channel’s "My Ghost Story," as well as being interviewed by CNN.com for a Halloween feature on ghost hunting in 2008. She appeared on the Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," as we as an episode of "Ghost Adventures."
Her publishing credits include "Ghost Huntress: The Awakening," "Ghost Huntress: The Guidance," and "Ghost Huntress: The Reason," "Ghost Huntress: The Counseling," "Ghost Huntress: The Journey," and soon to come, a Christmas novella, "Ghost Huntress: The Tidings."
She has also co-authored a teen ghost hunting how-to guide entitled “The Other Side: A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal" with her husband, Patrick Burns, from TruTV's "Haunting Evidence," and Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," and "Ghost Adventures."
Gibson is also the co-author of the wildly successful "Christmas Miracles," and it's sequel, "The Spirit of Christmas," published by St. Martin’s Press and co-written with New York Times bestselling author, Cecil Murphey.
Gibson holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and a double minor in Political Science and Speech Communications from The University of Alabama. She has worked on several political campaigns, as a United States Congressional intern, and has been a marketing events manager in the medical, higher education, financial, and technology sectors, but is now happy being a full-time author, creating stories and characters for fans to love.
An avid SCUBA diver, closet gourmet chef, and electronic music lover, Marley and her husband, Patrick, live in the Florida Keys with their two rescue kitties, Madison and Boo, in an RV they lovely call, Midge.
She can be found online at www.marleygibson.com and www.radiatebook.com on Facebook at MarleyGibson Author and on Twitter @MarleyGison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
February 11, 2009
I wanted to like this book! I love the cover and thought that I would've loved to read a book like this when I was a teenager (loved Amityville Horror, In a Dark Place, etc.) Just too much going on in this book with a ridiculously overdone faux teen voice. If I read one more time where someone was giving her friend "the 411" I would've thrown the book across the room. A lot of eye rolling, not much good writing. Especially because this a series, I would've expected the author to NOT pack so much paranormal stuff into one book (psychic awakening AND all the ghost hunting stuff including EVPs, dowsing, EMF detection, etc.) but would've allowed Kendall (the main character, who is psychic) to grow and learn at a believable rate. The disclaimer at the end about how teens should only ghost hunt with responsible adults kind of undermined the whole book for me. That, and on page 102 when it states (direct quote, from the ARC) "After dinner, I'm working on my @#$%ing calculus homework..." That offends me to my core. Really.
January 28, 2014
Not a bad story with some good potential. Sadly, it ended up frustrating me more than interested me. I can think of several that would love this book but it was not for me.
Lets start with the good, before I scare anyone off. There was a very good blend of characters with very diverse personalities. At first they seem very stereotypical but some do start to branch out from how they first appear. The ghosthunting research put into this was very good. Imagine the TAPS team with a ghost psychic. That sums everyone up. It was a nice, light, quick read that can easily draw a reader into the series.
My problems with this book: The text speak!!! I hate hearing people use this in speech but thought, action, speech and more is WAY too much! If the story was not drawing this would have killed me for continuing the book. Too many teens cannot spell as is and I feel this book is a bad influence on the English language. Also I had a problem with how realistic this book is, the psychic aspect meeting the religious aspects. I can accept one of the other but the combination, in the manner in how it is done is offensive to me.
Overall, not for me. I even tried (and failed to finish) book two of the series. Nope. Now some will like it. If you like the show Ghost Hunters, check this out. Just be warned of horrible writing styles.
Lets start with the good, before I scare anyone off. There was a very good blend of characters with very diverse personalities. At first they seem very stereotypical but some do start to branch out from how they first appear. The ghosthunting research put into this was very good. Imagine the TAPS team with a ghost psychic. That sums everyone up. It was a nice, light, quick read that can easily draw a reader into the series.
My problems with this book: The text speak!!! I hate hearing people use this in speech but thought, action, speech and more is WAY too much! If the story was not drawing this would have killed me for continuing the book. Too many teens cannot spell as is and I feel this book is a bad influence on the English language. Also I had a problem with how realistic this book is, the psychic aspect meeting the religious aspects. I can accept one of the other but the combination, in the manner in how it is done is offensive to me.
Overall, not for me. I even tried (and failed to finish) book two of the series. Nope. Now some will like it. If you like the show Ghost Hunters, check this out. Just be warned of horrible writing styles.
May 28, 2015
Okay, at first, I was a little hesitant about reading this book. Not only was the cover kind of tacky (I try not to judge books by their cover but ugh, I do.), but I wasn't sure if this type of story was for me...though lemme tell you, I actually really enjoyed it. All the characters were super likable, and the story itself was rather entertaining. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't stop reading! I will definetely pick up the next book soon!
June 20, 2012
I am totally into paranormal things and if you are too then this is a series for you! Lots of paranormal activity as well as a little romance, definitely an amazing series to read.
June 27, 2017
Well, I'm not having much luck with these last few reads. In terms of maturity, it's not terrible or irritating but the little arguments and conversations are very irritating. Also, the texting convos, specifically between Kendall and her ex best friend was such a waste of time. I'm actually not even sure what the significance of that friendship was at all.
The idea of being able to communicate with ghosts or a sensitive was pretty interesting but it took forever for anything to happen. He story was so focused on her new friendships and Kendall finding herself that she didn't actually put her powers to use until the end. I also don't know how she could not talk to her "mom" about not being her biological mother. I mean, did anyone else see that it's probably Emily that's her biological mother!? This left much to be desired. Hopefully the series gets better!
The idea of being able to communicate with ghosts or a sensitive was pretty interesting but it took forever for anything to happen. He story was so focused on her new friendships and Kendall finding herself that she didn't actually put her powers to use until the end. I also don't know how she could not talk to her "mom" about not being her biological mother. I mean, did anyone else see that it's probably Emily that's her biological mother!? This left much to be desired. Hopefully the series gets better!
April 26, 2012
This was a really awesome book! I have always wanted to go ghost hunting. I think it is so fascinating! I mean really, how awesome would it be to help a spirit that is trapped here move on from this world. Well, if you are interested in it, but never had the opportunity to do it yourself, some of your questions will be answered in this truly awesome book! Ghost Huntress: The Awakening is a spine tingling story about a young girl named Kendall Morehead that has moved from the big city of Chicago and is trying find her way in a small town. It doesn't help that with her move comes sleeplessness. Its too quite in her new town of Radisson, Georgia. She misses the noise of the big city, the familiar sights and sounds, and most of all her friends. How is she ever going to get used to being so far away from her home.
In an effort to help his daughter finally get some rest, her dad buys her a white noise machine, and this is where things start to get interesting. The very first time that she turns it on, the unthinkable happens. No, I she doesn't get sleep, not even close, she hears a voice. Its says, "I'm here"!!! But that is just the beginning of strange things that begin to happen for her. She starts to feel things, what other people are feeling. She even feels a boys broken bone, like it is her own, before she ever even sees him. what the heck could be happening to her? Not to mention the dreams that she is having about totally gorgeous "Dasani - Blue - Eyed - Boy", and the vision that she has of her dad getting hurt at work. This is all so new to her, she doesn't know what this all means or how to deal with it. She had made a new friend, Celia, but how can she tell her what is going in with her? Will she think she is crazy? She accidental lets it slip about the voice that she heard inside her house and Celia is totally cool with it. She wants to go to school to study parapsychology and she is totally into paranormal phenomena. They decide that they must investigate this voice further so they set a camera up in her room to see if they can catch it on tape.
One day while exploring her new town, after having more strange occurrences she stumbles into shop called the Divining Woman. There she meets a psychic named Loreen. Loreen tries to explain to Kendall what is happening with her. She tells her that they are kindred spirits and that there is a reason that she happened into her store. She explains that she is going through her psychic awakening of sorts. She explains to Kendall that all the things that she is going through are normal ans she is starting to be able to access her gifts. She will just have to learn how to use them and control them. She even gives her a pendulum that has stones on it that will help her communicate with the spirits as well as protect her. Kendall just isn't buying into it. Not yet. This can't possibly be whats is really happening with her.
After she comes clean to her friend Celia that she thinks she might be psychic, Celia is super excited. Kendall is stunned that this girl barely knows her and yet, its ok with her that she is psychic. This combined with the ghostly figure they see on the video from Kendall's house is just what they need and the Ghost Huntress' are born! Now they just need to form the rest of their team and get the equipment that they need to do their investigations. Despite her twin brother, Jason's , reservations, they recruit Taylor Tillson as their photographer and after some obstacles end up recruiting Rebecca Asiaf as their sounds person (for EMF readings) and as real twist even recruit Justin himself as their sceptic.
After her premonition of her dad getting hurt coming true, they have their first investigation to hold. Will they be able to make contact with the entity that is causing problems at the city all? Can they help it move on from this world so that it will not hurt anyone else? Will their group even be able to last until the investigation when things get heated between them for reasons that no one could have seen coming (well except maybe Kendall). Well, I can't tell you. But I will tell you that is this an book that you absolutely must read if you are interested in parapsycology. Especially if you are like me and totally get lost in the books that you read. In your mind, you can be right there! I know this is going to be one you won't want to miss! I really loved it! BTW, what a coincidence it is that I am writing this review while watching Ghost Hunters on Syfy??? LOVE TAPS!
May 2, 2013
Kendall and her family move from Chicago to the small town of Radisson, Georgia. Since moving there, Kendall hasn't been able to sleep very well. To try and help her sleep, Kendall's dad brings home a white-noise machine for her.
But she hears more than just the sound of the machine. There is a voice coming through the machine too!
I've had this on my to-read list since sometime in 2009. What made me want to read this is because it is about a teenager being able to see spirits and eventually, ghost hunting. I have seen ghosts since I was a kid. I've had many experiences with the paranormal and became a paranormal investigator when I was fourteen. So, this book completely sounded like it was for me. I love reading paranormal books, fiction and non-fiction. I also just thought it was cool that the character is a teenager and ghost hunts since I started ghost hunting as a teenager.
But I'm going to be honest, I was disappointed by this book. When it came to knowledge of the paranormal, the author definitely knows what she is talking about. But I couldn't relate to Kendall. She was just . . . I'm not even sure what the right word is. Annoying, maybe? And I also know that when I was teenager, I didn't talk like Kendall nor did any other teens I knew.
The most interesting parts of the books, which kept me reading, were when she and her friends went ghost hunting. But even some parts of the ghost hunts were annoying. Kendall getting bored and shouting her frustrations in the place of their investigation, Celia constantly asking Kendall what she is sensing and getting seemingly annoyed when Kendall doesn't respond right away. Also, drama between the group members and even Kendall with her mother.
However, it is not a horrible book. Probably the best part of the book, the part I liked, was their investigation near the ending of the book.
This is a book I've been wanting to read for a while, I thought I'd love it because of what it is about and thought I'd be able to relate to the main character. But I can't. I don't hate the characters, but most of them aren't that great and could be very annoying.
So, while I didn't entirely enjoy the book, the ghost hunting parts did keep me reading and the author does know what she is talking when it comes to ghost hunting. I'm not sure if I will continue this series since I didn't really enjoy this one. I might read the second one, to see if it's better, but it won't be for a while. I just know I was really disappointed with this one, especially since I was looking forward to reading it.
But she hears more than just the sound of the machine. There is a voice coming through the machine too!
I've had this on my to-read list since sometime in 2009. What made me want to read this is because it is about a teenager being able to see spirits and eventually, ghost hunting. I have seen ghosts since I was a kid. I've had many experiences with the paranormal and became a paranormal investigator when I was fourteen. So, this book completely sounded like it was for me. I love reading paranormal books, fiction and non-fiction. I also just thought it was cool that the character is a teenager and ghost hunts since I started ghost hunting as a teenager.
But I'm going to be honest, I was disappointed by this book. When it came to knowledge of the paranormal, the author definitely knows what she is talking about. But I couldn't relate to Kendall. She was just . . . I'm not even sure what the right word is. Annoying, maybe? And I also know that when I was teenager, I didn't talk like Kendall nor did any other teens I knew.
The most interesting parts of the books, which kept me reading, were when she and her friends went ghost hunting. But even some parts of the ghost hunts were annoying. Kendall getting bored and shouting her frustrations in the place of their investigation, Celia constantly asking Kendall what she is sensing and getting seemingly annoyed when Kendall doesn't respond right away. Also, drama between the group members and even Kendall with her mother.
However, it is not a horrible book. Probably the best part of the book, the part I liked, was their investigation near the ending of the book.
This is a book I've been wanting to read for a while, I thought I'd love it because of what it is about and thought I'd be able to relate to the main character. But I can't. I don't hate the characters, but most of them aren't that great and could be very annoying.
So, while I didn't entirely enjoy the book, the ghost hunting parts did keep me reading and the author does know what she is talking when it comes to ghost hunting. I'm not sure if I will continue this series since I didn't really enjoy this one. I might read the second one, to see if it's better, but it won't be for a while. I just know I was really disappointed with this one, especially since I was looking forward to reading it.
April 24, 2012
The Ghost Huntress is my favorite series. I am hooked on it. I love Kendall's charactor. She is really funny, and her sarcasm is very humorous. I also like this book becauuse I am a fan of the paranormal and have found this series to be one of the most realistic books about the paranormal. I love the charactors in this book. They all are put together really well, and each have their individual personalities. I found this book really cool to because it is one of the only paranormal books out there that actually explain what EMF detectors and EVP recorders are. It also gives you a little bit of history. One of my favorite things about this book are some qoutes. They are really funny and sarcastic. I think that the qoutes really help form Kendall's charactor. This book is about a 16 year old girl ( Kendall ) who moves to a small town called Radisson and discovers she has phychic abilities. Kendall puts her abilities to use and helps resentful spirits into the light. I would recommend this book to..... ANYONE! it's just that awesome! :)
November 24, 2019
DNF at 50%. 18 yr old is immature and uncool. I HATE when people slam Christianity. People are entitled to their opinion and beliefs. When you put someone down all it does is expose YOUR bigotry and small mindedness. Romance factor still at 0% despite a big promise of it in the beginning. I cannot understand why anyone would want the girl. This book is free and it's still not worth it.
February 28, 2019
This book was a little cheesy (though the Hugh Jackman reference was a 10/10), but it was cute. I think I would appreciate it a lot more if I were a few years younger — perhaps around the 13-16 age range.
September 24, 2017
I read this back in 5th or 6th grade. I know I really enjoyed it so my goal is to re-read it in a few months!
July 6, 2009
Most teenagers worry about making friends and fitting in when they have to move. But what do you do when your new town is haunted, and on top of it all, you seem to have become some sort of homing beacon for every restless spirit in the area?
Kendall Moorehead is just a typical teenage-girl-next-door when her family moves out of the hustle and bustle of Chicago and into the quiet, sleepy town of historic Radisson, Georgia. Since the move, Kendall has had the annoying problem of not being able to sleep. But when she begins experiencing the pain of those around her and hearing strange voices, that's when she becomes really panicked. It's not until a chance encounter with local psychic Loreen Woods that Kendall is able to come to grips with what is really happening to her. She’s not schizophrenic (like her ultra religious mom thinks she might be). She's just psychic!
When Kendall confides in next door neighbor and newfound friend Celia about her abilities, Celia eagerly suggests they begin ghost hunting together. Kendall embraces her newfound gift with gusto, and vows to rid her home of the ghost she's made contact with, as well as the more pressing problem of a malevolent spirit taunting her father at work. Armed with an unlimited Amex and Celia’s bountiful knowledge of paranormal investigative tactics, the duo quickly assemble a quirky team of charismatic characters to assist them.
Ghost Huntress, Book 1: The Awakening was a fun, fast paced beginning to a spooky trilogy. Kendall was a likeable and believable teenager who just happened to be struggling with a unique gift. The drama of restless spirits added a nice contrast with familiar issues of teenage insecurity, family quibbles and relationship misunderstandings. Kendall’s diverse ghost hunting team added an interesting dynamic to the book and I enjoyed their well drawn characters. One of my favorites was the recently popularity impaired Taylor Tilkins, a beautiful, talented photographer with a nervous tendency to blurt out French expressions. Celia Nichols, the walking encyclopedia of knowledge with an impressive ability to relate any situation to a Shakespearean quote, was my other favorite character.
There has been some criticism about Gibson’s use of product naming in the book, and while I understand the potential for a book to become too dated down the road, I believe Gibson’s teen audience will appreciate the numerous cultural references in Ghost Huntress and identify with Kendall even more because of them. However, older readers may become turned off by the constant product labeling and some editing down might’ve helped the book connect with a much wider audience.
It was obvious when reading Ghost Huntress that Marley Gibson had done thorough research on ghost hunting equipment and techniques. I appreciated how she described in detail the basic types of equipment, but didn’t lose the reader with too much technical jargon. Another interesting aspect of the book was the incorporation of personal and spiritual protection methods for ghost hunters. I never realized there was so much religion intertwined with ghost hunting. The scene where ghosts did actually appear are what really drew me in though.
BOTTOM LINE: Grounded in science, Ghost Huntress is an entertaining, spooky offering in what promises to be an exciting new ghost hunting series. Make sure to read the great excerpt at the end of the book for Ghost Huntress, Book 2: The Guidance due out in September too. It’s a great teaser for the sequel!
Kendall Moorehead is just a typical teenage-girl-next-door when her family moves out of the hustle and bustle of Chicago and into the quiet, sleepy town of historic Radisson, Georgia. Since the move, Kendall has had the annoying problem of not being able to sleep. But when she begins experiencing the pain of those around her and hearing strange voices, that's when she becomes really panicked. It's not until a chance encounter with local psychic Loreen Woods that Kendall is able to come to grips with what is really happening to her. She’s not schizophrenic (like her ultra religious mom thinks she might be). She's just psychic!
When Kendall confides in next door neighbor and newfound friend Celia about her abilities, Celia eagerly suggests they begin ghost hunting together. Kendall embraces her newfound gift with gusto, and vows to rid her home of the ghost she's made contact with, as well as the more pressing problem of a malevolent spirit taunting her father at work. Armed with an unlimited Amex and Celia’s bountiful knowledge of paranormal investigative tactics, the duo quickly assemble a quirky team of charismatic characters to assist them.
Ghost Huntress, Book 1: The Awakening was a fun, fast paced beginning to a spooky trilogy. Kendall was a likeable and believable teenager who just happened to be struggling with a unique gift. The drama of restless spirits added a nice contrast with familiar issues of teenage insecurity, family quibbles and relationship misunderstandings. Kendall’s diverse ghost hunting team added an interesting dynamic to the book and I enjoyed their well drawn characters. One of my favorites was the recently popularity impaired Taylor Tilkins, a beautiful, talented photographer with a nervous tendency to blurt out French expressions. Celia Nichols, the walking encyclopedia of knowledge with an impressive ability to relate any situation to a Shakespearean quote, was my other favorite character.
There has been some criticism about Gibson’s use of product naming in the book, and while I understand the potential for a book to become too dated down the road, I believe Gibson’s teen audience will appreciate the numerous cultural references in Ghost Huntress and identify with Kendall even more because of them. However, older readers may become turned off by the constant product labeling and some editing down might’ve helped the book connect with a much wider audience.
It was obvious when reading Ghost Huntress that Marley Gibson had done thorough research on ghost hunting equipment and techniques. I appreciated how she described in detail the basic types of equipment, but didn’t lose the reader with too much technical jargon. Another interesting aspect of the book was the incorporation of personal and spiritual protection methods for ghost hunters. I never realized there was so much religion intertwined with ghost hunting. The scene where ghosts did actually appear are what really drew me in though.
BOTTOM LINE: Grounded in science, Ghost Huntress is an entertaining, spooky offering in what promises to be an exciting new ghost hunting series. Make sure to read the great excerpt at the end of the book for Ghost Huntress, Book 2: The Guidance due out in September too. It’s a great teaser for the sequel!
January 11, 2013
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Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
Honestly, I'm struggling while writing this review. I wrote out an entire one, then I decided that it didn't say what I needed it to. And I need it to say that while I enjoyed The Awakening, it's just not a book that I can see myself reading over and over. Ugh. I don't know how to write this review at all...
It's not that I didn't like The Awakening...I did to a point. But all of my thoughts on this novel totally conflict, and I can't sort through them enough to write a comprehensible review. They all demand to be spoken, so prepare for a long bout of random thoughts.
I like the way that Marley Gibson writes, because it seems so fresh and unique when you're reading it. But I don't truly understand why all of her characters are so very sweet, yet they can all cuss up a pretty good storm. I mean, no F-bombs or anything, but they really can tell you how they're feeling with a few choice words.
The ghost hunting was interesting, but a lot of the time it felt like the scenes were a bit forced. For instance, in one of the scenes near the beginning, Kendall tells someone that all the windows of the place they're investigating have been painted shut since 1970. Later in the book, they contact a spirit who's a bit fiesty...and he OPENS the windows. This is either supposed to show amazing strength on his part, or I'm supposed to forget that those windows were painted shut. Either way, I don't really get it.
Also, Kendall and Jason fall into "like like" a little too quickly for my taste. It honestly seemed like they'd just met, had an argument, then they go on a hunt and BAM. They start kissing at a completely inopportune moment. That just kills it for me. I could have lived without their little hormone/adrenaline filled moment. They were great as friends, so I don't really understand why they had to become more.
As for Kendall's other friends, I did enjoy them, but I felt like all of their interactions and fights and stuff should have been more capitalized on. They fight, then they all make up so quickly that it made my head hurt a bit. I wish that we could have seen more development on all of their parts, and maybe less simplistic relationships. Because anyone can tell you that relationships can be very trying.
The ghost hunting part WAS interesting, but I think that I was focused so much on the characters that I missed a lot of that, and I found myself skimming pages a couple times. I liked the technical points that were added to the hunting, but other than that I found it unmemorable.
All in all, I did enjoy parts of The Awakening, but it just didn't have the impact on me that it could have.
Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
Honestly, I'm struggling while writing this review. I wrote out an entire one, then I decided that it didn't say what I needed it to. And I need it to say that while I enjoyed The Awakening, it's just not a book that I can see myself reading over and over. Ugh. I don't know how to write this review at all...
It's not that I didn't like The Awakening...I did to a point. But all of my thoughts on this novel totally conflict, and I can't sort through them enough to write a comprehensible review. They all demand to be spoken, so prepare for a long bout of random thoughts.
I like the way that Marley Gibson writes, because it seems so fresh and unique when you're reading it. But I don't truly understand why all of her characters are so very sweet, yet they can all cuss up a pretty good storm. I mean, no F-bombs or anything, but they really can tell you how they're feeling with a few choice words.
The ghost hunting was interesting, but a lot of the time it felt like the scenes were a bit forced. For instance, in one of the scenes near the beginning, Kendall tells someone that all the windows of the place they're investigating have been painted shut since 1970. Later in the book, they contact a spirit who's a bit fiesty...and he OPENS the windows. This is either supposed to show amazing strength on his part, or I'm supposed to forget that those windows were painted shut. Either way, I don't really get it.
Also, Kendall and Jason fall into "like like" a little too quickly for my taste. It honestly seemed like they'd just met, had an argument, then they go on a hunt and BAM. They start kissing at a completely inopportune moment. That just kills it for me. I could have lived without their little hormone/adrenaline filled moment. They were great as friends, so I don't really understand why they had to become more.
As for Kendall's other friends, I did enjoy them, but I felt like all of their interactions and fights and stuff should have been more capitalized on. They fight, then they all make up so quickly that it made my head hurt a bit. I wish that we could have seen more development on all of their parts, and maybe less simplistic relationships. Because anyone can tell you that relationships can be very trying.
The ghost hunting part WAS interesting, but I think that I was focused so much on the characters that I missed a lot of that, and I found myself skimming pages a couple times. I liked the technical points that were added to the hunting, but other than that I found it unmemorable.
All in all, I did enjoy parts of The Awakening, but it just didn't have the impact on me that it could have.
October 7, 2014
Sometimes, the first line of a book really does tell you everything you need to know. Such is the case for Marley Gibson's first Ghost Huntress book The Awakening (2009):
It's too freaking quiet here!
I can't sleep. Not a wink.
As the story progresses, readers learn that insomnia is the least of sixteen-year-old Kendall Moorehead's problems. After her family moves from Chicago to the middle of nowhere smalltown Radisson, Georgia, Kendall has to adjust to a new school, make new friends, figure out if her house is haunted. Oh, and she has to figure out what's going on with her new possibly psychic abilities.
At the risk of oversimplifying, the story is basically a behind-the-scene's expose of what goes on in those ghost hunting TV shows that are so popular of late but with teenage girls as the ghost hunters (huntresses). Even after growing up in a household skeptical of ghost hunting endeavors, the plot did sound promising. Unfortunately the writing was not equal to the task of holding this reader's attention.
The main problem in Ghost Huntress: The Awakening is that the writing is extremely erratic. The book is written in the present tense, a technique that is very popular with teen titles, but it just didn't work here. Instead of subtly making the novel more immediate, it just made it very clear that the story was written in the present tense and that Kendall was very, very talkative.
Kendall's narrative voice was also very incongruous. Other characters in the book curse, but Kendall uses words like freaking in combination with expressions that her grandmother enjoyed--it just doesn't fit with the worldly Chicago urbanite persona that Kendall is at pains to present for herself. Added to that Kendall's brand-dropping, and constant reminders of what she would be doing were she still in Chicago become grating. For those reasons, the writing simply failed to hold my attention or evoke any kind of involvement with the characters.
A lot of readers talk about "junk food" that they read. Books that are enjoyable but not particularly enriching as literature. I hate to say it, but it seems that Ghost Huntress is destined to join those ranks.
It's too freaking quiet here!
I can't sleep. Not a wink.
As the story progresses, readers learn that insomnia is the least of sixteen-year-old Kendall Moorehead's problems. After her family moves from Chicago to the middle of nowhere smalltown Radisson, Georgia, Kendall has to adjust to a new school, make new friends, figure out if her house is haunted. Oh, and she has to figure out what's going on with her new possibly psychic abilities.
At the risk of oversimplifying, the story is basically a behind-the-scene's expose of what goes on in those ghost hunting TV shows that are so popular of late but with teenage girls as the ghost hunters (huntresses). Even after growing up in a household skeptical of ghost hunting endeavors, the plot did sound promising. Unfortunately the writing was not equal to the task of holding this reader's attention.
The main problem in Ghost Huntress: The Awakening is that the writing is extremely erratic. The book is written in the present tense, a technique that is very popular with teen titles, but it just didn't work here. Instead of subtly making the novel more immediate, it just made it very clear that the story was written in the present tense and that Kendall was very, very talkative.
Kendall's narrative voice was also very incongruous. Other characters in the book curse, but Kendall uses words like freaking in combination with expressions that her grandmother enjoyed--it just doesn't fit with the worldly Chicago urbanite persona that Kendall is at pains to present for herself. Added to that Kendall's brand-dropping, and constant reminders of what she would be doing were she still in Chicago become grating. For those reasons, the writing simply failed to hold my attention or evoke any kind of involvement with the characters.
A lot of readers talk about "junk food" that they read. Books that are enjoyable but not particularly enriching as literature. I hate to say it, but it seems that Ghost Huntress is destined to join those ranks.
May 8, 2009
A great new paranormal series! Kendall and her family move from the big city of Chicago to a small town in Georgia. After leaving her friends and what seems like all of civilization behind she now has to be the new girl. It's obvious she won't be winning any popularity contests here, but she does find a few friends, quirky though they may be. Oh, and her new town also seems to be haunted and she is a beacon for all of these restless spirits. This awakening of her psychic abilities wouldn't be so bad if her ultra-religious mother would only understand what is happening to her and not accuse her of talikng to the devil. At least Kendall has a group of friends who are willing to help her become a ghost hunter. She's even got a cute guy to be the resident skeptic of the group. Now if only there wasn't some crazy ghost trying to kill her father. Looks like it's a job for Kendall Morrehead and her trusty ghosthunters.
This book is suspenseful, spooky, mysterious and even has a budding romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The only thing that I found a little odd about this book is that there are some odd product placements in it. It almost makes you wonder if there is a corporate sponsor for the series. While it did puzzle me a bit, it still was not enough for me to mark down the rating since I loved the story and the characters so much. I just hope that the next books are a little lighter on the not-so-subliminal advertisements. All in all, a fantastic book though.
This book is suspenseful, spooky, mysterious and even has a budding romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The only thing that I found a little odd about this book is that there are some odd product placements in it. It almost makes you wonder if there is a corporate sponsor for the series. While it did puzzle me a bit, it still was not enough for me to mark down the rating since I loved the story and the characters so much. I just hope that the next books are a little lighter on the not-so-subliminal advertisements. All in all, a fantastic book though.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Lauren Ashley for TeensReadToo.com
Kendall never really thought much about ghosts and spirits inhabiting our world after they die...that is until she moves to Radisson, Georgia, and is confronted by one in her own home.
Living in a town full of ghost tales leads Kendall to discovering just what exactly is happening to her and her senses. An adult, Loreen, teaches her the basics and offers her help, but it's some peers that lend the most to Kendall as the psychic in her awakens: Celia, the nerd of the school, who knows all about technology and Taylor, a cute and preppy girl who is a whiz behind a camera.
During her first year in Radisson, Kendall discovers ghosts in her house and at her dad's work, though one might be a bit more trouble than the other. She also starts her own ghost hunting team, and begins to fall for Taylor's twin brother, Jason with the pretty blue eyes.
Overall, the first GHOST HUNTRESS book was a ton of fun. As someone who watches some of the ghost hunting shows on TV, it was great to see a book that deals with the same (and makes it easy for everyone to understand).
I love books that are a series because it's often hard to let characters go, but I also know that it's hard to keep up with them and you might only read the first one. However, when it comes to this new batch of books, I'm most definitely going to read the next one. I have to know more and I'm sure others will feel the same!
Kendall never really thought much about ghosts and spirits inhabiting our world after they die...that is until she moves to Radisson, Georgia, and is confronted by one in her own home.
Living in a town full of ghost tales leads Kendall to discovering just what exactly is happening to her and her senses. An adult, Loreen, teaches her the basics and offers her help, but it's some peers that lend the most to Kendall as the psychic in her awakens: Celia, the nerd of the school, who knows all about technology and Taylor, a cute and preppy girl who is a whiz behind a camera.
During her first year in Radisson, Kendall discovers ghosts in her house and at her dad's work, though one might be a bit more trouble than the other. She also starts her own ghost hunting team, and begins to fall for Taylor's twin brother, Jason with the pretty blue eyes.
Overall, the first GHOST HUNTRESS book was a ton of fun. As someone who watches some of the ghost hunting shows on TV, it was great to see a book that deals with the same (and makes it easy for everyone to understand).
I love books that are a series because it's often hard to let characters go, but I also know that it's hard to keep up with them and you might only read the first one. However, when it comes to this new batch of books, I'm most definitely going to read the next one. I have to know more and I'm sure others will feel the same!
October 9, 2009
Ok, well besides for the corny cover it's a pretty darn good book. You know the saying, Don't judge a book by its cover! Well, lesson learned. But seriously, I think it's very tacky. But moving one... I liked the story, the main chacacter was enjoyable. It was a really a good story line and it kept me entertained. So it's about a girl who moves into a small town. Where there are many ghosts because there was a Civil War and he powers "awake". She learns she is pyschic. And then later she bacomes a ghost hunter with her new friends. Which was very entertaining to read. And there was a love interest. And who doesn't love that?
Ok time for the cons... In 10 years or so this book is going to be VERY outdated. I mean the characters say: "BRB" and "WTF". Ok, so us teenangers, do say it through TEXT messages, but not in a real conversation. So that bothered me a bit. The author tried waaaayyy to hard to be hip. I also thought the first few chapters of the book was kind of annoying. I don't really know why, I wasen't fond of the descriptions and everything. It was hard to get a grip of the picture. And the main character was a bit whiney in the beginning of the book. Also, I thought the book took way too long to capture my interest and too actually get good.
But all and all I felt it was a good intoduction to the series. I will most definitely give the second book a go.
Ok time for the cons... In 10 years or so this book is going to be VERY outdated. I mean the characters say: "BRB" and "WTF". Ok, so us teenangers, do say it through TEXT messages, but not in a real conversation. So that bothered me a bit. The author tried waaaayyy to hard to be hip. I also thought the first few chapters of the book was kind of annoying. I don't really know why, I wasen't fond of the descriptions and everything. It was hard to get a grip of the picture. And the main character was a bit whiney in the beginning of the book. Also, I thought the book took way too long to capture my interest and too actually get good.
But all and all I felt it was a good intoduction to the series. I will most definitely give the second book a go.
September 24, 2013
First posted on Barnes & Noble on February 6, 2012.
Because I've always been into the supernatural I figured I'd give this series a shot. The plot was good, the characters were fun, although I felt some could have used more development, but, hey it's only the first book in a series.
One of the main things that irked me while reading this book was the author's constant need to add stupid pop culture references that didn't help at all. One of my biggest pet peeves when reading is pop culture, because in fifty years no one is going to know or care what High School Musical is or that Justin Timberlake may or may not have been a good singer. It dates a book much too fast. Besides, I know what's going on/ what's popular in the world today (or atleast this country) I don't need to read about it every other paragraph.
The second thing that bothered me (which might just be because I'm from Mass. so I recognize them) was the way Kendall spoke, it is stated multiple times that she is from Chicago, Illinois, but she speaks as if she's from Boston (which, I guess, makes sense since the author is from there) however, the author should have known not to use Massachusetts slang when it is being spoken by a character from the midwest. Despite its flaws I did enjoy this book and I'm about to start the second one.
Later Days.
Because I've always been into the supernatural I figured I'd give this series a shot. The plot was good, the characters were fun, although I felt some could have used more development, but, hey it's only the first book in a series.
One of the main things that irked me while reading this book was the author's constant need to add stupid pop culture references that didn't help at all. One of my biggest pet peeves when reading is pop culture, because in fifty years no one is going to know or care what High School Musical is or that Justin Timberlake may or may not have been a good singer. It dates a book much too fast. Besides, I know what's going on/ what's popular in the world today (or atleast this country) I don't need to read about it every other paragraph.
The second thing that bothered me (which might just be because I'm from Mass. so I recognize them) was the way Kendall spoke, it is stated multiple times that she is from Chicago, Illinois, but she speaks as if she's from Boston (which, I guess, makes sense since the author is from there) however, the author should have known not to use Massachusetts slang when it is being spoken by a character from the midwest. Despite its flaws I did enjoy this book and I'm about to start the second one.
Later Days.
May 18, 2009
Ghost Huntress was a really different take on the paranormal/fantasy book that I’m used to. Mainly because it’s supposed to be “real” to a certain extent. I mean people actually do this stuff. The ghost hunting part. There is even a paranormal investigator group in my area. I’m too much of a chicken to even attempt what these girls did.
It’s obvious that Gibson knows what she is talking about when it comes to investigating things that go bump in the night. It was really neat to see the technical aspect of everything, even though I may not have understood half of what was going on!
The actual plot of the story, was a little bit predictable, but it was still fun. I thought it may have been a little convenient for the best friend to have a steady supply of cash to buy all the equipment, but hey, it could happen. It was interesting learning about Kendall’s “ability” and some of the specifics on how that actually works. I really liked the whole twist with Jason, I definitely saw it coming, but it was still really cute.
This was an entertaining start to the trilogy and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens in the future novels.
It’s obvious that Gibson knows what she is talking about when it comes to investigating things that go bump in the night. It was really neat to see the technical aspect of everything, even though I may not have understood half of what was going on!
The actual plot of the story, was a little bit predictable, but it was still fun. I thought it may have been a little convenient for the best friend to have a steady supply of cash to buy all the equipment, but hey, it could happen. It was interesting learning about Kendall’s “ability” and some of the specifics on how that actually works. I really liked the whole twist with Jason, I definitely saw it coming, but it was still really cute.
This was an entertaining start to the trilogy and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens in the future novels.
November 30, 2011
Though the book didn't start off as quick paced as I'm used to when it comes to paranormal/fantasy fiction, Marley Gibson didn't rush a good thing. And that's exactly what this book is; a good thing.
I normally stay to vampire novels and witch novels with the occasional novel that has a healthy mix of the paranormal world but Ghost Huntress: The Awakening was my first strictly ghost-related book. Marley Gibson went about the book is the most realistic-nature I've ever encountered. She's written vivid images without making them too fictional. I've had my share of paranormal experiences and Marley Gibson makes Kendall, Celia, Taylor, Jason and Becca not only relateable characters but their experiences are relateable as well.
After finishing the first of this series, I've already gotten my hands on the second book, Ghost Huntress: The Guidance, and am anxious the delve into the small town of Radisson, Georgia.
I normally stay to vampire novels and witch novels with the occasional novel that has a healthy mix of the paranormal world but Ghost Huntress: The Awakening was my first strictly ghost-related book. Marley Gibson went about the book is the most realistic-nature I've ever encountered. She's written vivid images without making them too fictional. I've had my share of paranormal experiences and Marley Gibson makes Kendall, Celia, Taylor, Jason and Becca not only relateable characters but their experiences are relateable as well.
After finishing the first of this series, I've already gotten my hands on the second book, Ghost Huntress: The Guidance, and am anxious the delve into the small town of Radisson, Georgia.
July 29, 2016
I can't believe I almost put this in the "did not finish" shelf last year. I had started reading the first couple of chapters and there was something I could not stand about the writing? The book? I don't know, but I closed it and put it back on my shelf to collect dust.
So now I'm really glad I picked it up. And unlike last time, I had no problem forcing myself to read it.
I think its a good example of how some books just have to be read in certain moods? If a book doesn't "click" with me in the first five chapters, I drop it. But then I would be completely surprised to pick it up months later and enjoy it! :D
So what I'm saying is, even if you don't like a book at first, just try it again and you'll be surprised! And I was certainly surprised with The Awakening. I loved it!
So now I'm really glad I picked it up. And unlike last time, I had no problem forcing myself to read it.
I think its a good example of how some books just have to be read in certain moods? If a book doesn't "click" with me in the first five chapters, I drop it. But then I would be completely surprised to pick it up months later and enjoy it! :D
So what I'm saying is, even if you don't like a book at first, just try it again and you'll be surprised! And I was certainly surprised with The Awakening. I loved it!
January 7, 2013
Around Halloween every year, I do some sort of assignment revolving around ghosts. Some years, students are completely engaged with the idea. Others, not so much. This year, I could see the light shining out of the eyes of one particular student who was so excited to share her knowledge of this topic. So, I decided to pick up a ghost book. She'll love this one.
When Kendall moves into a history-rich southern town, she starts to become aware of unusual things happenings. She knows things she shouldn't know, and sees ghosts when other people can't. Teaming up with some new-found friends, Kendall tackles her first ghost hunt in order to protect her father. In the meantime, she even manages to snag herself a dream boyfriend. Supernatural romance fans should pick up this book.
When Kendall moves into a history-rich southern town, she starts to become aware of unusual things happenings. She knows things she shouldn't know, and sees ghosts when other people can't. Teaming up with some new-found friends, Kendall tackles her first ghost hunt in order to protect her father. In the meantime, she even manages to snag herself a dream boyfriend. Supernatural romance fans should pick up this book.
September 22, 2009
This is a very fun read. I didn't think I was going to like it at first and then realized I had read 150 pages without even realizing it. If you watch the Ghost Hunter series on TV then you are going to love this story. All of the science on the show is brought to life by the teenagers, but with better comments. The character of Kendall really brings the idea to life. There is some "language", a few kisses, but nothing anyone should object to. Nicely Done! I just got my hands on the second one in the series and read that there is a third one as well.
Read
January 4, 2016This book has everything I never knew I always wanted to know about ghost hunting. So much fun to go on this adventure with the young Kendall. Knowing Marely personally, I can really hear her voice in her writing which is a bonus. If you like watching the Ghost Hunter you will LOVE this book. The group of friends that accompany Kendall on her adventures are fun. Wish I had a group of girlfriends like that!
January 21, 2012
This book was recommended on Stacey Jay's blog a long time ago. Although I have not had any interest in anything to do with ghosts, I decided to give it a try. That being said, it did take me a little while to get into it. I did started enjoying it much more by the middle of the book, and didn't want to put it down. I think it's b/c by then there was a little romance thrown in with it... Very good book, glad I finished it otherwise I would have never known.
March 1, 2012
This was a really good book. In this book Kendall, the girl, as a awakening and can see ghost. Plus her mom just wont beleive it untill her dad was hurt in a bad accident that left a gash in his head. But what can find out is who did it he was in he work bulitind alone! So now Kendall has a to find out was it a ghost! Read to find out.
April 12, 2012
I can see this becoming a modern Nancy Drew series and I'll happily read each installment. Adventure, paranormal activity, drama, teen angst, a touch of romance, kids with morals. What's not to like here?
May 24, 2012
I think this was a really exciting book. It got me on the edge of my seat many times. If you like to read about ghosts and spirts, then this is the perfect book for you! I never got bored of it because every part had something different and exciting.
May 10, 2010
this book screams AWSOME on every page! i can't belive marley gibson isn't a tenager case her book is exactly from a teanagers point of view!
November 5, 2013
its so nice...at the same time romantic....
... <3 jason and kendall <3 .......
... <3 jason and kendall <3 .......
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