Dark Souls

Aug 08, 2011 Jennifer Rayment rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Good Stuff

* Ghost story and a mystery all rolled up into one fantastic tale
* Fast paced story and intriguing enough that you didn't want to put the book down -- hence why I am a wee bit tired this morning since I was up till 1 am reading it
* Parents are not jerks -- I know I couldn't believe it either - gets an extra .5 Dewey for that alone
* Spooky
* A bit of history thrown in which will hopefully intrigue the reader into looking for further info
* Opening to story sucks you in -
* Did...more

like 5 likes · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Saniya(Will Herondale is mine) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: borrowed, favorites

To be totally honest, I think Dark Souls was one of the best book I have really enjoyed reading in 2011. And I am really surprised that after a book being so good, very less people anticipated reading it.

First of all, I love the cover. The spookiness, the buildings, the creativity, especially the title, and the way the girl is running towards the boy, I love it. It gives us the complete picture about what type of book it is, whats it gonna be about and how the city/town looks where it takes plac...more

like 7 likes · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile, young-adult

Bravo, Paula Morris! I read another book by her that was called Ruined and it had scads of lovely New Orleans atmosphere but I felt like the characters could have maybe been fleshed out a bit more and that it went off the rails at the end a bit. THIS book has the atmosphere, the drama, the mystery, the whole package. Tricky but not convoluted, and you really feel for the characters. I would have been sorry to leave New Orleans, but the haunted streets of York are a pretty good trade-off, I'd say...more Bravo, Paula Morris! I read another book by her that was called Ruined and it had scads of lovely New Orleans atmosphere but I felt like the characters could have maybe been fleshed out a bit more and that it went off the rails at the end a bit. THIS book has the atmosphere, the drama, the mystery, the whole package. Tricky but not convoluted, and you really feel for the characters. I would have been sorry to leave New Orleans, but the haunted streets of York are a pretty good trade-off, I'd say.

Miranda's parents have work that brings them to York in England, and it's a welcome getaway for a family that has been marked by tragedy. Miranda and her brother were in a life-threatening car accident that they barely walked away from. Her best friend, a passenger in the car, was killed and the family has been in mourning ever since. Since the accident, Miranda's brother Rob has battled with claustrophia -induced panic attacks and refuses to drive anymore while Miranda (unbeknownst to her altready troubled family) can see ghosts. Rob sees the family excursion as a chance to feel normal for once, to start over in a place where they aren't suffocated by everyone's pity but Miranda doesn't have such a reprieve since the streets of York are as filled with ghosts as they are of history, and some of the lingering unfinished business might be taking an ominous turn.

Morris does a great job with Miranda and her brother, as well as Nick---a boy Miranda meets that shares her ability, but harbors some big secrets. And again, the lady can really set a scene. The York scenes are so evocative it really makes me want to go there, or at the very least, read more about the real place to find out more about its history (haunted and otherwise). I was so caught up in the story that it honestly didn't draw my notice at the time, but I saw another reviewer comment that it was refreshing to see that the parents weren't jerks for a change, which was such a great observation--and so true, I see now. So often in YA books the parents are out of the picture entirely, or the family is dysfunctional, but it was actually nice to see parents who both had their own careers but really tried to be supportive of their kids and really tried to get them through this difficult period in their lives, in a realistic and not sappy way.

Anyone who remembers the drama at the end of Ruined should not despair. The excitement and danger builds really to a heart-pounding degree here--and is really done even better this time around, in my opinion.

Good story for readers who want a good scare. It's a slow burn, but it's worth it.

(less)

like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Austyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dark Souls
Paula Morris
March 31, 2013
A Secret Uncovered...

I really enjoyed reading this book because it was an interesting story-line that I have never read before and there were pieces of information throughout the text that were added up to uncover the dangerous secret. One reason why I think this, is because of the reason why Miranda (the main character) and her family visited England for a little while. They wanted to get away from a tragic event that happened to Miranda and her brother back...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Marshiee Kai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay first, look at the cover closely and does it remind you of something..or somewhere?? No? Then you must be a muggle! From the first time I saw the cover I can already guess where it came from and I was so happy when the book did mention about the place in question! Anyway in the book that place on the cover is at York, England. Miranda's parents thought it was best for the whole family to take on a a vacation to help them forget the tragedy that happened to Miranda and her brother and also M...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Mary Chrapliwy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, amazon-vine

After reading Beneath the Shadows I was spoiled for reading anything else. Normally I move from one book to the next without taking a break in between, but I needed a short break to mourn the end of the last book. Then came Dark Souls. Fortunately this young adult novel was able to push through the post book fog. It did it so well that I found myself turning pages and reading all day until I turned the last page. Quite a thrilling ghost tale.

Miranda Tennant goes with her family to York, England....more

like 1 like · see review

Apr 21, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Dark Souls , we meet Miranda and her brother Rob -they are happily riding in their car with Miranda's friend Jenna when they are plowed into with another car. To the reader of this review , this may seem like an insignificant part to the story but it's the aftermath and the consequences of the accident that sets the theme of the story. After the accident , two things happen to Rob and Miranda - Rob becomes claustrophobic and afraid of cars and Miranda starts to see ghosts everywhere. Miranda...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 Ravenous Biblioworm rated it 2 of 5 stars

Rating: 2.5/5

I was looking forward to this book, after reading Anna Dressed in Blood. More ghost stories! I didn’t expect them to be the same. In fact, I wanted them to be very different. And they are. I will not compare the two as they are different books and I believe a book review is based on the book’s sole merit rather than a comparison. The book has a relative low rating. After some thought I decided to give it .5 more points than originally intended. I gave the author two points because I...more Rating: 2.5/5

I was looking forward to this book, after reading Anna Dressed in Blood. More ghost stories! I didn’t expect them to be the same. In fact, I wanted them to be very different. And they are. I will not compare the two as they are different books and I believe a book review is based on the book’s sole merit rather than a comparison. The book has a relative low rating. After some thought I decided to give it .5 more points than originally intended. I gave the author two points because I like the idea, though it isn’t new (actually, the Ghost Whisperer … you know the TV show with Jennifer Love Hewitt, which I actually like… my guilty pleasure… along side with Charmed – the older seasons) it’s been an idea I would have love to see in book form. This is the book form though not as good as I hoped or expected (see “overall” paragraph for the rest of two points giving reason).

Miranda can see ghosts after an accident involving her brother and best friend. Her family decides to go to York in the United Kingdom because of both father and mother happened to have job related things there. This brings me to the first issue of the book for me. Everything felt forced. I mean everything. Parents happened to share a job in the same city even though their job are completely different – one scholarly and the other drama. I nodded and continued on, trying not to let it bother me. I mean having one parent getting a job contract and the family going there because they decided it to be a family vacation at the same time I would buy more easily, but the way its written, it seems as if Morris was trying very hard to make readers accept the fact that the Tennants had to go to York.

Another unnatural – and I don’t mean in a flattery kind and pun unintended – flow with the book is the interaction and dialogue between characters. This also felt very forced. From Rob, the older brother calling the protagonist Dormouse and her father calling her Verandah. It shook me out of the book every time they used it. Yes, there were reasons as to why she got called that but they were a stretch for me to believe. It didn’t feel right or true, instead it felt like an added detail the author wanted to put in to make our protagonist unique and different, along with the people using the pet names. The only times the book felt realistic and natural was when Miranda and Nick were together. Then there’s the issue of the family. Each character was given a role and they acted that role. It was like watching a play done by first time actors… you could feel the awkwardness and awareness between the characters all because they seemed to be trying to hard to play their characters. The whole Tennant family was that. Rob was written in a way to be the annoying older brother, Peggy the concerned but willful ignorant mother, and Jeff the wanna-be happy-go-lucky dad. They were suppose to be these types of people but they came off very - again it’s like and broken record – forced.

Then there was the conflicting details or lack there of. Miranda didn’t want to be in York. When her parents suggested touring the city, she loathe it. Yet, when she describes the scenery everything is described with positive enjoyable metaphors, similes, and words, which made Miranda sound like she actually liked York and wanted to explore it…. but she didn’t want to be there? Did she just not want to spend the day with her parents? That I could understand and it should have been made more clear, but it wasn’t. Then there’s the issue of Nick and why he believed a certain someone. I saw the reasoning that was given, and then I wanted to see why that reasoning work…. the why was never given. Oh and then comes Rob’s obsession with Sally. That too felt forced. Why did Rob show interest in Sally now when before he showed no girls any interest (after the accident of course) before… a the reason was given I was like… on very unsurprising…. please don’t let that be the reason. Yeah, I don’t buy the reason. New place? No. Love at first sight? Gag me. These were all easy way outs. Simple explanations to give the characters and plot an easy excuse to move forward, when the situation the characters were in were nothing but simple.

One last thing, the book read like a York travel guide, giving bits and pieces of York history. It was too obvious and inserted in. The snippets of York info wasn’t smoothly pushed it. More than a few of the York travel guide information were not necessary to the overall plot, lacking any relevance to the story.

The ending was its saving point. The pace picked up very well and I, finally, was sucked into the book. Though the scene where they (Miranda and co.) were picking through the pieces and putting together the reasons (of the plot) was a little too convenient (which also they came to a nice conclusion a little too easily). This was where the additional .5 point came in.

Overall, I liked the idea of a ghost whisperer in book form. I liked the background info on the characters (the accident), which would have made them all interesting characters, but the way the characters and setting was conveyed, they came off stiff, formal, and unrealistic. The interaction between Nick and Miranda were the only realistic moments, moments I can believe and accept. All others the characters seemed to be playing a role to move the story along.

Verdict: I would skip this one. I may read Morris’ first book Ruined, but if it’s similarly written like this book, I will have a hard time reading it. If you must read it, I suggest the library.

Visit my book review blog at ravenousbiblioworm.wordpress.com(less)

like · see review

Dec 11, 2011 Laurie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a great YA ghost story. Miranda Tennant has been able to see ghosts for a few months now, ever since she was in a car accident with her brother, Rob, and her best friend; an accident that left her brother with claustrophobia and guilt and left her friend dead. The spirit of her friend smiled at her and walked away, and since then ghosts have been showing up a lot. When the family goes on a working vacation to York, England- the most haunted city in the world- they seem to be everywhere....more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, paranormal

Review by Jen: I'm still relatively new to the YA genre (at least reading it as an adult), so when Big Honcho asked us to do a contest and review of Dark Souls, I jumped at the chance. The contest is now over, but I finally had time to sit down and read.

Dark Souls is a pretty quick read once it got going. The plot is pretty basic, with a bit of a twist at the end. This is my first ghost story and I enjoyed it. There was enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, but it didn't breech into horr...more

like · see review

Oct 21, 2011 Connie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another good ghost story by Paula Morris, with several smaller ghost stories mixed in. Once again she captured the essence of the locale, in this case York.

All of the characters are well fleshed out. Rob was as irritating as only an older brother can be. Miranda was likable and realistic. My heart went out to Nick.

The mystery surrounding both Nick and the ghost next door were intriguing, and the twist at the end was well-played. My problem with the story, and the reason I only gave it 4 stars, w...more

like · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think you already heard me say this before: I love ghost’s stories. Especially ones with a twist and a romance in it. Ever since I saw Dark Souls on Kristi from The Story Siren, I just KNEW I had to read this book.
I absolutely love the twist that happened in this book, from the plot to how Paula Morris had carefully planted each clue in this book, I found it brilliant. I couldn’t put this book down as soon as I started reading it. Miranda was the type of girl I would like to be. Aside from th...more

like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Stephanie D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Dark Souls, Paula Morris gave me everything I loved about Ruined: abundant, entertaining history artfully woven into a ghostly tale and a setting rich in mood and atmosphere.

The haunting beginning was well-done, restrained in its tragedy (see if you don't tear up!). In fact throughout Dark Souls, I learned about some of the most wretched true stories connected with the setting of York, England, in addition to the fictional narrative. Unlike some young adult novels where the author throws in...more In Dark Souls, Paula Morris gave me everything I loved about Ruined: abundant, entertaining history artfully woven into a ghostly tale and a setting rich in mood and atmosphere.

The haunting beginning was well-done, restrained in its tragedy (see if you don't tear up!). In fact throughout Dark Souls, I learned about some of the most wretched true stories connected with the setting of York, England, in addition to the fictional narrative. Unlike some young adult novels where the author throws in some broad, generic details to half-heartedly establish the setting, by reading Dark Souls, I felt like I had actually been to York, not only from its most shocking history but in the way Morris envelops the reader in setting, with authentic dialogue/idioms, local architecture and not so well-known landmarks (I really want to go to Bettys and get some scones and hot chocolate after reading this book :)

I loved the way the relationship developed between Nick and Miranda - she was never sure what he really felt about her and that it wasn't one of those typical young adult insta-love situations (as depicted when Miranda becomes fascinated with the beautiful, mysterious boy next door). Nick came across as very real to me - an intense Goth teen with some serious, inner demons. I enjoyed all the characters in this book - the geeky history professor dad, the musician mom, the snarky older brother. Their interactions were genuine and made me laugh quite a few times. Props to Morris for depicting a young adult heroine who has parents who are PRESENT and actually meddle in her life - so refreshing!

Another way that Dark Souls went against the young adult grain is when Miranda attempts to talk to someone about her ghost-seeing abilities rather than not saying anything to anyone so that the plot can be unrealistically complicated.

I didn't guess until the last chapters where the ghostly tale was going but once I did, I felt frustrated with the three characters who seemed to take too long to figure it out. "Hurry!" I wanted to shout at them. Once they got there, the scene was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat.

There are many ghostly dark souls in this novel but it's not too scary. It's appropriate for middle grade readers (including the sweet romance). However, I must caution you that there are mention of suicides, fatal car accidents, someone being crushed to death...

"...now Miranda could see the guy in the attic more clearly. He wore a white collarless shirt, open at the neck. There was something across the base of his throat--a dark line, like a ribbon or a leather string. Miranda squinted, trying to make it out. The candle flickered again, its flame dancing and quivering. And she realized that it wasn't a ribbon around his neck, or any kind of jewelry. It was a wound, dark with blood or bruising.

"The guy in the window smiled at her---just the glimmer of a smile---and raised his right hand to the window, resting his palm on the pane in an exact mirror image of her gesture. A chill rippled through Miranda's hand. The glass was cold, of course; it was snowing outside. But this was a sudden, intense cold, turning her fingertips numb and shooting some kind of electric currents down her arm. Miranda knew this cold. She knew exactly what it meant."(less)

like · see review

Oct 09, 2011 Harmony Beaufort rated it 2 of 5 stars

Dark Souls takes you across the pond to the most haunted city in the world, York, and follows Miranda, a girl who, ever since her friend died in the car accident that killed her best friend but left her and her brother alive, can see ghosts wherever she goes. So, when she meets Nick, who can see them as well, she starts figuring out exactly how it works while simultaneously being stared at from her bedroom window by a crazy beautiful ghost that definitely takes them on a wild ride.

I liked it, wh...more

like · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Kathryn Roberts rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay, so this review will be a little confusing. I put four stars, because I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book and tell everyone that it is worth reading. I loved the setting, the characters and the premise. It is a clean-read, very very little swearing, no sexual stuff, nothing gory.

The thing is, the writing wasn't quite as strong as I would have guessed from someone who claims to have so much experience in the field and is teaching creative writing to college students. It reads...more Okay, so this review will be a little confusing. I put four stars, because I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book and tell everyone that it is worth reading. I loved the setting, the characters and the premise. It is a clean-read, very very little swearing, no sexual stuff, nothing gory.

The thing is, the writing wasn't quite as strong as I would have guessed from someone who claims to have so much experience in the field and is teaching creative writing to college students. It reads more like a debut.

If you are looking for Horror (which this is classified as), you won't be scared. You'll be interested enough to turn pages, yes, scared no. Another thing I wish she would have done was making this a closer 3rd person narrative. At the beginning I was slightly confused as to who the MC was (of course that could have been entirely due to the fact that I've been reading so many first person narratives of late).

The parents names and the teens names were also too close related for my taste. There wasn't any obvious separation of generation, so I was consistently trying to remember who the dad was vs. the brother. Even to the end of the story. And she called each parent by their first name instead of saying Mom or Dad. (This may seem like a small thing, but it was a little confusing to me).

Also, I think the story could have moved ahead a lot faster and been more intense. The story line or MC struggle didn't become apparent to me until almost the very end of the book. At that point this sounded more like a mystery than a thriller and the clues, etc. should have been instituted earlier on in the story. (Or more of them should have been added, more questions raised at the beginning).

All that said, I still enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Morris has a lot of potential, even if she isn't a polished writer yet. As I said before, the atmosphere was superb. Her descriptions came just where they should have and were delightful. I really liked the relationship between Miranda and her brother. It was believable and you cared about the struggles they went through. I LOVE that it was set in England (having been there myself and loving every minute of my visit!), a great location for a ghost story if there ever was one. (less)

like · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

There is nothing like a good ghost story! Paula Morris has written a tale about Miranda, a young teenager who can see ghosts. She travels to York, England with her brother Rob and her parents as a family getaway following a tragic car accident involving Rob and Miranda. Rob has become painfully afraid of enclosed spaces after being trapped in a crushed car, while Miranda saw her friend's spirit walk away from the crash and disappear. She has since kept the secret of seeing ghosts to herself, afr...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2011 Kristi-The Book Faery rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: atwt, ghosts, historical, mystery, written-reviews, ya-arc-for-2011, ya-pub-date-aug-11, ya-reviewed

THE FAERYS VIEW

Dark Souls by Paula Morris was a great ghost story-I’ve always veered away from ghost stories, I’m just not a big fan of them, mostly because traditionally they all carry the same theme with the same conclusion but this year’s selections have really changed my mind! I’m now becoming more of a fan of Ghost Stories. Dark Souls by Paula Morris was one of the novels that drew me in. I can’t say I loved it but I did like it.

Miranda and Rob are on vacation with their parents (a working...more

like · see review

Sep 01, 2011 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Miranda Tennant arrives with her family in York, England, determined to at least try to enjoy the vacation. She and her brother Rob are still reeling from the car accident that claimed the life of her best friend Jenna. As a result, Rob can’t stand to be in any type of confined space, and Miranda, well, she can see ghosts. It’s easy enough for Rob to hide his peculiarities, but when Miranda finds out that York is the most haunted city in the world, she realizes it’s going to be a lot harder for...more Miranda Tennant arrives with her family in York, England, determined to at least try to enjoy the vacation. She and her brother Rob are still reeling from the car accident that claimed the life of her best friend Jenna. As a result, Rob can’t stand to be in any type of confined space, and Miranda, well, she can see ghosts. It’s easy enough for Rob to hide his peculiarities, but when Miranda finds out that York is the most haunted city in the world, she realizes it’s going to be a lot harder for her to hide her secret. Fortunately, one of the first people she meets is Nick, a quiet, strange boy who might be more like her than she thinks. He shows her a different side of York, one that’s rich with secrets and history—a history that only they can see and hear through lingering spirits. But soon Miranda realizes that Nick may be mixed up in a deadly plot involving a restless ghost intent on revenge. Time is running out, and Miranda may be the only one who can stop it.

Dark Souls is a novel that combines ghost stories and mysteries, and I have to say that Morris does all of this fantastically well. I was immediately fascinated by Miranda’s unique ability to see ghosts and how this unwanted skill has complicated her life. I was slightly less interested in Miranda herself; though she has an interesting past and her determination is admirable, her voice isn’t always the most engaging. Morris does do a great job of portraying Miranda as conflicted and confused though still innocent and sweet, but it can still get a little dull reading from Miranda’s perspective. Despite this, I still think that Morris is a wonderful storyteller. Even though I was able to guess ahead of the plot several times, the twists and turns in the ghost and non-ghost aspects of Miranda’s life kept me thoroughly entertained. Overall, Dark Souls is a very enjoyable if more innocent ghost story that will appeal to younger YA readers.

Fans of Ruined, also by Paula Morris, will not want to miss her second YA ghost novel, nor will readers who also enjoyed Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

like 1 like · see review

Aug 26, 2011 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

The book's synopsis located on the inside of the jacket was extremely inviting and halfway through the book I could really see the potential for a great ending.
However, the ending was very disappointing. I felt as if I were reading another Nancy Drew mystery, nothing really memorable or unique about the way things came to play. It just seemed to slide into place very, and unbelievably, conveniently.
Another problem I had was how different the synopsis and the actual book were. I quote from the...more

like · see review

Jul 31, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-release, 2011-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

A haunting ghost story, an intriguing mystery, and a rich historical setting mixed with a mild romance create the perfect elements for an engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Souls. I love the way Paul Morris was able to blend tragedy, paranormal activity and center the story in historical York, England. Her descriptions of York and historical references really captivated me. As much as I would love to travel there and walk among the cobblestone streets, Paul's vivid descriptions made me fee...more A haunting ghost story, an intriguing mystery, and a rich historical setting mixed with a mild romance create the perfect elements for an engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Souls. I love the way Paul Morris was able to blend tragedy, paranormal activity and center the story in historical York, England. Her descriptions of York and historical references really captivated me. As much as I would love to travel there and walk among the cobblestone streets, Paul's vivid descriptions made me feel like I walked along the streets with the story's main character Miranda Tennant.

After a recent tragedy, Miranda's parents decide they're taking her and her older brother Rob to York, England for a family vacation/work get away. Hoping they can try and put some closure of the accident behind them, Rob & Miranda's time in England brings a whole new set of interesting events. Miranda's still reeling with her new found gift, or maybe it's a curse, she can see ghosts. Unfortunately for her York, England's rich history is the perfect place for many of it's ghosts to reside. The most engaging part of the story for me was the way Paula introduced York's history, which was through Miranda's interest in and learning more about some important places. She does this to try and understand why she's seeing so many ghosts and why they're appearing, looking the way they do. One of the interesting things about Dark Souls's ghosts is they bare the marks of how they died.

Wrapped into this unique ghost story is a great mystery. There's the ghost a young guy who appears in the window across from Miranda's and the mysterious Nick, the story's love interest, who knows a lot about York's history and it's ghosts. Nick has some secrets of his own and he seems to have the ability to appear out of now where. Then there's some strange incidents happening around town, which tie into York's tragic past. I liked the minor twists and turns Paula threw into the story's plot that kept me guessing.

I enjoyed the characters in the story, but my connection was with the setting. I really like Paula's writing because her vivid descriptions of both the story's scenes and setting give her book a realistic feel. It's not hard for me to picture myself there, seeing the cobblestone streets, the buildings and the various places Miranda goes to. I liked the feel of the story, the direction it took and the elements Paula gave it. I really enjoyed Dark Souls and I recommend picking it up. It's a great clean cut book that I think readers 13 yrs & older would enjoy. (less)

like 2 likes · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Katy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dark Souls was... hmmm... interesting, I guess would be the word. It's one of those books that you may not particularly enjoy while you're reading it, but at the end, you really appreciate it.

The book started out really, really slow... I would say probably the first third or so. Being a dumb American, I wasn't particularly interested in York history (and I'm not sure how much of it is based on real history and how much was fictional), and I found myself skimming over a lot of the parts describin...more Dark Souls was... hmmm... interesting, I guess would be the word. It's one of those books that you may not particularly enjoy while you're reading it, but at the end, you really appreciate it.

The book started out really, really slow... I would say probably the first third or so. Being a dumb American, I wasn't particularly interested in York history (and I'm not sure how much of it is based on real history and how much was fictional), and I found myself skimming over a lot of the parts describing the history. I mean, I figured they would be important to the plot or else Morris wouldn't taken the effort to write so much. But Miranda's family were big on getting to know the history so I thought maybe it was part of that. The exerpts were just long and boring so I just skimmed them. Of course, like I guessed, they ended up being important later on in the book, and I'm glad Morris kind of goes over it again as Miranda processes her thoughts, or I would have probably missed it.

For those who are fearing a love triangle, there wasn't really one. In fact, there wasn't much romantic scenes as you would have expected from reading the summary. Yes, Miranda finds both Nick and the ghost intriguing, but it's not like she was constantly deciding on who's right for her. The romance was very subtle almost to the point of non-existence, but it's there.

After building up the background and the story for a good 2/3 of the book, bam, there's a lot of action in the last part. I understand that Morris was trying to build the story, but everything happened at the end to the point where it's almost rushed. A steadier pace, or even action starting a lot sooner would have helped.

The book constantly left me with questions. I admit a lot of those questions were answered in the last third or quarter part of the book as Miranda begins solving the big mystery. But I was disappointed in the end because it left everything in the air. What happened to the ghost? What happened to Nick? And I wasn't crazy about the epilogue either. Morris introduces a random person, a foreign exchange student, nonetheless to visit the site that's very important to her. I know it's Morris' way of saying that Miranda has accepted everything, but maybe just her and Rob alone may have been more effective? Or maybe Sally and Nick accompanying them? The stranger was just an odd thing to throw in at the end.

Overall, like I said, I do like the book. And I do like it a whole lot more now that I'm done with it. Still, I was disappointed in what could have been a really awesome book(less)

like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Kim Smiley rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a decent story and if you are a history buff I would highly recommend it. I'm not, and some of the explanations and history of York were a bit too much for me, but looking past that, the story underneath it all was good.

Miranda is 16 and she and her best friend Jenna went to a party one night so Jenna could be with an exchange student she had the hots for. Miranda's brother Rob, (18 yrs. old) drove them. On the way home there was a terrible accident and Miranda got out of the car, but J...more

like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the eerie mists of York, Miranda finds a strange, dark city filled with secrets, mysteries and ghosts. Ghosts it seems that only Miranda can see, until she meets a local goth-boy named Nick, who has in-depth knowledge of the city's unique history and deepest secrets. Miranda soon finds herself falling for Nick, a strange boy who seems to finally understand her. Then she falls for another boy...who just may be a ghost. Written in a dark, fascinating and eerie tone, author Paula Morris weaves a...more

like · see review

Jul 10, 2011 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ncbla

In the atmospheric town of York, England, Miranda Tennant and her brother Rob try to escape their emotional demons after watching Miranda's best friend Jenna die in a car crash in the midwest. Their parents jump at the chance to combine business and pleasure and distract their suffering teens. But Rob is experiencing claustrophobia in enclosed places, and unbeknownst to them, Miranda sees ghosts. While Rob pursues a romance in York, Miranda meets Nick, a mysterious young man who also can see gho...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 04, 2011 Sadiya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to York, England.
Mist lingers in the streets.
Narrow buildings cast long shadows.
This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won't run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York's hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she i...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2011 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ghosts, horror, mystery, paranormal, ya, romance

GENRE: YA Paranormal Romance/Horror
THEME: Ghost/Romance/Mystery
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
From the Synopsis I knew that Dark Souls was going to be a pretty creepy book, but the prologue really set the tone. I was immediately drawn to how this story was going to pan out; it really gave me the chills with Morris’s eerie writing and also made me wonder how many ghost are in this word that we walk by everyday and not notice.

The novel starts...more GENRE: YA Paranormal Romance/Horror
THEME: Ghost/Romance/Mystery
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
From the Synopsis I knew that Dark Souls was going to be a pretty creepy book, but the prologue really set the tone. I was immediately drawn to how this story was going to pan out; it really gave me the chills with Morris’s eerie writing and also made me wonder how many ghost are in this word that we walk by everyday and not notice.

The novel starts out with a horrible accident that changes the lives of Miranda and her brother Rob for forever. Their parents decide that the family needs a little vacation to recover from the accident and leave for a city called York in Europe. Ever since the accident Miranda has kept a secret, she see’s ghost and unfortunately York seems to be full of them. From a scary bloodied woman walking in the streets to the boy in window across from where her family is staying, they’re everywhere. Then she meets Nick, a very mysterious boy, with a sad and lonely past. He seems to understand her more than anyone and she finally feels like she belongs. Until something dangerous starts to terrorize people near her and possible even her family. Miranda must stop whatever this darkness is before she looses even more than she already has.

Miranda was an interesting character, even though she seems to be afraid of the ghost that she see’s, she seems to take it pretty well. I loved her bickering relationship with her brother, they are each other’s major strengths through this book and I loved reading about a brother and sister relationship.

Rob was a typical older brother, picking on his sister but still being protective. He brought more light into such a dark story and I really enjoyed his puppy love moments when he see’s a girl he likes.

Nick was a toughie for me, I couldn’t connect with him as well as the others, but he was just so different that I liked him all the while. He was extremely mysterious and I never knew what he was really up too.
Overall this was a compelling novel that I felt hit all the right spots with its characters, plot and beautifully dark setting in York. I loved the descriptions that Morris went into great detail to set the eerie mood of York. I’m curious from the ending to what’s next for Miranda and her brother.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult book with dark scene and minor graphic scenes. Fans of Gretchen McNeil’s Possess and Kendare Blake’s Anna Dressed in Blood will enjoy Dark Souls.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 25, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dark Souls is lovely a blend of a creepy ghost story and a mystery. Miranda and Rob Tennant are in a car accident that claims the life of her best friend. Several months later, their parents think that they need to take a working vacation as a family to get away from the tragedy that looms over their lives in Iowa. But Miranda hasn't shared that she has can see ghosts, and has been able to since the accident when she saw her best friend walk away from her broken body and fade away in a field. Th...more Dark Souls is lovely a blend of a creepy ghost story and a mystery. Miranda and Rob Tennant are in a car accident that claims the life of her best friend. Several months later, their parents think that they need to take a working vacation as a family to get away from the tragedy that looms over their lives in Iowa. But Miranda hasn't shared that she has can see ghosts, and has been able to since the accident when she saw her best friend walk away from her broken body and fade away in a field. The Tennants travel to York, England, where their mother will be a guest conductor and their father will be a guest lecturer.

Rob sees this vacation as a new start: a place where he isn't seen as the guy who killed his sister's best friend. And Miranda hopes to get a break from seeing ghosts. While Rob gets his wish, Miranda is thrust full force into ghostly encounters because York is one of England's most haunted places. She meets Nick, who has a past just as tragic as her own, and they form an instant friendship over their shared ability to see ghosts. While Nick introduces Miranda to York's more infamous past and she starts to not feel so alone, he's still haunted by his own past and won't allow her in. While a little romance does blossom between Nick and Miranda, it certainly is not a main part of this book.

A large part of the book and what I think is the shining star in this work is the setting. Paula Morris' descriptions of York and the histories she gives are vivid, including the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, both past and present. This really made the book for me. And the parents are present throughout the entire book and they are great parents, which is unusual in most YA books these days. The novel is written in third person POV and the parents are referred to by their first names regularly, which was a bit jarring and I often had to think about who they were talking about.

I recommend Dark Souls to anyone who loves ghost stories with a little bit of mystery and romance mixed in. I give this one a four because it was a bit slow to start, but once the book picked up about a third of the way through it was hard to put down!
(less)

like · see review

Aug 06, 2011 Laura Ashlee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, young-adult

Review posted 8/3/2011 at Owl Tell You About It.

This was a very interesting book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it went in a different direction than I thought it would. I liked the plot, especially toward the end. I had a few little problems with it though. I think it would have been much better had it been written in first person from Miranda's point of view. I also had some trouble connecting with Nick's character. He seemed so mysterious at first and that gave him a lot of appeal....more

like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Lillie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, for-review, borrowed, received-for-promotion, review-copy, arc-tour, ya, scholastic-and-imprints

See the full review at Read My Mind

My Review:
DARK SOULS is a very atmospheric book that incorporates much of the history of York between its pages. Not your typical ghost story, it drew me into the life of Miranda Tennant and her family. While DARK SOULS is in a contemporary setting, it has a bit of a historical feel. Perhaps because the basis of the plot deals with Miranda, a person who can see ghosts, now living in what's reputed to be one of most haunted cities in the world. Perhaps because...more

like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Dana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ahhh, this is a much better book than the author's first book, Ruined.

This book also contains historical and factual information, but it is woven into the story and does not read like a travel guide or history textbook.
In this story, 16 year old Miranda and her older brother Rob have gone to visit York with their parents in an attempt to try to get over the tragic car wreck that Miranda and Rob had been in 6 moonths before that killed her best friend, Jenna. Ever since the car wreck, Rob has s...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Dark Souls
avg rating	preview: Dark Souls Goodreads rating: 3.76 (1268 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10048876-dark-souls?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330031299l/10048876.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10048876-dark-souls?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Dark Souls by Paula Morris[/url]

Dark Souls

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Paula Morris

Books by Paula Morris

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Dark Souls