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The Clearing

by Anne Riley (Goodreads Author)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 72 ratings · 21 reviews

Republished as Shadows of the Hidden.

Original Synopsis:

I don't know what I expected him to do. A magic trick, maybe? A back flip? If I was honest, I didn't think it would be that impressive, whatever it was. Maybe I was hoping he would pull out some kind of document that explained how my parents had really died. Maybe I was hoping he would summon their spirits and I could...more

386 pages

Published February 13th 2011 by Createspace

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Mar 12, 2013 ABookVacation rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

***This review based on the cover and novel The Clearing prior to its editing and republishing as 'Shadow of the Hidden.'***

This is one of those novels that I just happened to stumble upon, thanks to Amazon. I really love the recommendation feature on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, but I’m going to be honest, I am the reader that looks at the covers of books and, if it is appealing, will pick it up and read the synopsis. Then, if the synopsis is interesting, I’ll read the book...more 4.5 stars

***This review based on the cover and novel The Clearing prior to its editing and republishing as 'Shadow of the Hidden.'***

This is one of those novels that I just happened to stumble upon, thanks to Amazon. I really love the recommendation feature on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, but I’m going to be honest, I am the reader that looks at the covers of books and, if it is appealing, will pick it up and read the synopsis. Then, if the synopsis is interesting, I’ll read the book. I know, I know, we aren’t supposed to judge books by their covers, but let’s be honest here: we are an aesthetic people. We like things that are pleasing to the eye, or things that peak our interest, grab our attention. That doesn’t mean there has to be a hot girl or guy on the cover; there doesn’t even have to be color on the cover! But it does need to be alluring enough that I’ll pick it up, and though many readers won’t admit this, it’s true for a lot of us, and especially true for younger adults (at least, it’s true for the ones I teach). A bland cover never cuts it for me, and I’ll walk right by the book because it didn’t strike my fancy. I’m not saying that always happens, but it certainly does if I haven’t ever heard of the book before… Now, looking at the cover of The Clearing, my interest was sparked, and by sparked I mean I looked at it and clicked the book right away. That’s it, a split second decision. I like the cover. I like the woods, weird things happen in woods, so my interest has been peaked. Of course, upon reading the synopsis, which you’ve now read above, I was sold. It’s the second paragraph that really did it for me, a boy who might have killed his sister… a girl running off into the forest to see what he’s doing… wow! This is right up my alley. And so, I read it, and I loved it.

Riley has done a phenomenal job creating an intense piece that keeps the reader’s interest from start to finish. Natalie is a wonderful character. She’s caring, concerned, smart, yet struggling with the death of her parents. She’s not a push over, and though her roommate and school peers taunt her for being the new girl, she takes it with stride and doesn’t let it ruin her life. I really liked that about her. It was refreshing to see a character so sure of herself that bullying didn’t cause her to crumple to nothing. I also really enjoyed the strong adult presence throughout the novel—Natalie doesn’t suffer alone, and she has a wonderful relationship with her aunt, confiding in her and letting her aunt know about the bullying. Yet, the novel’s main focus isn’t as much dealing with bullying as it is with Liam and the secrets he holds. Yes, Liam is the mysterious redhead suspected of murdering his own sister, though no evidence has even been found. He’s a very cryptic character, and though we don’t get to know him right away, as the novel progresses, we learn a lot of interesting information about him as a character and, through him, we learn the connection between the alternating stories within the novel.

Okay, let me back up. This novel really drew me in because there are alternating stories. The novel actually begins 317 years in the past, and the scene we first witness is quite chilling. Yet, Riley doesn’t give the reader all the facts just yet, and the next chapter jumps into present day, where we first meet Liam and Natalie. I was intrigued by both stories, but didn’t make the connection until halfway through the book. When I finally did make the connection, I’ll admit I was flabbergasted. I can’t divulge any secrets, but I can say that it threw me for a loop and actually made the story even more powerful, in my opinion, as Riley made some awesome connections between the past and present.

Honestly, this is a phenomenal story, and I really enjoyed it. The main characters are fleshed out and real, and while I would have liked to know a little more about some of the other characters, like Ethan, as they’re not the core characters, I feel Riley did a great job...

To read my full review (11/13):

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 10, 2012 Katrina Lantz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Update: This is being republished by Compass Press and they have put a GORGEOUS cover on it! Please ignore my complaining about the lack of awesome cover below. It's been more than remedied by Compass Press. So excited to see this incredible book get a new cover and a new chance to reach the readers who will love it.

Just finished reading The Clearing by Anne Riley and it was a very satisfying read! The twists and emotional intensity really got me. It dealt with the reality of bereavement very we...more Update: This is being republished by Compass Press and they have put a GORGEOUS cover on it! Please ignore my complaining about the lack of awesome cover below. It's been more than remedied by Compass Press. So excited to see this incredible book get a new cover and a new chance to reach the readers who will love it.

Just finished reading The Clearing by Anne Riley and it was a very satisfying read! The twists and emotional intensity really got me. It dealt with the reality of bereavement very well in the midst of a supernatural plot, and made me cry more than once.

Update: Full Review as posted on my blog

*Happy sigh*

Yeah, I liked this book that much.

After I read the author's blog--and liked her so much I snagged her for a guest post over at The Best Damn Creative Writing Blog--I started to worry about the inevitable moment of truth: What if I read her book and didn't like it? After all, there are no guarantees about any given book, even those published by the big houses and buzzed all over the place as the next HP or Twilight! So what would I do if I didn't like THE CLEARING? This anxiety kept me from reading it at first, even when I had the lovely paperback sitting on my night stand. It waited patiently for me to grow a spine, which I did, thankfully.

All my stress, it turns out, was for naught. In fact, Riley's debut novel is right up there with the best in the urban fantasy genre. THE CLEARING boasts a suspenseful, spooky plot and relatable, tortured characters. I thought about it for days afterward. I wished for a sequel or companion novel to continue in the unique world Anne Riley created. I cried multiple times as the protagonist Natalie dealt with such serious issues as bullying at school and her parents' deaths. The twists are sublimely surprising, and the magical escapism enchanted me. Doesn't every girl hope deep down that she's special? Especially those of us who were bullied relentlessly in school!

And that is as specific as I'll be with the spoilers. :)

My one complaint, which I repeated on goodreads, is that I really wish the publishers that courted Anne had completed the sale. She ended up self-publishing with the blessing of her agent after multiple near-successes (which I think is admirable), and her book has received very positive reviews on goodreads, amazon, and smashwords. However, after reading it, I felt a bit of righteous indignation on Riley's behalf. I wanted THE CLEARING to get the royal treatment of comparable books! I wished it had been covered in the beautiful art that made me pick up Mistwood or any of Cassandra Clare's books. It needed something spooky and Druidish, ancient and compelling. I don't mean to insult the author's current cover, but it doesn't dress for the occasion. One might very well believe he's picking up a literary novel rather than a YA urban fantasy with commercial, mainstream appeal.

So I advise my readers not to believe what the cover is telling you. Imagine ancient symbols and a Druid cross encrusted with jewels or a girl and a boy embracing in a forest clearing with a spooky light glowing around them. Imagine Anne Riley's name in a script-and-scroll font, disappearing into the darkness on the bottom.

And once you've done all that, crack open this pleasure read and enjoy! It gets FIVE STARS from me. Well done, Anne! I hope to enjoy many more books with your name on them.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 05, 2011 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Grabbed this at the emerging writers table at the Decatur Book Fest, and finished it one day. Young adult fiction has been a weakness of mine for a while, and I was surprised by this book. It's a well written story about a 16-year-old girl who moves from Athens, Georgia to a boarding school in Maine after the tragic and untimely death of her parents. The novel doesn't fail to capture your attention, and you can hardly suppress yourself from flipping through the pages to find out what happens nex...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Medeia Sharif rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Mousy and meek Natalie Watson is bullied and humiliated by the popular kids at her boarding school. But if only they knew the tragedy that led her there, and the secrets simmering around her. When Natalie notices that her classmate Liam sneaks out at night, she's intrigued and then shocked by what he has to tell her. His nightly excursions are linked to the death of her parents, who allegedly committed suicide. He knows things about their demise, and he's willing to share his knowledge as long a...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

Another book to add to my list of those I am truly glad I accepted for review! Shadows of the Hidden was most definitely worth it. We meet Natalie at a difficult time in her life. With her parent's disappearance looming over her, it doesn't really seem fair that she should have to deal with normal teenage issues as well. Then she notices her classmate Liam sneaking off into the woods at night, which sets into motion quite the unbelievable and intriguing story.

I was amazed at how easily I fell in...more

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Jan 03, 2013 F.J.R. Titchenell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oops, this was meant to be a review but was a comment for a while:

I feel very lucky to have stumbled on Shadows of the Hidden exactly when I did, because it's a real treat of a Christmas read, the kind that makes me want a mug of hot cider and a house with a fireplace.

The basics: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Natalie Watson discovers that suspected murderer and fellow social outcast, Liam Abernathy, may have information on the disappearance of her parents five years prior. Liam turns o...more Oops, this was meant to be a review but was a comment for a while:

I feel very lucky to have stumbled on Shadows of the Hidden exactly when I did, because it's a real treat of a Christmas read, the kind that makes me want a mug of hot cider and a house with a fireplace.

The basics: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Natalie Watson discovers that suspected murderer and fellow social outcast, Liam Abernathy, may have information on the disappearance of her parents five years prior. Liam turns out to be a time traveling Druid, and Natalie gets dragged into a bitter, centuries-spanning power struggle.

The downsides: The sadistic expository dialogue of the 18th century druidic main villains sometimes approaches old school James Bond levels of camp, especially contrasted with the realism of the modern day characters' portrayals. The chain of misunderstandings keeping Natalie and Liam apart for the first act of the story feels a little forced, though to be fair, this standard trope stands out in this case mainly due to how wonderfully reasonable a character Natalie is the rest of the time. Natalie's general awesomeness doesn't get to shine enough in the story's conclusion either, and even Liam in full white knight mode finds a very passive (if nicely disturbing) way of ultimately saving the day.

The upside: As serious as all those complaints might sound, I can't give less than an A- to a book that had me glued to it for four days, from beginning to end, and not in the can't-stop-watching-this-train-wreck sort of way. The plot is that fast paced, and Natalie's narration is that smart and lifelike, alternately laugh-out-loud and rip-your-heart-out with its sharpness. The relationship between Natalie and Ethan, her 21st century squeeze, is vividly realistic, and the resulting love triangle is beautifully balanced among three very lovable people. There is no epic clash here between sudden, unconditional, unfounded loves, just deep, naturally growing feelings between charismatic people who could easily have a future together, or not.

I'll definitely be looking out for Anne Riley's future work, and I heartily recommend Shadows of the Hidden to anyone looking for some holiday (or post holiday) reading.

(This review and others originally posted on www.facebook.com/FJRTitchenell)(less)

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Dec 26, 2012 Sarahjane rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is interesting and a good read for young adults. It was really hard to put down! I love the mixture of genres in this novel. The characters are easy to relate to and the plot-line keeps you engaged.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Care rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads-arcs-prizes, ya, ya-misc, sci-fi

I won this from the Holiday Hullabaloo back in December. The cover was so pretty and the blurb sounded very good. It did not disappoint. I highly enjoyed this book. The pages flew by and I could not put it down.

I liked the characters and was entertained by the plot. I will always have a sort spot in my heart for Celtic lore, so to have the characters be druids was something I highly enjoyed. I liked the concept of their talents, it add an interesting element to the story.

I as far as the characte...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fae-faries-elves, magic-witches-mages

I'm so excited about this book! I can't wait to read it and now just because I know the writer! It sounds so interesting and fun! I can't wait to get my hands on it! c:

1 like · like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Jamey rated it 4 of 5 stars

"The Clearing" sneaks up on you...in a good way. When I began the book, I was dubious about a few of the characters, but about a third of the way into the book, they go from being two-dimensional to fully-realized three-dimensional characters. The payoff is definitely worth it--not just with the characters, but with the more fantastical elements of the book as well.

Anne's true strength is her dialogue and inner monologue. It feels incredibly real (and often funny), and it's a sign that any of An...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2011 Farmers Wife rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teens; adult YA readers

Recommended to Farmers by: several goodreads friends

This was a good YA book. The story is unique. There is energy that plays out well through the scenes. The MC who has considered herself as one who doesn't fit in anywhere is actually gifted, unbeknownst to her. Separated from her parents due to their unexpected demise, Natalie (MC) can't seem to get the pieces of information leading to their death to add up. Liam might hold the answer to this.

Though a feather light 'love triangle' seems to develop, this is not a YA romance novel but a paranormal...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 14, 2013 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, first-reads

Loved this book. Only reason I didn't give it five stars is cuz it had a slight sci-fi twist to it, which I'm not a huge fan of. That being said, Shadows is a truly compelling read that I was loathe to put down. It took me several days to read, due to having to actually be a contributing member of society :-) If I could have, I would've locked myself in a room & read it in one sitting.

I really don't want to elaborate too much on the story itself. A huge part of the thrill of this book was u...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Staci rated it 3 of 5 stars

it seems more like a book for teens. The setting is northern Maine and takes place in two time periods... current day in the life of a high school girl who is grieving the loss of both her parents and 300 years ago, where she finds a mystery of sorts. It deals with time travel and druids and good vs. evil.

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Aug 06, 2011 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I was very impressed by this book, as well as the author. Anne Riley did a great job of handling a teenage complex. She dealt with bereavement in a good way too. The story itself had some twists and turns that I was not expecting at all, and thought that her whole concept was brilliant and played out very well. It had a different spin that I haven't encountered before, and was a fascinating read. I would be more than happy to read others books by her in the future, and will be recommending The C...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Leiah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm rounding up my 2.5 stars because I really liked the plot, but I had issues with some of the dialogue and characters. They just didn't ring "true."

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Jul 08, 2011 Miss T rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fairy lovers

Recommended to Miss by: Lauranne Riley

Book donation to my school which turned out to be fabulous. Plot carries you at a brisk pace leaving you breathlessly waiting to see where it will end.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 06, 2011 Heather McCorkle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a fun, intriguing mystery that kept me flipping pages once it got its hooks into me. After an exciting beginning it slowed down for a few chapters but I'm so glad I stayed with it because the payoff was truly worth it. If you enjoy mystery with fantastical elements, druids, or just great characters that you'll be rooting for, then you must read this novel!

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May 16, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

I wrote it, so...I give it five stars!

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Elle Strauss rated it 4 of 5 stars

There is something strange going on in the clearing. Natalie Watson is new to town, a loner and an outcast, not unlike the strange and quiet Liam Abernathy. She's afraid of him and if they could just get their stupid English assignment done, she'd stay away from him forever.

Like that's gonna happen...

1 like · like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Heather McCorkle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In it's first incarnation as The Clearing, this book showed me that there are true gems among self-published novels. With characters that steal your heart, a story that keeps it pumping, and hardships that make it ache, Shadows is truly special. I have every confidence that it will be even more amazing in its traditionally published form.

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Sep 25, 2011 Kayla Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. :) It'll keep you in suspense the whole way through as you and Natalie (the main character) try to put pieces of the story together.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 05, 2011 Kara Rutledge rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-giveaway

I won this book in a first reads giveaway. The Clearing was very enjoyable and moved at a good pace. A definite must read.

1 like · like · see review

May 13, 2013 Åsa marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 11, 2013 Elizabeth marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 10, 2013 Megan marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 09, 2013 Alison Zurbrigg marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 04, 2013 Jami marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 03, 2013 Hilary marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 03, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

Apr 28, 2013 Talisa marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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About Anne Riley

I’m an author of young adult fiction disguised as a high school Spanish teacher. I live in Birmingham, Alabama with my very attractive husband (some say he resembles Matt Damon) and my small, giggly daughter.

After graduating from the University of Alabama with a double major in advertising and Spanish, I wrote several complete manuscripts, none of which will ever see the light of day. In fact, I l...more

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