After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make s...
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reviews
Feb 02, 2012
Leanna (Daisy Chain Book Reviews)
rated it: 
Shadow Hills has been a hotly anticipated 2010 release around the blogosphere, and now I know why! Anastasia Hopcus has delivered a great story combining elements of gothic mystery with Greek mythology, shady town secrets, great characters, and one of the hottest YA romances I’ve read in a while. If you’ve been getting a little tired of the same old paranormal romance, then this book is for you. I can guarantee you won’t have read anything quite like it before! I raced through this book in one s
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2 comments
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(8 people liked it)
Jan 13, 2011
Jennifer
rated it: 
Shadow Hills was so engrossing, I couldn't put it down. I found myself almost frantic, needing to know what was going to happen next. The story is a compelling mystery with an amazing mix of science and magic. I don't think I have ever read a book like this before. I loved every scene, no, every single word of this novel. I can say, without a doubt, Shadow Hills is going to be one of my top picks of 2010, as it has already been added to my short list of favorite books of all time.
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(10 people liked it)
Aug 04, 2010
Nic
rated it:
Loved it. I would have never guessed that this is Anastasia Hopcus debut novel. She is an extraordinary writer. Original, addictive and wonderfully descriptive. It is a fast paced and gripping read that had me constantly guessing. When one mystery was solved another would arise. One scene also had my heart pumping and gave me chills. I also loved the paranormal element in this story is refreshingly different from other books out there. A mix of science, magic and mythology.
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19 comments
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(18 people liked it)
Oct 31, 2010
Angela
rated it:
A cutie description:
Since the death of her sister, Phe has felt empty, aimless, and lost, her world now turned upside-down with grief and regret. When she starts having strange dreams similar to ones her own sister had suffered from before her death, Phe searches for answers. Answers which she believes can be found at Devenish Prep in the small town of Shadow Hills, Massachusetts. Little does she know that this small town not only holds the key to her understanding herself and her sister, More...
Since the death of her sister, Phe has felt empty, aimless, and lost, her world now turned upside-down with grief and regret. When she starts having strange dreams similar to ones her own sister had suffered from before her death, Phe searches for answers. Answers which she believes can be found at Devenish Prep in the small town of Shadow Hills, Massachusetts. Little does she know that this small town not only holds the key to her understanding herself and her sister, More...
3 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Jul 11, 2011
Andrea (Dru)
rated it:
Lately I've been reading lots books and most of them were about werewolves and vampires, and I'm kind of tired of it. Shadow Hills was definitely not one of those books. It was so original and well written. Every time I stopped reading it, I found myself thinking about the book and always asking myself "OMIGOD! what's gonna happen next!" Phe is a relatable character, she's fun and reckless and that's something I like cause what fun would it be reading a book where the main character's
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Aug 14, 2010
Aja
rated it:
I saw this book the other week on goodreads and have been living to read it ever since. So when I was at the mall the other day to see a movie with my friends, I dragged them all to the bookstore so that I could get this book. I got home kind of late after eating dinner and watching Inception but I really wanted to read a chapter or two before sleeping so I began to read. I ended up reading the whole book that night (and into the early morning). It was an amazing and marvelous and incredible (an
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(3 people liked it)
Aug 25, 2011
Skye
rated it: 
This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.
Reading Shadow Hills felt like going back in time to where all the books I read were paranormal romances cut from the same cloth. During this I wasn't feeling what the characters were, but feeling nostalgic, laughing "recurring dream sequence at the beginning! Old pal!" and "love interest who's so suddenly and deeply in love with our protagonist that he confesses his uber-secret non-human species! It's been too l More...
Reading Shadow Hills felt like going back in time to where all the books I read were paranormal romances cut from the same cloth. During this I wasn't feeling what the characters were, but feeling nostalgic, laughing "recurring dream sequence at the beginning! Old pal!" and "love interest who's so suddenly and deeply in love with our protagonist that he confesses his uber-secret non-human species! It's been too l More...
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(3 people liked it)
Sep 30, 2010
Katie
rated it:
Shadow Hills is the compelling story of Persephone "Phe" Archer. Phe's sister, Athena, has recently died and Phe decides to go to Devinish Prep School in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts. Why is Phe going there, you may ask? The town of Shadow Hills was in the deceased sister's final diary entry. When Phe arrives in Shadow Hills she realizes there is something very strange about the town. There was some sort of weird, unexplained epidemic that plagued the town in the 1700's and only a some survived.
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 06, 2010
Debbie
rated it:
This book sounded amazing reading the book blurb and I was curious what type of paranormal creatures the townies were going to turn out to be. It was nice change to find out that they are not your stereotypical paranormal creatures that have been all the rage lately. Overall the characters were great. I wish we had seen more background of Phe's sister's interest in Shadow Hills as it seemed a little glossed over why Phe felt the need to enroll in Devenish Prepatory just because her sister re
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(1 person liked it)
Aug 29, 2010
Karen
rated it:
Anastasia Hopcus has created an original and complex mythology in her debut novel Shadow Hills.
This – the first book in the series contains a lot of world building and you have to be paying attention or you may miss out on the clues being thrown at you.
Although I liked Phe and I definitely liked Zach – Phe’s love interest, I was more intrigued by Zach and his sister Corrine’s relationship. Corrine is ice station zebra – and a real bitch but you can tell she has her reasons and I lik More...
This – the first book in the series contains a lot of world building and you have to be paying attention or you may miss out on the clues being thrown at you.
Although I liked Phe and I definitely liked Zach – Phe’s love interest, I was more intrigued by Zach and his sister Corrine’s relationship. Corrine is ice station zebra – and a real bitch but you can tell she has her reasons and I lik More...
3 comments
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(1 person liked it)
May 12, 2011
Misty
rated it: 
3.5
I was torn on whether I wanted to read this or not -- boarding school books make me a little leery -- but I had read some good reviews, and thought it'd fit pretty well with Helluva Halloween, so here we are. Now I've read it, I'm still a little torn.
On the one hand, I really liked Hopcus' incorporation of (real) (weird) history and science (like the story of the town of Eyam, and the witch trials), and thought that this aspect added a great layer to the story. At the sa More...
I was torn on whether I wanted to read this or not -- boarding school books make me a little leery -- but I had read some good reviews, and thought it'd fit pretty well with Helluva Halloween, so here we are. Now I've read it, I'm still a little torn.
On the one hand, I really liked Hopcus' incorporation of (real) (weird) history and science (like the story of the town of Eyam, and the witch trials), and thought that this aspect added a great layer to the story. At the sa More...
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 16, 2010
Wicked Walker
rated it:
My quick wicked thoughts...A unique and enthralling spooky romance that will keep you hooked until the end.
Why I was tempted to read this...I had read a few reviews and just the blurb about it made it sound different and fun.
Cover thoughts...It's okay...it doesn't blow me away.
Romance meter...heck yes! The intense attraction between Phe and Zach is just perfectly written. As much as they try to deny it, they have some major sparks going on!
Characters and More...
Why I was tempted to read this...I had read a few reviews and just the blurb about it made it sound different and fun.
Cover thoughts...It's okay...it doesn't blow me away.
Romance meter...heck yes! The intense attraction between Phe and Zach is just perfectly written. As much as they try to deny it, they have some major sparks going on!
Characters and More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 20, 2010
Meaghan
rated it:
This is a book I have been really excited about, I saw it at BEA and was pining after it but could not manage to get a copy. But when I got to ALA and saw it again I was lucky enough to get a copy and I think I even did a little happy dance when I did. This is another book that I started and finished in one day, even though it is almost 400 pages, but I am on vacation so reading is taking priority right now :)
One of the things I like about this book is that the "paranormal" More...
One of the things I like about this book is that the "paranormal" More...
Oct 02, 2010
Katieb (MundieMoms)
rated it:
*SPOILER FREE* Shadow Hills is such an engaging read, that from the moment I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I was not only captured by the story, intrigued by the characters, but I was engrossed by the setting. The descriptions are so vivid that I had the urge for it to be fall and wanted to find the cemetery the story takes place around.
Shadow Hills is a good blend of mythology, mystery, and romance, mixed in with some suspense. It's the type of story you sit do More...
Shadow Hills is a good blend of mythology, mystery, and romance, mixed in with some suspense. It's the type of story you sit do More...
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(2 people liked it)
May 23, 2011
Krys
rated it:
First off, allow me to say that I will not just be reviewing Anastasia Hopcus' Shadow Hills... In fact, I will be gushing... at length... in abundance.
...And with that, commence gushing...
California native Persephone (Phe) Archer has made a life altering decision to move across the country to attend a prestigious school, Devenish Prep. The cause behind this effect is thanks to her older sister's sudden death nearly a year before. Athena had been considering going to Deven More...
...And with that, commence gushing...
California native Persephone (Phe) Archer has made a life altering decision to move across the country to attend a prestigious school, Devenish Prep. The cause behind this effect is thanks to her older sister's sudden death nearly a year before. Athena had been considering going to Deven More...
3 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jun 11, 2010
Kate
rated it:
Shadow Hills is an intriguing mix of Greek mythology, mystery, romance, and a hint of suspense. From page one, readers will be sucked in to the captivating world that Hopcus has created. It is vibrant, full of life, and descriptions.
The premise of Shadow Hills is completely engaging. You enter into the novel believing that Phe is mainly wanting to find answers about her sister's life. But what you get is so much more. This is really a story within a story. And I have to applaud Hopcu More...
The premise of Shadow Hills is completely engaging. You enter into the novel believing that Phe is mainly wanting to find answers about her sister's life. But what you get is so much more. This is really a story within a story. And I have to applaud Hopcu More...
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(8 people liked it)
Jul 30, 2010
Lisa (A Life Bound By Books)
rated it:
For more info and reviews please visit my Book Review Blog here - A Life Bound By Books
5 Stars - Shadow Hills was all I was hoping it to be and then some. With a mysterious yet thrilling story and characters, I found myself swept away and lost within its pages. Hopcus was able to incorporate history, mystery, magic, science, romance and much more into an exciting plot that flow and fit together with ease.
Phe is the main character and early in the book we learn how she com More...
5 Stars - Shadow Hills was all I was hoping it to be and then some. With a mysterious yet thrilling story and characters, I found myself swept away and lost within its pages. Hopcus was able to incorporate history, mystery, magic, science, romance and much more into an exciting plot that flow and fit together with ease.
Phe is the main character and early in the book we learn how she com More...
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(2 people liked it)
May 09, 2011
Once Upon
rated it:
Here is my review on my blog. I gave the book actually 4.5 stars.
This book from the moment I started reading it, I was captivated by it. Every time I thought I would reach a point in the book where I could close it and take a break, it just got better. I ended up reading it in 2 nights only. What a gripping tale Hopcus wrote.
I seriously hope that it becomes a series. there is so much more to learn about Shadow Hills. The way Ms. Hopcus writes does not let you put the bo More...
This book from the moment I started reading it, I was captivated by it. Every time I thought I would reach a point in the book where I could close it and take a break, it just got better. I ended up reading it in 2 nights only. What a gripping tale Hopcus wrote.
I seriously hope that it becomes a series. there is so much more to learn about Shadow Hills. The way Ms. Hopcus writes does not let you put the bo More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 20, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
I need more NOW!!! I am so serious!!! I need more Phe & Zach!!! This book could have been a thousand pages and I would have read them all! I loved this book! I just want to read it again right now! You are so talented Anastasia!!! I will read anything you write!!!
This is the best paranormal romance book I have ever read. The plot and story just suck you in and won't let you go, even after you finish the last page. It is just so flowing and well thought out! I read it in 2 days, now I More...
This is the best paranormal romance book I have ever read. The plot and story just suck you in and won't let you go, even after you finish the last page. It is just so flowing and well thought out! I read it in 2 days, now I More...
2 comments
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(2 people liked it)
May 03, 2011
Bohemienne
rated it:
Recommended for: Fans of the 'House of Night' and 'Darkest Powers' series
Ms. Hopcus offers up a fresh but often confusing blend of genetics, Greek mythology, pagan magic, and superpowers in SHADOW HILLS. We're invited into the mind of Persephone "Phe" Archer, a wise-beyond-her-years LA girl (as we're reminded every page) who follows her dead sister's trail to a boarding school in the New England town of Shadow Hills. Phe unravels the numerous mysteries of the town, sometimes a little t More...
Ms. Hopcus offers up a fresh but often confusing blend of genetics, Greek mythology, pagan magic, and superpowers in SHADOW HILLS. We're invited into the mind of Persephone "Phe" Archer, a wise-beyond-her-years LA girl (as we're reminded every page) who follows her dead sister's trail to a boarding school in the New England town of Shadow Hills. Phe unravels the numerous mysteries of the town, sometimes a little t More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 25, 2011
Kristi
rated it:
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus wasn't bad. I loved the mystery, which kept me reading (and guessing) through the whole book. The plot was pretty original, except for the Devenish Prep boarding school setting. I've read way too many books that take place in boarding school and I'm getting tired of it. Other than that, the small town of Shadow Hills was intriguing. I liked how Hopcus combined old myths and folklore with modern day science. That was most original; the reason I kept reading.
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Jul 15, 2011
Sara
rated it:
Plot: 3.5 Stars
There were many aspects to this novel that were fresh and exciting. The biggest thing: it was a paranormal young adult novel without a love triangle. Amazing, I know. Not that I have anything against love triangles, but it was nice to see a main character have one love interest. I also liked the paranormal aspect of the story. It was the little details that I enjoyed most, like how they attracted metal and could read a whole page in the blink of an eye. But there were also a More...
There were many aspects to this novel that were fresh and exciting. The biggest thing: it was a paranormal young adult novel without a love triangle. Amazing, I know. Not that I have anything against love triangles, but it was nice to see a main character have one love interest. I also liked the paranormal aspect of the story. It was the little details that I enjoyed most, like how they attracted metal and could read a whole page in the blink of an eye. But there were also a More...
Jul 05, 2011
Amy
rated it:
After reading this book, I only had one question for myself. Why the heck did I wait so long to read this book? I was skeptical at first when the book was gifted to me, but once I sat down reading it, I could not stop until the last page!
Phe was a great character. She wasn't too girlie, but she wasn't a tomboy either. She held her own amongst her group of friends who were great side characters in the book. Graham was a great friend to have for a guy. The moment Phe meets him More...
Phe was a great character. She wasn't too girlie, but she wasn't a tomboy either. She held her own amongst her group of friends who were great side characters in the book. Graham was a great friend to have for a guy. The moment Phe meets him More...
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 01, 2011
I didn’t know much about Shadow Hills when I picked it up at my library, but it was in the Texas YA Authors section and I love to support Texas authors, it seemed to be more mystery than paranormal, which I was in the mood for, and I’m a sucker for simplistic covers.
What. A. Find.
Seriously, it was great! And I really hope I don’t spoil anything for y’all in my enthusiasm.
This book really was more mystery than supernatural. I have four pages of notes dedicated More...
What. A. Find.
Seriously, it was great! And I really hope I don’t spoil anything for y’all in my enthusiasm.
This book really was more mystery than supernatural. I have four pages of notes dedicated More...
Mar 26, 2011
Resti
rated it:
sukaaa banget buku ini. tadinya sih agak sangsi mau baca ato gak, soalnya cover buku ini enggak menarik banget. kesannya suram. iseng iseng buka review di goodreads, dan para reviewer pada ngasih 4 sampe 5 bintang dan review yg sangat memuaskan.
jadi, untuk ngisi waktu hari ini, aku mulai baca.
setelah kematian kakak perempuannya, Persephone 'phe' ngerasa ada bagian dari dirinya hilang. waktu baca diari kakaknya, dan mulai dapet mimpi mimpi tentang sekolah asrama di Massachusett More...
jadi, untuk ngisi waktu hari ini, aku mulai baca.
setelah kematian kakak perempuannya, Persephone 'phe' ngerasa ada bagian dari dirinya hilang. waktu baca diari kakaknya, dan mulai dapet mimpi mimpi tentang sekolah asrama di Massachusett More...
Mar 24, 2011
Vicky
rated it:
Persephone – Phe (Fee) – Archer lost her sister in a mysterious accident. Now the weird nightmares Athena had been having are haunting Phe. In order to figure out what the dreams mean, Phe enrolls in the Devenish Prep school in Massachusetts, a world away from her Los Angeles home. There she discovers even more mysteries – like the graveyard from her dreams. And people who have extra abilities that are somehow tied to a plague that hit the town in the early 1700s.
With the help of her More...
With the help of her More...
Jan 29, 2011
Kyra
rated it:
All I can say is OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS!!! This book had so many twists and turns and surprises. I kept predicting, or trying to, as I was reading and it came out nothing like I was expecting. Looking back I can see all of the little clues dropped by Hopcus but I was completely clueless to them at the time of reading them. This book truly does keep you guessing till the very end, and I still has questions that were not answered! I hope there is, or will be, a sequel. But there were some "r
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Dec 21, 2010
Asher
rated it:
http://paranormalindulgence.blogspot.com...
Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺ -Marvelous, puzzling, incomparable!
(Summary) Yes, I finally got to this book. In fact, I gobbled it down in fast, greedy bites. The entire novel was like this heaping mass of intrigue, mystery, suspense fused with mythology and a riveting history of a perplexing town filled with strange, strangle "townies".
Shadow Hills has so many great things going for it. It's like one giant, frustrating puzzle. Even wh More...
Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺ -Marvelous, puzzling, incomparable!
(Summary) Yes, I finally got to this book. In fact, I gobbled it down in fast, greedy bites. The entire novel was like this heaping mass of intrigue, mystery, suspense fused with mythology and a riveting history of a perplexing town filled with strange, strangle "townies".
Shadow Hills has so many great things going for it. It's like one giant, frustrating puzzle. Even wh More...
Dec 01, 2010
Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids
rated it:
*SPOILER FREE* Shadow Hills is such an engaging read, that from the moment I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I was not only captured by the story, intrigued by the characters, but I was engrossed by the setting. The descriptions are so vivid that I had the urge for it to be fall and wanted to find the cemetery the story takes place around.
Shadow Hills is a good blend of mythology, mystery, and romance, mixed in with some suspense. It's the type of story you sit dow More...
Shadow Hills is a good blend of mythology, mystery, and romance, mixed in with some suspense. It's the type of story you sit dow More...
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 21, 2010
Micheeline18
rated it:
SHADOW HILLS
Este libro se a convertido oficialmente en una de mis FAVORITOS¡¡¡¡ la historia es simplemente maravillosa, los personajes están realmente bien pensados y tienen coherencia, la escritura es sencilla, es divertida, mágica, fantástica y puedo decir que tiene un poco de todo lo que la hace aun mas interesante.
Persephone, o Phe que es así como le gusta que le digan es una chica que ha pasado por muchas cosas como la muerte de su hermana y las pesadillas recurrentes que ha tenid More...
Este libro se a convertido oficialmente en una de mis FAVORITOS¡¡¡¡ la historia es simplemente maravillosa, los personajes están realmente bien pensados y tienen coherencia, la escritura es sencilla, es divertida, mágica, fantástica y puedo decir que tiene un poco de todo lo que la hace aun mas interesante.
Persephone, o Phe que es así como le gusta que le digan es una chica que ha pasado por muchas cosas como la muerte de su hermana y las pesadillas recurrentes que ha tenid More...
