Haunted (Dreaming Anastasia, #2)

Jan 09, 2013 Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Does anyone think it's rude that I haven't read the book yet and all I'm already thinking is: "DUMP BEN!"? :) Oh well, I can't help it.

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Apr 25, 2013 Dianne Rivera rated it 1 of 5 stars

Psycho Rusalkas? I mean...Mermaids? Really?....all of them running like maniacs in the city flopping their tales and nobody noticed them? and also the giant fat hands of a witch flying down from heaven in the middle of main street and nobody noticed them? The story had potential, but the writer wrote this story for an audience from 4 years old to 18. Too mature sometimes and too kindergarten silly on others, not balanced at all. Also it was extremely repetitive/redundant, going on and on about d...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Jessica Harrison rated it 4 of 5 stars

review via Cracking the Cover
After finishing “Dreaming Anastasia” I was really looking forward to “Haunted.” I couldn’t wait to see how the author had grown as a writer. And, for the most part, I wasn’t disappointed.

There’s definitely a greater maturity to Joy’s prose and to her storytelling abilities. She jumped straight into the story with a surprising character: Baba Yaga, a witch that flies around on a giant pestle, has detachable arms and lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs. Baba Yag...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Tia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Anne Michaelson's only dream is to be a normal girl. No magic, no immortal boyfriend, no crazy mythical Russian mermaids chasing her about. Unfortunately, she's not about to get her wishes granted anytime soon. Trying to recover from the trials of the previous year, she finds herself knee-deep in the middle of it all again.

In all fairness, Anne does her best at appearing as normal as she can. She resists the magic and the weirdness until it overtakes her and everyone around her, leaving her no c...more Anne Michaelson's only dream is to be a normal girl. No magic, no immortal boyfriend, no crazy mythical Russian mermaids chasing her about. Unfortunately, she's not about to get her wishes granted anytime soon. Trying to recover from the trials of the previous year, she finds herself knee-deep in the middle of it all again.

In all fairness, Anne does her best at appearing as normal as she can. She resists the magic and the weirdness until it overtakes her and everyone around her, leaving her no choice but to fight back. However, in spite of all that weirdness, she remains oddly grounded for a seventeen-year-old. I was highly impressed with her relative lack of attitude towards her parents and the usual teenage angst that you find in novels like this. That's not to say that she and her mom didn't have their moments, or that she didn't have her own, dark thoughts, because she did. The difference here is that those moments all helped the story move forward instead of just painting Anne as a selfish, spoiled child.

Ethan, on the other hand, is a one-time immortal learning to deal with being mortal again for the first time in decades. In between his moments of indecision, once the weirdness of the year before finds Anne again, he never once hesitates to do what he believes is right - and that is to protect Anne at all costs. He is my idea of a real hero. Ethan is considerate, conscientious, and one hundred percent dedicated to Anne and only Anne. When they're together, they're completely and utterly happy, no matter how bizarre the circumstances.

Even without having read the preceding book in this series, Dreaming Anastasia, I was able to not just follow along, but thoroughly enjoy Haunted. Ms. Preble has a masterful way of weaving a story that is not just romantic, but exciting and magical. You'll be loath to leave Anne and Ethan behind when the book closes. Haunted is a wonderful and imaginative story for both older teens and adults alike. Entertaining and magical to the very last page.
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Mar 14, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anne Michaelson’s only dream is to be a normal girl. No magic, no immortal boyfriend, no crazy mythical Russian mermaids chasing her about. Unfortunately, she’s not about to get her wishes granted anytime soon. Trying to recover from the trials of the previous year, she finds herself knee-deep in the middle of it all again.

In all fairness, Anne does her best at appearing as normal as she can. She resists the magic and the weirdness until it overtakes her and everyone around her, leaving her no...more Anne Michaelson’s only dream is to be a normal girl. No magic, no immortal boyfriend, no crazy mythical Russian mermaids chasing her about. Unfortunately, she’s not about to get her wishes granted anytime soon. Trying to recover from the trials of the previous year, she finds herself knee-deep in the middle of it all again.

In all fairness, Anne does her best at appearing as normal as she can. She resists the magic and the weirdness until it overtakes her and everyone around her, leaving her no choice but to fight back. However, in spite of all that weirdness, she remains oddly grounded for a seventeen-year-old. I was highly impressed with her relative lack of attitude towards her parents and the usual teenage angst that you find in novels like this. That’s not to say that she and her mom didn’t have their moments, or that she didn’t have her own, dark thoughts, because she did. The difference here is that those moments all helped the story move forward instead of just painting Anne as a selfish, spoiled child.

Ethan, on the other hand, is a one-time immortal learning to deal with being mortal again for the first time in decades. In between his moments of indecision, once the weirdness of the year before finds Anne again, he never once hesitates to do what he believes is right – and that is to protect Anne at all costs. He is my idea of a real hero. Ethan is considerate, conscientious, and one hundred percent dedicated to Anne and only Anne. When they’re together, they’re completely and utterly happy, no matter how bizarre the circumstances.

Even without having read the preceding book in this series, Dreaming Anastasia, I was able to not just follow along, but thoroughly enjoy Haunted. Ms. Preble has a masterful way of weaving a story that is not just romantic, but exciting and magical. You’ll be loath to leave Anne and Ethan behind when the book closes. Haunted is a wonderful and imaginative story for both older teens and adults alike. Entertaining and magical to the very last page.

Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...(less)

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Mar 03, 2011 Shellys♥ Journal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, series, paranormal, year-2011

I'd probably give it a 3.5 actually. But it's a fun book, so I'm a little generous. This is the sequel to "Dreaming Anastasia" - which tells the story of Anne, who is a modern day Chicago teen that finds herself the key to releasing Anastasia Romanov from a magical hiding place where she was squirreled away just before the rest of her royal family died.

Now, she's still have problems with the witch who was hiding Anastasia, and a new magical monster - a Russian mermaid called the rusalka is stalk...more

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Feb 15, 2011 Stories & Sweeties {Becky} rated it 3 of 5 stars

Joy Preble has a knack for picking such intriguing creatures to act as her villains! After Dreaming Anastasia, I immediately hopped online and researched Baba Yaga, even though I was thoroughly freaked out by her gigantic detachable hands and iron teeth. This time, it's the Rusalkas...vicious mermaids who were once wronged women. No singing and giggling for these mermaids---these creatures cloud a man's brain, lure them to the water and drown them. Nothing cute about it. While this book wasn't n...more Joy Preble has a knack for picking such intriguing creatures to act as her villains! After Dreaming Anastasia, I immediately hopped online and researched Baba Yaga, even though I was thoroughly freaked out by her gigantic detachable hands and iron teeth. This time, it's the Rusalkas...vicious mermaids who were once wronged women. No singing and giggling for these mermaids---these creatures cloud a man's brain, lure them to the water and drown them. Nothing cute about it. While this book wasn't nearly as creepy as the last, it has a few good eerie moments.

Anne is still a strong character, and I still love Tess and the fierce way she stands beside Anne. This time, Anne is a little lost---trying to deny her powers and do all she can to grasp any type of normalcy. She has started dating Ben, who is as normal as can be, bordering on simple. Not so much dumb, but just kind of uninteresting---lifeguard, hormones running on high, sweet but kind of doofy, and when Ethan shows up again, Ben pulls the usual possessive riot act. He didn't seem to match Anne at all, so it tipped the scales of this love triangle easily toward Ethan, as he was just as heroic and mysterious as always. But still, Anne wants normal and Ethan is anything but that, so you'll have to read and find out where she lands!

I really liked the mother/daughter angle of this story. Both of them lost for different reasons, and growing further apart by the day. I liked that the story behind her lost birth grandmother continues in this one and it made for a very interesting part of the plot!

Once again, as in Dreaming Anastasia, the chapters alternate between Anne and Ethan's point of view. I encountered the same problem as last time---their voices are not distinct enough from each other for this to really work for me. I often forgot whose point of view I was currently reading and would have to backtrack a little. I would come across something that I thought completely didn't make sense, and then realize that I wasn't reading who I thought I was reading.

There was also a lot of villain monologuing in this one. With a handful of villainous characters, they all had their moment in the sun. And while it was necessary in some aspects to explain what was going on, it was a bit tedious at times. I also had a hard time understanding the motive and purpose of all three villains, and the cryptic riddles that they spoke in were definitely no help in figuring this out. Still, the tidbits we learn about their histories are important and both answer and create more questions that will hopefully be addressed in a third installment.

I enjoyed this one, although not as much as the first---but I will definitely be eager to continue the story when the third book comes along!(less)

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Jan 24, 2011 Eliza rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book picks up where Dreaming Anastasia left off. I didn't enjoy Dreaming Anastasia as much as I had expected, or wanted to, but I enjoyed Haunted more! I have to admit that I signed up for this ARC tour before reading the first book in the series. I was intrigued by the blurb, it sounded like my cup of tea. Apparently, Dreaming Anastasia was not, unfortunately. Although, I enjoyed being on my first ARC tour, and I appreciated the opportunity to read a book before it's release, I am sad to s...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Gina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: infamous-loathsome-love-triangle, blurb-novels, 4-star

Throughout this book I get the feeling that Anne doesn't want to see the answers and just wants to pretend that she's living a normal life. When we get told some of the answers or clues to the mystery, it is easier for the reader to figure it out then for Anne to figure it out, making her seem clueless when it's actually simple but she just needs to want to see the answer.

It is a mild love triangle in this book. She's dating Ben but almost-loves Ethan and when Ethan comes back then the love tria...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

I loved the romance between Ethan and Anne. Wish there was more. Maybe in the last book? I know, I'm a softie. This is the sequel to Dreaming Anastasia. I loved the concept. The story intertwines the Russian witch Baby Yaga with the young Russian princess, Anastasia. Now, Rusalka? It's almost like a Pushkin poem. I loved the usage of the Russian language. I took classes, and I was able to understand the 3 or 4 transliterations in the book. I know. IT WAS EXCITING.

As much as I liked this book, I...more

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Feb 24, 2011 WilowRaven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

I was somewhat reluctant to pick up Haunted. After reading Dreaming Anastasia, I wasn't really sure that Anne's story needed more telling. Unfortunately, this feeling stayed with me through about a quarter of the book. However, once I was fully immerged in the storyline, I was very happy that Anne's story wasn't over.

Book 1, Dreaming Anastasia, had a lot going on. Haunted has even more. The almost constant action helped move the plot along but the addition of Ben - point 3 in a frustrating love...more

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Mar 06, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Anne and Ethan return in this sequel to Dreaming Anastasia with no less angst to endure or conflict to navigate. When last seen Ethan was leaving Anne behind in order to get his own life in order. However, despite having roamed Europe and farther lands he is still as in love with her as ever. She, on the other hand, is smack dab in the middle of an attempt to move on. That attempt’s name is Ben — the polar opposite to the mysterious Russian her heart truly craves.

Though the star-crossed lovers h...more Anne and Ethan return in this sequel to Dreaming Anastasia with no less angst to endure or conflict to navigate. When last seen Ethan was leaving Anne behind in order to get his own life in order. However, despite having roamed Europe and farther lands he is still as in love with her as ever. She, on the other hand, is smack dab in the middle of an attempt to move on. That attempt’s name is Ben — the polar opposite to the mysterious Russian her heart truly craves.

Though the star-crossed lovers have kept in touch over time neither is being completely honest about their feelings or their lives. Anne, in particular is keeping a big secret — the magical powers she holds aren’t being kept as tightly in check as she’d like them to be. You see, she’s seeing a strange woman hanging about; one that isn’t of this world, one that wants something specific from her. The question really is what? Anne feels the danger this woman brings but is unwilling to admit to either Ethan or her best friend Tess there is anything going on.

This is the gist of the story. Anne and Ethan start to investigate the who’s and what’s of it all. Naturally this puts each of them in danger along with Tess and Ben. Not to mention the fact that this plot also rolls in some fairly interesting backstory involving Anne’s mom, her mother’s mother, and the owner of the Jewel Box Mrs. Benson. Have no fear, Baba Yaga makes many an appearance in Haunted too. Anne and Ethan’s story wouldn’t be complete without her. This time around there is less of the historical perspective and much more on her plans for the future. She’s plotting, you see, plotting away to get a prize I won’t reveal. Still a most interesting character, I was glad to see that Preble didn’t make her the primary focus of the story. There is plenty of attention for Yaga lovers but not too much that those who may not find her as appealing will be turned off. Oh and Viktor is back too! Plotting I tell you….plotting away.

The story is interesting, mostly unpredictable and enjoyable to follow. There is plenty of angst and intrigue and definitely a fair share of danger. In that way Haunted is quite similar to it’s predecessor. But wait, it’s not all creepy badness, there’s romance too! Anne and Ethan still have some sizzling chemistry. Not all of it is aided by their magical powers (though those make an appearance here and there too) either. Of course this romance has it’s own special twist to it, Preble doesn’t want to make it too easy for the young couple. Anne’s trying to push her love for Ethan away while he’s still pining for her but feeling like it’s better if they keep their distance. Oh, and there’s a bit of a triangle too. Anne is dating the super sweet, super normal, direct opposite of a formerly immortal Russian boy named Ben.

I have to say that there isn’t much to Haunted that I didn’t like. It took a bit to pick up into the meat and action of the story but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of it. Preble has yet again crafted a fun and imaginative story that borders on the realistic. Yea, there are killer mermaids. Sure, there is a magical old witch. Uh-huh, there are loads of additional other-worldly type of events as well. But that’s what works so well. It’s perfect for the lover of paranormal fiction but also not so over the top that those who aren’t as fond of those elements will want to shy away. If you haven’t read Dreaming Anastasia pick it up, but make sure you have Haunted on hand too because you’ll want to start it right after.(less)

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Mar 05, 2011 Inspired Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Haunted is the sequel to Anastasia Dreaming by Joy Preble. I enjoyed this just as much the first book. This time we have Baba Yaga, Anne & Ethan as narrators. There will be a sequel and there are lots of unanswered questions but I was satisfied at the end of the book.

In Haunted we are introduced to Rusalkas - mythological mermaid like creatures. Anne is being "haunted" by one of them. We also have a little bit of a love triangle going on. This book picks up about 6 months after Anastasia Dre...more

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May 05, 2011 Ashleigh rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Joy Preble's first novel wasn't that bad, for a first time writer. The storyline was interesting, characters developed enough, and the story itself flowed easily. And, after reading it, I thought the sequel would be even better. Obviously, I was wrong. It seems, to me, that Preble's writing techniques got worse - seemingly close to a young teenager's; the plot - if it could even be called that - was so undeveloped and confusing and just all over the place that I had trouble at times continuing o...more

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Dec 10, 2010 Ginny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, arc

This book takes up after Dreaming Anastasia. Anne is left with powers that didn't disappear. Ethan has left, and Anne has a new boyfriend. Her mother still vanishes with no explanations. Anne still dreams of Baba Yaga. On top of it all, a mermaid begins haunting Anne.

To complicate things even more, the source of Anne's powers begins to manifest and made known to her, and those closest to her. Things change big time in Anne's world. And not everyone is destined to make it out in one piece.

I lik...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Haunted by Joy Preble is the second book in the Dreaming Anastasia series. This book picks up a few months after Dreaming Anastasia ends. Anne is still trying to deal with the aftermath of what happened in book one. She feels guilty over what happened with Anastasia. She is angry at Ethan, but she still misses him as well. Anne wishes her life would go back to the way it was before magic, before Baba Yaga, before Viktor. However that doesn't happen. In fact she's now being stalked by a rusalka,...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have no idea why it took me so long to finally read this book because I loved Dreaming Anastasia and immediately bought this book, but then I just let it sit on my shelf!! Okay so I LOVED it! It was a little crazy what with the adding in the Russian mermaids and all, and of course it wouldnt be YA without making me have to suffer through a freaking love triangle but at least we get Anne and Ethan's POV throughout the book. I enjoyed all the elements of this book from the history, to the magic,...more

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Jul 13, 2011 Dale Ibitz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Haunted is a sequel to Dreaming Anastasia, and while I didn't read the first book, let me say 2 things. 1) I am SO going back and reading the first book, and 2) I could easily pick up Haunted and follow along without having read the first book.

It's a complex tale that is difficult to summarize in one blurb, but Anne's heritage traces back to the Romanovs, full of magic and deceipt and lies. In Haunted, Anne is being stalked by a Russion mermaid; she's hooked up with a new boyfriend; her old flam...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Vi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, paranormal

Anne still can't escape from the traumas of last year. Her heart is still broken from Ethan, who is traipsing through Europe. She still has fantastical dreams about the witch Baba Yaga and oddly enough, she is seeing mermaids in the oddest place. Again, a task is set for Anne and Anne has no desire to work with her destiny or even to deal with magic again. What does she have to do to become a normal teen and does she even have a choice?

So many twist and turns. I couldn't believe how much I learn...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Review: After saving Anastasia, newly mortal Ethan is traveling around Europe to redefine his life. Anne is back home in Chicago trying to pretend she is a normal teenager, but it's proving challenging. Her powers are growing, she is still dreaming about the hut in the woods and she is being stalked by a mermaid. Meanwhile, she is dating a really nice guy (Ben) who makes her feel normal, but she cannot reciprocate his feelings of true love. When the mermaid starts to take drastic measures to cap...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Colleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this novel, again with the Russian fairy tale aspect it is hard to go completely wrong, but Anne was a bit more annoying in this novel than the first one. More on that in a minute. I loved that we got Baba Yaga's point of view a few times, though it usually just confused me, but I like that she is an actual character. The plot was fun and very inventive.

Anne, sweetheart, we need to talk. At the beginning of this novel I really couldn't stand you and near the end you were just getting whi...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars...

The Dreaming Anastasia series is a very original and enjoyable series and Haunted did not disappoint. There is still enough mystery, romance, family secrets and Russian lore to keep you very satisfied. After the events in Dreaming Anastasia, all of our favorite characters have changed, and while they thought it was all over, they realize in Haunted that it is just beginning. New threats threaten to tear them apart and it's up to Anne, once again, to try and save everyone.

Anne has bee...more

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May 16, 2012 K. Francis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: featured

I had never read a YA novel until I picked up Dreaming Anastasia. The reviews were good and the premise sounded like a good one. Not only was I not disappointed, I found myself hungry for a second installment.

In Haunted, Joy Prebles further refines and deepens the central characters from the first book. They are richly drawn and finely detailed. Her characters are at once gifted and all are fully human enough to give into the foibles we have all experience. To cause us to suspend our beliefs whi...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, romance, witches, supernatural, favorites, historical-fiction, mythology, young-adult-romance, young-adult-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 08, 2012 Hope rated it 2 of 5 stars

Haunted, a book two in Dreaming Anastasia series; I read Dreaming Anastasia and reviewed some time ago. I have to say that I did not enjoy Dreaming Anastasia that much, I only gave it one out of five Stars. Anyways, event though I did not enjoy book one that much, I have to say that Haunted was much better but i still had some complaints.

This book picks up few months from where Dreaming Anastasia left off. I was bit disappointed because Anne's character went backwards rather then forwards in ch...more Haunted, a book two in Dreaming Anastasia series; I read Dreaming Anastasia and reviewed some time ago. I have to say that I did not enjoy Dreaming Anastasia that much, I only gave it one out of five Stars. Anyways, event though I did not enjoy book one that much, I have to say that Haunted was much better but i still had some complaints.

This book picks up few months from where Dreaming Anastasia left off. I was bit disappointed because Anne's character went backwards rather then forwards in character development, at least for the first part of the book. It was a bit annoying, her constant denial and unwillingness to accept her responsibility for who she is. Denying her destiny was not very productive or useful. I wanted to shake Anne and tell her to get over it and take matters in your own hands and do something about it. But not all was bad, once Anne accepted her destiny the story got better. I have to say that I did enjoy second part of the book. Supporting characters were alright, even though I thought that Anne's best friends was bit annoying at times.

Storyline was alright, but I kind of wished that there was a bit more action, however there was more action in this book then in Dreaming Anastasia. I enjoyed reading the story from Baba Yaga's point of view and to see why she does what she does, or what she is compelled to do. Romance between Anne and Ethan was good, but similar to character developmetn, their relationship took a step back in the first part of the book.

Overall this was a good read and I enjoyed the second part of the book more then I did the first. Characters do take a a step back development wise in the first part of the book, especially Anne. It was like this was the first time she discovered about her destiny. Writing was alright, characted development could use some more imprvement and story line could use more umph.

I give this book 2/5 STARS - Happy Reading!!!

Dreaming Anastasia Series:

1. Dreaming Anastasia
2. Haunting
3. Anastasia Forever - Coming Soon August 1st, 2012(less)

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Feb 21, 2012 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-release, books-i-own, signed-books-arcs, 2012-100-book-challenge, mundie-moms-reviews

Haunted is an enticing sequel to Joy Preble's Anastasia Dreaming. I loved this book's Russian lore, romance, and suspense as much as I did in the first book. Joy Preble has a fabulous job at taking her readers deeper into her lore, unraveling the secrets from the first book and uncovering some unexpected twists. I was so caught up with the story this time around that I didn't even question what was going on, and the ending left me wanting more. Joy not only answers questions I had from book 1, b...more Haunted is an enticing sequel to Joy Preble's Anastasia Dreaming. I loved this book's Russian lore, romance, and suspense as much as I did in the first book. Joy Preble has a fabulous job at taking her readers deeper into her lore, unraveling the secrets from the first book and uncovering some unexpected twists. I was so caught up with the story this time around that I didn't even question what was going on, and the ending left me wanting more. Joy not only answers questions I had from book 1, but she also leaves room for more questions with this story's ending, which will lead right into book 3.

Anne is just as feisty as she was in the first book only this time around I feel like she speaks her mind a bit more as the story progresses. I adore her best friend Tess just as much as I did in book one and I may have fallen in love with Ethan even more. Finally these two admit their feelings for each other, but of course it's much more complicated than just professing their love for one another. With a Rusalka who's stalking Anne, a complicated love triangle, and Anne gaining powers she didn't know she had, Ethan and Anne have more than their feelings for each other to contend with. There's a lot that gets uncovered in this story and it puts everyone Anne cares about at risk.

Joy did a great job at showing three different sides of this story through Anne, Ethan and Baba Yaga's narrations. I have to admit, Baba Yaga started to wear me down a bit in this book and I even felt myself sympathizing with her a little. This sequel has a fast paced plot line that's full of surprises with it's secrets inside of secrets, mystery, danger and of course a few kissy scenes. I really liked the direction this series has taken and the way in which Joy was able to dive deeper into her Russian lore. She kept this story line exciting, kept me on my toes and in the end left me feeling both satisfied and wanting more. If you've read Dreaming Anatastia I highly recommend picking this sequel up. There is some very mild language, and some swoon worthy moments between the love interests.
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Sep 23, 2011 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Lovers of the paranormal, creepy, & romance

HAUNTED is a beautiful story of self acceptance and honor, believing in what is good despite what is seen.

I'm a sucker for multiple POV tales, especially fantasies with a creepy edge. Just as in DREAMING ANASTASIA, the first book in this trilogy, HAUNTED follows more than one narrator: Anne--the girl with an unearthly connection to a girl trapped from book I, Ethan--the boy destined to find Anne, and Baba Yaga--the witch, who's entrapped the girl Anne dreamed about.

The journey begins with both m...more

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Mar 04, 2011 JL (An Avid Reader's Musings) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-book-tours, arc, mg-ya-books-read-in-2011, reviewed

I actually read HAUNTED before reading DREAMING ANASTASIA and I liked how, although this is the second book in a series, it had a stand alone storyline that I could follow despite not knowing the history of the characters and their introduction in the first novel. Author Preble did a great job of recounting the major events in the first book so that those who had not already read it would not be confused, but she avoided the dreaded info dump.

Unlike most of the popular young adult paranormal boo...more

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Mar 31, 2011 KM rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-for-review, sourcebooks

Haunted is a nice follow-up to Dreaming Anastasia - it feaures the same sweet romance, stunning cover, and creepy, Russian villains. Preble does a great job of mixing history with fantasy into Anne's crazy world. She also has a real gift for creating great bad guys. I'm not sure who I love to hate more: Victor or Baba Yaga.

While Dreaming Anastasia took a little while for us to get into the story, Haunted pretty much started off with a bang. Anne knows she's being haunted by a mermaid. Ethan has...more Haunted is a nice follow-up to Dreaming Anastasia - it feaures the same sweet romance, stunning cover, and creepy, Russian villains. Preble does a great job of mixing history with fantasy into Anne's crazy world. She also has a real gift for creating great bad guys. I'm not sure who I love to hate more: Victor or Baba Yaga.

While Dreaming Anastasia took a little while for us to get into the story, Haunted pretty much started off with a bang. Anne knows she's being haunted by a mermaid. Ethan has been away for a long time, and she has a new boyfriend, Ben. The mermaid stalking her then proceeds to attempt to drown Ben, which causes Anne's entire world to spin into another adventure filled with ancient Russian folklore and prophesies.

While I was never able to connect with Anne or truly like her (I found her a bit whiney and hot-headed), I really enjoyed reading about Ethan and Tess. They were actually my favorite characters. Tess is chatty and opiniated and sometimes annoying, but always supportive and protective of Anne. She's the kind of friend you'd like to have with you in a knife fight.

Then there's Ethan, who epitomizes the "nice guy" hero. Honestly, I don't think there are enough of these in YA. Brooding anti-heroes, cocky alpha males, and the best-friend-turned-lover is flooding the market right now. Where is just the average nice guy who is genuinely a good person? Why, he's in Haunted! Ethan was a great hero for me, and I found it kind of hilarious that Preble threw in the few bits of Russian culture with his love for cigarettes and Vodka.

I was really enjoying this book until about halfway through, where I felt it sort of ran out of steam. The ending felt drawn-out, and I would have preferred more conciseness. Instead of the long climax, I would have liked to see more interaction between Anne and Ethan. The book takes place within only a matter of days, and that felt slightly stilted to me, for some reason.

However, this is still a solid paranormal book for fans of the genre. The Russian folklore elements make it unique, and Preble's storytelling keeps you turning the page.(less)

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Feb 22, 2011 Precious rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Dreaming Anastasia continues with a darker installment, showcasing the emotional side of Anne. Anne was torn between moving on with Ben, her new lifeguard boyfriend, and leaving behind the magic, and confessing her feelings for Ethan and coming to terms with her destiny. She struggled with staying normal and embracing who she really was, and accepting her magic.

Meanwhile, a wild-haired woman who was only visible to Anne, kept stalking her, popping in and out of sight when she least expects it. T...more Dreaming Anastasia continues with a darker installment, showcasing the emotional side of Anne. Anne was torn between moving on with Ben, her new lifeguard boyfriend, and leaving behind the magic, and confessing her feelings for Ethan and coming to terms with her destiny. She struggled with staying normal and embracing who she really was, and accepting her magic.

Meanwhile, a wild-haired woman who was only visible to Anne, kept stalking her, popping in and out of sight when she least expects it. This was another creature of the Russian folklore that I encountered - a creature with emotional baggage heavy enough for her to carry throughout her days. This strange woman needed something from Anne. But sick and tired of the destiny talk, Anne refused to listen and did not want to be engaged in another magical mess. The wild-haired woman’s persistence and desire presented danger, one that was propelled by vengeance.

The second installment dealt with separation of the almost couple – Anne and Ethan – and the effects and consequences of this on the two of them. In Haunted, the romance between the two of them was somewhat hesitant and sexy. A better understanding between them was also developed. Haunted also tackled Anne’s relationship with her mother. Both of them were affected by the death of her brother, David. Now that things have become weirder and more complicated, the truth cannot be easily told, creating a barrier between the two.

Told from the perspectives of Anne, Ethan and Baba Yaga, I was given a modern and young view and an ancient and wise view of all the things happening in the novel. Magic binds the three, tying them to their destinies. Another thing that I liked about Haunted was that Baba Yaga was not only viewed as a witch but also a woman, a helper and a powerful person that can stir up things. I also got to read about Baba Yaga before she was a witch. It was a short tale that told of the ways of the Old Ones and the reason behind her transformation.

Haunted is a rollercoaster ride into the dark, the unknown, the destined and the unexpected. This is a story of loss, love and chance that will leave you wanting more. I loved every page of this! It was better than the first in so many ways. I recommend this to fans of Dreaming Anastasia, dark fantasy, magic and romance. (less)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7926791-haunted?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1271377633l/7926791.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7926791-haunted?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Haunted by Joy Preble[/url]

Haunted (Dreaming Anastasia #2)

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