Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Savannah Grey

3.28 of 5 stars 3.28 · rating details · 278 ratings · 95 reviews

15-year-old Savannah Grey has never felt she's belonged. She keeps her distance, so she's surprised by her attraction to the new boy Reece. Then strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave strangely; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah learns she has supernatura...more

Hardcover, 266 pages

Published April 1st 2011 by Carolrhoda Books (first published February 4th 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Nightmare Along the River Nile by Suzanna E. Nelson

Books that rocked my world

50th out of 83 books — 48 voters

Books I read from November 2009 - Present Day Part 3

54th out of 64 books — 5 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 763)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 26, 2011 Michelle Witte rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: young-adult, favorites, rocked-my-world, reviewed, supernatural, hooked-by-1st-page

Overall ★★★★★
Story ★★★★★
Characters ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★
Ending ★★★★★

It’s incredibly rare that a book manages to vault itself onto my “favorite books ever” list within the first two paragraphs. Only one book comes to mind, at least within recent memory: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman captivated me by the first line. Now I’ve found a second: Cliff McNish’s Savannah Grey, and it did so with incredible force.

What did it? Paragraph number 2: “Reaching number thirty-three, Savannah Grey’s house, the H...more Overall ★★★★★
Story ★★★★★
Characters ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★
Ending ★★★★★

It’s incredibly rare that a book manages to vault itself onto my “favorite books ever” list within the first two paragraphs. Only one book comes to mind, at least within recent memory: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman captivated me by the first line. Now I’ve found a second: Cliff McNish’s Savannah Grey, and it did so with incredible force.

What did it? Paragraph number 2: “Reaching number thirty-three, Savannah Grey’s house, the Horror dropped its star-shaped head on one side, knotted its murderous claws behind its back, and tried to work out the most entertaining way to reach Savannah’s bedroom. There were many ways available, but the Horror was young and like all young things, it liked to use its teeth.”

How, I ask, can a book be dull with an opening like that? I was immediately captivated. Not even the change in narrative styles to first person once Savannah awoke diminished the storytelling. I was delighted when I saw that the original voice returned every few chapters to detail more of the Horror and the ancient Ocrassa that controlled it. Neither voice suffered, instead offering a depth to the already compelling story.

While the human characters were well crafted, the monsters came to life with a vibrancy that made me want to see the child-like Horror prance about in a stolen leotard and chasse and leap about while terrorizing humans. The way McNish tells of the Ocrassa’s history is as though he is telling of the Earth itself, incredibly powerful and moving. While explicitly evil, the Ocrassa is rendered in such a way that its actions seemed logical given what it was. I’ve never seen a writer make monsters feel so natural in our world. It’s incredible and not something I can accurately express in a brief review.

In addition to all this, the book ends exactly where and as it should. While there are some flaws (which I’d daresay are minor in comparison to its incredible strengths), I’ve read so few books that seemed nearly perfect in so many ways. This is one you have to read for yourself. Although many of you may disagree with my thoughts, you can’t read this and not wonder at the incredibly rich and original universe McNish created here. It’s astounding.
(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 23, 2011 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-s, e-book, netgalley

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

*This ebook was provided to me at no cost by the publisher*

I wasn’t too fussed in this book. There was nothing exceptionally wrong with it, but little things here and there made me like it less than I expected too.
I feel like the story progressed at little to quickly at times and the characters reacted and began feeling certain ways too soon. I liked the plotline. The idea itself is compeletly unique and out of the ordinary; I've never seen or read something like this before.I feel like the aut...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 08, 2011 Truly Bookish rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Savannah Grey is one of the most unique stories I have ever read. The main character, Savannah, has paranormal abilities unlike anything I have come across in other YA novels and I found it refreshing.

This is a very quick read and Savannah is only briefly introduced before the action starts. She is a foster child who never feels comfortable being in one place too long so she changes families frequently but she is well behaved, smart and gets good grades. She knows there is something different a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2011 Anu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: strange-but-compelling

I have read quite a few fantasy novels. And many of them have been set in alternate universes, and have had strange concepts, and have gone down entirely innovative philosophical paths before. However, this is the first book which has done something so completely different, followed our technological, scientific, and genetic evolution without any convolution, but provided a completely new outlook on life and natural progression! I did not find it to be part of the horror genre at all. It was fan...more I have read quite a few fantasy novels. And many of them have been set in alternate universes, and have had strange concepts, and have gone down entirely innovative philosophical paths before. However, this is the first book which has done something so completely different, followed our technological, scientific, and genetic evolution without any convolution, but provided a completely new outlook on life and natural progression! I did not find it to be part of the horror genre at all. It was fantasy at its best: A rare, completely new outlook that shocks the system and brings out a combination of unease and suspense in a reader, so much so that the pages keep turning, the momentum keeps up on its own. I am still not entirely sure whether I like it... I loved the concept, the strong foundations, the entirely believable way both the protagonist, her sidekicks, and the antagonist, and its sidekicks were portrayed. But, did I like the story, as in did it make me feel all happy and pull me in until I walked one of the character's shoes? Nope, not at all! But yet... there was something about it...

Savannah Grey is a 15 year old who has so far lived a normal human life, except for having been paranoid, and moving around a lot. Her best friend, a very colourful, emotional, and realistic character named Nina, is a huge part of her life. Nina introduces Savannah to a boy named Reece who, in the way of many teen YA books, seems to be the perfect match for our heroine. Through it all, there is a gradual introduction to the antagonist side of the book. This side is headed up by a character named the Orcrassa who is a textbook perfect villain, a psychopath with no understanding of humanity, an intelligent machine whose sole aim is destruction, survival, and self-propagation. Survival instinct causes the Orcrassa to experience its first emotion: fear. Throughout the book, it never feels anything but fear, and sometimes animosity, and frustration. It is only right at the end, that it seems to evolve a little, but that's for readers to discover on their own.

The best thing about this book was that I loved the Orcrassa. It was a brilliant portrayal, a wonderful way to create a villain so entirely inhuman, so completely free of gender restrictions, no moral dilemmas, and entirely focussed on only its own survival and propagation. It does not deal in any manner of growth - it is already the perfect genetic blueprint of a virus. However, it deals in aggregation of knowledge, a patient aggregation of knowledge which drives the human race to learn more for its own sake. This was a flabbergasting take on scientific research and development, and I was totally pulled in. There was just one paragraph on this, but it stuck with me.

The protagonist, in a lot of ways, is a typical YA heroine, who faces trials and tribulations, has the help of an overwhelming entity (in this book, Nature itself helps out), goes through love and loss, and finally has to save the entirety of the world from destruction from the Orcrassa. Nina was a wonderful best friend, always there even though she herself does not understand, even when she herself is so emotionally and psychologically terrified, even though she gets hurt and traumatized herself. All this is not portrayed in a sappy, sugary manner. It is written in a very matter of fact way, that did not make me gag very much at all!

The heroine's love interest Reece is very well written out too. His strange outburts, his emotional attachment, his help given to Savannah without any reservations... all of it, I thought, were typical YA traits. Oh, how gloriously wrong I was! The author, Cliff McNish, is twisted, I have to give him that! The story of Reece awed me, and brought the book to such a stunning conclusion!

The story of the Orcrassa versus Nature and natural progression and survival, which in essence is what this book is about, sucked me in and threw me out with very volatile feelings. Characters named "The Horror", the "Nyktomorph", and even "Orcrassa" did not appeal to me, not at the beginning and not even at the end. But even these unappealing traits aside, I could not help but get completely involved in the book. It's not that the writing style was not awesome. It was. But, it was not so completely overwhelmingly brilliant when compared to my other favoured authors. It was not that the heroine or the love interest was something totally absorbing. To be honest, both were quite plebeian. No, it was the plot, the growth of the antagonist, the portrayal of the stuggle between the Orcrassa and Nature over the centuries, and the final fight, the entirely new conceptualization stuck right within our non-magical, entirely solid universe: this blew me away!

I'm still not sure if I liked it, as I said before. I did not identify with any of the characters. I did not feel compassionate toward anyone but the Nyktomorph (which is a very strange experience for me). I found the heroine only adequate, the love interest not very interesting, and the best friend worthy but nothing new. But, I loved the story! Totally loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a little bit of a jerk from the mostly monotonous flow of today's YA fantasies. And I would say this to you: do no give up on the book midway. Read it through to the end. It's a fast read and trust me, it's worth it! Just keep an open mind and keep the pages turning!(less)

5 likes · like · see review

May 20, 2010 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: teen, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 15 year old Savannah Grey is a weapon. But she doesn't know how deadly she is. Her throat seems to be connected to the mystery; strange noises are heard at night coming from her neck and she is overprotective of her throat. She can't get close to anyone without warning vibrations and becoming violent; so boys and a love life is out of the question, even when Reece appears in her life-cute geeky and totally Savannah's type. And he has the same odd behaviour and a curious scar on his throat. Both...more 15 year old Savannah Grey is a weapon. But she doesn't know how deadly she is. Her throat seems to be connected to the mystery; strange noises are heard at night coming from her neck and she is overprotective of her throat. She can't get close to anyone without warning vibrations and becoming violent; so boys and a love life is out of the question, even when Reece appears in her life-cute geeky and totally Savannah's type. And he has the same odd behaviour and a curious scar on his throat. Both feel they were meatn to meet; both dream of a monster surrounded by leaves and they believe they are meant to stop it. But there are creatures who want to prevent Savannah's weaopin becoming fully operational. Teh Horror stalks Savannah at night, coming into her room whilst she's sleeping and evaluates her progress, reporting to his master - the creature known as the Ocrassa. Teh Ocrassa is waiting for the opportunity to kill her, to ensure its survival, and he has a plan, a plan that will have you guessing to the last second.

Cliff McNish has this canny ability to be intense when writing, but its very subtle. Similar to that of Angel. I was VERY unsure when I first started reading this book as it was obscure, confusing and a bit odd. I also felt a bit annoyed about the whole I love Reece, I .love Savannah after about two days of knowing each other, but when the stroy unfolds I realised it was a clever and integral part of the mystery that is Savannah Grey. But by the concluding chapters, when the story is coming together and the book reaching its climax I was on the edge of my seat eager to know the outcome. Cliff McNish throwa bits here and there to twist and confuse you making you try to grab onto something, and idea-plausible-that could explain what would happen next.

The characters were likeable, if not overly developed - except for the obivous main characters (Reece, Savannah and the creatures). I also liked the change of narrator - the Ocrassa had chapters dedicated to itself so the reader knew the origin of the creature and why Svannah Grey was what she was.

It was a very unique, well written story which showed me once again that Cliff McNish is a very creative andimpressive author.

Not to mention the moral of the story - love conquers all!?!? Read itm it might seem confusing and odd but it really does satiate the hunger for something unique.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2011 H.Lee added it · review of another edition

Hmmm, I do not even know where to begin to describe this book. I would begin by saying that it is more sci-fi than paranormal.

Savannah Grey has never really been interested in boys. Her best friend, Nina, is always trying to set her up. Usually, they are uninteresting, until Nina finds Reece. Savannah has an immediate gravitational pull towards him. She also has been struggling with a sore throat for months now and cannot seem to shake it. Reece and Savannah may have more in common than they rea...more

like · see review

Mar 26, 2011 Becca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-ya, young-adult, netgalley, books-read-in-2011, arc-s

Savannah Grey has never felt quite normal. As a foster child she has constantly requested new locations, because she has a restlessness in her that won't be appeased. When strange things start happening with her throat such as, constantly being sore, things are hard to swallow, clicking noises that emanate from her throat during sleep, and a protective feeling for her throat, Savannah doesn't know what is wrong. But when she meets Reese a boy who has similar symptoms and feelings Savannah feels...more

like · see review

Jan 03, 2011 the golden witch. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, 2011, lovecraftian-lovechild, what-is-this-i-dont-even, scifi, teenage-shennanigans, ebook, reviewed, net-galley

Everything that the male sex has been afraid of since the dawn of human civilization IS Savannah Grey. But instead of the vagina dentata, we have a throat weapon that can still kill just as easily. The scary legend passed down from generation to generation has been turned on its head.

And I LOVE IT. I literally could not put this book down after picking it up for the first time.

This author makes wonderful use of this image in the shared unconscious to create a pair of wonderful protagonists, as w...more Everything that the male sex has been afraid of since the dawn of human civilization IS Savannah Grey. But instead of the vagina dentata, we have a throat weapon that can still kill just as easily. The scary legend passed down from generation to generation has been turned on its head.

And I LOVE IT. I literally could not put this book down after picking it up for the first time.

This author makes wonderful use of this image in the shared unconscious to create a pair of wonderful protagonists, as well as monsters that have always haunted the human psyche. These monsters are what Plato would have called the "shadows on the walls", and Savannah is the terrifying reverse - she's the sunlight that awaits quietly outside for those who dare come to her.

Considering the age group (and YA is a pretty big range in terms of age now - it seems to target not just teenagers but everyone under or maybe a bit over age 30), I don't expect everyone will find these psychological semiotic symbols too easily, if at all, within the text. But no matter. With its diverse use of horror and science fact blending with fiction, this book will most definitely appeal to the entire enormous age range that is the young adult genre. Without too much spoiling, the monsters in the book definitely pay tribute to Lovecraft in their appearance and movement, and with all of the above mentioned symbolism and science fact along with what's come to be the usual romance and horror, it stands out within the genre dazzlingly. It's immediately accessible to all, and that's what definitely drew me in from page one.

There's also, within the sub-arc of the Ocrassa's backstory, a bit of Le Petit Prince to things (how it came to Earth, how the other monsters were born, how they all interacted with each other). Turned on its head and looking more at the soul of evil rather than the soul of good, there's definitely hints of Saint-Exupery's master work within the bouts of question and answer between the Ocrassa and the Nyktomorph. As Le Petit Prince is one of my favorite books, this was like sinking down into a warm, comfortable bed with grooves your body's worn into, familiar and safe. There's the question of monsters and morals, and morals and monsters, and if one can actually possess the other, and it's refreshing to see this within a YA horr0r-scifi tale.

The only fault I found was with how long Savannah took to realize what was really going on. For nature's ultimate weapon, full of love or not, she's a bit slow on the uptake. Had that not happened, I would have given this five stars. Regardless, this is a really fabulous book, my nitpicking aside.

If you love horror, or science fiction, or science fact made into fiction; if you love young adult romance or paranormal romance, this book is most definitely for you. I really hope this book gets the recognition it deserves as it's the first new publication of 2011 that's earned my respect.

Four out of five stars.

Crossposted to librarything & witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 15, 2011 Penelope rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-books

This review was originally published on: The Reading Fever.

Talk about an enticing read! I can honestly say that Savannah Grey is unlike any other book out there. Combine a completely unique, and slightly disturbing, set of powers, with a completely unique, and slightly disturbing storyline, and you have Savannah Grey.

When I originally requested this book, it had a different cover. I'm glad it did, because I'm not sure I would have requested it if it had had this current cover. I'm not a fan of...more

like · see review

Apr 14, 2011 Shannon O'Donnell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This was my first experience with author Cliff McNish, and I am a new fan. I LOVED this book. He is a great storyteller. In fact, I would call him a master of descriptive imagery and quirky characterization. It has one of the best creepy opening chapters I've read in a long time, and what's even cooler is that it was totally creepy, yet humorous at the same time. I even made my 14-year-old come and listen while I read parts of it to him--and it was only the first chapter!

I have read several revi...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2011 Darkfallen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, netgalley-reviewed

There is a monster lurking in the shadows...

Waiting for his chance to strike back. Slowly evolving since the dawn of time. While this creature takes on many forms, one thing is certain. It is at war. A constant battle is brewing between the monster, and nature itself....

Savannah Grey as always been a little different. Bouncing from foster home to foster home, always feeling restless. Then something begins to happen with her throat. That's when she meets Reece, who also has something strange go...more There is a monster lurking in the shadows...

Waiting for his chance to strike back. Slowly evolving since the dawn of time. While this creature takes on many forms, one thing is certain. It is at war. A constant battle is brewing between the monster, and nature itself....

Savannah Grey as always been a little different. Bouncing from foster home to foster home, always feeling restless. Then something begins to happen with her throat. That's when she meets Reece, who also has something strange going on with his throat. Little does she know that is not the only thing going on here. Savannah is more than a little different, more like supernatural. Nature's answer for taking down the monster for once and all.

Will she be able to accept her fate and BE the deadly weapon that she is destined to be?

Well that my friends you'll just have to read for yourself;)

My thoughts on this book are very torn. So lets start with the most important parts shall we? Yes we shall!

Cliff McNish is amazing. He has wowed me in his ability to paint a picture in such great detail. Leaving no stone unturned, he walks you through an amazing journey. The things he talks about in this story should leave you a little confused, but the DON'T. He just has a way of making you not only understand everything, but believe it to be real.

I fell in love with Savannah right from the start. I like how when she was faced with impossible choices, she did what any teenage girl would do, and made mistakes. It is the way that she handles those mistakes and learns from them that makes you admire her. As for Reece? What can I say he surprised me the most! I don't want to give anything away but by then end of this I was totally hearting him.

McNish has a talent for making you love a character one minute, and them hating them the next. Every time I thought "Oh I see. Now I know whats gonna happen," he pulled the rug out from under me. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going to happen next. It wasn't until the final pages that I finally was able to string it all together, and I assure that was only because McNish decided it was time. While there was some level of well played romance, he didn't flood the pages with it. This is definitely more of a hold on to the seat of your pants, action packed novel.

Now I'll go into why I was torn...I'll start by saying that I am a BIG wimp when it comes to all things creepy crawly. Both of the buggy and microscopic variety. I'm a big wuss. I get it I really do. That being said, there was a lot of that in this book. In such vivid detail that I literally had to take a few breaks/showers. Note that this is not a constant throughout the entire book. It's mostly just the parts from Ocrassa's point of view. Like I said McNish has a way with words that will leave you with a clear picture of every detail, including the evolution of the monster. Please don't let this keep you from reading this book. If me and my trusty bottle of hand sanitizer can make it through it, so can you.

All in all, no matter how much it gave me the hee-bee-gee-bee's, this book was worth all of it. I am so glad I found my "big girl" pants and kept going. The ending alone is an amazing twist that will make you squee!!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 Chibineko rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book has been my second foray into Carolrhoda Lab's library & I have to admit that I'm pretty impressed. These guys really do have a great eye for titles that are not only readable, but don't fall into the normal cliches of YA fiction. (As a heavy reader of YA, I can say that there's a lot of titles that tend to follow the same formulas.)

Readers who are looking for a little something above & beyond the usual "girl with powers" fare will rejoice in this book. Not only does McNish try...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 13, 2011 Sherrie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books-assigned

While the concept of this book is original, the execution of the plot was spotty at best. Savannah, a British foster teen, has a problem with her throat. She knows something isn't right, but she feels protective of the odd thing growing there. She visits a doctor, but nearly kills the the doc when he approaches her mouth to diagnose her. It is revealed that she has supernatural powers manifested in her throat, which have also given her amazing speed, super strength and an odd connection with nat...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Karin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, horror, monsters, saving-the-world, teenagers, supernatural-powers, young-adult-fiction, borrowed-from-the-library, short, suspense-thriller, supernatural, friendship

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

like · see review

Mar 07, 2013 yyyasmin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned, bookvoucher-2013, ya-paranormal

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

What I liked about the book:
The monsters. Ocrassa. The Horror. The Nyktomorph. They have even more depth than the main characters, ironically.
Fast pacing.
Savannah's superpower is an original. Never heard that one in any YA before. So that's a +1.
Nina Savoy. Seriously, could there be a better friend than this? Even I would've just packed up my stuff.
That ending. Oh, god, that ending. Some may despite it, or even hate it, but the author certainly has guts to end the book l...more

like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 Lachlan Burgin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

'Savannah Grey' was far more than what I expected! And that’s saying a lot when reading another of Cliff McNish’s creative tales! I’ve been an avid fan of McNish for quite a few years now after I first read Angel, and since then, his consistent, beautiful prose, and the way he explores the chemistry between his dark imaginings and his marvellous, teenage protagonists has always engaged me in ways that a lot of books fail to measure. His alternation between first-person and third-person narrative...more

like · see review

Dec 26, 2010 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-suspense-read, paranormal-read

Summary (from the author's website): A monster's out there... Only one girl can stop it. But will love get in the way?

It's a difficult time for fifteen-year-old Savannah Grey - she's settled into her latest foster placement, but her body is acting oddly. Then other strange things begin to happen. Birds behave erratically; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah discovers she has supernatural powers.

Only new boy Reece Gandolfo thinks Savannah's powers are...more Summary (from the author's website): A monster's out there... Only one girl can stop it. But will love get in the way?

It's a difficult time for fifteen-year-old Savannah Grey - she's settled into her latest foster placement, but her body is acting oddly. Then other strange things begin to happen. Birds behave erratically; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah discovers she has supernatural powers.

Only new boy Reece Gandolfo thinks Savannah's powers are a special gift. No wonder she's attracted to him. But there's another force that wants to lure Savannah from safety into danger...

---

Savannah Grey was quite the read. Fast-paced and action-packed, there was never a moment when I felt like I could stop reading. Cliff McNish's writing is flawless, and you can't help but get sucked into this amazing, amazing book.

I've been a fan of Mr. McNish ever since reading The Doomspell Trilogy, and I had high expectations for Savannah Grey; I'm glad to say Mr. McNish didn't disappoint! Savannah's 'voice' is so genuine - it's hard to believe her narrative was written by a male! Also, there are so many dimensions to this story - a monster isn't just a heartless, evil creature, and the love interest isn't who they appear to be. The author did a great job with characterization and developing the relationships between the characters - you can really feel the bond developing between Savannah and Reese at a steady, realistic pace. I like the fact that although there was a romantic element in this novel, the entire story wasn't solely based upon the romance. The characters still had issues to deal with, and 'being together' wasn't the ultimate goal - survival was.

Another element of the story I really enjoyed were the passages detailing the evolution of the Ocrassa - it was a refreshing change from the stories where you are simply presented with an antagonist without knowing why they do the things they do.

Overall, I give this book 4.5 / 5 stars, and I definitely recommend you pick it up if (like myself) you've been in a little bit of a YA rut lately.

Looking forward to more from the author!
(less)

like · see review

Nov 27, 2010 Miranda Lynn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

1 like · like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 Lindsey "Blue" rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First of all, Savannah Grey is not some weakling girl who needs to be saved by the brave, strong hero. She is her own heroin, and the world's. I loved that about this story. She, through evolution, gets to be strong and save humanity from the destruction the Ocrassa has been looking forward to inflicting since it was created.

That gets me to my next point. Evolution. Evolution ends up being a sort of character all in itself. Through it, the Ocrassa is able to learn and change so that it can defe...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 16, 2010 Jenny / Wondrous Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, uk-author

Savannah Grey isn't at all what I was expecting, but I loved it anyway. It's a perfect blend of mystery, horror and suspense, and even has a bit of romance thrown in too. It's wonderfully written, with a well-executed story that twists and turns like a winding road.

It's clear that McNish has a particular interest in the horror genre, and I like how he mixes things up and adds new elements, in turn making Savannah Grey a horror/sci-fi/romance that even the most reluctant reader will be hard press...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2011 Alicia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2011

Initially, I was really intrigued by the idea of supernatural throat powers. I was excited to read the book, but my excitement started to falter not too far in. In general, I felt like the book was rushed. It seemed as though everything happened too fast, and there wasn't enough time for development. I felt like the characters could have been developed more deeply.

The best development was done in the pieces pertaining to the monster. The author did a great job telling the story of the monster,...more

like · see review

Feb 15, 2011 Laura (All of Everything) rated it 3 of 5 stars

First off, I've never read anything like this before. I'm on the fence about this one; I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either.

Savannah is this teenage girl with a strange throat affliction. It starts with a sore throat, then her foster mother informs her that there are strange sounds coming from her mouth when she sleeps. When she visits the hospital for blood test results, she unwillingly lashes out at an attendant trying to look down her throat. Whatever is in her throat, it makes he...more First off, I've never read anything like this before. I'm on the fence about this one; I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either.

Savannah is this teenage girl with a strange throat affliction. It starts with a sore throat, then her foster mother informs her that there are strange sounds coming from her mouth when she sleeps. When she visits the hospital for blood test results, she unwillingly lashes out at an attendant trying to look down her throat. Whatever is in her throat, it makes her assault a nurse, almost kill her best friend, and prevents her from kissing anyone ever.

Savannah gets the feeling that the throat 'weapon' is there to protect her. Multiple times she comes to the conclusion that she's meant to fight a monster because she saw it in her dreams. Uh-huh. This was the major peeve for me. Savannah was surprisingly calm and majorly intuitive as to the strange ability of hers. She came to conclusions way too easily. Strange things in my throat? Must be to fight a monster. See a strange creature running out of your house in the middle of the night? Go after it of course!

With the disturbing imagery and the mystery surrounding what exactly is in Savannah's throat and its purpose, I thought she moved into her role as 'monster hunter' way too easily. It just didn't come off as very realistic to me. She's 15 yet transitions into something like a superhero in a very short amount of time.

Every few chapters or so, we go to the viewpoint of the Ocrassa, this being that has existed, well, since the beginnings of life. It goes from an organism and is able to actively evolve. It exists as an amoeba, lives with the dinosaurs, the plants, in the ocean, and its main goal of its existence is to be the ultimate creature. It dominates everything else and is seemingly indestructible until nature came along and made Savannah Grey. It has to kill her to regain its place at the top of the food chain.
It was interesting being in the Ocrassa's one track mind and even more interesting as it 'created' itself; molded legs and arms or extra eyes. It was creepy to witness its steely, emotionless demeanor.

Bottom Line
I'm not sure how to classify this book. It's sort of sci-fi but it also has some morbid undertones that made me cringe a bit to imagine. It was strange but held my attention long enough to wonder what was going to happen next, though it did end quite suddenly. If you're a fan of horror books or just want to read something completely different, you might like this. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 21, 2010 NewMoonGirl (Hazel) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010

Savannah Grey is a very good book & I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. It was very fast paced from word go ! On the cover it describes this book as a tale of love & horror! yes its full of love but to me I wouldn't class it as scary horror but maybe thats because im older and its meant for younger readers. It was however full of mystery & suspense which kept me turning the pages.
The books chapters are divided between Savannah's story & the Ocrassa monster's evolution.
I...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2010 Wenj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, read-2010

Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

When I started reading Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish I didn't exactly know what to expect. Truly it was the synopsis that grabbed me as it sounded original and interesting, something filled with paranormal aspects and romance. Two of my favorite things. And yet, it was also so much more then just your average paranormal YA adventure instead leaning more towards horror and suspense.

The premise itself is unique, a girl who has some sort of living weapon in...more Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

When I started reading Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish I didn't exactly know what to expect. Truly it was the synopsis that grabbed me as it sounded original and interesting, something filled with paranormal aspects and romance. Two of my favorite things. And yet, it was also so much more then just your average paranormal YA adventure instead leaning more towards horror and suspense.

The premise itself is unique, a girl who has some sort of living weapon in her throat. At first she is afraid of it, and who wouldn't be? It takes control of her mouth trying to protect itself and anyone who comes near is in danger. This terrifies Savannah more then anything, making her feel more alone then ever. At least until she finds Reece. Apparently he suffers from the same problems, only due to a past tragedy his weapon is rendered mostly useless. This doesn't alter the feeling of acceptance and togetherness that Savannah feels as she comes to find that there really are monsters in the world. Monsters that are hunting her and that she will have to defeat to save those she loves.

Really, the monsters of the story sort of stole the spotlight for me. At first we are introduced to the Horror. A childlike creature with a unfettered vicious glee. Everything is simply a gruesome game to it as it stalks Savannah, discovering the power she has concealed within her for it's master, the Ocrassa. But, for me the Nyktomorph-a creature created by the Ocrassa to serve as it's guardian and protector-was the most intriguing. While the most dangerous of the two, the Nyktomorph has a highly developed intelligence able of telling the difference between right-and-wrong and good-and-evil. It desperately wants to be free of the Ocrassa's vile ways and wants to help Savannah defeat it. However, it's conditioning to serve prevents it from outright betraying the Ocrassa. It's an interesting predicament and I loved the history given to illustrate the building hate it harbors for it's master. The Ocrassa itself is also quite interesting. An original monster that has lived on Earth for eons, ever evolving and killing. Seeing the world through its eyes shows why it is that nature would revolt against this creature, but the most interesting part of all is how it comes to battle Savannah. We are always given the impression that it is just a creature, not human, yet as the story progresses we come to find that it can inhabit a human making the danger to Savannah all the more dangerous as we discover that it's someone extremely close to her. The suspense here is masterfully used as it slowly becomes evident to the reader the true scope of the situation.

McNish has a real knack for developing the characters within the novel, especially considering how well he created the monsters and their histories, humanizing them for the reader. Likewise Savannah and Reece have a very fluid quality about them and the spark of romance between the two is nicely evoked. There's such a shy connection between them that I loved to watch develop from a sort of partnership and camaraderie into something more as the two try to protect one another from the dangers that surround them. It's so simple and sweet, giving a nice contrast to the suspense and horror of the novel and their situations. However, their romance is also quite sad in a way. With both of them housing these mysterious weapons they are unable to even kiss and share a true physical connection though they do find that they can hold hands etc., but it just makes this is bittersweet connection.

The only thing that I found truly odd was the lack of a parental figure to Savannah. While she is foster child, we only peripherally see her guardian. Given the obvious odd behavior and the dire discovery of her throat condition I would have expected a care giver to be more involved in her life. The only one with a true parent was Reece, but his relationship with his father was more reversed with him being the guardian of a ill parent. Even Nina's parent's are missing in action. I certainly would have expected Savannah to at least have fielded a call from the girl's mother after she disappears. This is something that I am not keen on in the YA genre and in this novel particularly I would have thought there would be more as it deals with surgery and a suppose health issue.

The overall style of the novel is quite lyrical with a steady rhythm to the writing that lulls the reader in. The voices of the characters are unique and likable and he has a masterful talent of building suspense. With lots of action and mystery the twists the author throws at the reader are well done. At the moment of these reveals, I could actually see the bigger picture coming together as little things snapped into place. Another aspect that I truly enjoyed was the great detail to which the author went to in his evolutionary tales of the Ocrassa's life. Every time he switched to the history of this monster and all the monsters for that matter, I was enthralled wanting to know more.

Savannah Grey is a wonderful breath of fresh air in a genre that is filled with repeating story lines. I was engrossed and thrilled throughout the novel and stayed up late into the night to finish it. With a wonderful writing style that at times bordered on creepy with it's lyrical depiction of horror and monsters, this tale is one to check out.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 06, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, paranormal-general, young-adult, read-2011, male-ya-author, uk, too-many-povs, 2011-publication

There are few well-written horror novels available for young adults, so it's great to have a new entry that's both intelligent and imaginative. With the visceral descriptiveness of Stephen King and a black humor all his own, Cliff McNish has created a darkly nightmarish novel with a heroine who possesses a fascinating paranormal ability. Savannah Grey doesn't understand the dreadful thing in her throat, but she knows that she must protect it at all costs.

The narration, most of which is from Sava...more There are few well-written horror novels available for young adults, so it's great to have a new entry that's both intelligent and imaginative. With the visceral descriptiveness of Stephen King and a black humor all his own, Cliff McNish has created a darkly nightmarish novel with a heroine who possesses a fascinating paranormal ability. Savannah Grey doesn't understand the dreadful thing in her throat, but she knows that she must protect it at all costs.

The narration, most of which is from Savannah's point of view, is decisively British and strikes the appropriate tone for a teenage girl. It's also filled with horrifyingly enjoyable, twisted humor that pops up at the most unexpected times, often right in the middle of a massive fight scene with monstrous enemies. I liked Savannah and many of the smart choices she makes, as well as how the plot zips right along from one exciting sequence to another.

What knocks this book down a whole star for me, however, is the author's choice to leave Savannah's POV throughout so much of the book in order to bring us the back story of the monsters that are pursuing her. This book is sorely in need of a Wise and Experienced One who explains why things are happening and what they mean, something in the vein of a Yoda, Oracle, Magnus Bane, or Haymitch. The explanations are instead big info-dumps written in the third person, treating the creatures as remarkably sentient and reasoning beings. Since these sections are written in a way that's almost like a fairy tale, they completely interrupt the flow of the book and the urgency of action. Readers will also need to suspend their disbelief over aspects which don't quite make sense, such as why surgeons succumb to Savannah's demand for an operation so easily, and why she's lived in the same place all her life if she's really been with foster parents since she was a baby.

Still, this is overall a very enjoyable read and an author gifted with a gruesome touch. Cliff McNish is definitely one to watch.

This review is also posted in The Midnight Garden. An advance copy was provided by the publisher.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

May 05, 2012 Judy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, read-in-2012, ya

This was an interesting read and quite original. Savannah Grey is a teenage girl who started becoming protective of something that is developing inside of her throat. She starts developing super powers and meets a boy who claims to also have the same powers that she has. It sounds like every other paranormal romance, right? Not quite.

I certainly enjoyed the book for its imagination and I thought the set up was quite creative. This was recommended as a horror story, but it was more thought-provo...more

like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found myself really excited to read this book. For one the synopsis really captured me. I really wanted to like this book, but alas I could not. I found that plot did not capture me at all. While the characters were great, the story was lacking.

Savannah though she was normal when all of sudden she made weird noises at night. She found herself wondering around, think she was dreaming but she was actually doing something else. She discovers something different or wrong with her throat. There is...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 07, 2011 Allyson rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Weird. Very weird. I struggle with McNish because I've read a few of his books before and this has the same characteristics of the other novels: an exceptionally unique plotline that, while not precisely butchered, just isn't well done. I keep expecting more from this author but he fails to deliver. His pacing is uneven although, like I mentioned, his plot is a wild ride. The characters are flat and do not behave in any sort of logical manner. McNish gives them a path and then keeps yanking them...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 14, 2013 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The premise was unique and interesting. The main character behaved much more rationally than some teen heroines I could name. And still... this book was a little unbelievable at times. The romance in particular seemed forced, like they'd both read in the script that they had to fall for each other. For reasons which make sense later on in the book, this is somewhat believable on his side, but it still never really fit for Savannah. She seemed like she should've at least had some reservations. Oh...more

like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 Sean Chou rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story is about a girl called Savannah Grey has something strange in her throat. She is confused by what it is until she meets a boy like her. I liked the book because it had a good story in it and was a bit scary. The thing I didn’t like was that the story could have been more scary. The story was a bit strange at times, which made read on so I can figure out the truth. The part I liked the most was when the truth was revealed about Reece. The part I didn’t like was when Savannah made hersel...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 25 26 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (7)

More editions...

Genres

Young Adult

18 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

11 users

Fantasy

8 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

6 users

Horror

6 users

Young Adult > Teen

6 users

Science Fiction

4 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Paranormal

3 users

Romance

3 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Cliff McNish

According to my Mum, when I was arriving in this world on the night of 24th August 1962 the electricity in the house failed, and all the lights went out. So I was born part in darkness and part in candlelight. I’ve no idea what significance that has, but it sounds impressive somehow…

I was born in Sunderland, a city in the north-east of England. I’d like to say I picked up the local Mackam accent,...more According to my Mum, when I was arriving in this world on the night of 24th August 1962 the electricity in the house failed, and all the lights went out. So I was born part in darkness and part in candlelight. I’ve no idea what significance that has, but it sounds impressive somehow…

I was born in Sunderland, a city in the north-east of England. I’d like to say I picked up the local Mackam accent, but unfortunately I only stayed long enough to toddle a few steps before my Dad whisked me, Mum and my older brother, Andy, down south.

I don’t remember too much about my first 8 years of life. I think I just day-dreamed it away. One thing I do remember is that our family was always moving, so I had to get used to a new school and friends all the time. I got to dread that first day in a new class. When I was only six I distinctly remember being told off in my first week at yet another new school by a teacher. I had no idea what I’d done wrong, but the teacher shouted loudly and made me spend about 30 minutes standing on my chair in front of the whole class as punishment. That was the second most embarrassing moment in my life. The most embarrassing moment in my life occurred about a year earlier when, after repeatedly telling my teacher I had to go to the bathroom, and being told to wait and wait and wait, I … er, couldn’t wait a single moment longer.

What was I like as a youngster? I don’t know – cheerful and a bit vacant probably sums it up quite well. We had a hawthorn wood at the back of my house, and I’d play there with my friends all day long whenever I had the chance. I always came home covered in scratches.

My school reports were spectacularly average. My teachers were always noting that I ‘day-dreamed’ a lot. I didn’t read much either, and when I did it was comics – mainly Marvel superhero comics. There was one superhero named The Silver Surfer who went silently round the Universe on a kind of space-surf board. He was lonely, aloof, a genius.

I identified with him.

My first real book memory is being given C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew by my English teacher, Mrs Baldwin. Wherever you are now Mrs Baldwin, I thank you, because you opened my eyes. I was so bowled over by it that I read all the other 6 Narnian books right away. I loved them. Actually, I went further than love. I remember lying in bed in the dark, staring at the ceiling and wishing, wishing with all my heart, not just that I could meet C.S.Lewis (he was dead, actually), but that I could be C.S.Lewis. I wanted to BE C.S.Lewis! Don’t ask me what was going on in my head ...

My Mum and Dad separated when I was eight years old, and my brothers, sister Caron and I moved several times again after this. Eventually we settled down in Luton in Bedfordshire.

As I entered my teens I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had no ambition to write. When I was fourteen I briefly wanted to be a geomorphologist (someone who studies the landforms of the Earth), but only because I really liked my geography teacher, a brilliant Welshman called Gwyn Bennett. The last I heard he was still teaching, at the very same school in Luton I left 23 years ago. There’s a happy thought!

With no better idea what to do with my life I just carried on at school, did my A-levels and went on to study History at York University. I left after 2 years, bored with the course and somewhat unhappy, without my degree and with a need to earn some money.

My first job involved working in a warehouse, and I’m afraid my day-dreaming days returned. One of the jobs involved putting items into boxes and writing the customer addresses on them. Not too difficult, you might think, and you’d be right, but my attention strayed often and I kept putting the boxes in the wrong places or getting the addresses wrong. Luckily, I was moved into the accounts section of the company before they sacked me. I ended up doing some work on the office com(less)

More about Cliff McNish...

Books by Cliff McNish

The Wizard's Promise (Doomspell) (Doomspell)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Savannah Grey

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Savannah Grey
avg rating	preview: Savannah Grey Goodreads rating: 3.28 (278 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8710437-savannah-grey?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1299103695l/8710437.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8710437-savannah-grey?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish[/url]

Savannah Grey

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website