Girl vs Ghost (Misdirected Magic Trilogy, #1) by Kate McMurry

Jun 12, 2011 Jackie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: YA fans who enjoy Paranormal series involving magic and mayhem

Recommended to Jackie by: Authors

Shelves: e-book-edition-for-review, kindle-lendable-books, book-from-author-for-review, read-in-2011

Girl vs Ghost is the first in the Misdirected Magic Series, the writing team of author Kate McMurry and her graphic illustrator daughter Marie August worked together to combine a Young Adult themed book with Fantasy and Romance, in the process they created a truly unique and fun reading experience for audiences of all ages...

Isabel and her best friend Tripp are fairly typical teen girls with some individual quirks that set them apart without making them unbelievable... The ghost they manage ...more

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Jun 11, 2011 usagi ☆ミ rated it did not like it

Shelves: arc-galley, 2011, teenage-shennanigans, ebook, magical-reality, dnf, reviewed

I received this from the author for a review. I did give this book a chance, and got about halfway through until I gave up. I can see where the authors were trying to go with this story, but I have to say, I didn’t feel anything, I wasn’t emotionally connected, I found the characters annoying instead of quirky, and the plot has been done to death. It just saddens me that I have to give this review, because I promised I would. This could have been so much than it was.

Girls (one of which is the gi I received this from the author for a review. I did give this book a chance, and got about halfway through until I gave up. I can see where the authors were trying to go with this story, but I have to say, I didn’t feel anything, I wasn’t emotionally connected, I found the characters annoying instead of quirky, and the plot has been done to death. It just saddens me that I have to give this review, because I promised I would. This could have been so much than it was.

Girls (one of which is the girl with abilities who insists she’s normal normal normal) play around with forces they don’t understand. Girls accidentally open door to spirit world/summon ghost of teenage boy. Girls try to banish ghost with no success. Romantic comedy with paranormal hijinks ensues.

By the end of the third chapter I was wondering where the laugh track was, because this felt very much like a paranormal romantic sitcom more than anything else. I found the art in between chapters needless and annoying, and it took away from the book more than it gave. This story has been done to death (or rather, this plot), and I just could not connect on any level. I found the characters repeating themselves several times throughout the book. This was too easy a read with the female characters bumbling whenever it was their turn in the spotlight.

There were no teeth to this book, and by now, I expect any kind of paranormal plot to have some sort of teeth. It had no hook. So many improvements could have been made – the girl who insists she’s normal? She could have had some kind of issue in her past that would make her be so steadfast as to stick to those beliefs instead of just being a contrast to her fellow protagonist, who’s all over the wacky magical stuff. The boy could have been some kind of deviant or knave of some sort with his own issues to sort out. There was nothing to solve, in the grander scheme of things, aside of getting the ghost out of their lives. That’s not enough to keep me interested.

I’ve been taught that when writing a book, the plot must have an arc that comes to a climax and then a resolution. I saw the plot. I didn’t see the arc, climax, nor the resolution. The words felt empty and forced.

In short, I don’t think I’ll be reading the rest of this series. It felt too much like so much of what’s already been published by the big houses. It’s just disappointing to see something promising not live up to its potential.

(posted on goodreads, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com) ...more

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Jun 13, 2011 C.C. Thomas rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult

These are just the kinds of books I like—feisty female main character, just enough supernatural to keep things spooky and a storyline with a mystery I can really sink my teeth into. Too often, though, many of these books make big promises and then fall short-undeveloped characters, unbelievable plot, trite or rehashed storylines. This one, however, was a delightful surprise. Right from the start, I really liked the main character, Isabel, and was drawn into the story right away.

Isabel is a reluc These are just the kinds of books I like—feisty female main character, just enough supernatural to keep things spooky and a storyline with a mystery I can really sink my teeth into. Too often, though, many of these books make big promises and then fall short-undeveloped characters, unbelievable plot, trite or rehashed storylines. This one, however, was a delightful surprise. Right from the start, I really liked the main character, Isabel, and was drawn into the story right away.

Isabel is a reluctant participant in her friend Tripp’s hobbies, especially the newest one involving magic. When a sleepover turned séance goes dreadfully wrong, Isabel is shocked when a young boy falls from her ceiling. That shock turns to horror when she discovers the boy is actually a ghost. After that, things goes from bad to worse as Isabel learns he is somehow tied to her and the only way she can get rid of him is to help him discover the circumstances surrounding his death.

Isabel was funny with just the right amount of sass—I had no trouble believing in her or her motivations or actions. I felt as if I were living the story through her and would have reacted the exact same way. The other characters in the book were just as believable and delightful. Tripp, Isabel’s bff, is just the kind of person I would want to hang out with—funny, interesting and doesn’t back down from a challenge. I hope she plays more of a role in another book. Tripp is strong enough to carry her own story.

What I liked most of all about the story was the storyline. This genre of paranormal and paranormal romance has some real duds with most books just rehashing the same old plot over and over again. This one had something new and that’s what kept me going, kept me interested until the last page. I really didn’t know and couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. I loved the humor; felt the frustrations; liked the flirting; and was disappointed when the story ended!

Overall, a great read and a series I intend to follow.

...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 4-lll-reviews, young-adult, x-read-in-2011

Way Cute! I was hooked once I started reading this book!
I've never been much of witchcraft when I was a teen, but this was so cool! NOTHING like how I thought the book would be like :)

The book starts off with 2 friends, Isabel and Tripp playing around one Friday night. Tripp tries to do a summoning and lo and behold - a strange teenage boy falls from the sky and lands in the circle of salt right in the middle of Isabel's bedroom!

When Isabel stands up to defend herself, she finds out that Trip ...more

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May 27, 2011 Nicole rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own

Isabel Lindley was only doing her friend Tripp a favor when they were doing a spell in her bedroom. She really didn't believe in magic. She certainly was surprised when a teenage boy lands on her floor. Isabel is not happy, Tripp is, even though she can't actually see him, and Isabel is the only one that can. Isabel does not want to take on the responsibility of this boy who doesn't know his name, when or how he died, and why he is tied to Isabel by a psychic chain. The only way to get rid of hi ...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Star rated it it was amazing

Isabel always gets pulled into her best friend's newest hobbies - this time it's witchcraft and spells read from a powerful spellbook. What Isabel didn't expect was to be tethered to a ghost only she can see and hear. Now she and Tripp have to figure out what happened to the ghost and unravel the tie between them!

I really liked the characters - Isabel's shyness spiced with sass and Tripp's bold and brassy nature. Even the supporting characters were well defined which gave even more depth to the ...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Richard (Bound & Determined...) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The premise is good, the writing is easy on the brain, and the story is fast paced.

For my full review, visit: http://boundanddeterminedtofindagoodr...

Many Adventures,
Richard

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Nov 18, 2011 Tammy Golden rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya-romantic-comedy, young-adult-romantic-comedy, ghosts, witches

A terrifically fun, paranormal romantic comedy that's not just for teens

Isabel Lindley is a sixteen-year-old girl who's very, very pretty, but a complete nerd. She doesn't want to skate by in life on her looks. She wants to be a doctor someday, which is an enormous project. Because of that, she doesn't waste time on typical high school stuff, most especially dating. Partly because she's too focused on her big life plan to get sidetracked by a guy, but mostly because she's burned out on males in A terrifically fun, paranormal romantic comedy that's not just for teens

Isabel Lindley is a sixteen-year-old girl who's very, very pretty, but a complete nerd. She doesn't want to skate by in life on her looks. She wants to be a doctor someday, which is an enormous project. Because of that, she doesn't waste time on typical high school stuff, most especially dating. Partly because she's too focused on her big life plan to get sidetracked by a guy, but mostly because she's burned out on males in general because her dad deserted her and her mom years ago. She probably wouldn't do anything for fun at all if not for her wacky friend, Tripp. They've been BFF's since grade school, and Tripp is the kind of girl who has dozens of interests. Because of her, Isabel has experienced lots of things she might not have otherwise, and many of them she's actually enjoyed, but this latest nutty hobby of Tripp's is boring Isabel to tears. Tripp has suddenly decided she's a witch! Unfortunately for Isabel, it turns out that Tripp wasn't just bragging when she claimed to have magical powers, because a spell she dragged Isabel into helping her with yanks the spirit of a dead teenage boy into Isabel's bedroom.

That's the setup for the story, and it takes off from there. There's never a dull moment throughout the whole thing, and the ending is just so clever. It took me completely by surprise, and in a good way in that I believe it. It made sense. I'm a huge fan of adult romance novels, and over the years I've read multiple romances with a ghost hero, but never one that ended like this. Very inventive and unique.

Isabel and Tripp are a really fun pairing. Talk about your odd couple! Best friends are a real staple in young adult novels (I've read a lot of them because I have a teenage daughter), but I've rarely seen one as interesting as Tripp.

Marc, the ghost boy, is a great love interest because Isabel doesn't immediately drool all over him (which often happens in adult romance novels and pretty often, too, in YA romances right after the hero and heroine meet). I love romances where the couple-to-be starts out at cross purposes, even almost enemies, with lots of witty sniping. That's sure the case here. Isabel and Marc have plenty of reasons to be upset with each other, and they make no bones about letting each other know it. Imagine if you were tied to a complete stranger (though a really, really cute one!) by some kind of spiritual chain that's only about five feet long. That could get really frustrating, really fast, and it sure does for these two.

Give the book a try and find out how they deal with it!

I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series. My daughter gave me this book to read. She heard about it at an anime convention (all I know is the kids go there and dress up in costumes--they have a ball). She told me about the website for this series which you can link to under the author's profile and insisted I go look at it. This book is written by a mother and daughter team, and the daughter, Marie August, is an artist. She did this amazing comic of the first chapter.

Which reminds me, this book has really funny black-and-white illustrations at the beginning of the chapters, also done by Marie August. Actually, you can see them on this product page. It looks like one of the authors uploaded them. ...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewrequestbyauthor, dropped-series-graveyard

Isabel has no interest in magic, just like she hasn't been too interested in her best friend Tripp's past obsessions. Like in the past, though, Isabel supports her, because that's what friends do, even if they do whine about it a little. Tripp performs a summoning spell and all of a sudden things are going crazy. There's a hot, male ghost who can't go more than five feet away from Isabel, who is also the only one who can see or hear him. Isabel just wants him to go away, he just wants to figure Isabel has no interest in magic, just like she hasn't been too interested in her best friend Tripp's past obsessions. Like in the past, though, Isabel supports her, because that's what friends do, even if they do whine about it a little. Tripp performs a summoning spell and all of a sudden things are going crazy. There's a hot, male ghost who can't go more than five feet away from Isabel, who is also the only one who can see or hear him. Isabel just wants him to go away, he just wants to figure out who he is was, and Tripp just wants to do more magic. This is a recipe for trouble.

Girl vs. Ghost has some weaknesses, the most blatant of which is the cover art and the images between the chapters. While on some level I do think that one shouldn't judge books by their covers too much, I definitely do. Because of the cover art, I would not have picked this book up in the store.

The plot, too, has some disappointing spots, such as the fact that the female characters are both rather bumbling for most of the book, causing pretty much all of the trouble that they get themselves into and needing help from the boys to get themselves out again. Not to mention the fact that both guys are in perfect shape apparently, whereas Tripp nearly died when she ran a block. On the other hand, Isabel and Tripp both have promise; Isabel is delightfully grumpy and sarcastic (traits I very much relate to and appreciate), and Tripp might come into some serious witchy powers.

I occasionally found myself a bit confused by the changes of perspective, as the tale switches between Tripp and Isabel. Probably, were I to write this, I would have switched off at chapters or at least indicated whose section it was. Some other things clearly felt like setup, but did not come up again in this book, making them a bit out of place (see: demons at the school, ghost powers). Also, Finnegan's (Irish ghost) speaking annoyed me; this is a pet peeve, as I just cannot stand when characters are written in accents (a word here and there is fine, but let the reader do most of it in their head, please!).

All of that said, Girl vs. Ghost is definitely better than quite a few of the YA books I've read from well-respected publishers (such as Hereafter or the House of Night books by another mother/daughter writing team). And, should I happen across the sequel at some point, I would certainly be willing to give it a shot to see if it's better; I like the characters enough to be curious about what will become of them. So if you would like a quick, easy read and to give some new authors a chance, pick up the Kindle version for only 99 cents!
...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Shanella rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: self-pub-review

Isabel and Tripp are in for a surprise when a spell goes wrong and a ghost ends up tied, literally, to Isabel.

Girl vs. Ghost is the first in a trilogy of books by the mother/daughter team, Kate McMurry and Marie August. The story follows Isabel, Tripp and their newly acquired ghost as they unravel the mystery of the ghost, where he came from and what he wants.

I thought the story was fast paced - but well paced. Isabel and Tripp were fun together, though, I’m not entirely sure how Isabel puts u ...more

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Oct 17, 2013 Melanie Marks rated it it was amazing

I'm excited to read this. Below is the summary from the book description:

Girl vs Ghost is a young-adult, paranormal, romantic comedy suitable for all ages.

Isabel Lindley doesn’t believe in magic, but her best friend is obsessed with witchcraft. Strictly as a favor, Isabel agrees to help with a spell and is shocked when the ghost of a teenage boy splat-lands in her bedroom. Her friend is thrilled—even though only Isabel can see or hear the ghost—but Isabel is horrified. She’s the most ordinary si ...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Amber Ditullio rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal, teen-books, won-books, books-for-challenges, ebooks

Isabel Lindley has always followed her best friend, Tripp, whenever Tripp found a new interest. But when Tripp's interest in witchcraft ends up giving Isabel a ghost of her own, she just wants out. But it doesn't look like things are going to be too easy - until she, Tripp and the Ghost Boy can figure out who he is and then help him go to the Light. Or something.

This was a book that I won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaways and, thus far, it has become my favorite read of the almost 30 b Isabel Lindley has always followed her best friend, Tripp, whenever Tripp found a new interest. But when Tripp's interest in witchcraft ends up giving Isabel a ghost of her own, she just wants out. But it doesn't look like things are going to be too easy - until she, Tripp and the Ghost Boy can figure out who he is and then help him go to the Light. Or something.

This was a book that I won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaways and, thus far, it has become my favorite read of the almost 30 books I've received. (Ok, so it's only the third one that I've read, but I really enjoyed it.) The authors are able to mix just the right amount of humor, paranormal and teenaged-reality into the book that it had me not wanting to close the covers until I'd finished it.

Each of the four main characters (Isabel, Tripp, Marc - the "ghost boy" and Parker, Tripp's nemesis) are people I could easily imagine having been in my high school. They are a bit on the stereo-typical side - the weird girl with the wild hair, the serious, driven geek, the haughty rich boy and the gorgeous latino boy. But they characters seemed to work well together and made me anxious to read more. I could also have seen myself being friends with a couple of girls like Isabel and Tripp when I was in school.

I loved the sniping between Marc and Isabel throughout, with them only realizing at the end that maybe they don't want to be separated from one another. And then wondering if it was too late.

The story kept a good pace through-out, none of it seeming to drag anywhere. The authors brought the reader along, teasing out bits and pieces of what happened to Marc and why and, in the end, slammed them with something they probably hadn't seen coming (at least, I didn't). I'll admit that I was having flashbacks to the Charmed episode, "Dead Man Dating", thinking that Isabel was going to fall in love with a ghost that would have to leave her. Instead, I was very satisfied to read the ending.

The paranormal portions weren't too spooky, though the things on the backs of the students at the school were a bit freaky (basically, ghosts that hadn't crossed over but instead stayed and became bitter, bringing out the worst in the people they latch on to). I'm far from an expert in witchcraft (much of what I know is media based) but things seemed plausible. And the reason for Parker and Tripp's spellings messing each other up seemed like a wonderful way to draw everyone into this sticky wicket.

The authors included the first chapter of the next book, Witch vs Wizard in the back of this one, and it's got me jonsing for the next one to come out. It will be out at some point this year, though I'm not sure when. This is one that, if I can't manage to get a copy through winning it, I will definitely buy. Because I can't wait to see what happens with these four next. ...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Darcy rated it really liked it

It was a great book! This book opens up beginning with Isabel and her best friend Tripp doing a spell.(witchcraft) Tripp does a spell making a ghost named Marc(aka Marco) appear in the room. He shows up not knowing who he is, how he got there, or what happened to him.

Isabel is the only one who sees him. Starting from the first time he came into the room (which is her room..awkward am I right?) all the way through out the book. But anyways he appears and only Isabel sees him. Tripp can't see him ...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Julie Smith (Knitting and Sundries) rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed

This review first appeared on my blog: http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...

Isabel's best friend Tripp is always getting into something new. Her grandmother Alora, has a New Age shop, and right now, Tripp's interest is witchcraft. One night while Tripp is practicing "witchcraft" at Isabel's house, Isabel feels as though someone is watching them. As Tripp finishes her summoning spell, someone falls into Isabel's lap.

The problem? Only Isabel can see this someone, and worse, he doesn't even kno ...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Patrick Kampman rated it it was amazing

Girl vs Ghost was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed the story, the development of the characters, and the creative ideas. I particularly liked the imaginative details like the "low spirits" at the high school and the girls' visit to the grandmother's shop.

The plot was what hooked me, though. It twisted and turned from the first line to the last, genuinely surprising me several times. The story is really creative, and alternated nicely between humor and action. I'm looking forward to the second and th ...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Rebecca rated it liked it

Shelves: for-review

Girl vs Ghost is a cute teen read. In all honesty the two best friends, Isabel and Tripp, reminded me of my best friend and I in high school. We were always up for what the other was doing. Of course neither of us got a hot ghost attached to us as part of the deal.

The first half of the book was very slow moving. The Story really begins when the girls think they have discovered who killed Marc (the Ghost). It was intriguing to figure this mystery out. This is the point were Girl vs Ghost really ...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Shelly rated it it was amazing

This is a well-paced, interesting ghost story geared for a younger audience. It's got some humor, some action, and a mystery surrounding the "ghost" of the title. The cast of characters is wide, and I hope we revisit more of them in subsequent books, but the ones we follow most closely are likable and have interesting back stories. I'm looking forward to reading the next!

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Jul 09, 2012 Marilyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-paranomal

This book was a Goodreads First Reads Win by a friend of mine. I was happy that he passed this forward to me.

This was an enjoyable read for all age groups. This book will appeal to female teens. The characters were interesting which is a big plus in adding books to this trilogy.

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Dec 24, 2011 Emily♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012, first-reads, read-for-review, own, ghosts

I always really love ghost stories, and this book did not let me down! Girl vs. Ghost is well written, with a fast paced story that starts with a bang! Kate McMurry and Marie August make an awesome writing team! I can't wait to see where the next book is this trilogy takes me!

* won from Goodreads

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Jun 27, 2011 Rhonda rated it really liked it

I gave this book to my niece in Kansas City and she just loved it. She was pretty good and she really liked the story and she commented on it wasn't too long.

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May 03, 2011 Rebecca Francone rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Funny, sweet young adult novel.

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Sep 04, 2012 Kristina Franken rated it it was amazing

I highly recommend this book for anyone

FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.

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Aug 23, 2011 Gemma Brooks rated it it was amazing

A funny, sweet romantic comedy with a paranormal twist. Girl vs Ghost is an excellent first novel for a pair of new writers.

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May 30, 2011 NebraskaIcebergs rated it liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Ghosts, witches, angels, and demons! Girl vs. Ghost by Kate McMurry and Marie August is not my typical fantasy. Normally, I read about princes and princesses, fairies and changelings, gods and goddesses, and magic creatures and other lands. The paranormal genre however sometimes contains some elements that make me uncomfortable due to my religious beliefs.

Isabel Lindley doesn’t believe in magic, but her best friend Tripp Macauley does. When we first meet them, Tripp is wearing a wizard’s robe. W Ghosts, witches, angels, and demons! Girl vs. Ghost by Kate McMurry and Marie August is not my typical fantasy. Normally, I read about princes and princesses, fairies and changelings, gods and goddesses, and magic creatures and other lands. The paranormal genre however sometimes contains some elements that make me uncomfortable due to my religious beliefs.

Isabel Lindley doesn’t believe in magic, but her best friend Tripp Macauley does. When we first meet them, Tripp is wearing a wizard’s robe. What could be seen as two teens playing dress-up takes on an all-too-real tone when we see the girls seated at opposite edges of a magic circle. Tripp is trying to perform a casting spell and Isabel is serving as her “amplifier” by waving a candle every time Tripp waves hers. Moreover, from the perspective of the ghost which Tripp succeeds in conjuring up, “black-purple smoke is “trickling from Isabel’s belly and “thick red smoke-light” is surging from Tripp’s midsection, and a “churning cloud is billowing” from the book of spells. In every way, this scene evokes images of witches—with humor. As the girls sit opposite one another, Isabel’s thoughts are on the salt which they had used to create the circle and how it’s going to be a major hassle to clean up.

Girl vs. Ghost is part comedy, part romance, and part paranormal. After Tripp inadvertently conjures up a ghost, we discover that Marc doesn’t even know that he is one. In addition, we discover that only Isabel can see Marc and that he’s connected to her by a cable. The reason that only Isabel can see Marc is a revealed late in the book. As for the cable, while it is a little hokey, the predicament of the two being tied together makes for some of the funniest scenes in the book. If you wonder how, think about trying to shower while being tethered to the opposite sex. While I rarely care for the multiple point-of-views technique, the authors used it to their advantage to allow Marc to show real male feelings. Even though Marc remains outwardly polite to Isabel, in his mind we see that he’d love if just once she were to drop her towel. Of course, given how much these two teenagers start out by hating one another, the real question isn’t whether they will end up together but how they’ll overcome their animosity to work together. And work together they must. When Tripp’s grandmother summons an angel to take Marc towards the light, we learn there is a deeper darkness afoot. Isabel must help Marc or he will forever remain an amnesiac ghost.

My main complaint outside the paranormal element is the one I keep having about many first novels. No doubt it’ll be the one that other reviewers will also knock me for if I ever become a novelist and that is: the writing quality is, not surprisingly, uneven. Sometimes the descriptions seem natural; other times they’re forced. Before the girls meet Marc, Isabel has an eerie sensation that she’s being watched. As Isabel tries to figure out why, readers are treated to a well-crafted tour of her room that builds up suspense. In another scene, Isabel reflects upon her friendship with Tripp and in doing so talks about her friend’s appearance. This description feels more obligatory, even if it is well written. Unfortunately, some of the exposition and dialog seems clunky and verbose. At times, the exposition yanked me out of the story of slowed down what should have been a taunt action-packed moment.

The bigger issue for me is that the positive references to psychic abilities, witchcraft, and even New Age are unsettling. Why does the underlying acceptance of witchcraft bother me? I like fantasies such as Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter. The difference is that fictional magic practiced in a fantastical way feels like just pretend, while magic practiced in a realistic way feels too real. It probably seems as I’m rationalizing what kind of paranormal books I will accept or not accept. In reality, the choice isn’t always clear cut to me.

These concerns aside, the story was refreshingly cute for paranormal fiction, which is often dark. Also, I like that Marc is not a “bad boy,” but just an innocent bystander. For those who are open to all aspects of the paranormal line of fiction, Girl vs. Ghost is a nice guilty pleasure. ...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Jenn rated it liked it

Shelves: not-finishing-series

RECEIVED FROM: Won From Goodreads First Reads

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Isabel Lindley is an attention neglected sixteen-year-old whose sole focus is her studies to become a doctor. The main distraction in her life is her zany best friend Tripp who picks up new interests like furniture picks up dust. Every time Tripp develops a new interest it becomes the sole focus of her life and she drags Isabel into it too. Tripp’s current focus is magic, but when she cons Isabel into sittin RECEIVED FROM: Won From Goodreads First Reads

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Isabel Lindley is an attention neglected sixteen-year-old whose sole focus is her studies to become a doctor. The main distraction in her life is her zany best friend Tripp who picks up new interests like furniture picks up dust. Every time Tripp develops a new interest it becomes the sole focus of her life and she drags Isabel into it too. Tripp’s current focus is magic, but when she cons Isabel into sitting in on a summoning spell this go drastically wrong and Isabel ends up linked to a ghost who didn’t know he was dead and that only she can see. Since he’s connected to her by an invisible five foot leash she can’t get away from him and his presence doesn’t fit into her well ordered and driven life. Marco Davalos thought he was dreaming, watching the girls chant on the floor, that is until he winds up in the middle of their circle not remembering who he is or how he got there. Now Isabel, Trip and Marco has to work together to figure out the answers to the questions of his past before his past catches up to them.

Okay first I’ll say this was really more of a 3.5 stars, it was a fast and enjoyable read. The main problem was there was no build for the story. What I mean by this is we don’t enter to meet the girls or learn about them before they start a spell. We open to the spell occurring and Marc showing up. Instead of a struggle to learn who he is, Tripp’s grandma announces his name the day after he arrives in a summoning. Everything basically falls into the characters lap and very little time is left to set the scene or add description. I know I’m a stickler for too much description, but for once I’m saying there’s really not enough. And I actually think it’s too fast paced because the authors aren’t allowing the time to character struggle and strife.

They want us to acknowledge the two characters have feelings for each other by the end of the book but they’ve rushed through the story so quickly that you don’t see any reason why. The characters aren’t tied together long enough to be much more than strangers. For the most part the idea of the plot is really interesting, the characters all have some great potential, but the story is just so rushed that nothing rises to meet its full potential in this novel.

Also there were a couple of things I found a little hard to believe. They’re all supposed to be attending the same private school, now I attended public school so I don’t know firsthand, but my thoughts are most high school people are paying tuition for are fairly small because of the tuitions. The likelihood that the two girls at sixteen wouldn’t know the two boys that are seventeen just doesn’t seem likely to me. I know there was something else, but at the moment it escapes my mind so we’ll just go with that and say that a couple other things were hard to believe as well.

Additionally while I know this is a young adult novel, since it’s not a graphic novel and the protagonists are sixteen, illustrations really weren’t needed and are on the distracting side. Rather than a comic scene I’d rather that space had been used to expand upon all the interesting elements being brought into this story instead of rushing like a race to the finish line.

Overall I’d say the book is a decent read and enjoyable for a short distraction, but it frustrates me to see a story with some much potential not be expanded upon to reach that potential. If they’d take more time to flesh this story out, it could have been just so much more. ...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Marion rated it did not like it

Shelves: first-reads, didn-t-finish

I received Ghost vs Ghost as a First Reads win and was very hopeful based on the premise of it -- especially since the majority of the books I read are YA. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with the novel and couldn't even finish it, regardless of how hard I tried.

The main characters, Isabel and Tripp, were beyond obnoxious. I understand that author Kate McMurry was going for a feisty female lead with Isabel, but there is a fine line between having a feisty independent lead, and a rud I received Ghost vs Ghost as a First Reads win and was very hopeful based on the premise of it -- especially since the majority of the books I read are YA. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with the novel and couldn't even finish it, regardless of how hard I tried.

The main characters, Isabel and Tripp, were beyond obnoxious. I understand that author Kate McMurry was going for a feisty female lead with Isabel, but there is a fine line between having a feisty independent lead, and a rude, self-absorbed one. McMurry consistently made it a point to remind us of how Isabel has movie star looks, is smart and independent. We get it, no need to continuously remind us. Isabel doesn't even come off as humble when acknowledging these facts. Tripp is just as bad. She is so ignorant of her own weaknesses that she is utterly rude to others, especially her "rival" Parker Hamilton. He has every right to be angry, yet her arrogance gets in the way and she fails to see that she is the problem -- not him. Tripp's annoying personality only got worse as the book continued. I personally don't even think she's that good of a friend since she left Isabel on her own to deal with the ghost and forgot to bother looking into it once she got home to her brothers.

Also, I was not a fan of much of the dialogue. I understand the ghost Finnegan had an accent, but was it really necessary to write it out? I think it would have been better to simply say he had an accent then let the reader's imagination take flight. I also didn't know what to think of the excessive use of Spanish dialogue. At times I couldn't help but wonder if Hispanic readers would take offense, because it really seemed like McMurry was stereotyping Hispanics and giving readers of other nationalities inaccurate interpretations of how they act. I understand Marco, the ghost, is Hispanic, but was it necessary to at times use Spanish curse words or have him use Spanish dialogue? Once again, I get it, he's Hispanic -- no need to keep reminding us. Even when we got to meet his family the grandma kept talking in Spanish and I don't see how that added to the novel whatsoever. I just feel like that really took away from the book a great deal.

The artwork itself is very juvenile and had I seen this book in the bookstore, I never would have picked it up. I didn't like the artwork inside the book either. For once, the bad artwork matched the bad writing.

I stopped reading once Isabel met Marco's family because I was so irritated with all the characters I couldn't bear to read anymore. I don't even care what happens to them or what happened to Marco. I truly hope the rest of the series is much better. ...more

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Jul 30, 2015 Carina Carnagey rated it liked it

Isabel and Tripp have been friends since 4th grade. Despite Tripp's constant stream of new and different hobbies Isabel has stuck through them all with Tripp and even enjoyed a few. But, when Tripp begins to dapple in witchcraft and summoning Isabel has decided this isn't one that she would want to partake in, especially when she keeps having an eerie feeling that someone is watching them as Tripp does her seances. But, Isabel sticks it out and holds her candle throughout the rituals to pacify T Isabel and Tripp have been friends since 4th grade. Despite Tripp's constant stream of new and different hobbies Isabel has stuck through them all with Tripp and even enjoyed a few. But, when Tripp begins to dapple in witchcraft and summoning Isabel has decided this isn't one that she would want to partake in, especially when she keeps having an eerie feeling that someone is watching them as Tripp does her seances. But, Isabel sticks it out and holds her candle throughout the rituals to pacify Tripp.

Not really expecting anything to happen during Tripp's seances, Isabel is stunned when a guy falls from the sky and into there salt circle. She is even more stunned when Tripp cannot see or hear this strange guy in her room and then proclaims he must be a ghost! Not only is Isabel the only that can see and hear this ghost, but she is also tethered to him. Literally tethered by a glowing orange rope no longer than 5ft. And, not only that but the ghost has no memory of who is he, or when he died.

All Isabel wants is to unleash herself from this ghost, before it ruins her life! But Tripp doesn't think it is all the bad and wants to figure out who this ghost is and help him out. So, in order for Isabel to be freed of him she must go on a quest to find out what happened to him and why he is tethered to her!

The beginning starts a little slow for me, and it is a bit confusing. But over half way through the book the pieces began to fall together and make more sense. Also the story began to pick up the pace and I really started to enjoy the book. Things aren't the way the seemed as the story continues on.

I think Tripp and Isabel are supposed to be 17? But, they come across much younger in my opinion. For instance, when they are in the thick of things trying to save Marc the ghost, Tripp tell Isabel that she has to play the part as Marc's girlfriend to find out more information. But, Isabel's first reaction to that situation is "Eeuuw" which seems a little juvenile of a response, especially for a girl in advance placement classes. And some of the dialogue is a little corny at times but I still enjoyed it.

There are also illustrations at the beginning of each chapter which gives you a glimpse of what is going to happen in the following chapter.

All in all, I liked the book it took me awhile to really get into and really enjoy it. The next book in the series is Witch vs Wizard which is about two characters from Girl vs Ghost. Tripp and Parker. ...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Rhianna rated it liked it

Lukewarm All-Ages Friendly Paranormal Dabbling (3 stars)

When Isabel's best friend, Tripp, wrangles her into helping with a little bit of spell casting the last thing she expects is to wind up with a handsome guy practically plopped into her lap. She especially doesn't expect it to be a ghost with a bad case of amnesia that only she can see. Complicating matters is the psychic rope binding him to her by a handful of feet. If Isabel wants to get rid of her haunting companion she'll have to uneart Lukewarm All-Ages Friendly Paranormal Dabbling (3 stars)

When Isabel's best friend, Tripp, wrangles her into helping with a little bit of spell casting the last thing she expects is to wind up with a handsome guy practically plopped into her lap. She especially doesn't expect it to be a ghost with a bad case of amnesia that only she can see. Complicating matters is the psychic rope binding him to her by a handful of feet. If Isabel wants to get rid of her haunting companion she'll have to unearth the mystery of who he is, how he died and just why he's tied to her anyway!

I wanted to like GIRL VS GHOST much more than I did. I love the originality of the premise and I really liked Marie's webcomic of the first chapter. Unfortunately this story is excrutiatingly tame aside from a few uses of the B-word and as an adult reader who enjoys grittier teen reads it just didn't quite work for me as a reader. On the flip-side I think this would be a great one for the tween to early teen set who might not be ready for meatier fare. When I can pin my almost-13-year-old stepkid down I'm going to have to see what she thinks of it because I think this is right up her alley.

The actual storyline is fresh but flows from conflict to conflict with the resolutions coming a little too easily. I occasionally felt like I wasn't getting enough insight into why each character was motivated, more attention to character development would have pleased me. Honestly I didn't like any of the characters perhaps in part because of the aforementioned lack of development but primarily as a result of odd behavior/reactions that just didn't feel natural. The story ended on a very flat note and the first word that popped into my head was 'lackluster'.

Keeping all of my personal preferences in mind GIRL VS GHOST fits its publisher's intended demographic perfectly. The 12-16 age range reader in search of clean, humorous paranormal titles will probably love this series. Adult readers, unless that's what you're looking for this just won't do it for you.
***Notes: Received Review Copy from Author. ...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Kim rated it liked it

Girl vs. Ghost is the first in the Misdirected Magic series by the mother-daughter writing duo of Kate McMurry and Marie August. I am a sucker for any book dealing with magic as a theme, and was excited to see one that had both magic and ghosts and much mystery. What I found the most interesting about this book was the writing style. It was told from the point of view of Isabel and the language style was very much that of a teenager. It read like a teenager and that definitely added to the overa ...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Shaunesay rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received this free from Goodreads Giveaways.

This was a fast and fun read. I feel the Mother/Daughter author team of Kate McCurry and Marie August have potential in the young adult/teen field. The story stays on track throughout, characterization is pretty good, though I felt Tripp was the most complete character, even though she was not the main this time. I believe the next book focuses on her. The main character Isabel is not as well done in my opinion, she starts out with an unreasonable le ...more

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