What do you think?
The Starfish Talisman
The secrets of the forbidden fourth floor...
Seventeen-year-old feisty Reagan James can't imagine spending a summer on the coast with an eccentric aunt she's never met.
But then, how bad could it be?
The second she steps foot into the massive house on the cliffs, one thing is clear: someone--or something--doesn't want her there. With every new encounter, Reagan realizes that there's more at stake than she could have imagined.
Suddenly, the strange happenings and whispers from the forbidden fourth floor cannot be ignored. Now, it's up to Reagan to sift through all the lies to save herself from the evil that stalks her. But will the jealous vengeance from the past destroy everything for the future?
Seventeen-year-old feisty Reagan James can't imagine spending a summer on the coast with an eccentric aunt she's never met.
But then, how bad could it be?
The second she steps foot into the massive house on the cliffs, one thing is clear: someone--or something--doesn't want her there. With every new encounter, Reagan realizes that there's more at stake than she could have imagined.
Suddenly, the strange happenings and whispers from the forbidden fourth floor cannot be ignored. Now, it's up to Reagan to sift through all the lies to save herself from the evil that stalks her. But will the jealous vengeance from the past destroy everything for the future?
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 14, 2018
I am a fan of anything supernatural and scary. I loved how the main character Reagan, refused to believe what was happening around her. I feel like that’s how a lot of people would react as well. Until things have gotten too out of hand for her mind to deal with. I’m happy to say my guess was on point at who Seth was. I found Aunt Willow to be an interesting character as well. I adored Wiley! I’m not much of a dog person but I do think they are super cute! I have a cat whose the total opposite of the evil cat in the story haha. My Cat loves attention and wants to be loved all the time. She acts like a dog at times loves rolling over and getting her belly rubbed. And sticks to my side a lot which made me think of Wiley. I also loved the sweet romance between Reagan & Chase. All the spooky and scary parts I enjoyed very much as well. Adelaide & Ariana what can I say except that they made the story worth while. As for the ending I wish i knew what happened exactly between Ariana, Reagan and Chase. I don’t want to post any spoilers but I really loved every moment of this story. I would love to read more of this story! The ending leaves me wanting to find out what happens next. It’s sooo GOOD!!! Highly recommend this as a must read.
May 8, 2018
This story definitely captivates its audience. I could not put it down! The characters pull you in and hold onto you until the last sentence. I keep picturing the amazing location that was described so wonderfully in the novel. There are great twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I loved the spooky feeling it left with me after each chapter. I cannot wait to explore the authors other works as well!
August 27, 2018
Reagan was less than thrilled to be spending the summer with an aunt she had never met in a small seaside town of Maine far from her friends in Ohio. The house is huge and filled with antiques and her aunt and housekeeper are odd and quirky. The entire town seems to be superstitious and believe in ghosts, most of which revolve around stories from the mansion she is staying in!
Not one to believe in things she can’t see, Reagan can’t deny that strange things seem to be happening. Things in her room get moved around, she hears singing when no one is home and there definitely seems to be something at the house and surrounding cliffs and beach that want Reagan gone.
As the evil force seems to be growing in power, Reagan will need to find out the truth about what is haunting the cliffs and the mysterious forbidden 4th floor of the mansion. Can she discover the truth in time to save herself and those she has come to care about or will she be pulled into a sibling rivalry gone wrong from more than a century ago?
If you enjoy a good old fashioned ghost story, The Starfish Talisman is the perfect read! It’s a young adult tale with some superficial violence as well as a bit of romance, but suited to all ages from teens up.
I felt compelled to read this book from start to finish in one sitting. I couldn’t stop turning the pages because not only was I super intrigued, there were times I was genuinely creeped out by some of the happenings.
The characters in this book were just as quirky and unique as the storyline. Reagan really is a no nonsense teen pulled into a very strange situation and it was fun watching her belief system be totally challenged by the supernatural she couldn’t ignore. The side cast of characters, both living and supernatural were of equal importance and wonderfully written with great depth. Possibly my favorite of all of the characters was Wiley the dog (animal lovers will love his part in this book!
The Starfish Talisman was a phenomenal tale of ghosts and superstitions and having to believe in something beyond the realm of the expected. 5 stars.
Not one to believe in things she can’t see, Reagan can’t deny that strange things seem to be happening. Things in her room get moved around, she hears singing when no one is home and there definitely seems to be something at the house and surrounding cliffs and beach that want Reagan gone.
As the evil force seems to be growing in power, Reagan will need to find out the truth about what is haunting the cliffs and the mysterious forbidden 4th floor of the mansion. Can she discover the truth in time to save herself and those she has come to care about or will she be pulled into a sibling rivalry gone wrong from more than a century ago?
If you enjoy a good old fashioned ghost story, The Starfish Talisman is the perfect read! It’s a young adult tale with some superficial violence as well as a bit of romance, but suited to all ages from teens up.
I felt compelled to read this book from start to finish in one sitting. I couldn’t stop turning the pages because not only was I super intrigued, there were times I was genuinely creeped out by some of the happenings.
The characters in this book were just as quirky and unique as the storyline. Reagan really is a no nonsense teen pulled into a very strange situation and it was fun watching her belief system be totally challenged by the supernatural she couldn’t ignore. The side cast of characters, both living and supernatural were of equal importance and wonderfully written with great depth. Possibly my favorite of all of the characters was Wiley the dog (animal lovers will love his part in this book!
The Starfish Talisman was a phenomenal tale of ghosts and superstitions and having to believe in something beyond the realm of the expected. 5 stars.
August 27, 2018
I received this book via Quirky Blind Date with a Book on Facebook and I’m so glad I did. This was such a surprise to me as I honestly wasn’t expecting the story to grip me as much as it did.
The supernatural element of the story is introduced at a great pace, bringing the reader into the authors vision slowly. Once you are in you won’t get out again until the very end. And let’s just mention the end! It allows for something more in the future and I can’t wait to see what that may be.
The supernatural element of the story is introduced at a great pace, bringing the reader into the authors vision slowly. Once you are in you won’t get out again until the very end. And let’s just mention the end! It allows for something more in the future and I can’t wait to see what that may be.
August 22, 2018
Imagine yourself waking during the night because you’d heard something bump or you had sensed that something wasn’t quite right in your world and you relegate it to the wind or the house settling and you snuggle back to sleep or, you have put something down and when you go to retrieve it it’s not where you thought it to be and you think well silly me my mind is not where it should be today. This book will make you question whether it is truly the wind or whatever excuse makes you feel good. It is a mysterious, intriguing and eerily spooky book. The characters quickly draw you into this hauntingly well written read which I probably wouldn’t read at night or by yourself if you are afraid of those mysterious bumps in the night or for those who are afraid of what the shadows may be hiding.
August 24, 2018
This is not a book that I would typically read. I thought it was going to be about a whiney teenager who didn't want to do something .
That's not what this story is at all. It's a well developed paranormal/ghost/ya story that is a real page turner. As we all know, not everything is always as it seems.
I will absolutely follow this author to see what is written next
That's not what this story is at all. It's a well developed paranormal/ghost/ya story that is a real page turner. As we all know, not everything is always as it seems.
I will absolutely follow this author to see what is written next
August 14, 2018
I haven't read such a good ghost story in ages!! This book was totally believable. I could just imagine the house, the cliffs and all of the strange happenings. Then when I found out the back story that initiated the haunting it just seemed possible. I would love to see this book made into a movie!!! I think it would be great. I was sad about how things ended for Chase and Reagan though.
August 12, 2018
It was absolutely amazing and a must read. I couldn’t put it down and my mind kept spinning with possibilities when I had to. And now I’m wishing for a sequel
May 19, 2018
Interesting paranormal story. The characters were well rounded and the storyline was interesting. I enjoyed the story and plan to read more from this author.
August 9, 2018
I received this book as a blind date book. This is not a book I would normally ready, but I really enjoyed it. I hope there will be another book, cause I would like to know what happens next.
June 10, 2018
Reagan, the protagonist of the book, is your typical 17 year old and comes across as just that. She's not trying to be anything else other than a teenager and that is a really relatable quality. She is a quirky sort of character but very real. Other characters who I do feel warrant a mention is Emma and Willow - their characters are equally well developed throughout the story and have distinct personalities of their own.
So with the characters aside what about the story? Well it doesn't disappoint. I read the book in a couple of sittings - first when my kids were busy in their swimming lessons and then I picked it up again when they were in bed which was probably a wise thing because I kind of got so engrossed in reading the book that I couldn't stop...until it ended. I will say I had an inkling about a few of the plot points but not to the point where anything is annoying or cliched - more the case of having read so much and my overactive brain.
The starfish talisman (as the title should let you all know) is an important recurring object in the book. I liked the way it was at times subtly woven into the plot without it being obvious - so difficult to write without giving away the plot!
Another point I would like to make is that while the ending is very satisfying (the addition of the Epilogue was a perfect way to finish) it isn't the type of story to have everything tied up with a pretty bow - so my kind of book. In actual fact, the more you think about the ending the more questions your brain will ask so just be warned that you'll probably be thinking about this novel for a few days after reading it.
Overall, I recommend this as a read to any weary teacher (or adult for that matter) in need of a pick-me-up or distraction and for teenagers around the age of 14+.
So with the characters aside what about the story? Well it doesn't disappoint. I read the book in a couple of sittings - first when my kids were busy in their swimming lessons and then I picked it up again when they were in bed which was probably a wise thing because I kind of got so engrossed in reading the book that I couldn't stop...until it ended. I will say I had an inkling about a few of the plot points but not to the point where anything is annoying or cliched - more the case of having read so much and my overactive brain.
The starfish talisman (as the title should let you all know) is an important recurring object in the book. I liked the way it was at times subtly woven into the plot without it being obvious - so difficult to write without giving away the plot!
Another point I would like to make is that while the ending is very satisfying (the addition of the Epilogue was a perfect way to finish) it isn't the type of story to have everything tied up with a pretty bow - so my kind of book. In actual fact, the more you think about the ending the more questions your brain will ask so just be warned that you'll probably be thinking about this novel for a few days after reading it.
Overall, I recommend this as a read to any weary teacher (or adult for that matter) in need of a pick-me-up or distraction and for teenagers around the age of 14+.
July 7, 2018
If you are looking for a book that will leave you with chills and make you think twice about leaving your bed in the middle of the night, then look no further. The story starts out normal enough and the descriptions of scenery leave the reader with no issues creating the backdrop for this story. The story itself is captivating and leaves the reader invested in the characters and what happens to them. Some of the elements of the story are easily deduced, which can be a little frustrating to those readers seeking out a mystery with a complicated plot. However, there are enough twists in the story combined with complicated characters to keep even the most diehard mystery solver invested in finishing this book. The only drawback this story has is the ending. The author spends a lot of time setting up these complex backstories and making sure the reader is right on the edge of their seat, and then rushes the ending. What started out as a strong story and built from there felt incomplete and left the reader wanting more; more details of what happened to the main characters in the end. Other than the feeling of a hurried end that left a somewhat unsatisfying feeling, this book was a great read and will definitely leave the reader looking for additional books by the author.
August 31, 2018
PLEASE TELL ME THERE WILL BE A BOOK 2!!!!! This book you guys, I can't even. ♥
Sometimes there's a book that you and you just know, you just know you are going to love it. That was this book for me. I saw the title and I was like yep, this is going to be a good one. And it was SO GOOD!!
The Starfish Talisman was funny, relateable and spooky. Let me tell you, I read every night till I fall asleep and you guys, I had to stop reading this one for a couple days because I was so spooked out. I couldn't read it at night and not start to hear things. My imagination was going wild!
I loved the characters, especially Wiley ♥ that doggo has my heart. All the characters felt well thought out and had their own distinct voice. Even the dogs. The myth around the story felt well thought out and was really intriguing. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The only thing is I wish that the book was a little more polished. Other than that this book was amazing.
I also loved the writing style. It flowed really well and had me hooked from page one. When a book keeps you up and reading, even when you're sick, you know it is a good one.
Will definitely re-read and beg the author for book 2. ;)
Overall, fantastically creepy read. LOVED IT!
Sometimes there's a book that you and you just know, you just know you are going to love it. That was this book for me. I saw the title and I was like yep, this is going to be a good one. And it was SO GOOD!!
The Starfish Talisman was funny, relateable and spooky. Let me tell you, I read every night till I fall asleep and you guys, I had to stop reading this one for a couple days because I was so spooked out. I couldn't read it at night and not start to hear things. My imagination was going wild!
I loved the characters, especially Wiley ♥ that doggo has my heart. All the characters felt well thought out and had their own distinct voice. Even the dogs. The myth around the story felt well thought out and was really intriguing. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The only thing is I wish that the book was a little more polished. Other than that this book was amazing.
I also loved the writing style. It flowed really well and had me hooked from page one. When a book keeps you up and reading, even when you're sick, you know it is a good one.
Will definitely re-read and beg the author for book 2. ;)
Overall, fantastically creepy read. LOVED IT!
August 13, 2023
I liked the start with the spooky atmosphere and the quirkiness of the characters. Overall, the story was very fun to read and was especially fun to read during the summer. I just think that there was a lot of repetition in the way things were worded and the ending was really disappointing to me. Some storylines were completely forgotten or discarded, or were wrapped up and explained off screen. However, despite my gripes with it, I did really enjoy this book, finishing it in a day. It was a fun and mysterious read, and a good one to end my summer break with.
January 10, 2020
I kept getting drawn in! Couldn't put it down. Loved how the characters build on one another and how you see it all come together!. I felt as if i was there with them.. watching it happen. ( just how a good book should be.. you can place yourself right there!... i love getting lost in books)
Can't wait to see if there is a next one!. Like most books. I want the rest!. I want to know what happens after! ..
Can't wait to see if there is a next one!. Like most books. I want the rest!. I want to know what happens after! ..
August 4, 2019
Starfish, twins and witches...Oh my!
Lark Griffin has done it again with another well-written novel. She knows what her readers want to read and how she wants the characters to be. If you like witches, suspense and family drama this is the book for you to open up. I highly recommend all of Lark Griffin’s books to be checked out.
Lark Griffin has done it again with another well-written novel. She knows what her readers want to read and how she wants the characters to be. If you like witches, suspense and family drama this is the book for you to open up. I highly recommend all of Lark Griffin’s books to be checked out.
April 20, 2020
Great Book!!
Wow,With each book Of this talented Author,I think it can’t be a better book than this,but they just keep getting better..I plan to read all of her books,and I have a few,but I am excited as I know they will be great..She is my new favorite Author...
Wow,With each book Of this talented Author,I think it can’t be a better book than this,but they just keep getting better..I plan to read all of her books,and I have a few,but I am excited as I know they will be great..She is my new favorite Author...
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews