What do you think?
Rate this book
Sara Donovan is a banshee. Well, that's what her father says. Her mom just thinks she needs a good psychiatrist. When she wakes the morning after her eighteenth birthday screaming her head off outside some stranger's house, she's inclined to believe her dad's side of the story. She can't control her shrieks - not when they happen or who dies - but things could always be worse. She could have a crazed madman determined to kill her, thanks to her newfound talents. Or, she could find out her long-time crush is the next to die.
Ridley O'Neill isn't exactly unaware of Sara. As a long-time patron of her father's diner, he's watched her grow up. Now that she's eighteen, she's not the gap-toothed kid who used to serve him sweet tea. His current thoughts would send her mother the mayor into an apoplectic rage, since his family might as well have built the wrong side of town. Also, there's a chance Sara is crazy. She's convinced she's a banshee and he's on her hit list. Still, he can't stay away from her, protecting her from a dangerous legacy, even knowing that her life saved means his is forfeit.
What can unbind the ancient banshee's curse? With time running out, Sara and Ridley must choose between chasing answers and chasing love.
Ridley O'Neill isn't exactly unaware of Sara. As a long-time patron of her father's diner, he's watched her grow up. Now that she's eighteen, she's not the gap-toothed kid who used to serve him sweet tea. His current thoughts would send her mother the mayor into an apoplectic rage, since his family might as well have built the wrong side of town. Also, there's a chance Sara is crazy. She's convinced she's a banshee and he's on her hit list. Still, he can't stay away from her, protecting her from a dangerous legacy, even knowing that her life saved means his is forfeit.
What can unbind the ancient banshee's curse? With time running out, Sara and Ridley must choose between chasing answers and chasing love.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Jennifer M. Barry
7 books122 followersJennifer Barry started her entertainment career on a stage but ended up behind a keyboard. The writer’s life is much better suited to her introverted nature, but she uses her opera training at karaoke on occasion. She lives in Nashville with her hilarious Irish husband, Liam, who’s found moderate Internet fame among Jen’s Facebook friends and blog followers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 24, 2019
3 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was kind of half about romance, half about banshees, and although I found the romance a little too sudden to really be believable, I enjoyed the banshee aspect!
This was the first book I’ve read about banshees, and it was an interesting take on the creature. The author used a lot of the Irish folklore about them, and I appreciated that the banshee aspect wasn’t completely overshadowed by the romance. Also, this is the first of a series, and from the way this book ended, I suspect the next book will probably focus more on the mystery surrounding the banshees.
Speaking of the romance, although it felt rushed (or maybe I was just confused about the passing of time), the characters didn’t make a bad couple. They seemed to fit together well enough. They weren’t perfect, they made mistakes sometimes while learning to navigate the whole relationship thing, but they were supportive of each other.
As for the characters, I didn’t understand all their decisions (most notably, they all knew someone was trying to kill Sara, yet Sara kept going outside completely alone), and their emotions and relationships weren’t delved into too deeply, but (those decisions aside) they were believable. I loved that Sara and her friends felt like authentic 18-year-olds. Sara had her immature, rash-thinking moments, but also times when she showed a lot of maturity, intelligence, and compassion. And Ridley was a nice guy who was just given a bad lot in life because of his abusive, alcoholic father.
So overall, though certain aspects of the book didn’t quite suit my tastes, I still enjoyed reading this deadly take on banshees.
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes new adult romance and uncommon supernatural creatures (banshees).
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was kind of half about romance, half about banshees, and although I found the romance a little too sudden to really be believable, I enjoyed the banshee aspect!
This was the first book I’ve read about banshees, and it was an interesting take on the creature. The author used a lot of the Irish folklore about them, and I appreciated that the banshee aspect wasn’t completely overshadowed by the romance. Also, this is the first of a series, and from the way this book ended, I suspect the next book will probably focus more on the mystery surrounding the banshees.
Speaking of the romance, although it felt rushed (or maybe I was just confused about the passing of time), the characters didn’t make a bad couple. They seemed to fit together well enough. They weren’t perfect, they made mistakes sometimes while learning to navigate the whole relationship thing, but they were supportive of each other.
As for the characters, I didn’t understand all their decisions (most notably, they all knew someone was trying to kill Sara, yet Sara kept going outside completely alone), and their emotions and relationships weren’t delved into too deeply, but (those decisions aside) they were believable. I loved that Sara and her friends felt like authentic 18-year-olds. Sara had her immature, rash-thinking moments, but also times when she showed a lot of maturity, intelligence, and compassion. And Ridley was a nice guy who was just given a bad lot in life because of his abusive, alcoholic father.
So overall, though certain aspects of the book didn’t quite suit my tastes, I still enjoyed reading this deadly take on banshees.
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes new adult romance and uncommon supernatural creatures (banshees).
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 19, 2018
From the very first chapter, I fell in love with the characters in Shriek. The storyline was engaging and suspenseful and the characters so well developed they felt like old friends by the time I finished. Sara and Ridley's relationship is complex and decidedly NOT cookie-cutter and Sara's experiences as a banshee are described in such a way as to feel relatable (if that's possible) and not a distant mythological experience. I simultaneously wanted to devour Shriek but to also bide my time with it so it wouldn't end so soon. I will be waiting anxiously for the next installment!
November 20, 2018
Enjoyed this young adult supernatural story. Really connected with the characters and all the feels - growing up, developing feelings for a person some might think you aren't good for/aren't good for you but handling the emotion, conflict, and situations honestly and up front. All the while, of course, Sara deals with the fact an unseen and mysterious force takes over her body and voice at night! Great worldbuilding with mystery and intrigue, kept me wondering and trying to figure out, answering enough to whet my interest for more in the series, characters, and the world of the banshees created in the story. Loved Ridley and his his ability to keep his kindness and compassion despite an ugly childhood that follows him into adulthood. Looking forward to the next in the series!
December 17, 2018
Definitely a page turner ... you want to find out what is going to happen and you want to know now, so this slim novel is easily devoured. Great characters that you can identify with (even if you're older/younger/not a banshee!). With a little bit of mystery, suspense, romance and Irish legend come to life, you want to be personally involved in the story and my only complaint is one I have had with Jennifer's other books - they're over too soon and leave you wanting more!
December 19, 2018
Jennifer M. Barry couldn't have nailed driving in Ireland more perfectly or hilariously if she tried. It's clear the author knows her stuff about Ireland and folklore. This book twists and turns through a well thought out tale, bringing the reader of a roller-coaster of emotions along the way.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews