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Rayne #1
Possessed
A dark, gothic tale set in modern-day England, this thriller love story will captivate fans of Twilight and Wicked Lovely.
Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.
Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?
Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.
Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2008
67 people are currently reading
2683 people want to read
About the author
Kate Cann
45 books239 followersWhen I was a child, I wanted to be a witch. My first foray into writing was a series of nasty spells full of rats’ tails and bats’ wings. Then, when I turned thirteen, I began keeping a lurid diary, full of adoration or loathing, depending on who I was writing about. I used my later diaries for the Diving In trilogy.
I never thought ‘I want to be a writer’, but I loved books and writing. At school, I was rubbish at just about everything but English, so I went on to Kent University where I did two degrees in English and American Literature. At Kent, I fell dramatically in love with the man I'm still married to. We had loads of fights and adventures, but we kept coming back together. He's still the person I most want to spend time with. Awww!
My first proper job was in a publishing house, Time Life Books, as a copy-editor. I felt very glamorous. I used to go to the huge YMCA on Tottenham Court Road at lunchtime and do aerobics classes (very big in the 1980s and yes - I wore legwarmers). Then I'd fall asleep over my desk in the afternoon.
When my two kids came along, I set up as a freelance copy-editor and worked from home. By chance I got given some teenage books to edit, and I hated the way they treated sexual relationships: they were either full of gloom and doom, or were gushy, unrealistic candyfloss. So I got bitten by the ‘I can do better than this’ bug, and started writing. I remember the first day I started to write - it took me over. I forgot to eat (unthinkable for me) and I nearly forgot to collect the kids from school. About a year after that, Diving In was accepted for publication.
When I ran out of material from my diaries and memories, I realized my daughter and son were teenagers, and started eavesdropping on them. They were extremely tolerant about this although they did sometimes demand money from me.
Big changes have been afoot recently. My kids have left home - really left home, not just gap-year-travelling/university left home, and my old man is doing the sort of work that means he can work from home a lot of the time. So we've sold up and moved into the wilds of Wiltshire and so far I am absolutely loving it. The space, the silence, seeing the stars at night in the pitch black, the owls, the trees, the walks, the great food in the local pubs - everything! I'd started to bring nature into my books - it all started with Crow Girl - and now I'm working on two books about a city girl who gets plunged into the wilds. So the move is very much linked to and helping my writing. I think the sheer beauty and power of nature and how it can get right inside you is something a lot of kids are cut off from today.
I still love London though - the plan is to come up every couple of weeks, catch up with all my old mates, possibly do something seriously cultured like go to the theatre. And I want to travel a bit more, too - offsetting my increased carbon footprint with an enormous compost heap.
I love long conversations, running, reading, gardening, walking and white wine (in moderation of course) and I’m the first to admit I have the life of Reilly (who apparently had a pretty cushy life). I start the day with a run or walk with my dog, when I think about what’s going to happen next in the book I’m writing. Then I have a huge breakfast, and get down to work. I write on (or if it’s cold, in) the spare bed with a laptop, my dog at the bottom of the bed. If it’s sunny, I write in the garden, on a sun-lounger. Tough, ay? I also have this theory that you can’t be truly creative for more than about three or four hours a day, so in the mid afternoon, I knock off, and do my emails and stuff. Told you it was cushy.
I never thought ‘I want to be a writer’, but I loved books and writing. At school, I was rubbish at just about everything but English, so I went on to Kent University where I did two degrees in English and American Literature. At Kent, I fell dramatically in love with the man I'm still married to. We had loads of fights and adventures, but we kept coming back together. He's still the person I most want to spend time with. Awww!
My first proper job was in a publishing house, Time Life Books, as a copy-editor. I felt very glamorous. I used to go to the huge YMCA on Tottenham Court Road at lunchtime and do aerobics classes (very big in the 1980s and yes - I wore legwarmers). Then I'd fall asleep over my desk in the afternoon.
When my two kids came along, I set up as a freelance copy-editor and worked from home. By chance I got given some teenage books to edit, and I hated the way they treated sexual relationships: they were either full of gloom and doom, or were gushy, unrealistic candyfloss. So I got bitten by the ‘I can do better than this’ bug, and started writing. I remember the first day I started to write - it took me over. I forgot to eat (unthinkable for me) and I nearly forgot to collect the kids from school. About a year after that, Diving In was accepted for publication.
When I ran out of material from my diaries and memories, I realized my daughter and son were teenagers, and started eavesdropping on them. They were extremely tolerant about this although they did sometimes demand money from me.
Big changes have been afoot recently. My kids have left home - really left home, not just gap-year-travelling/university left home, and my old man is doing the sort of work that means he can work from home a lot of the time. So we've sold up and moved into the wilds of Wiltshire and so far I am absolutely loving it. The space, the silence, seeing the stars at night in the pitch black, the owls, the trees, the walks, the great food in the local pubs - everything! I'd started to bring nature into my books - it all started with Crow Girl - and now I'm working on two books about a city girl who gets plunged into the wilds. So the move is very much linked to and helping my writing. I think the sheer beauty and power of nature and how it can get right inside you is something a lot of kids are cut off from today.
I still love London though - the plan is to come up every couple of weeks, catch up with all my old mates, possibly do something seriously cultured like go to the theatre. And I want to travel a bit more, too - offsetting my increased carbon footprint with an enormous compost heap.
I love long conversations, running, reading, gardening, walking and white wine (in moderation of course) and I’m the first to admit I have the life of Reilly (who apparently had a pretty cushy life). I start the day with a run or walk with my dog, when I think about what’s going to happen next in the book I’m writing. Then I have a huge breakfast, and get down to work. I write on (or if it’s cold, in) the spare bed with a laptop, my dog at the bottom of the bed. If it’s sunny, I write in the garden, on a sun-lounger. Tough, ay? I also have this theory that you can’t be truly creative for more than about three or four hours a day, so in the mid afternoon, I knock off, and do my emails and stuff. Told you it was cushy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
July 1, 2016
5 Words: Thrilling, real, eerie, attraction, belief.
Possessing Rayne is one of those books that I can read again and again - I never get bored of it. I love the style, I love the characters, I love the intrigue, I love the realism, I love the element of fantasy, I love how very British it is.
And why is it so hard to review the books you love?
My favourite part of this book is probably how Rayne herself feels. She develops so much as a character and is pretty much unrecognisable as the girl she once was. It's excellent characterisation.
I also love the setting. Morton's Keep is creepy, eerie, and there is such an atmosphere you can almost feel you're there yourself.
This is a firm favourite for a reason.
Possessing Rayne is one of those books that I can read again and again - I never get bored of it. I love the style, I love the characters, I love the intrigue, I love the realism, I love the element of fantasy, I love how very British it is.
And why is it so hard to review the books you love?
My favourite part of this book is probably how Rayne herself feels. She develops so much as a character and is pretty much unrecognisable as the girl she once was. It's excellent characterisation.
I also love the setting. Morton's Keep is creepy, eerie, and there is such an atmosphere you can almost feel you're there yourself.
This is a firm favourite for a reason.
May 14, 2018
Oh man, I could read this book forever. I love it.
January 24, 2011
One of my favourite books ever!
September 10, 2017
The cover did freak me out a little, but it was alright.
May 14, 2015
In Possessed we meet Rayne, a sixteen year old who's desperate for a break from the chaos and pressures of her life in London, leading to her taking up a job in a cafe in an old, secluded and far away mansion. Stuck sleeping in a regenerated sty out near the forests, it isn't long before the place starts to creep her out and she almost considers running home until she manages to make a few friends in the area.
Hardly any of the characters in this book were likable and the only ones who I could abide were minor. Rayne herself was particularly unpleasant and selfish, and her personality flaws weren't weighed out in the usual way that makes a character 'perfectly imperfect'. She was just awful. I found the narrative and writing style to be unengaging and it's questionable whether this book was even intended to be creepy... I know it's only a teen read so I wasn't expecting slit throats and exorcisms but the book didn't evoke a sense of fear or tension at all, unless hooting owls on a dark night are enough to send shivers down your spine. Oh, and the plot felt like one long non-event because it didn't captivate or interest me in the slightest. I felt like cheering when I finally reached the last page because this book was dire.
Hardly any of the characters in this book were likable and the only ones who I could abide were minor. Rayne herself was particularly unpleasant and selfish, and her personality flaws weren't weighed out in the usual way that makes a character 'perfectly imperfect'. She was just awful. I found the narrative and writing style to be unengaging and it's questionable whether this book was even intended to be creepy... I know it's only a teen read so I wasn't expecting slit throats and exorcisms but the book didn't evoke a sense of fear or tension at all, unless hooting owls on a dark night are enough to send shivers down your spine. Oh, and the plot felt like one long non-event because it didn't captivate or interest me in the slightest. I felt like cheering when I finally reached the last page because this book was dire.
February 25, 2017
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2.5 Stars
16 year old Rayne wants to get away from her mother, younger brother Jelly and controlling boyfriend Damien. She finds a job as a waitress at Morton's Keep, an old mansion a few towns over. Upon arriving, Rayne begins to feel uneasy and learns about the creepy history of this old house and the people who lived there before.
At times, I found Rayne to be very self-centred and annoying. I liked the secondary characters a lot more, but still found most of them bland and boring. I did enjoy the setting of the story and the creepiness of the mansion and its history. I felt that the ending came to abruptly and it seemed like the author just didn't know where to take the story.
2.5 Stars
16 year old Rayne wants to get away from her mother, younger brother Jelly and controlling boyfriend Damien. She finds a job as a waitress at Morton's Keep, an old mansion a few towns over. Upon arriving, Rayne begins to feel uneasy and learns about the creepy history of this old house and the people who lived there before.
At times, I found Rayne to be very self-centred and annoying. I liked the secondary characters a lot more, but still found most of them bland and boring. I did enjoy the setting of the story and the creepiness of the mansion and its history. I felt that the ending came to abruptly and it seemed like the author just didn't know where to take the story.
February 27, 2010
POSSESSED was a lovely read. Although it doesn't really match up to the title. Rayne is tired of living in London, of living in a cramped little apartment in the middle of the busy, crowded, clogged, stifling city. She's stuck in a relationship with a controlling guy who doesn't really love her, her mom doesn't seem to love her aside from her usefulness in taking care of her little brother, and day and night, there's just so much noise and pollution and clutter. So she applies for a job at Morton's Keep, a seemingly idyllic and quaint mansion in the countryside, as a waitress at a small cafe. She gets the job and moves there, but not before she hears all sorts of gruesome and creepy rumors of the suspicious ongoings that have surrounded Morton's Keep for centuries. And once there, she discovers increasingly disturbing occurrences that all point towards something eerie that's waking again at Morton's Keep.
What I loved about POSSESSED was the setting. It's set in a slightly haunted house with a grim history that resonates within its walls and within its rooms. Yet juxtaposed next to this morbid mansion is a span of beautiful countryside that Kate Cann does a great job of describing, that I felt as though I were walking through alongside Rayne as the story progressed. The characters were fairly well developed. I won't divulge much regarding them because it might spoil the story, but I'll say that they are those types that give off a "not what meets the eye" look, and whatnot.
Kate Cann is really good at describing Rayne's feelings. During Rayne's first night at Morton's Keep, she's absolutely scared out of her wits. And Cann's writing conveys this deep, almost animalistic fear to the reader, so much so that I felt paranoid as I read this scene. Every slight noise or creak or breeze is a monster or ghost waiting to creep up, the dark seems to contain a horde of terrifying creatures waiting to scare the living daylights out of Rayne. I loved it.
The complaints I had were that sometimes I felt Rayne was too annoying. She thinks nasty thoughts towards some people, she lies, and she complains quite a great deal. But in the greater sense of things, this shows that she isn't perfect, and so makes her easier to believe. After all, we've all had times when we complain, or whine, or lie, right? It shows that she's human and not a cardboard character. Another thing I didn't like was how abrupt the ending was. The story tied up nicely and there was no cliffhanger, but it leaves questions that could be answered and baddies that are still undefeated. But I understand that there is a sequel, which I will be eager to pick up.
And so overall I'd say POSSESSED is a good story- perfect for a quick read on the creepy side!
What I loved about POSSESSED was the setting. It's set in a slightly haunted house with a grim history that resonates within its walls and within its rooms. Yet juxtaposed next to this morbid mansion is a span of beautiful countryside that Kate Cann does a great job of describing, that I felt as though I were walking through alongside Rayne as the story progressed. The characters were fairly well developed. I won't divulge much regarding them because it might spoil the story, but I'll say that they are those types that give off a "not what meets the eye" look, and whatnot.
Kate Cann is really good at describing Rayne's feelings. During Rayne's first night at Morton's Keep, she's absolutely scared out of her wits. And Cann's writing conveys this deep, almost animalistic fear to the reader, so much so that I felt paranoid as I read this scene. Every slight noise or creak or breeze is a monster or ghost waiting to creep up, the dark seems to contain a horde of terrifying creatures waiting to scare the living daylights out of Rayne. I loved it.
The complaints I had were that sometimes I felt Rayne was too annoying. She thinks nasty thoughts towards some people, she lies, and she complains quite a great deal. But in the greater sense of things, this shows that she isn't perfect, and so makes her easier to believe. After all, we've all had times when we complain, or whine, or lie, right? It shows that she's human and not a cardboard character. Another thing I didn't like was how abrupt the ending was. The story tied up nicely and there was no cliffhanger, but it leaves questions that could be answered and baddies that are still undefeated. But I understand that there is a sequel, which I will be eager to pick up.
And so overall I'd say POSSESSED is a good story- perfect for a quick read on the creepy side!
January 8, 2012
Possessed. Even the name sounds creepy. This book, by Kate Cann, is the most chilling book I’ve ever read. By the cover of this book, you’d think it was about Rayne (rein), the main character, would be, in some way, possessed. Not this book. Follow Rayne through her life of an over-possessive boyfriend, Damien, sharing a room with her little brother, Jelly, and an over-protective mom on a flat in London, England. So when she hears about a job just outside a small town in the south, Morton’s Keep, she jumps at the chance to get away from the busy streets of London. Only once she gets there she soon finds the scary happenings of the Morton’s Keep’s past… and what’s soon to come.
Morton’s Keep. Peaceful enough… until dark. These reoccurrences keep happening. First in the 1400s, then 60 years later, and then again 100 years after that. Now, about 340 years later another reoccurrence happens. And Rayne is stuck right in the middle of it! Read to find out what happens next.
Possessed. I agree, not the best name but the best book. As you’re following Rayne make sure to keep your light on and hold on tight, for this book will suck you in. Make this book the top of your must read list and read the horrors I’ve read in Possessed
Morton’s Keep. Peaceful enough… until dark. These reoccurrences keep happening. First in the 1400s, then 60 years later, and then again 100 years after that. Now, about 340 years later another reoccurrence happens. And Rayne is stuck right in the middle of it! Read to find out what happens next.
Possessed. I agree, not the best name but the best book. As you’re following Rayne make sure to keep your light on and hold on tight, for this book will suck you in. Make this book the top of your must read list and read the horrors I’ve read in Possessed
February 29, 2016
It was just okay. It was not my favorite series that I read before. I hope the rest of the series is a little bit better than this one.
October 5, 2021
Rayne has just finished school, and she is unsure of her next steps. Fed up with her mum treating her as a glorified babysitter and her boyfriend treating her as a bit of arm-candy with no thoughts of her own, Rayne realises she needs to do something to establish her own sense of identity.
Many people in this situation would get a hobby or dump the controlling boyfriend. Rayne decides to get a job...as a waitress in a remote mansion in Herefordshire. Ignoring the likelihood of such a position being so readily available online, it serves its purpose...it gets Rayne to her destination.
The old house is creepy, no getting away from it. There's rumours aplenty about the things that went on inside the house in the past, and there's a group of fire dancers who act as watchers.
Rayne quickly finds herself feeling more at home in the place than she envisaged. She finds herself enamoured with a group of rich locals, one of whom seems very keen to allow her to use her status in order to gain access to the house. Could there be more to this? Of course...and it takes Rayne a while to realise.
The story may be implausible in the way it begins, but once Rayne is in her new home there is a clear focus on establishing a sense of foreboding. Mysterious events, creepy mood and lots of talk of strange feelings lend a suitable scary feel to proceedings. It took a while to get going, but the latter part of the book was more interesting to see how Rayne resolved things. It's certainly got enough of a pull to consider reading book two in the series.
Many people in this situation would get a hobby or dump the controlling boyfriend. Rayne decides to get a job...as a waitress in a remote mansion in Herefordshire. Ignoring the likelihood of such a position being so readily available online, it serves its purpose...it gets Rayne to her destination.
The old house is creepy, no getting away from it. There's rumours aplenty about the things that went on inside the house in the past, and there's a group of fire dancers who act as watchers.
Rayne quickly finds herself feeling more at home in the place than she envisaged. She finds herself enamoured with a group of rich locals, one of whom seems very keen to allow her to use her status in order to gain access to the house. Could there be more to this? Of course...and it takes Rayne a while to realise.
The story may be implausible in the way it begins, but once Rayne is in her new home there is a clear focus on establishing a sense of foreboding. Mysterious events, creepy mood and lots of talk of strange feelings lend a suitable scary feel to proceedings. It took a while to get going, but the latter part of the book was more interesting to see how Rayne resolved things. It's certainly got enough of a pull to consider reading book two in the series.
September 8, 2011
Originally Reviewed on The Book Smugglers: http://thebooksmugglers.com/2011/09/b...
Rayne feels trapped. Trapped by her mother, who only seems to want to control Rayne and uses her as a permanent babysitter for her toddler brother, Jelly. Trapped by her controlling boyfriend, who only seems to care about the status Rayne can bring him as a pretty girl and an accessory on his arm. Trapped by the noise and bustle and incessant action that surrounds her family’s London flat. So, when Rayne passes her A-levels and finishes school, she decides to take a year off and applies for a room-and-board job at a secluded estate out in the country. At Morton’s Keep, however, Rayne finds more than just the peace and quiet that she’s expecting – the keep has a lurid past of pain, torture, and darkness, and Rayne finds herself caught in the middle of it. Unsure of who to trust, or even if what she feels and sees is real, Rayne must discover the truth of Morton’s Keep and its frightening past if she hopes to survive.
The first book in a planned duology, Possessed is an effective psychological horror story that excels in terms of characterization and atmosphere. The first part of the book delves into Rayne’s claustrophobic psyche and her desire to get away from everyone and everything, effectively showing readers just how stifled and trapped she feels in her home and with her relationships. You can sense just how close to the edge this character is, how strained and flighty her nerves are, especially as the book is narrated in a smart, effective third person limited point of view. When Rayne decides to leave London for the great isolated unknown, she does so through manipulation and deception in order to preserve her relationship with her mother and boyfriend Damian. Playing them both against each other, Rayne insists that she needs space from her mother and younger brother to Damian, while telling her mother that she needs time apart from Damian’s pressure and controlling behavior. I loved that Rayne is not a saccharine sweet character or some naive young rosebud – she lies and manipulates out of fear because she doesn’t want to burn any bridges. At the same time, she’s a sympathetic character because we see firsthand how smothered she is at home, so when she finally experiences peace and freedom on her own at Morton’s Keep and the surrounding woods, it’s an exhilarating thing. More than anything, I love the metaphor for “possessing” Rayne – not so much possession in The Exorcist type of way, but more along the lines of asserting independence, especially from those who seek to control – or possess – Rayne as an object. The psychological and terror aspects of Possessed remind me a bit of a younger The Haunting of Hill House, with Rayne and Eleanor as these dual, tragic heroines.
Of course, there’s also the ghost story, itself. I also loved the creeping, oppressive dread of the atmosphere at the isolated country estate. While Rayne finds the peace and freedom she so desperately desires, she also knows terror as there is clearly something very wrong with the mansion and the locals. For the majority of the novel, this tension and slow simmering fear is expertly built, leading to a number of dramatic questions and unknowns. There are visions and ghosts, riddles and betrayals, dark family secrets and pagan rituals – all are revealed tantalizingly as each chapter unfolds, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Unfortunately, while the characters, buildup and atmosphere are all fantastically rendered, the book stumbles in its final act, hastily trying to resolve the overall mystery with a fairly contrived Big Bad Villain Monologue. I wish that Ms. Cann had taken the same amount of time to unveil the solutions to the mysteries throughout the book since they were so brilliantly planted and nurtured in the early chapters, but alas. While the ending was rushed and lacked the finesse of the rest of the novel, I still found this book highly enjoyable and spine-tingly in all the right ways. I’ll definitely be back to read Consumed, the second book in this duology, very, very soon.
Rayne feels trapped. Trapped by her mother, who only seems to want to control Rayne and uses her as a permanent babysitter for her toddler brother, Jelly. Trapped by her controlling boyfriend, who only seems to care about the status Rayne can bring him as a pretty girl and an accessory on his arm. Trapped by the noise and bustle and incessant action that surrounds her family’s London flat. So, when Rayne passes her A-levels and finishes school, she decides to take a year off and applies for a room-and-board job at a secluded estate out in the country. At Morton’s Keep, however, Rayne finds more than just the peace and quiet that she’s expecting – the keep has a lurid past of pain, torture, and darkness, and Rayne finds herself caught in the middle of it. Unsure of who to trust, or even if what she feels and sees is real, Rayne must discover the truth of Morton’s Keep and its frightening past if she hopes to survive.
The first book in a planned duology, Possessed is an effective psychological horror story that excels in terms of characterization and atmosphere. The first part of the book delves into Rayne’s claustrophobic psyche and her desire to get away from everyone and everything, effectively showing readers just how stifled and trapped she feels in her home and with her relationships. You can sense just how close to the edge this character is, how strained and flighty her nerves are, especially as the book is narrated in a smart, effective third person limited point of view. When Rayne decides to leave London for the great isolated unknown, she does so through manipulation and deception in order to preserve her relationship with her mother and boyfriend Damian. Playing them both against each other, Rayne insists that she needs space from her mother and younger brother to Damian, while telling her mother that she needs time apart from Damian’s pressure and controlling behavior. I loved that Rayne is not a saccharine sweet character or some naive young rosebud – she lies and manipulates out of fear because she doesn’t want to burn any bridges. At the same time, she’s a sympathetic character because we see firsthand how smothered she is at home, so when she finally experiences peace and freedom on her own at Morton’s Keep and the surrounding woods, it’s an exhilarating thing. More than anything, I love the metaphor for “possessing” Rayne – not so much possession in The Exorcist type of way, but more along the lines of asserting independence, especially from those who seek to control – or possess – Rayne as an object. The psychological and terror aspects of Possessed remind me a bit of a younger The Haunting of Hill House, with Rayne and Eleanor as these dual, tragic heroines.
Of course, there’s also the ghost story, itself. I also loved the creeping, oppressive dread of the atmosphere at the isolated country estate. While Rayne finds the peace and freedom she so desperately desires, she also knows terror as there is clearly something very wrong with the mansion and the locals. For the majority of the novel, this tension and slow simmering fear is expertly built, leading to a number of dramatic questions and unknowns. There are visions and ghosts, riddles and betrayals, dark family secrets and pagan rituals – all are revealed tantalizingly as each chapter unfolds, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Unfortunately, while the characters, buildup and atmosphere are all fantastically rendered, the book stumbles in its final act, hastily trying to resolve the overall mystery with a fairly contrived Big Bad Villain Monologue. I wish that Ms. Cann had taken the same amount of time to unveil the solutions to the mysteries throughout the book since they were so brilliantly planted and nurtured in the early chapters, but alas. While the ending was rushed and lacked the finesse of the rest of the novel, I still found this book highly enjoyable and spine-tingly in all the right ways. I’ll definitely be back to read Consumed, the second book in this duology, very, very soon.
March 2, 2020
This book was a little scary/morbid at times just as the cover is, but overall it was pretty good. I was slightly bored sometimes because there are sections of the book where not much is happening but as the author got further into the story, it did get more interesting with more happening. The plot is a bit relatable when you see the main characters perspective, wanting to get away from that basic life, and away from all the noise. Having a realistic and relatable aspect made the book a bit more enjoyable along with the scariness throughout.
February 28, 2012
Fed up with the crime-ridden London housing estate where she lives, sixteen-year-old Rayne takes a residential job in the tearoom at Morton's Keep, a historical house near Marcle Lees, Herefordshire. Initially terrified by the creepy old house and the isolation of her digs in one of the outbuildings, city-girl Rayne soon begins to revel in the freedom from her demanding mother and possessive boyfriend and quickly grows to love the grounds of the estate and the surrounding countryside, although the house itself continues to give her the heebie-jeebies. When sexy St. John, charismatic centre of a tight-knit group of local teenagers, starts showing an interest in her, Rayne is even more convinced that her decision to flee London was the right one.
This is definitely a gothic rather than a horror novel and thus, thankfully, not likely to keep me up at night unless I'm so foolish as to read it while I'm alone in the house. Morton's Keep is suitably spooky and its history amply horrid. Cann provides frissons of suspense without too many gory details.
It was a little too obvious who were the good guys and who were the bad guys among the primary characters. And the "secret" of the house wasn't such a secret since all Rayne needed to do was ask the owner about it. I think the novel would have been stronger if Rayne had had to work harder to solve the mystery. In addition, some of the author's machinations seemed forced and awkward.
Rayne herself, a mixed-race teenager from a non-privileged background, has an easy confidence in her own attractiveness that made me think about how often YA heroines are presented as insecure about their looks despite being described as beautiful by the narrator and complimented by other characters. Meanwhile, those female characters (generally our heroine's rivals) who are sure of themselves and aware of the admiration of others are stigmatized as conceited.
While I know that far too many teenage girls (hey, I was one of them) will totally relate to the insecure girls, I worry that this binary opposition of insecure/conceited leaves no middle ground. If all the "nice" girls are insecure and all the "mean" girls are conceited, it's hard not to read that as a message that, in order to be liked – and loved – you need to deny your own attractiveness. Which might not seen like a very big deal to some people: what's so bad, some might say, about being humble or modest? But I think we are ignoring the power of self-talk. The more a girl demurs, "Oh, no, I'm not pretty" or says "I'm so ugly" – or "so fat" or "so stupid" or "so worthless" – the more she will begin to believe it. While a heroine like Rayne might not reflect as many of her readers, I think she provides a valuable role model for demonstrating the difference between self-conceit and self-confidence.
Apparently, Morton's Keep is harbouring further skeletons in its many closets. I'm hoping the sequel, Consumed, will provide Rayne and the reader with a similarly spine-tingling but more intellectually challenging mystery.
This is definitely a gothic rather than a horror novel and thus, thankfully, not likely to keep me up at night unless I'm so foolish as to read it while I'm alone in the house. Morton's Keep is suitably spooky and its history amply horrid. Cann provides frissons of suspense without too many gory details.
It was a little too obvious who were the good guys and who were the bad guys among the primary characters. And the "secret" of the house wasn't such a secret since all Rayne needed to do was ask the owner about it. I think the novel would have been stronger if Rayne had had to work harder to solve the mystery. In addition, some of the author's machinations seemed forced and awkward.
Rayne herself, a mixed-race teenager from a non-privileged background, has an easy confidence in her own attractiveness that made me think about how often YA heroines are presented as insecure about their looks despite being described as beautiful by the narrator and complimented by other characters. Meanwhile, those female characters (generally our heroine's rivals) who are sure of themselves and aware of the admiration of others are stigmatized as conceited.
While I know that far too many teenage girls (hey, I was one of them) will totally relate to the insecure girls, I worry that this binary opposition of insecure/conceited leaves no middle ground. If all the "nice" girls are insecure and all the "mean" girls are conceited, it's hard not to read that as a message that, in order to be liked – and loved – you need to deny your own attractiveness. Which might not seen like a very big deal to some people: what's so bad, some might say, about being humble or modest? But I think we are ignoring the power of self-talk. The more a girl demurs, "Oh, no, I'm not pretty" or says "I'm so ugly" – or "so fat" or "so stupid" or "so worthless" – the more she will begin to believe it. While a heroine like Rayne might not reflect as many of her readers, I think she provides a valuable role model for demonstrating the difference between self-conceit and self-confidence.
Apparently, Morton's Keep is harbouring further skeletons in its many closets. I'm hoping the sequel, Consumed, will provide Rayne and the reader with a similarly spine-tingling but more intellectually challenging mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2010
The beginning of Possessed drops the reader right into the stifling life of Rayne, a young London teenager. Her relationships with her mother and boyfriend are dysfunctional, and she’s unable to find a moment’s peace amid the noise and crime of the city. Kate Cann does an excellent job of showing us Rayne’s frayed nerves and her desire to get out of her neighborhood by any means necessary. Desperate, she takes a live-in job at the country estate of Morton’s Keep.
As Rayne settles into her new life, Cann continues to excel at depicting the character’s mental state. When Rayne exults in her freedom, we feel it right along with her; when creepy events occur and Rayne is frightened, we feel that too. Rayne is not always a “nice” girl — she lies a lot, for one — but we are given plenty of reasons to sympathize with her. She makes mistakes, but they’re the kinds of mistakes we’ve all made, especially as teenagers trying to assert our independence.
Rayne uncovers a supernatural mystery and also becomes embroiled in the dramas of a mysterious clique; as the new girl in a small, insular town she inspires interest and jealousy. In a way, Possessed (though much shorter, and written earlier) reminded me of Rosemary Clement-Moore’s The Splendor Falls, which similarly deals with a new girl, a haunted estate, and the love triangles and nasty undercurrents of a rather incestuous circle of friends.
Possessed is an intriguing and entertaining novel, though the pacing is a little off. The romantic subplot moves a bit more quickly than I found realistic, though in Cann’s defense, there does turn out to be an exacerbating factor. Meanwhile, I felt that the ghost story could have been “seeded” a little more heavily in the earlier chapters of the book. We get plenty of spooky moments, but not much backstory until the very end. When the backstory does come, half of it is delivered in a lengthy villain monologue. It might have worked better to have Rayne discover the backstory in bits and pieces throughout the novel.
But while I was disappointed in this one aspect of Possessed, I did enjoy the novel and look forward to the US release of Fire and Rayne, the sequel. I’d love to know more about the sordid history of Morton’s Keep, the Morris-dancing group, and what happens next to Rayne.
As Rayne settles into her new life, Cann continues to excel at depicting the character’s mental state. When Rayne exults in her freedom, we feel it right along with her; when creepy events occur and Rayne is frightened, we feel that too. Rayne is not always a “nice” girl — she lies a lot, for one — but we are given plenty of reasons to sympathize with her. She makes mistakes, but they’re the kinds of mistakes we’ve all made, especially as teenagers trying to assert our independence.
Rayne uncovers a supernatural mystery and also becomes embroiled in the dramas of a mysterious clique; as the new girl in a small, insular town she inspires interest and jealousy. In a way, Possessed (though much shorter, and written earlier) reminded me of Rosemary Clement-Moore’s The Splendor Falls, which similarly deals with a new girl, a haunted estate, and the love triangles and nasty undercurrents of a rather incestuous circle of friends.
Possessed is an intriguing and entertaining novel, though the pacing is a little off. The romantic subplot moves a bit more quickly than I found realistic, though in Cann’s defense, there does turn out to be an exacerbating factor. Meanwhile, I felt that the ghost story could have been “seeded” a little more heavily in the earlier chapters of the book. We get plenty of spooky moments, but not much backstory until the very end. When the backstory does come, half of it is delivered in a lengthy villain monologue. It might have worked better to have Rayne discover the backstory in bits and pieces throughout the novel.
But while I was disappointed in this one aspect of Possessed, I did enjoy the novel and look forward to the US release of Fire and Rayne, the sequel. I’d love to know more about the sordid history of Morton’s Keep, the Morris-dancing group, and what happens next to Rayne.
October 17, 2016
Personal Response
I thought this book was pretty good. The thing I didn't like was that throughout at least half of the book it felt like nothing was happening. It was as if you were in the first chapter phase where you're just learning about the characters and such. Towards the end it got interesting but to be honest it was kind of morbid at times. The book didn't specify what the bad things happening were but you definitely used your imagination.
Plot
The book is about a girl named Rayne. Rayne has been wanting to get away from her mom, brother, boyfriend, and all the noise. In London, where Rayne lives it is super noisy, busy, and overall described as a dumpy place. In her search to get out and away from everything she starts looking for jobs. She comes across a job opening at an old house a good ways away from home. She would just have to serve tea and help out around the house sometimes, she would get housing, free food, and pay was minimum wage. She applies for the job and goes to the interview. She gets the job. Over the course of her working there she meets a boy named St. John. She breaks up with her boyfriend to be with him and everything is going well. St. John has an enemy and over time Rayne gets to meet him alone and it turns out he isn't bad at all. Stuff is going missing from the house and while trying to figure out what's happening Rayne uncovers the bad truth about the house. For centuries people have been tortured there and it still is going on. Rayne finds out where it is and burns down the house.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to young adults because of the content. This book is probably going to interest girls more because of the romantic side of the book.
I thought this book was pretty good. The thing I didn't like was that throughout at least half of the book it felt like nothing was happening. It was as if you were in the first chapter phase where you're just learning about the characters and such. Towards the end it got interesting but to be honest it was kind of morbid at times. The book didn't specify what the bad things happening were but you definitely used your imagination.
Plot
The book is about a girl named Rayne. Rayne has been wanting to get away from her mom, brother, boyfriend, and all the noise. In London, where Rayne lives it is super noisy, busy, and overall described as a dumpy place. In her search to get out and away from everything she starts looking for jobs. She comes across a job opening at an old house a good ways away from home. She would just have to serve tea and help out around the house sometimes, she would get housing, free food, and pay was minimum wage. She applies for the job and goes to the interview. She gets the job. Over the course of her working there she meets a boy named St. John. She breaks up with her boyfriend to be with him and everything is going well. St. John has an enemy and over time Rayne gets to meet him alone and it turns out he isn't bad at all. Stuff is going missing from the house and while trying to figure out what's happening Rayne uncovers the bad truth about the house. For centuries people have been tortured there and it still is going on. Rayne finds out where it is and burns down the house.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to young adults because of the content. This book is probably going to interest girls more because of the romantic side of the book.
February 3, 2010
Rayne Peters longs to get away from feeling trapped by the noisiness of the Estate, her mum’s constant chattering, and her boyfriend’s reputation. All she wants is to sort out her life away from the constant chaos around her. Rayne accepts a position at Morton’s Keep as her solution to finding solace but she never thought she would end of being lured into a living nightmare.
I don’t think I’d ever want to walk in Rayne’s shoes. It took guts to manipulate her way into leaving the clutches of the Estate behind just so she could breathe and sort out the craziness in her life. I think I would have lost my mind being so isolated. Possessed had me looking over my shoulders every time I heard a noise. This book had my nerves on edge. It had me making sure my closet door was closed and I even slept with the TV on, something I never do. To say the least, this book gave me the spooks.
The mysteries surrounding the history of Morton’s Keep was quite fascinating. I enjoyed hearing about the various rumors about ghosts and sinister deeds of the past Lords’ of the Keep. Cann did a great job keeping me in suspense. I never could tell what anyone was hiding and why they were afraid to clue Rayne in. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Possessed was full of suspense and mystery that kept me glued to the pages…
I don’t think I’d ever want to walk in Rayne’s shoes. It took guts to manipulate her way into leaving the clutches of the Estate behind just so she could breathe and sort out the craziness in her life. I think I would have lost my mind being so isolated. Possessed had me looking over my shoulders every time I heard a noise. This book had my nerves on edge. It had me making sure my closet door was closed and I even slept with the TV on, something I never do. To say the least, this book gave me the spooks.
The mysteries surrounding the history of Morton’s Keep was quite fascinating. I enjoyed hearing about the various rumors about ghosts and sinister deeds of the past Lords’ of the Keep. Cann did a great job keeping me in suspense. I never could tell what anyone was hiding and why they were afraid to clue Rayne in. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Possessed was full of suspense and mystery that kept me glued to the pages…
April 1, 2010
Rayne lives in a tiny apartment in London slum with her mother and baby brother. She has a boyfriend who...seems shady, although he never actually does anything bad. She hates, uh, you know, urban life, so she gets a job in the country at the creepiest, most haunted house ever. And then she starts cheating on her boyfriend (which is totally understandable, because he...seems shady) with the hottest, creepiest guy ever. She loves everything about her job and the country, except for how creepy everything is. And then things are wrapped up, except nothing is resolved, the end.
I didn't realize how little I actually liked this book until I typed up that summary. It went fast, the writing didn't call attention to itself, it was indeed creepy, and I wanted to keep reading. Oh, and it was all British-y, and that's kind of neat, right? But on reflection, it was unoriginal and kind of lame. So. I don't know. This is not an un-recommendation, but I guess I'd be kind of embarrassed to actually recommend this to someone (which, by the way, is not the same thing at all as "Suggest", which I would not hesitate to do with this book for anyone looking for a creepy, ghosty, britishy story!).
I didn't realize how little I actually liked this book until I typed up that summary. It went fast, the writing didn't call attention to itself, it was indeed creepy, and I wanted to keep reading. Oh, and it was all British-y, and that's kind of neat, right? But on reflection, it was unoriginal and kind of lame. So. I don't know. This is not an un-recommendation, but I guess I'd be kind of embarrassed to actually recommend this to someone (which, by the way, is not the same thing at all as "Suggest", which I would not hesitate to do with this book for anyone looking for a creepy, ghosty, britishy story!).
February 2, 2011
For Rayne, life in her London apartment is getting stifling. She's not getting along well with her mother, doesn't enjoy taking care of her little brother, and isn't getting along particularly well with her boyfriend. She needs a change of scenery, so after a successful interview to work an ancient and isolated country estate, she jumps on the opportunity. But after arriving at Morton's Keep, Rayne begins to pick up on strange vibes around the grounds, hears frightening stories of the manor's past occupants, and realizes that there is more to the estate than meets the eye. As she begins to grow closer to St. John, a local student, and his close circle of friends, Rayne starts to see the truth behind her new home, and how horrifying events of the past are beginning to come full circle again.
This was a quick read, and had a few moments of suspense; it may or not be enough to make me want to read the follow-up. It seemed that Rayne just needed to get out of London at the novel's beginning, without any real explanation as to why. And once she arrived at the estate, the pacing moved somewhat slowly, until events just hurtled together in the final 50 pages or so. A good read, but not great; it's probably one that suspense fans would enjoy, though.
This was a quick read, and had a few moments of suspense; it may or not be enough to make me want to read the follow-up. It seemed that Rayne just needed to get out of London at the novel's beginning, without any real explanation as to why. And once she arrived at the estate, the pacing moved somewhat slowly, until events just hurtled together in the final 50 pages or so. A good read, but not great; it's probably one that suspense fans would enjoy, though.
September 27, 2011
Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
To be honest this book wasnt as good as I expected it to be. Although the title implies that it's going to be a scary, creepy book.... It really wasn't. I don't even understand where exactly "Possessed" even comes into this book... Nobody was. It wasnt very scary, or suspensful, which dissappointed me. The only real good/creepy parts were in the very beginning, and the very end. The background history in the novel was interesting... athough probably the only really "scary" part of the book. For such a title, you'd expect a lot more to the book. I didn't really find Rayne that likable, although she wasn't too bad. I just thought that it would have been nice to have some more depth and background information to her. Overall, the writing was easy, and it was a fast read, which I enjoyed. I do like Kate Cann's writing, and even though I wasnt crazy about Possessed, and I am still going to go out and read Consumed. I liked the feel to the book, and I could still definitely reccommend it. I just feel as if it could have had a lot more suspense and depth to the book.
Characters: 3.5/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
To be honest this book wasnt as good as I expected it to be. Although the title implies that it's going to be a scary, creepy book.... It really wasn't. I don't even understand where exactly "Possessed" even comes into this book... Nobody was. It wasnt very scary, or suspensful, which dissappointed me. The only real good/creepy parts were in the very beginning, and the very end. The background history in the novel was interesting... athough probably the only really "scary" part of the book. For such a title, you'd expect a lot more to the book. I didn't really find Rayne that likable, although she wasn't too bad. I just thought that it would have been nice to have some more depth and background information to her. Overall, the writing was easy, and it was a fast read, which I enjoyed. I do like Kate Cann's writing, and even though I wasnt crazy about Possessed, and I am still going to go out and read Consumed. I liked the feel to the book, and I could still definitely reccommend it. I just feel as if it could have had a lot more suspense and depth to the book.
February 22, 2010
Possessed was originally released in the UK, but was released in the US this month. This was a very alluring book solely due to its awesome cover, but believe me that is just the beginning. This story is action packed, and full of mystery and suspense. One of my favorite aspects of this book is its setting. I was enthralled with the vocabulary and the setting of Morton s Keep. I am not sure if this is an actual location that the author based the story on, but if so I would love to visit. Everything sound so incredibly beautiful and powerful it was be a must see. Rayne is a lovable character that I believe any reader would enjoy following. I was impressed by Cann s ability to make character that are truly lovable, and slowly regress to a villian. This novel is filled with emotion and turmoil that will beg you to turn another page. This is one of the best books that I have read this year.
October 6, 2024
A Haunted house story with mysterious charismatic guys and a tad bit of cultish vibes
this book was surprisingly enjoyable for me. Going in to it I didn't have a lot of expectation, first because the overall good read rating was just above 3,7 star (this goes to show that number on Goodreads doesn't necessarily portray the quality and content of a book). I also thought that it was a middle school grade reading book, its not by the way.
to simply put it, the book is an easy read, fun and thrilling till the very last page, scary but its still readable in the dark, and also I can sense some romantic tension going on for the following books. There were times where our main character was just plain old dumdum.....totally oblivious to certain things, but I guess we can blame that one "love". but I do believe that her character has developed within the pages of this first book. hopefully she'll be smarter in the second book.
this book was surprisingly enjoyable for me. Going in to it I didn't have a lot of expectation, first because the overall good read rating was just above 3,7 star (this goes to show that number on Goodreads doesn't necessarily portray the quality and content of a book). I also thought that it was a middle school grade reading book, its not by the way.
to simply put it, the book is an easy read, fun and thrilling till the very last page, scary but its still readable in the dark, and also I can sense some romantic tension going on for the following books. There were times where our main character was just plain old dumdum.....totally oblivious to certain things, but I guess we can blame that one "love". but I do believe that her character has developed within the pages of this first book. hopefully she'll be smarter in the second book.
December 6, 2010
I didn't finish this book. I had to finally give up because I have been sitting on it for nearly 2 months. The reason I gave it two stars is because it had potential, it wasn't a horrible book, I was just bored with it so it wasn't for me. I am sure there are others that will enjoy it much more than I did.
August 22, 2011
I read this through the night and it scared the crap outta me. That'll teach me to stay up late.
August 24, 2011
Great plot, loved it:-) Interested to read more x x
March 23, 2012
It was a good book but I don't understand why the book is called "Possessed " when no one in the book is possessed or get possessed.
December 8, 2015
SERIOUSLY.. WHAT THE HELL?? SUCKED. SHE IS TERRIBLE.
January 4, 2018
The book I am reading is called Possessed by Kate Cann. I would give the book a 5 out of 5. It was a bit confusing and some parts didn't make sense at first but the more I read the easier it was to understand what was happening. It did tell a good story tho about how you can feel suffocated in your own life with the people you love but you feel more alive when your away from those people and when your on your own. She felt like her like was making her feel trapped in a world that she didn't even recognize as her own. She felt like she didn't belong there with the rest of them. She wanted to get free and get the chance to live her own life. Her life felt wrong and she knew she wasn't following her heart and it was hurting her. She had to lie to the people she loved just to get out and to make herself truly happy. When she gets the opportunity to leave but she's not ready for what's about to come next.
Rayne is just a normal teen girl with family and boyfriend problems. She feels like everyone wants something from her and they don't really want her. Until she gets offered this job at a secluded country escape. She's ready to go as soon as possible because she can't stand to live in her life another day longer. Her life isn't the same as soon as she gets their. The house she is supposed to be working at and living in is legended to be haunted. Rayne meets these group of friends that actually helped her get out of the town she lived in. They act like they are better than everyone else but they let Rayne into their group and they seem nice enough and welcoming at first. There's something different about them and she can't quite put her finger on it yet. She asks around about them and people tell her not to trust them and that their stuck up snobs but Rayne can't get away from them. She falls in love with St.John. She can't get enough of him but she still has her boyfriend Damian. She thought she was finally getting away but she got herself into even more trouble than she can imagine. She is in too deep now to get out. Will she survive the long nights in the house or be the one to go insane and fall short of the truth?
Rayne is just a normal teen girl with family and boyfriend problems. She feels like everyone wants something from her and they don't really want her. Until she gets offered this job at a secluded country escape. She's ready to go as soon as possible because she can't stand to live in her life another day longer. Her life isn't the same as soon as she gets their. The house she is supposed to be working at and living in is legended to be haunted. Rayne meets these group of friends that actually helped her get out of the town she lived in. They act like they are better than everyone else but they let Rayne into their group and they seem nice enough and welcoming at first. There's something different about them and she can't quite put her finger on it yet. She asks around about them and people tell her not to trust them and that their stuck up snobs but Rayne can't get away from them. She falls in love with St.John. She can't get enough of him but she still has her boyfriend Damian. She thought she was finally getting away but she got herself into even more trouble than she can imagine. She is in too deep now to get out. Will she survive the long nights in the house or be the one to go insane and fall short of the truth?
July 9, 2017
Rayne lives with her mom and younger brother in East London. Their apartment is oppressive as is their neighborhood. So oppressive that all Rayne can think of is escape. She wants to get away from people and from all the noise.
So when she finds a job in a tea room at a secluded estate, Morton's Keep, in Macle Lees, a small town far from London, she's overjoyed. A chance to get away. Morton's Keep isn't exactly what she expected though. The house is huge, full of history and malice. Rayne can't explain the anger and fear she feels from the house, but when she's not working it almost overpowers her. Then she meets Sir John and his friends. They all take an unnatural interest in the history of the house and Sir John takes a big interest in her. Before long, she's convinced he cares for her, even if he and his group act a little strange. The more Rayne learns about the house the more she wonders about Sir John, his friends, and their intentions.
Reminded me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Inheritor, without some of the creepiest factors. Cann strives for the same feelings of terror without quite succeeding. The story is interesting and there are moments of terror, action, and suspense.
So when she finds a job in a tea room at a secluded estate, Morton's Keep, in Macle Lees, a small town far from London, she's overjoyed. A chance to get away. Morton's Keep isn't exactly what she expected though. The house is huge, full of history and malice. Rayne can't explain the anger and fear she feels from the house, but when she's not working it almost overpowers her. Then she meets Sir John and his friends. They all take an unnatural interest in the history of the house and Sir John takes a big interest in her. Before long, she's convinced he cares for her, even if he and his group act a little strange. The more Rayne learns about the house the more she wonders about Sir John, his friends, and their intentions.
Reminded me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Inheritor, without some of the creepiest factors. Cann strives for the same feelings of terror without quite succeeding. The story is interesting and there are moments of terror, action, and suspense.
April 5, 2020
Generally speaking, when you call a book 'Possessed', you would assume that somebody would actually be possessed, right? But nope. Hell, there isn't really anything scary happening in this story. All the action is wrapped up in the last couple of pages. Oh, and the whole plot is predictable from about 25% of the way through the book. It is just then a long slug towards the final 5 pages of the book....where you don't really get that much information. It is as if Kate Cann started writing the book all enthusiastically, then had a publisher deadline to meet so gave up.
One thing that REALLY irked me was the randomness of the spelling. Obviously, this book is set in the UK. I assume that Kate Cann is a British author too. Yet, the book seemed to flick between British and American spellings of words. It probably won't matter to most, but seeing the word 'realize' just pop up in the midst of Britishisms was quite off-putting.
I am going to give it 2-stars. I mean, I finished it, so it isn't a 1-star book. However, you should absoutely not jump into this book expecting a riveting, scary read. This is despite what the book cover tells you. Also, don't expect a possession. It is never going to come. Ever.
One thing that REALLY irked me was the randomness of the spelling. Obviously, this book is set in the UK. I assume that Kate Cann is a British author too. Yet, the book seemed to flick between British and American spellings of words. It probably won't matter to most, but seeing the word 'realize' just pop up in the midst of Britishisms was quite off-putting.
I am going to give it 2-stars. I mean, I finished it, so it isn't a 1-star book. However, you should absoutely not jump into this book expecting a riveting, scary read. This is despite what the book cover tells you. Also, don't expect a possession. It is never going to come. Ever.
August 29, 2020
Rayne finds a job in a secluded country estate and wants to have some change in her life because of the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in her day to day life. This connects to another book called, Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn. It has a similar overarching emotion and theme of wanting change because of feeling trapped in a life with no change. As a ghost story with paranormal aspects, the setting is one of the main attributes of the book that makes it have a thrilling feeling and emotion connected to it. Rayne on the first night she stayed there it was very descriptive of how she was afraid of turning off the light because it would leave her alone in the dark. Details like these made it seem even more powerful to me while I was reading. Overall this book was a great way to get me back into reading paranormal stories after a long and stressful summer.
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