Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's
Published: May 6, 2010
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 274
Source: Publisher
Six months have passed since the last Ellerton teenager died, but Darina is still traumatized by the stabbing of her own beloved Phoenix. But there's work to be done as Darina must now turn her attention to the shooting of Summer Madison - the beautiful and gifted, singer-song-writer with a heart of gold. It's been nearly a year since the random shooting in a shopping mall caused Summer's meaningless death.
Summer left behind recordings of her wonderful songs and a deep sadness amongst high school friends. Now Darina must act as Summerās agent to track down the psychotic killer in a clear search for justice. With the sound of Summer's music constantly playing inside Darina's head, recalling the wonderful months when she was alive and performing her first gigs, Darina, Phoenix and the Beautiful Dead are determined to catch the crazed killer. And all the while Darina's love for Phoenix continues to beat ...
Summer is dead, and she wants to know why. Brought back from limbo, she’s on the track to solve the mystery surrounding the random shooting that killed her in her prime, but she’s frustrated, and it seems like every time she thinks she’s getting close to figuring out the truth, something else pops up and throws a wrench in it all again. As Summer begins to fade into an everlasting limbo, Darina must discover the truth about Summer’s death at all costs, but it might be more than she was expecting, and without a clear suspect or even a place to start, discovering the truth about Summer’s death might just be too much for the Beautiful Dead this time.
Ok, if you haven’t read the series, Summer is book three in the Beautiful Dead series about the Beautiful Dead, souls chosen to return from limbo, marked with angel wings and given unique powers, to discover what happened to them and why they died. Following the same general premise as the first two books, Jonas and Arizona, Summer starts with a bang – literally picking up with Summer’s sudden death. Eden Maguire has created a rich series with an interesting and fluctuating cast of characters that adds depth to each installment of the Beautiful Dead story.
I read the first two books in the series a good while ago, and I quite enjoyed them, so I was excited to tackle Summer. As with the previous books, I enjoyed the dynamic between Darina and Phoenix, her (un)dead boyfriend, but I have to say that Darina’s voice got to me a bit this time. She was so jealous all the time, and I felt that almost hindered the story of Summer. I wanted to know what happened to Summer, but I felt it was weighted down by Darina’s insecurities. That said, I do love that the plot wasn’t so cut and dried this time. I enjoyed the twists and turns that came with a lack of a suspect in Summer’s shooting, and I thought that really propelled the mystery of Summer forward.
All in all, Summer is a good third installment in the Beautiful Dead series. It definitely kept me guessing despite my issues with Darina this time. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to YA fans of the series (you should read books one and two first, or you’ll be lost), as well as those who enjoy fantasy and paranormal novels.
I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
I haven't tried this series out yet, but the covers never cease to catch my eye. Glad to hear the third installment was entertaining! :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of this series before but I absolutely love the cover. Duh....I know bu I love a pretty cover. Plus your review sounds like I'd absolutely enjoy this series!! Thanks so much:))
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an interesting and mysterious read. I really haven't heard much about this series. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the first in the series yet, but it's on my wishlist. The premise sounds very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely like this series, and I do agree that I would have liked a bit more about Summer. I am excited about the next installment since Darina will have to find Phoenix's killer and let him go. It should be very interesting how that one will play out.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I have been interesting in starting this series but have not have time to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteThese books do sound interesting. I've heard good things about them. I wonder if this one is just a temporary slump that series often go through.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to how the author manages to write a unique story each time, as the premise is always the same, if I read your review correctly; an "undead" returns to solve the mystery of his or her death...
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great read - plus the cover is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThese books aren't the type of books I normally read, but your review makes me want to read them! They sound interesting, even though I'm not sure how it's possible for each of the books to be unique if the plots are so similar... Great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series yet, but it sounds really interesting. Guess I need to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series, though I've seen it around quite often- I never really understood what it was about! Your recap has kind of cleared things up for me, so I might pick up book 1, as the premise looks quite interesting! Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteI came here from the CEP
I've been wondering about this series for awhile now, and after this review, I've decided I'm going to take on this series. Thanks for the review Melissa!
ReplyDelete-Danna
Really nice review Melissa, this sounds like such a different paranormal series. I hadn't heard much about it until I saw it on your blog and Jan's and now I'm definitely curious. Too bad Darina is just a bit irritating in this one, but overall it sounds like a great read:) Adding to the ridiculously long list!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the fist two, but I would like to know more about the series - thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteNice honest review, Melissa! Sounds intriguing, I'll have to check out the first book :D
ReplyDeleteI actually saw book 1 at the library..ok translation, but still :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise this was part of a series when I saw it around the IMM's over the last few weeks. In fact I've never heard of the series. I think I'd better go and look it up. Thanks for a great review.
ReplyDeleteI like the premise. Gorgeous cover too!
ReplyDeleteWas she jealous of the living or those who pushed up on her man?
I read the first book and it was quite good! Must continue the series!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this first two, but I clearly need to!
ReplyDeleteYikes, I have never heard of this series but it sounds tragic. Thanks for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteI really haven't heard too much about this series before but from reading your review, I like the sound of it! I may have to try out the first book.
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