Posts Tagged Headless Horseman
Blog Tour Stop & Review! CRANE Legends Saga Book 1 by Stacey Rourke
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on June 20, 2014
The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.
Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.
What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?
Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.
But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?
REVIEW
This was a very unusual twist on Irving’s classic tale, but I found it extraordinary!
The narration alternates between the present heroine, Ireland, and her ancestor, Ichabod Crane. This brilliant maneuver allows you to follow both characters as their stories unfold which builds anticipation and intensifies the mystery. I was completely engulfed in this exciting thriller as the pages seemed to race across my kindle! There are several supporting characters that make a complex addition to this story, and a few that add comedic relief when needed.
With the perfect balance of gore, romance, comedy, and mystery, I found this novel to be an excellent YA read!
About Stacy Rourke
There is nothing worse than being put on the spot and asked to talk about yourself. For me it brings back that inevitable moment in a new school when the teacher would ask me to stand up, introduce myself and tell the class something about myself. I was always worried I would blurt out something stupid that I would get teased for. Something like, “My name’s Stacey and I like pickles!” Then for the rest of the school year I’d be known as the Pickle Girl and let’s be honest, no one wants that. So to avoid such a faux pas I will simply say that I love to write. It allows me to get my crazy out just enough that I can function as a normal member of society.
Review: SEVERED a tale of sleepy hollow
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on October 2, 2013
Blurb:
Katrina’s still haunted by her encounter with the Headless Horseman – the night he beckoned to her. Now he has risen again, slashing heads and terrorizing the quiet countryside.
Her only joy during this dismal darkness comes when Ichabod Crane, a gorgeous young man from Connecticut, moves to Sleepy Hollow and their attraction turns to romance.
When the Horseman marks Ichabod as his next victim, Katrina, despite dangerous efforts to save him, sees no other choice than for them to flee.
But the Horseman awaits. Now it’s up to her to sever the horror and alter the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Review:
This was the second novel that I’ve read by Dax Varley and once again, she’s blown me away. The writing style is intelligent, easy to follow, and conducive with the setting. Although this novel is based around the time of the Revolutionary War, the characters are relatable and very entertaining. I was completely enthralled from the first page, and on the edge of my seat as the mystery unraveled.
After rereading Irving’s tale, which was actually influenced by an Irish legend known as The Dullahan, I thoroughly enjoyed the route the author took with her version of the Headless Horseman and the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow. There are several noticeable influences from other versions of the classic, but that does not take away from this story at all. Varley has turned the incorrigible Katrina into a loveable heroine, the lanky Ichabod into eye candy, and has manifested the Headless Horseman into a real being that is feared by all. The supporting characters are compelling as well, making this novel flow with incredible ease.
As expected, this author has done justice to a tale that has haunted many for centuries! This novel is romantic, scary, thrilling, and even comical at times. A story for YA and adults, I highly recommend this book!
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About the Author:
When Dax Varley isn’t reading, she’s slinging words onto a page. She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband and a half-dozen imaginary friends.
Author Links: http://www.goodreads.com/dax_varley
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