Customer Reviews

The Haunted (The Hollow, Book 2)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed Jessica Verday's book The Haunted. Her first book of the series was OK. I loved the sleepy hollow theme and the characters were OK so I decided to go for book 2.

Much better! The thing that made me like this book the most are the characters. Abbey and Caspian are both much stronger more likable characters. As Abbey returns home to Sleepy Hollow their relationship definitely blossoms throughout the book to something more intense. Abbey's friendship with Ben also goes through some changes. I don't feel like much was really accomplished plot wise until the last couple of chapters but I enjoyed the writing and dialogue between Abbey and all of the other characters so much that I didn't seem to mind. The last few chapters give you a preview into what book 3 will be about and it sets up book three nicely. I really enjoyed this book and am now eagerly awaiting what Verday comes up with next.

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Loretta from Simon & Schuster for sending me this book for review. This book was received free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4/5

The Haunted opens up with Abbey heading back home to Sleepy Hollow. She is still dealing with her friend Kristen's death, and her relationship with Caspian. She is back to her perfume making and is trying to figure out what exactly is going on with Caspian, and herself.
Abbey is a more formidable character in this installment, she is learning more about herself, and also seems more sure of herself. In my review of The Hollow, I stated that I hoped that she would grow more of a backbone, and she seems to have definitely evolved from that person into a newer, stronger, more resilient one. Caspian has also grown as a character. I really enjoyed reading about the two of them, but wish that we could have seen more of Nikolas and Katy. I think Verday has hit her stride in this installment and many questions asked in The Hollow are answered in this book. The book starts off slowly, and gains momentum, capturing the reader's interest while setting the stage for its haunting conclusion. As an avid fan of anything to do with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, I enjoyed the paranormal element, and hope to see more of them in the final installment. I absolutely loved this book and am happy that Abbey is figuring things out.
All in all, a spectacular read. Based on this book alone, I would have to say that I would buy the full trilogy, and add it to my re-read shelf. Fans of the first book will love this installment. Those who didn't enjoy the first book should give Verday a second chance as this book was exceptional. It is slow to start, but the payoff is worth the wait.

I'd read about Jessica Verday's principled stand regarding content in a story of hers that had been chosen for inclusion in a collection. I was curious what kind of stories such a principled author would write. So, I--a 66 year old man--bought and read two volumes of her Hollow series, a series targeting a female YA readership. Despite my not fitting that demographic in the least, I was entertained and impressed by both the books I read. I hope, someday, she writes for an adult audience. I predict she'll do well.

Very rarely do i find a series where I enjoy the sequel more than the first book, but in The Haunted, I was speechless. The Hollow, was interesting and capturing enough to make you read the sequel, and the sequel left me breathless. What i liked most about this book was that Abbey and Caspian are in love, but they cant put thier hands....or lips on eachother every page, and that makes the story more captivating. Caspian uses his words and emotions to express how he feels about Abbey and there is more to their love than physical lust. read this book, you wont be dissapointed.

I read The Hollow around a year ago and really enjoyed it, but there was still a little something missing that left it at 3.5/4 stars. Luckily, The Haunted completely blew me away, I loved it!

At first I was a little lost, The Hollow was definitely not fresh in my mind so it took a little while for everything to click, but soon I was really into it and a lot of the details from the prequel came rushing back. Right away things were exciting and plot twists were occurring on every page.

Abbey returned in full force. She was as sweet and funny as ever and her love for her family, Kristen, and Caspian was clear from the start. Her dedication to everyone around her is admiring and her perfume making has always been one of my favorite aspects of the series. I love reading about the different scents and mixtures she creates and I'm hoping to hear more about "Abbey's Hollow" in the final book in the series.

The mystery and suspense is amazing in The Haunted. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and so many new plot angles are revealed and new characters introduced. Of course many of my favorite characters from the prequel returned and a lot of my questions were answered in this book. Jessica Verday's writing was amazing in The Haunted. She always knew when to add a new twist in the story to throw me off and keep me reading into the night. I just had to know what was going to happen!

This series is so unique and original. I love the Sleepy Hollow angle and she really goes the extra mile to make this series her own. I never know what is going to happen next and I'm dying for The Horror! Even Abbey and Caspian learn things about themselves and those around them that they never suspected.

Another of my favorites parts of this story is the romance. Slow growing and bittersweet I loved reading about Caspian and Abbey even though their relationship is so restrained. I felt their pain at not being able to do regular things together like have dinner with her parents or even kiss good night. Luckily their connection was so strong you could tell how much they loved each other from a mile away. In The Hollow I didn't get too attached to Caspian's character, but in The Haunted I loved him. He was witty, protective, and caring. He always knew the right thing to say to make Abbey smile and he truly only wants the best for her.

If you were a fan of The Hollow, or were even disappointed, be prepared to be blown away by this thrilling sequel! It's romantic and mysterious with great characters and an exciting ending that was a huge cliffhanger! 2011 can't come fast enough.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I loved, Loved, LOVED this book! I had a feeling that the second book in the series was bound to be better and I am glad that I decided to continue.

The book starts off with Abbey staying with Aunt Marge while seeing a doctor to work through her hallucinations and depression. I like the fact that the book basically started off where the last one ended and not much time had passed.

The romance in this book was amazing. There were a few times that it actually got hot & heavy. Well, as hot and heavy as two people can get without being able to touch each other. That is the most frustrating part about this story, but it is also the part that makes it more intense.

We learn a lot about Caspian and also Nikolas & Katy in this book. There are a few more characters that come into play and I am still trying to figure them out.

The book leaves you hanging on for dear life with its cliffhanger and I am so glad that I was able to snag the next in the series from a galley grab! The Hidden comes out in September, 2011.

"Caspian sat there with me until my sobs died down to a slow hiccup.
Then he whispered, "I'd hold your hand right now if I could."
His eyes were so wide and earnest that I couldn't help but smile at him.
"Thanks," I said, trying to hold back more tears. "It's the thought that counts."

Abbey's recovering from her broken heart and nervous breakdown after learning the truth about Caspian. She relocates to her aunt's house, but is called back to Sleepy Hollow for a bridge dedication she must deliver in her dead BFF's honor.

Abbey isn't sure she can handle everything, especially when she sees Caspian for the first time. It's a relief to know she's not crazy. Soon, she's spending her summer scooping ice cream, studying science with Ben so she passes Chemistry, and hanging out with Caspian.

There's one moment where she thinks funny and sweet Ben could become something more than just a friend. Is he interested in her? It doesn't really matter because she can't stopping thinking about Caspian. Is she falling in love with a ghost? Could her destiny involve a dangerous life turn?

My Thoughts: I really loved this dark tale with humor, heartbreak, and a undeniable love between two people. It continues with the first book perfectly and I can't wait to read the conclusion with The Hidden. I love reading about the perfume. As Abbey unravels more and more about Caspian, she unravels more about her own future. I love watching her world change and be entwined in the Sleepy Hollow Legend. I absolutely LOVE hearing about the plans for her store. It sounds absolutely perfect to me.

the haunted was a chilling story with a twist on every corner. jessica verday is a truely talented auther who has a gift for writing.

While maybe it was a little more detailed then it should have been the story line was amazing. Im attached to the characters.The book may sound dramatic and maybe a even a little depressing when you first hear of it but its not. i tried to make the book last but ended up finishing it in less then a day.

HAUNTED is the second book in Jessica Verday's THE HOLLOW series. It starts out with Abbey at her aunt's house. She went there at the end of THE HOLLOW in order to "get better", thinking she was crazy to be seeing a dead boy named Caspian. And to be falling in love with a dead boy named Caspian.

When she returns, though, many objects from their time together she assumed weren't real keep popping up. She thinks she sees him again sometimes, but whenever she goes to look, he isn't there. Is she crazy?

Nope.

Towards the middle of the book, Caspian does pop up again and they slowly begin to unriddle what they really are. Having a stripe in Caspian's hair makes him a "Shade", and it isn't until this book that they begin to understand what that is. Apparently, Abbey is one, too.

The plot is much better in this book than the first, though they are both very entertaining. You can't read this one without first reading THE HOLLOW, though, I don't think. The writing is a little bit drawn out throughout the book, but it really picks up in the last few chapters. Verday does an amazing job of setting up the next book, THE HIDDEN. I am SO excited for that book, let me tell you. Don't think I can wait until September. ;(

You should read it. ;)