Second Son by Pamela Taylor

Second son is the first of the Second Son Chronicles and follows a young noble as he grows from adolescence to adulthood in a medieval setting. Captured during the chaos of battle, young Alfred is taken away from his home and family for ransom. While in captivity, he dwells on how he ended in this situation, trying to understand who and why he has been kidnapped.

This is a well researched and enjoyable read. To watch a boy to be a man through the eyes of the author is quite interesting, as is the difference in similar brothers with the same opportunities. I will definitely be watching for further installments to this series.

Book Review: The Residence by Andrew Pyper

                                     

I was interested in reading this story by a fellow Canadian, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The story takes place in 1853, where weeks before winning the Presidency, Franklin Pierce and his wife Jane lose their third son to a train accident. In her grief, Jane tries to communicate with her dead son through a seance with the famous Fox sisters, but they allow an entity to enter the world. Haunting the White House and driving those within it toward insanity, the evil spirit had devilish plans for the entire world. Franklin and Jane must battle this evil or perish forever.

Not use to the writing style, it took me a bit to get into the story, but once it began to unfold, I was couldn’t put it down. Fast-paced and horrifying, you’ll find yourself holding your breath as the evil does it best to drive them mad. There are historical reports that support the idea of a ghost haunting the White House, which leave an open window for the imagination.

I was surprised by some of the earlier reviews as some didn’t give the book enough chance to show its true strength. There loss. Thank you to NetGalley, Mr. Pyper and Skybound Books for the opportunity to review this work.