Reviews: Perfect Little Angels, The Elsker Saga & Hawthorn Inn

Perfect Little Angels by Andrew Neiderman

Published: First Division Books, May 2015 (first published September 1989)

Pages: 215

Synopsis: A picture perfect town holds a chilling secret. Justine Freeman and her parents move to Elysian Fields to start anew, and the picturesque town seems the perfect place to do so. In fact, their new neighborhood seems too good to be true. Their neighbors are all polite and helpful, and the streets are eerily clean. Even the teenagers of Elysian Field are perfect. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, and they are polite to their elders to a fault. But Justine is a more typical teenager, and while the new girl in town hasn’t yet learned how to behave like the teenagers of Elysian Fields, she will. Because in Elysian Fields, there are so many ways—horribly effective ways—to turn disobedient children into Perfect Little Angels.

Rating: ***

There are some spoilers in the below review, but everything mentioned occurs within the prologue and first chapter of the book.

Whilst away from home and internet-less, this was a book that had been on my kindle for a long time, and that I decided to read without access to the blurb. I found this to be an interesting approach to reading, as I never knew what I would get and I probably read a few titles that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

Initially we are introduced to a nameless narrator, who appears to be the result of some kind of scientific experiment at the hands of his Father after an accident. We soon realise that the man is there against his will, as he writes HELP on the window in his own blood and is visibly distressed.

We then watch Justine and her family move into a new home in a development called Elysian Fields, which was developed by the mysterious Dr. Lawrence. My mind immediately started whirring and I assumed this Dr. Lawrence was the Father of the man from the prologue. This was soon confirmed, but it became apparent that whilst the residents of Elysian Fields seemed to know about the son and the accident – they did not know the full story.

Once I’d started reading I thought the title could hold a clue that the vitamins developed by Dr. Lawrence affect the teenagers more than the adults and turn them into “perfect little angels”.

This definitely reminded me of The Stepford Wives where people are changed to be ‘perfect’ and had a feel of some of Peter James’s earlier, standalone novels where nothing is quite what it seems.

This was very well written, with detailed description and dialogue written so that you could easily distinguish how far into Dr. Lawrence’s plan a particular character was. There was also a good mix of the plot focusing on Justine and on Dr. Lawrence’s son. I particularly liked Lois’s character and her determination into finding out what was going on was written well and convincingly.

Throughout the plot, Dr. Lawrence held all the power, both over his son Eugene and over the wider residents of Elysian Fields. It was interesting to see the change in power from the Doctor to Justine and Lois once they started to piece the puzzle together but I’m not sure I completely understood Dr. Lawrence’s aim, as a lot of the explanation was quite subtle and seemed to leave a lot to the reader’s imagination. Personally, I prefer everything to be concluded and tied up nicely but the end of a book, but this would really appeal to readers who prefer to read between the lines.

The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende

Published: May 2013

Pages: 304

Synopsis: “Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs. But when she transfers from her one-stoplight Oregon town to Cardiff University in Wales, she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. His cashmere sweaters and old world charm mask a warrior who's spent an eternity fighting for his very existence. Ull is an honest-to-goodness Norse god — an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. On top of being marked for death, Asgardian law prohibits Ull from tying his fate to a mortal. No matter what she feels for Ull, Kristia knows she's the one thing he can never have. With Ragnarok on the horizon and a lunatic haunting her dreams, Kristia has to find a way to convince Ull that breaking the rules is the only way to survive; that defying the order he's sworn to uphold is their only chance to be together. And when someone starts asking the wrong questions, Kristia realizes the crazy visions she's had all her life might be the key to saving their realms... even if they end up costing her her life.”

Rating: ****

The Elsker Saga came as part of a 14-book set featuring urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Not usually my kind of thing, but thought I would give it a try as it was free on kindle (was free at time of purchase, may not be now).

Whilst away from home and internet-less, this was a book that had been on my kindle for a long time, and that I decided to read without access to the blurb. I found this to be an interesting approach to reading, as I never knew what I would get and I probably read a few titles that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

The first book in the series; The Elsker Saga centres around small town girl Kristia, who, encouraged by her best friend decides to spend a year away from the local university and study in Cardiff, Wales. We are quickly introduced to the fact that one of her Grandmothers was Norse and told Kristia about the myths and legends of the Norse Gods from a young age. These myths and legends seem to have something to do with visions that Kristia has always been privy to, and which continue once she reaches Cardiff.

Nice mix of Norse Gods and modern life, which seems to be a very popular theme at the moment with the likes of Rick Riordan etc. This did work well, and although the main theme was the relationship between Kristia and Ull, it wasn’t too dominant. All of the characters were written well, especially Kristia who’s point of view the plot was from.

Good use of real places including Cardiff Castle and Castle Coch which made the book relatable and grounded in its setting.

A good introduction to the series. Whilst I enjoyed this as a standalone novel I don’t think I will reads the rest of the series.

Hawthorn Inn by Heidi Willard

Published: January 2013

Pages: 270

Synopsis: “Jack Erikson doesn't have great expectations when his mother moves them to an old decrepit inn in a town just as musty, but he's unprepared for the oddities that start springing out of the rotten woodwork. New friends introduce him to legends and rumors that have swirled around the inn since time-immemorial, and he finds plenty of proof to believe them as strange noises and twisted shadows stalk the halls. Worst of all, his estranged grandfather has invited himself to join them at the inn. Creepy doesn't begin to describe that black-cloaked gentleman with the pale skin and weird, ever-constant glasses. Old secrets, mysterious sealed-up rooms and creeping shadows abound as Jack tries to manage his new life at Hawthorn Inn.”

Rating: **

Jack, his Mum and Grandfather buy the Hawthorn Inn; a mysterious old inn in a small American town which the locals seem to be fascinated with. Especially Jack’s new friend Kyle who is desperate to explore the inn.

Initially I was more intrigued by the Grandfather’s strange actions and the fact that Jack had only met him a few days prior to the beginning the of the story.

Whilst away from home and internet-less, this was a book that had been on my kindle for a long time, and that I decided to read without access to the blurb. I found this to be an interesting approach to reading, as I never knew what I would get and I probably read a few titles that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

I found the pace of the plot incredibly slow, so much so that after finishing Hawthorn Inn I’m still not sure where the plot was going or what actually happened. The build-up of suspense could have been a lot quicker, but I can appreciate that the author is probably playing the long game and setting the scene for the rest of the series. But for me, it just wasn’t enough of a hook.

It isn’t all negative though, the actual writing was very good; here was lots of very good, very vivid description and well written characters with believable dialogue.