Lockwood & Co: The Whispering Skull

by Jonathan Stroud

Story summary: See the first book, The Screaming Staircase. This time around, you have the trio of intrepid ghost hunters themselves, of course, as well as rival ghost-hunting groups, plenty of in-fighting, dreadful curiosity, smashing sword fights, and, of course, a whispering skull.

Thoughts: Unlike Stroud's other books, which are either stand-alones or in a short series (trilogy with a prequel at the most), I've heard this is going to be a many-book series. Or at least several more than a trilogy. Because of that, this felt much more "middle book" than even the middle books of trilogies. There wasn't as much distinct character development as I might have wished--except for maybe George, which made me happy because I love George. And no over-arching plot lines were answered (only vaguely hinted at).

But there were definitely good parts. More George, as I mentioned. The skull itself, which was mysterious and terrifying and really interesting.

I wish I had more to say about this book, but due to circumstances in my life I've fallen way behind in book reviews. So this'll have to do.

Grade: 3 1/2 stars

Blood of My Blood

by Barry Lyga

Story summary: The third in the trilogy, following up from I Hunt Killers and Game, this book sees Jazz finally confronting his serial killer father, as well as the darkness that is growing inside himself.

Thoughts: Starts with Jazz laying bleeding and dying in a locked room, his best friend also bleeding and dying (and a hemophiliac), and his girlfriend captured by his evil, serial killer father, which means imminent bleeding and dying. So that's a good start. And then there's many a bloody twist and turn from there.

1/2 a star off from the grade for the first two, simply because I hardly remember what happened. Which must say something about a book, right? Although really, it probably says more about my memory and the personal things I've been going through this year. It was still greatly enjoyable, though. And I remember a few things that were interesting. Definitely a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Also, a really pretty cover, no? I love the covers for this series--grey and red makes an awesome combination. (Still like the second one's cover the best, though.)

Grade: 3 stars