Shadow Hills

July 12, 2010
A familiar combination of romance, destiny, and the paranormal, Hopcus's first novel is unexceptional in terms of plot and technique, but carries a strong narrative momentum that should appeal to readers. The narrator is Persephone "Phe" Archer, a wealthy 15-year-old from Los Angeles, who has convinced her parents to send her to Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Mass., after the death of her older sister, Athena. Phe is plagued with nightmares that seem to direct her to Shadow Hills, and she knows from her sister's diary that Athena had the same nightmares. From the moment she arrives on campus, Phe is enmeshed in mysteries (why is she developing a strange, symmetrical mark on her hip? why do some of the locals seem to have superpowers?), revelations, and the attentions of a handsome townie named Zach, who has no shortage of mysteries of his own. Epidemics, genetics, and witchcraft intertwine as the stakes ratchet implausibly but thrillingly higher; loose ends at the conclusion may prime the way for sequels. Ages 12–up.

August 1, 2010

Gr 8 Up-Hopcus provides another title in what seems to be a never-ending slew of supernatural romances. Persephone Archer, a California native, enrolls at exclusive Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, MA. The school was the topic of her deceased sister's final diary entry, and Phe is determined to find out why. She snoops around the school and learns the creepy and mysterious history of Shadow Hill and its natives. Phe is also having dreams that include several of the locals, some living and others dead. One of them is Zach, to whom she is instantly drawn despite his strange demeanor. Gradually, Phe learns the truth behind his inexplicable talents. She also discovers that she has powers of her own, foreshadowed by a mark that showed up on her hip shortly after arriving at Devenish. Hopcus creates a dark and believable setting as she slowly reveals the mystery behind this seemingly charming town. She also brings to life a large cast that includes Zach's standoffish sister and their Uncle Tripp. Even characters with minimal roles are fleshed out via Hopcus's rich use of language. The love scenes feel a bit forced but that will not stop readers from getting caught up in the mystery and romance. It will be especially popular with those who prefer their supernatural romances with more sweetness and fewer sexual themes.-Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2011
Phe transfers to an isolated boarding school after her sister's death. Prophetic nightmares and the locals' disturbing electromagnetic powers inspire Phe to research the town's tragic history. She learns she's a witch with abilities of her own, which she must use to stop a supernatural murderer. An uneasy (although original) mix of sci-fi tropes and witchcraft makes suspension of disbelief difficult.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)