Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Dead Scary by Sally Gould - Review and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Sally Gould will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Adam is an ordinary boy, except for one thing. He can see and talk with ghosts. When his family moves into what seems like the home of his dreams, Adam finds out it isn't his dream home after all. Edward Lawrence, a bossy ghost who was Adam's age when he died, regards the home as his own and he doesn't want to share it with an annoying boy who can see him. After Edward fails to convince Adam to get his family to move out, he seeks powerful help from the earthbound spirit world to get rid of them. However, Adam has an ally in the earthbound spirit world as well as knowing a handful of tricks to get rid of ghosts. Adam just has to get rid of Edward before the Council of Earthbound Spirits authorizes Warrior Spirits to get rid of Adam and his family. But will Adam succeed in time?

My Review:

This was a cute middle-grade book about Adam, who finds himself living with a ghost that has very determined ideas on correct behavior while Adam and his family are in "his" house. It refers to things that happened in the past with his grandfather that made me think it was a second book of a series, but I can't find where there's a first book (btw, if the author is listening, I think that would make a great book-- just sayin').

I believe this book would be enjoyable for the early middle-graders--there's enough action to hold their interest, but it's not overly scary, even with the ghosts. I would like to see some more of this threesome (Isabel is just too cool).

4 stars.

Enjoy an excerpt:

As if he could read my mind, he leant forward and said to me, 'Adam, already I can see that it'd be difficult for me to put up with someone who can see me in my own home. I'll give you and your family time to find another house to move into. You can stay here for now ... as long as you follow my Rules.'

I began to argue but Dad called out from the other end of the house. 'Adam, come and help!'

'Not in a million years,' I said to the ghost of Edward Lawrence before I turned my back on him and left the room.

As I headed down the hallway, I realized the home from heaven had been too good to be true. I'd have to get rid of this stubborn ghost all by myself. But an uneasy feeling swept through me. I'd never got rid of a ghost, because Grandpa George had always been there to do it for me. At least Grandpa George had left me with the things I'd need. Still, I felt unsure. Never could I remember Grandpa George getting rid of a ghost like him. One who was so confident and sure of himself, like a person who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. A chill went up my spine as I noticed Emily on the grass out the back. She was squealing at the top of her voice while she ran around in circles taking in all that space.

About the Author:
Sally Gould loved books from a young age, but never considered writing them. While she was busy getting up to the mischief that teenagers get up to, she forgot about books all together. Then total insanity took hold and she became a corporate lawyer. Fortunately, she had two sons and they inspired her to write stories for children. Of course, her oldest son is responsible, logical, studious, considerate, grateful and even makes his bed. The youngest one is only interested in having fun - lots of it. And, except for his teachers, he makes everyone laugh. Their antics have inspired many of Sally's stories. Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family and two dogs - Pebbles, who is sensible, and Jade, who just wants to have fun.

Links Website: http://www.sallygould.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sallygouldchildrensauthor?ref=aymt_homepage_pane l

Links to purchase Dead Scary:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Scary-Ghost-refused-leave-ebook/dp/B00QY0ACFS/ref=la_B00KNMPM9Y_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431046703&sr=1-1
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dead-scary-ghost-who-refused/id977841991?mt=1 1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dead-Scary-by-Sally-Gould?keyword=Dead+Scary+by+Sally+Gould&store=ebook
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=Dead+Scary+by+Sally+Gould

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