School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up-A paranormal ghost-hunting story that is a standout in the genre. With the ability to see spiritual auras, Micheline and her tetrachromat crew are the fiercest cadets in the Helsing Corps, an organization with an illustrious history that specializes in dealing with the undead. However, when they aggressively enter a dangerous situation they are unable to control, each of them is infected with a soulchain that will turn deadly if they are unable to break it within seven days. Micheline is a strong character with sharp reflexes that allow her to trap the soul of an entity on film using her camera. Through detailed scientific processes that are richly explained, Alameda has created a unique world of ghosts, reapers, and exorcisms. The setting is vividly portrayed through detailed descriptions of the shadowy ghost world superimposed on the San Francisco cityscape. Though the plot is leisurely paced, allowing space for a forbidden love story, there is plenty of action. Frightening from the first page, this novel is sure to please horror fans, particularly those familiar with ghost and vampire legends.-Carrie Shaurette, Dwight-Englewood School, Englewood, NJ (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Alameda makes a strong debut with this fast-paced urban fantasy/horror novel, which sees the last remnants of the Van Helsing and Stoker bloodlines running an organization dedicated to fighting the restless undead. When Micheline Helsing, daughter of the American branch's leader, takes her team to confront a murderous ghost, all four of them are infected by a terrible curse that will kill them in under a week if they can't find a cure. Unfortunately, Micheline's father would rather put them in quarantine instead of help them. The crew goes on the run, and as they battle undead monsters, elude the living, and confront the sins of the past, they learn that the solution to their fatal dilemma may lay closer to home than they expected. Alameda's worldbuilding is strong-this alternate version of San Francisco is dangerous and unpredictable-and her characters evoke shows like Buffy and Supernatural. The story has plenty of room to grow, and readers will be left eager to see what Alameda has in store next. Ages 13-up. Agent: John M. Cusick, Greenhouse Literary Agency. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.