Castle of Sighs
Forest of Whispers #2
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Release Date: September 15th, 2015
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Release Date: September 15th, 2015
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
In this sequel to FOREST OF WHISPERS, Some secrets cannot be kept—in life or in death. Months have passed since Rune has heard a single whisper from her long-dead mother, the great witch of Bavaria. But the absence of one evil has only made room for another.
After rightfully inheriting her ancestral home, Pyrmont Castle, Rune settles into a quiet life taking care of two orphans left in the wake of the terrible witch hunt that claimed dozens of lives in the nearby village. As the days grow colder, the castle’s secrets beckon and Rune finds herself roaming where no one has set foot in a long time. In the bowels of the fortress is a locked room full of memories that hang like cobwebs—shelves stacked with jars, strange specimens, putrid liquids, and scrolls of spells. Rune is undeniably drawn to what she finds there, and she begins to dabble in the possibilities of magic, hoping to find a cure for the strangeness overwhelming the castle.
As secrets unspool, the delicate thread of Rune’s world is threatened when she realizes the key may lie in the dark forest she once called home and the boy she thought she knew.
Praise for Forest of Whispers
"Murgia’s dual narration makes this historical fantasy a compelling read. The plot-driven text quickly moves the story forward, and the vivid descriptions of 17th-century southwestern Germany pull readers in . . . the pacing and narrative are absorbing. A solid novel for fans of historical fantasy that are looking for a fast-paced, action-filled tale." ~ SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"A story of magick and discovery." -- Readers' Favorite: Five-Star review for FOREST OF WHISPERS
"FOREST OF WHISPERS drew me in from the very first page! Rune is a capable and empathetic heroine who had me rooting for her from the start. Fans of witch and rune-lore will enjoy this darkly woven tale."~Amalie Howard, author of critically acclaimed Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kids' INDIE NEXT title.
"NOT your average teenage witch! Jennifer Murgia's FOREST OF WHISPERS is a dark, brooding mystery/thriller that captures the paranoid, plague-driven frenzy of 17th Century Europe with the speed and power of a galloping stallion. Rune, a 16-year old with formidable abilities that she herself can barely understand, must fight her own inner demons as well as what seems to be a whole world gone awry with bloodlust for her kind. This is a thrilling read." ~ Molly Cochran, author of LEGACY & POISON
My Review of Forest of Whispers
My thoughts on Castle of Sighs
First of all, I have to say that Jennifer Murgia is a master of creating atmosphere. In Forest of Whispers, she took us deep into the Black Forest of Bavaria, where you could smell the trees and feel the wind as it blew the leaves. In Castle of Sighs, she once again flawlessly transports us to new place, a dark and mysterious castle filled with ghostly apparitions, dangerous magic and dark secrets. As I read this haunting tale , I could feel the eerie chill of the musty secret passages hidden within the castle walls. Her writing is pure magic, and I'm not surprised that she's got witches in her ancestry, because she sure put a spell on me. As Rune explores the castle she's inherited, she hopes to discover more about herself and the magic that flows in her veins, but what she uncovers is a much darker secret that involves her mother, the woman who raised her and the man she's falling for. The shocking truth is written within the pages of a mysterious book she finds hidden deep within the castle walls. As the story unravels, it is up to Rune to stop the darkness from rising up and taking over. Castle of Sighs is a gorgeously written and truly enchanting sequel that is full of mystery, suspense and witchcraft. It is an absolutely perfect book for the spooky season. This is historical fantasy at it's best. If you haven't read book one, I highly recommend it. If you have and you're waiting for book two, you are in for a spine-chilling treat . . . and perhaps a few tricks. After all, there are many secrets hidden within the Castle of Sighs.
Oh, and by the way, Pyrmont Castle and Eltz Castle are REAL places. I want to go to them!
About the Author
Jennifer Murgia writes moody fiction for teens—from paranormal fantasy (Angel Star, Lemniscate, The Bliss), to contemporary gut-punchers (Between These Lines). Her latest, Forest of Whispers, a 17th century historical mystery (about witches!) was a School Library Journal Fall 2014 HOT TITLE, and a 2014 Moonbeam Children’s Literature Award Winner. Look for the sequel,Castle of Sighs, to hit shelves 9.15.15 from Spencer Hill Press. In 2012, Jennifer Co-Founded YA FEST with YA author/friend, Cyn Balog. She coordinates this unique annual festival, bringing teens and fellow Young Adult authors together at her hometown library in Easton, PA.
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Fantastic review! I loved this book so much. I hope she writes a third! Thanks for sharing!
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