BOOK REVIEW: And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich

BLURB:

A stunning, terrifying novel about a house the color of blood and the two sisters who are trapped there, by The Dead House author Dawn Kurtagich 

When Silla and Nori arrive at their aunt's home, it's immediately clear that the "blood manor" is cursed. The creaking of the house and the stillness of the woods surrounding them would be enough of a sign, but there are secrets too--the questions that Silla can't ignore: Who is the beautiful boy that's appeared from the woods? Who is the man that her little sister sees, but no one else? And why does it seem that, ever since they arrived, the trees have been creeping closer? 

Filled with just as many twists and turns as The Dead House, and with achingly beautiful, chilling language that delivers haunting scenes, AND THE TREES CREPT IN is the perfect follow-up novel for master horror writer Dawn Kurtagich.

REVIEW BY: Angel, age 13 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

A brilliantly, terrifying novel that is just creatively stunning. Another perfect novel by Dawn Kurtagich! 

Two sisters that are trying to escape the clutches of their abusive father end up at their aunt's manor called Blood Manor and end up believing it is cursed. When her aunt goes crazy and locks herself in the attic, Silla and Nori now have to live in Blood Manor afraid of what lurks in and out of the house. When the garden and yard start dying and turning to ash, they begin to starve, but when a charming boy shows up with apples they seem to just let him in. Silla, however, is always suspicious and now she has to worry about her younger sister Nori, her crazy aunt, the charming boy with apples and the trees! The trees are slowly creeping in and making the house sink in to the earth and in the shadow the creeper man is watching. 

My favorite part is when Silla forgives herself because she was suffering because she wouldn't forgive herself.  My favorite character is Nori because she is so innocent and perfect, but she has seen everything that adults tend to miss because of being so busy. 

Even though this book was a horror story it also had a great lesson about forgiving yourself. I just love how this author can make a book so well-written that it occupies your imagination and still has a great lesson mixed in. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up. 

**This book's publishing date is September 6, 2016.