The Name of the Star (Shades of London, #1)

by Maureen Johnson

4.5

blog review: http://www.yainfatuation.blogspot.com/2011/12/name-of-star.html

So this is my first thriller/paranormal kinda book and I loved it! Like Holy crap…this is a creepy book!

First off, that plot? Super creepy! I’m not a big thriller and suspense fan to begin with so it really creeped me out! But in a good way! I was so immersed in the plot and story and I loved that the author picked Jack the Ripper because he was the killer that got away. He’s not some made up character. No, this crazy guy is REAL. Not to mention the fact that his murders weren’t exactly…clean. They are pretty gruesome. Yet, I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going to happen!


However, although the beginning was a little slow, I could deal with it because I liked Rory’s wry narration. I loved Rory and her dry, witty humor and Southern charm (Go South!). She could make me laugh even in times of danger. Her roommate Jazza is a roommate I hope I have in college! She was amazingly sweet and such a good friend who was always there fore her. Not to mention Boo (cool name by the way) who was crazy and awesome! Callum, the jock, was arrogant but sweet and I kinda liked him. But I love Stephen! I’m not even sure why (considering he doesn’t come in until halfway through). He was incredibly sweet and mature and kind. He had a good heart and I loved that about him. I really hope to see him even more in the second book!

Also, within the story, there are random changes of POV that instead of detracting from the story, actually made it more interesting. It was a good addition. Maureen Johnson did an excellent job of really digging into the background of the Ripper case and adding this to the book.

And that villain!! Now he’s a TRUE villain rating high on the creeper scale. Seriously, he just uber creepy which makes this an even greater book! I’ve seen some “villains” who are pretty low key, but not this one.

However, let me say this now, the romance sucks….like real bad. Probably because It can’t even be considered romance, more like making out just for the heck of it and I don’t like that. Sorry, its just not my thing. However, if thats alright with you then you won't mind at all! but If your looking for romance, a true romance, you won’t find it here.

Maureen Johnson executed this perfectly giving just the right amount of humor and suspense with a perfectly creepy villain. Although I was hesitant when I learned this is a trilogy, the ending is a perfect transition into it.