In a devilishly dark and funny debut, a teen finds himself the unwitting beneficiary of eight enslaved and angry ghosts seeking bloody vengeance.
When Luke Manchett’s estranged father dies unexpectedly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance: a collection of eight restless spirits, known as his Host, who want revenge for their long enslavement. Once they figure out that Luke has no clue how to manage them, they become increasingly belligerent, and eventually mutiny. Halloween (the night when ghosts reach the height of their power) is fast approaching, and Luke knows his Host is planning something far more trick than treat.Armed with only his father’s indecipherable notes, a locked copy of The Book of Eight, and help from school outcast Elza Moss, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic and send his unquiet spirits to their eternal rest—or join their ghostly ranks himself.
I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
After deceit and a few tricks, Leo realizes he is now the leader of eight ghosts. Unfortunately, not all of them see it that way. Leo’s inexperience causes a lot of trouble, but he has Elza for moral support and suggestions. His decisions usually cause even more problems, which can be frustrating, but it advances the plot. The story and writing are pretty average, but both factors kept me reading. Overall an okay book.
