So after skipping last month's feature, because we all know by now that June was just a wipe out, I'm back on track and actually read a book this month that I've wanted to read for several years. It's no secret that I adore Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant, so when I got an e-arc for book two in this series, it was the perfect excuse to read the first one.
TITLE: Sparrow Hill Road (Ghost Road #1)
AUTHOR: Seanan McGuire
PUBLISHER: DAW
PUBLISHING DATE: May 6, 2014
FROM GOODREADS: Rose Marshall died in 1952 in Buckley Township, Michigan, run off the road by a man named Bobby Cross—a man who had sold his soul to live forever, and intended to use her death to pay the price of his immortality. Trouble was, he didn’t ask Rose what she thought of the idea.
It’s been more than sixty years since that night, and she’s still sixteen, and she’s still running.
They have names for her all over the country: the Girl in the Diner. The Phantom Prom Date. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown. Mostly she just goes by “Rose,” a hitchhiking ghost girl with her thumb out and her eyes fixed on the horizon, trying to outrace a man who never sleeps, never stops, and never gives up on the idea of claiming what’s his. She’s the angel of the overpass, she’s the darling of the truck stops, and she’s going to figure out a way to win her freedom. After all, it’s not like it can kill her.
You can’t kill what’s already dead.
MY THOUGHTS: This book is formatted quite strangely. Basically it's one story of a girl named Rose Marshall, told in a series of short stories. The timeline skips around a lot and it takes a while to catch on to how it's written but after the first 75 pages or so, I had a real feel for how it was going and enjoyed it. "Sparrow Hill Road" tells the tale of Rose Marshall, a teenager who was killed on Prom Nights and now haunts the highways as a "hitcher" ghost. This book not only tells us how Rose came to be, but some of her journeys and how she is constantly on the run from Bobby Cross, the man who killed her and is upset that her spirit escaped.
This book is deeply rooted in urban legends and McGuire weaves a wonderful world explaining all the various ghost types. Also, Rose is just a fun character. She's feisty, snarky and extremely wise beyond her age - which makes sense because she's been a ghost for 60 plus years. And if you have ever considered picking up this book, do so for Gary's story. Gary was Rose's one and only love and the way McGuire worked him into the story was absolutely brilliant - and odd.
I am pretty much convinced this author can write anything and I'd give it a chance. In fact, I've already started on "The Girl in the Green Silk Gown" and it's is formatted more linearly so it's a much easier read. "Sparrow Hill Road" is a wonderful ghost tale and even though it took me 4 years to read it, I'm glad I finally did.
RATING: 4 Paws
🤔 While I love urban legends, I think I'll have to pass up on this one - I get confused easily (especially since a lot of my reading is done when I'm tired and not sharp) so a timeline that jumps around won't do me any good. I'm glad you enjoyed Sparrow Hill Road, though! 🤗
ReplyDeleteIt is rather confusing in the beginning but I found it worth it. There's so many other books by this author I'd recommend before this one though.
DeleteI'm sort of with Sophia-I think the way the story jumps around and the use of the word 'odd' would put me off! I've not really liked the author's previous work either. I do like the idea of bringing more urban legends into modern books and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThe urban legend aspect is cool. I'm always interested in stuff like that. I think people either love or hate this author. I see very little "just down the middle" opinions.
DeleteI am currently reading this too! I actually stopped paying attention to the dates, and got lost in the story and after awhile got used to the way this is structured too. I think it's very creative and I think my very first ghost story *beams*
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm almost done with the second one and it is told in a linear timeline so I recommend you grab it too. And what do you think about Gary?
DeleteThis sounds like a strange read from what you have told me about it. I really do need to try this author. :)
ReplyDeleteStrange is good in this case :) Maybe you could start with the Wayward Children novellas - the first two are really good.
DeleteI got a copy of this from NetGalley, and after seeing how much you enjoyed it, I'm going to try to move it up on the pile. I definitely need more McGuire in my life😁
ReplyDeleteI was surprised how much I liked it and it was nice to go back and read an older book I'd always wanted to get to.
DeleteI read a book formatted like that and once I got used to it, I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental Sunday Memes
I've always been a fan of multiple timelines so one I figured out the formatting of this one, it didn't interfere with my enjoyment at all.
DeleteI just bought the first of her InCryptid series. At some point I need to actually read a Seanan McGuire instead of just accumulating them!
ReplyDeleteI've read the first two in that series and loved them. There are so many short stories in that series that I really need to locate a reading order for the whole thing!
DeleteHey, Barb. Just dropping a hello as it looks like we will be partnered for the Summer 2018 Comment Challenge for August. I'm really looking forward to interacting with you more throughout the month!
ReplyDeleteI saw that too and I'm really excited. Can't wait to visit your blog more often!
DeleteIs this the author who wrote Every Heart a Doorway? 📚
ReplyDeleteYep. I loved the first two of that series. I'm reading the follow up to this one now and am loving it even more.
DeleteThis is one that I do want to read so I am happy to see that you enjoyed it despite the weird timeline.
ReplyDelete