After Obsession

 

Hardcover, 305 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

 Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

 To be honest.. I didn't have high hopes for this book.  I have not read that many books that could be classified as Horror. So when I read that this book had to do with demonic possession, I prepared myself for disappointment. I was pleasantly surprised. Now keep in mind this isn't an in your face kind of horror book. I doubt you will be hiding it in your freezer or checking under your bed for the boogyman. But you will fear for the characters and bite your nails in anticipation of what may happen next.

   The story centers around three teenagers: 

Aimee- A girl who's dreams come true. Except they are nightmares, and she can't seem to stop them from happening. Labeled as a Freak as a child the only thing that keeps her from being an outcast in high school is her boyfriend, but he has changed... and not for the better.

Courtney- Aimee's best friend. She recently lost her Father and refuses to believe that he is dead. Clinging to memories of experiences with Aimee's power in the past Courtney invites in an evil force, thinking it would help find her Dad. But it takes her over... literally, and she needs help to fight it. 

Alan-  Courtney's cousin who moves into town to help out the family. His good looks and star athleticism get him noticed, but Aimee notices him for a different reason. Alan has a strong connection with the spiritual mysticism  of native American heritage. He has dreams and visions as well, and Aimee is in them. 

This book possessed me until the last page. While not the strongest horror story, it is definitely a new step in YA writing, veering away from  he popular vampire and shapeshifter craze ( not that there is anything wrong with that ) I hope more YA authors take on more of these strong and different new Ideas.

Rating: 3.5/5