Review: Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire

 

"I have no idea what kind of timeline I'm working with here, but I know what's riding on my success: Bethany's existence, Gary's freedom, the safety of the living people that I love, and yeah, my vengeance. I do this and maybe Bobby Cross goes away forever. I do this and maybe I can get a little peace."  (23% through on my Kindle)

Rose Marshall was 16 years old the night Bobby Cross ran her off the road. Rose became the Phantom Prom Date, the Angel of the Overpass. Bobby chased after her wanting to use Rose as fuel for his gas tank the way he had so many other ghosts. His car, his eternal youth and handsomeness were gifts from the Crossroads. Now Bobby has been threatening all Rose holds dear. The Crossroads are gone. Bobby is no longer protected. Rose may have a good chance of getting her revenge. But to do so, she will need to contact some heavy hitters and call in some favors.

Seanan McGuire manages to ratchet up the tension in the story and keep it up for long periods of time. Rose has more than one adventure and relives some memories as well. Always the tension is there. There were times I had to put the book aside for a little while to give me a break from it. As the book goes on, the stakes get higher and higher. 

And just when you think things will go on the same as always, things change for Rose. It becomes clear along the way that she is brave and valued by more than one entity. And if she succeeds, there will be far reaching repercussions.

The book is well plotted and well written. I gave it 5 out the 5 stars. If you enjoy your fantasy heavy on the ghostly side, this series would make a great read for you. I would not recommend this as a standalone. There are events and characters from previous books that come into play and previous knowledge makes it richer. It's definitely worth a read.

Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire is the third book in the Ghost Roads series. It was published May 11th, 2021 by DAW.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Teaser Tuesday: Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 "I wanted to be young and sweet and handsome forever. Was that so wrong?"

 Bobby Cross talking to Rose Marshall 86% on my Kindle

Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire was published May 11th, 2021 by DAW.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I have no idea what kind of timeline I'm working with here, but I know what's riding on my success: Bethany's existence, Gary's freedom, the safety of the living people I love, and yeah, my vengeance. I do this and maybe Bobby Cross goes away forever. I do this and maybe I can get a little peace. (23% through on my Kindle)

Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire was published May 11th, 2021 by DAW.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My name is Rose Marshall. I'm both the first girl who dies in the horror movie and the one who refuses to stay buried once she's dead. I've been sixteen for more than sixty years, and I think I have some pretty good reasons to be pissed. (3% through on my Kindle)

Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire was published May 11th, 2021 by DAW. It's book three in the Ghost Roads series.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #363: Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire

 

Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

The third book of the Ghost Roads series returns to the highways of America, where hitchhiking ghost Rose Marshall continues her battle with her killer—the immortal Bobby Cross.

Lady of shadows, keeper of changes, plant the seeds of faith within me, that I might grow and flourish, that I might find my way through danger and uncertainty to the safety of your garden. Let my roots grow strong and my skin grow thick, that I might stand fast against all who would destroy me. Grant to me your favor, grant to me your grace, and when my time is done, grant to me the wisdom to lay my burdens down and rest beside you, one more flower in a sea of blooms, where nothing shall ever trouble me again.

Rose Marshall died when she was sixteen years old and on her way to her high school prom. She hasn’t been resting easy since then—Bobby Cross, the man who killed her, got away clean after running her off the road, and she’s not the kind of girl who can let something like that slide. She’s been looking for a way to stop him since before they put her body in the ground.

But things have changed in the twilight world where the spirits of the restless dead continue their “lives.” The crossroads have been destroyed, and Bobby’s protections are gone. For the first time, it might be possible for Rose to defeat him.

Not alone, though. She’ll need every friend she’s managed to make and every favor she’s managed to add to her account if she wants to stand a chance…and this may be her last chance to be avenged, since what is Bobby Cross without the crossroads?

Everything Rose knows is about to change.

Angel of the Overpass by Seanan McGuire is expected to be published May 11th, 2021 by DAW.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've been reading this series. I really want know what happens to Rose. I like her as a main character. I'm rooting for her to finally defeat Bobby Cross who has brought such danger to her afterlife.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire

While book one in the Ghost Roads series was good, The Girl in the Green Silk Gown surpasses it. It continues the story of Rose who has been 16 now for 60 some odd years. She's the phantom prom date, the girl in the green silk gown. She travels the highways and byways in the lands of the living and the dead.

But Bobby Cross, the one responsible for her death, is out to get her now more than ever. He struck a bargain with the Crossroads for eternal life and youth, but he needs to feed souls to his car. And he's aching to feed Rose to it. Bobby finds a way to toy with Rose, bringing her back to life. She is more vulnerable as a living human being than she was as a ghost. And she is whinier in a funny way.

Rose needs help and fast. She needs to be able to traverse the roads of the living and the dead in order to get back to the death she's come to know.

This book is smoother reading than the first book, less jumping around, more coherent. It's also pretty suspenseful. Many times it seems just when things can't get worse, they do. It works well keeping your attention. And it makes it something of a page-turner.

On the cover, there are symbols for both Rose and Persephone whose blessing she has on her back as a tattoo; now she must seek more. The mythology in the book is complex, well thought out, and easy to follow. It's a nice blend of urban legend, Greek mythology, and the unique lore of the world Rose lives in.

I found I really disliked Bobby Cross. I don't feel any sympathy for him. That might change if he is ever remorseful, but that's for book 3 to see. He makes an excellent villain.

I give this book 4 stars out of 5. Book two in the Ghost Road series definitely surpasses book one even though both are good. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire was published July 17th, 2018 from DAW.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affects my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Review: Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

This is the story of Rose Marshall, mostly after her untimely death. Rose was a sweet 16 teenaged girl who was a little pissed and was driving herself to the prom when she was run off the road by another car. As it turns out, it was Bobby Cross who was driving that car and he meant trouble for Rose, trouble that doesn't go away even once she's dead.

The book has an interesting format. There are stories about the different urban legends she has become associated with. And there is an overall arc about her conflict with Bobby Cross. Both kept my interest. It's also told part in the present and part in flashbacks. In spite of all that, it's easy enough to follow what's going on and enjoy the ride.

There is good characterization, especially of Rose. The world-building is solid and interesting. The stories move along at a decent pace and relate to each other.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's worth a read if you enjoy urban fantasy or ghost stories. And if you enjoy other books by this same author, such as the InCryptid series, then you will probably enjoy this book as well.

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire is book one in the Ghost Roads series. It was originally published in May 2014, a new edition is being released June 2018 from DAW. Book two, The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire is expected to be released July 17th, 2018 from DAW.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This doesn't affect my opinions. Everything herein is my own opinion and freely given.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #239: The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The second book in the Ghost Roads series returns to the highways of America, where hitchhiking ghost Rose Marshall continues her battle with her killer--the immortal Bobby Cross.

Once and twice and thrice around,
Put your heart into the ground.
Four and five and six tears shed,
Give your love unto the dead.
Seven shadows on the wall,
Eight have come to watch your fall:
One’s for the gargoyle, one’s for the grave,
And the last is for the one you’ll never save.
 
For Rose Marshall, death has long since become the only life she really knows.  She’s been sweet sixteen for more than sixty years, hitchhiking her way along the highways and byways of America, sometimes seen as an avenging angel, sometimes seen as a killer in her own right, but always Rose, the Phantom Prom Date, the Girl in the Green Silk Gown.

The man who killed her is still out there, thanks to a crossroads bargain that won’t let him die, and he’s looking for the one who got away.  When Bobby Cross comes back into the picture, there’s going to be hell to pay—possibly literally.

Rose has worked for decades to make a place for herself in the twilight.  Can she defend it, when Bobby Cross comes to take her down?  Can she find a way to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead, and make it home before her hitchhiker’s luck runs out?
              
There’s only one way to know for sure.

Nine will let you count the cost:
All you had and all you lost.
Ten is more than time can tell,
Cut the cord and ring the bell.
Count eleven, twelve, and then,
Thirteen takes you home again.
One’s for the shadow, one’s for the tree,
And the last is for the blessing of Persephone. 

The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire is expected to be published July 17th, 2018 from DAW.

Why am I waiting on this one? It's the continuing story of Rose Marshall. I've got to know what happens with her and Bobby Cross. He seems so evil. I want her to beat him. And I want to know how she does it.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

The ghosts of the twilight taught me what I am - a hitcher, a ghost tied not to a physical place or a specific person, but to an unfinished task. We have our rules, just like every other kind of ghost, but we run closer to the skin than most, closer to the daylight, because we got lost by mistake.

~ 41% through on my Kindle

The 2018 edition of Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire is due to hit shelves June 5th, 2018 from Daw books.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #226: Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Synopsis 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.

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire is due to be released June 2018 from DAW. It's the first in a series called Ghost Roads.

Why am I waiting on this one? I just started reading the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire and Rose is one of the characters she drew on in the book. I understand from researching that this book is more new to me than new. This is a new edition. The first edition was released in 2014. Still, I find the premise interesting and am looking forward to reading the book. I'm not crazy about the cover though.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!