Title: Spirited
Author: Nancy Holder
First published November 1, 2004
257 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780689870637 (ISBN10: 0689870639)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Set in the midst of the French and British war in May 1756, Spirited by Nancy Holder tells the captivating story of Isabella Sevens and Wusamequin, a young medicine man seeking revenge for the loss of his family at the hands of British soldiers. When Wusamequin and his warriors capture Isabella and her father on their way to the British stronghold Fort William Henry, Isabella’s bravery catches Wusamequin’s eye, and he orders her and her father to be spared.
But the Mohican tribe still demands their deaths. In a bold move, Isabella offers to stay with Wusamequin as his hostage in exchange for her father’s safety.
Holder’s historical romance pays tribute to “Last of the Mohicans” and retells “Beauty and the Beast” in a captivating and thrilling way.
About the Author
Nancy Holder is a well-known author, most notably recognized for her WICKED series. She has recently collaborated with Debbie Viguie to write a new vampire series called CRUSADE.
Her Possession series is set to release its final book in March of 2011.
Nancy was born in Los Altos, California, but moved around quite a bit due to her father’s job as a teacher. She even lived in Japan for three years! At the age of sixteen, Nancy decided to drop out of high school and pursue her passion for ballet dancing in Cologne, Germany.
Later, she moved to Frankfurt Am Main.
After some time, Nancy returned to the United States and graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a degree in Communications. Shortly after, she began her writing career by selling her first book – a young adult romance novel called Teach Me to Love.
Nancy’s work has been featured on several bestseller lists including the New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, and amazon.com. She has received numerous awards such as the Bram Stoker Award from the Horror Writers Association, and recognition from the American Library Association, the American Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and Romantic Times.
Nancy has collaborated with Debbie Viguié on the Wicked series, which became a New York Times bestseller. They continued their success with the Crusade series and the Wolf Springs Chronicles.
Nancy is also the author of the Possessions series for Razorbill, and has written many novels and book projects set in popular universes such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Saving Grace, Hellboy, and Smallville.
In addition to her writing career, Nancy teaches in the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing Program offered through the University of Southern Maine. She has also taught at UCSD and served on the Clarion Board of Directors.
Nancy lives in San Diego, California, with her daughter Belle, two corgis named Panda and Tater, and their cats David and Kittnen Snow. She and Belle are active in Girl Scouts and dog obedience training.
Editoral Review
Nancy Holder’s novel, Spirited, published on November 1st, 2004, is a fascinating addition to the paranormal romance genre. This New York Times bestselling author is famous for her work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel novelizations.
Spirited is a standalone novel that explores themes like love, loss, family, and redemption through the lens of ghosts, demons, and magic. The story follows sixteen-year-old Eve, who has recently lost her mother and has to move to her family’s ancestral estate, Beaumont, to live with her aunt.
Soon after arriving, Eve discovers that she can see ghosts and is the only person who can save the living and the dead from the clutches of a powerful demon who seeks the ultimate power. She teams up with her crush from school, Alex, and her aunt’s mysterious and handsome gardener, Zachary, to find the demon’s weakness and defeat it before it causes any more harm.
Holder’s prose is beautifully descriptive, bringing the haunted and ethereal world of Beaumont to life. The setting itself is an essential character, with its gothic architecture, sprawling gardens, secret passages, and dark history.
The characters are well-drawn, and Eve’s grief and motivation to be brave are relatable and endearing. The banter between her and her friends is realistic, and their friendship is heartwarming.
Holder’s take on ghosts, spirits, and demons is unique and refreshing, and the romance is sweet without being cheesy. One of the book’s strengths is its pacing; it keeps readers engaged and curious throughout.
Every chapter is concise and action-packed but leaves enough room for character development and world-building. The plot twist towards the end is surprising and satisfying and ties all the loose ends together.
However, some readers may find the secondary characters one-dimensional and wish for more backstory. Despite its fantastical elements, Spirited explores topics like grief, trauma, and the importance of family bonds.
The book’s themes of self-acceptance, love, and courage may resonate with younger audiences, making it a great book for teenagers and young adults. It also celebrates diversity, with characters from different backgrounds and sexual orientations, without making it the center of the plot.
Overall, Spirited is a well-written, engaging, and magical read that offers something new to the crowded paranormal romance genre. Holder’s writing style and storytelling skills are impressive, making it worth the read, especially for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed.
The book’s flaws are minimal, making it a solid four out of five stars. Readers who love to lose themselves in the supernatural world of magic, ghosts, and demon hunters will find Spirited, a compelling and entertaining treat.
