The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Shades of London #1
Release Date: September 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Rating: Enjoyable

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it's the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. - Goodreads

The Name of the Star isn't what I was expecting at all, but I really liked it. I love mysteries, stories about ghosts and Jack the Ripper, and this book was all of those elements rolled into one story.

There wasn't much romance in this novel, which I loved. It's good to see a YA novel that is a romance in paranormal clothing. There also wasn't much focus on the boarding school in this, which I admit I was a little disappointed with.

The plot was fast paced and kept my attention throughout. I love the paranormal twist that the author put on things, and the antagonist was also pretty awesome! I think to make a book amazing, you have to have a badass, creepy protagonist, and this is what worked well in this book.

I have discovered that I really enjoy Maureen Johnson's writing style and I'll definitely be reading the sequel which is coming out in January next year.

Maureen Johnson Competition!

Are you a fan of Maureen Johnson, author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes? I'm pretty sure a lot of you are! Guess what? She's coming to London in two weeks to take part in this competition to celebrate the release of her new book The Name of the Star. All you have to do is email your details to HarperCollins, and you're entered to win! Great, isn't it? See below for what is up for grabs:

A JACK THE RIPPER FAN WALK

To celebrate the publication of Maureen Johnsons new YA thriller The Name of the Star, HarperCollins Children’s Books is offering 10 lucky readers the opportunity to accompany Maureen Johnson on a private Jack the Ripper walk in London on Thursday, 13th October 2011.

The walk begins at 5:00 PM and will carry-on for two hours into the night! Visit the haunting sites of Jack the Ripper and hear first-hand from Maureen how they inspired her new book The Name of the Star.

To enter, simply email nameofthestar@harpercollins.co.uk for a chance to attend the event with a friend.

Disclaimer: Entrants must be 13 or over. Please ensure that you are available to attend the event on Thursday, 13th October from 5.00pm to 7.00pm before entering. Winners will be informed on Friday, 7th October, and will be provided with further instructions then.