Heather Doherty

This second book in the Caster Sisters series begins just after winter break with Brooke, Alex and Maryanne outside a tattoo parlor and each one gets a tattoo before heading back to the dorm. Maryanne ends up dating someone that she really likes but that all three girls have reason to fear since he comes from the Walker family and the Walkers have always been “hunters” and what they hunt are what the girls become at night. This story resolves a few of the problems the girls face BUT the book ends with all three girls in a situation that leaves them vulnerable and dependent on a Walker. Another well written story that I could not put down while I read it today.… (mer)

Having received this book through Library Thing I and knowing it was a paranormal YA mystery was about all I knew when I began reading. The three girls in this story develop a bond that is as strong as and in some ways stronger than family. All three have pain and all three find an escape mechanism that presents itself through an old diary Alex finds in the attic of the dormitory they live in. There are some of the usual teenage difficulties to be overcome but some that are much greater, too. This is a book with darkness that includes rape, revenge, death, guilt and. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could hardly wait to begin reading the second book in the series.… (mer)

I had trouble classifying Comes the Night as simply a Paranormal novel. Yes with the shadow casting and the unexplained manner in which the girls find they can do this it can definitely be called paranormal. However what spoke to me the most about this novel was the reasons why.
When the girls find Connie's diary in the attic it is after a rape, the act itself is not described but I really felt the author's description or the aftermath to be incredible. The shame, self loathing, how she changes in her personality, how she wants to know what happened but also is terrified and her intense desire to escape.
This kept me reading and I am glad of it.
The growing power of the girls and the knowledge of Connie's true fate make this novel a thrill ride. The emotions of the girls, their fears and the things they are trying so hard to try and escape from give what could have been just another spooky YA story real emotional depth.
I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series… (mer)

What is the book about?

Streep Academy is a boarding school for the troubled and out of control teenagers. Alex Robbins, Maryanne Hemlock, and Brooke Saunders find an old diary in the attic of the Harvell House their school dorm, which is known as having the worst of the worst.

It's the diary of Connie, an abused young girl who was locked in the attic by her stepfather and abused constantly. Alex, Maryanne, and Brooke all have their own issues that they are trying to cope with as well. Connie's method of coping is very unique, she calls it "casting out," and the girls eventually learn how to practice casting out as well.

What did I think of the book?

I would definitely consider this to be a very dark book that would only be meant for a more mature teenager. This book kind of reminds me of V.C. Andrews (Flowers in the Attic).

The whole concept of Connie's "casting" is such an intriguing hook, I couldn't put the book down. Just when you think you know the direction the book is taking, you'll be thrown in the complete opposite direction. Don't worry, it's a great thing to find a book with a new and interesting concept.

Who wouldn't want the powers that they possess? The only thing that might hold you back is the consequences to your actions are unknown. I highly recommend this book to any mature young adult who can handle reading about topics like rape and torture of young girls. I give this book 5/5!… (mer)