Token of Darkness

February 1, 2010
Cooper Blake's car crash left him emotionally and physically damaged—and able to see a brightly clothed teenage ghost named Samantha, who has no memory of her life when she was alive. But as high school senior Cooper begins trying to “find a way to bring her peace,” he soon discovers other young people with unusual abilities, including Brent, a sensitive mind reader, and Delilah, a cheerleader casting reckless spells (the narrative shifts among the three teenagers). But Cooper is unsure who to trust—even friendly Samantha may be “something else, something bad.” Some of the plot particulars seem forced, especially surrounding the book's ending, which feels rather convenient. But Atwater-Rhodes (Persistence of Memory
) certainly understands how to create a mood: her story offers extreme weather, flashbacks to Cooper's mysterious and tragic car accident, and creepy, shadowy “scavengers” that feed “upon the power put out by emotions like pain and fear.” Readers may not understand exactly how all the magic works in this fast-paced supernatural thriller, but there are enough plot developments to keep them engaged. Ages 12–up.

January 1, 2010
Gr 7 Up-Cooper Blake's life is in ruins. A summer car accident shattered his body and ruined his football career. He can'tor won'ttalk to anyone about the pain, the nightmares, or his inability to sleep, and he is feeling disconnected from his family and friends. And then there is Samantha, the attractive, sassy girl who has stayed by his side since the accident. She has been his confidant and cheerleader, urging him to fight through the pain of physical therapy. There is only one small problemCooper is the only one who can see her. Samantha has no memories before he woke up in the hospital. She just knows that she wants a physical body. Cooper also sees dark shadows that seem to feed on the living. Samantha's desire for a body sends him to the occult section of the public library and a chance encounter with Brent. Brent takes Cooper to a sorcerer who may be able to help him deal with the shadows and discover Samantha's true nature. Cooper also runs into Delilah, the captain of his school's cheerleading squad and a budding sorceress in her own right. Together they seek answers to Cooper's visions and Samantha's origins, and in the process expose themselves to dangerous forces beyond their understanding. Atwater-Rhodes has crafted another chilling tale with enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. Some may find the ending a little too neat, but most readers will burn through this slim novel in one or two sittings."Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2010
A serious car accident leaves Cooper with major injuries, survivor's guilt, and a cute ghost named Samantha. Hoping to save Samantha from demonic shadow-spirits, Cooper becomes involved with teen witch Delilah and mind-reader Brent. The overly earnest narration drags and the increasingly ridiculous plot--full of magical mishaps and body-swaps--fails to solidify the supernatural elements with any consistent logic.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)