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By, Maureen JohnsonHardcover, 372 pages
Putnam Juvenile
September 29,2011
“Fear can't hurt you," she said. "When it washes over you, give it no power. It's a snake with no venom. Remember that. That knowledge can save you.”
The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London 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.
Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
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The Name of the Star is a spine tingling story that combines the history of London's most terrifying serial murderer with a twist of a modern day ghost story. I loved it!
Written in first person was a plus for me in this book. I really enjoyed Rory. She was spunky and a bit outspoken. She didn't quite fit in but not in the outsider sense. I loved her upbeat personality that lighted the mood in this otherwise grim tale. I thought that the characters in this book were interesting and likable. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them, from her roommate to her crush and even the one who hunted the town she now resides in. The characters all added to the story in a unique way that I very much enjoyed.
Even with our heartwarming main character, The Name of the Star is a bone chilling horror novel. The combination of old London and modern day high school is not to be forgotten. Lets face it, Jack the Ripper is fascinating. Everyone loves a good mystery and none can compete with the gruesome tale of The Ripper. Throw in some ghosts and you have yourself one heck of a story. The story line is interesting and will keep you guessing.
The Name of the Star is a tale you will not want to miss. With a mix of history, ghosts and a modern day plot, this book will have you turning pages until the end. I give The Name of the Star 5 Hoots, I loved the retelling of Jack the Ripper but with an entirely new spin and so will you!!
Where to find Maureen Johnson
