Jill K Willis
I judge a book by how much I think about it afterward. Many times, I can’t even remember the main character’s name a week after I finish. Sad, but true. Those don’t get a higher ranking than three of five stars from me.
I read The Delusion in mid-July and am still thinking about it . . . and shuddering. It deserved my five star ranking.
A 2018 Christy Award winner, The Delusion messes with both your mind and your heart. Aimed at older teens, the novel addresses the serious subject of spiritual warfare. Laura Gallier, the author, does a superb job crafting suspenseful scenes with a pinch of chilling paranormal.
The main character, Owen, not only has to deal with true evil, but also with the suicide of his classmates and a mother who can’t make it through the day without a drink. The book opens with him receiving a rejection letter from his college of choice. His life soon spirals out of control as he learns that a twelfth student has committed suicide at Masonville High School.
Owen and his best friend, Jess, learn that many of the students had exhibited symptoms of depression before their deaths. The two vow to stay strong and positive. Then, Owen’s eyes are opened to the real truth. He tries to warn those he thinks are in danger, but no one believes him. The story races to the end with few times for the reader to take a deep breath and relax. I, in fact, almost fell off the edge of my chair.
The Delusion is first in The Delusion Series. On September 3, Tyndale House released The Deception, the second book in the series. It’s next in my queue to read, and I can’t wait.
If you’re looking for reviews on other clean, edgy young adult books, head over to my website and my Goodreads page. I’ll post a review of The Deception soon.
What are you reading? Any recommendations to young adult readers?
Elise Haroldson
Carol Eaton
Gretchen Carlson
That sounds like a great book! One I read even last school year was Frozen Charlotte: A Ghost Story. It is also scary and entertaining.
Thanks for the lead! I’ll try it!
I have read books this year that I thoroughly enjoyed — and two months later when I’mm asked what I’ve read lately, I couldn’t remember. This is a great way to know when a book is great. I have not yet read “The Delusion,” but this recommendation — that you are still thinking about it — lets me know I want to.